Disneyland Paris with 3 Under 5: Magic, Mayhem & Triple Buggy Hack
Disney Is Our Happy Place
Disney has always been one of our happy places. There’s just something about the music, the characters, the magic around every corner — it gets us every time. But this was the first time we’d done Disney with a baby, and honestly, I was nervous.
I worried it might be too hard. That we’d be too tired, too restricted, or that the baby wouldn’t settle and we’d all miss out.
But it was nothing but joy.
Baby R was a dream — mostly snoozing in the buggy or taking in the lights and sounds with big eyes. It felt like a completely different trip in all the best ways. Yes, we moved a little slower, but the memories we made were just as magical (maybe even more so).
Where We Stayed
We booked Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, one of the on-site themed hotels with a fun Wild West, Toy Story-inspired vibe. It’s a great option for families — budget-friendly, clean, and just a short walk to the parks (though you can take the shuttle too).
Staying on-site meant we had early access to the parks, which was brilliant for beating queues, and made it easy to pop back for nap time or outfit changes — a huge bonus with three small kids.
Getting There: The Eurostar Dream
We travelled by Eurostar from Ashford, which at the time was only 10 minutes from our house — absolute heaven. No airports, no baggage faff, just a straight, easy journey that felt surprisingly smooth for travelling with three children under five.
(These days we’d have to go via London — definitely less ideal, but still worth it for the convenience once you’re there.)
The Triple Buggy Hack
We brought our trusty double buggy and clipped the baby carry cot onto the handlebars — creating what can only be described as a triple-decker transport system. M and G would pile in, baby R in his cot and off we’d go.
By the end of each night, all three kids were asleep in the buggy and my husband was pushing what looked like a Disney-themed cargo train back to the hotel. Honestly? Best parenting hack of the trip.
Disneyland Park Highlights:
• It’s a Small World – Calm, colourful and air-conditioned: the holy trinity of toddler travel. • Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – The boys loved this. Spinning, shooting, lights — what’s not to love? • Pirates of the Caribbean – A little dark for G, but M was obsessed. • Peter Pan’s Flight – Absolutely magical, though the queues get long quickly. • Sleeping Beauty’s Castle – We explored inside and underneath (where the dragon lives!), which the boys found fascinating.
Walt Disney Studios Highlights:
• Ratatouille – Hands down everyone’s favourite. 3D, immersive, and perfect for all ages. • Cars Quatre Roues Rallye – A sweet spinning ride with no height restrictions — perfect for toddlers. • Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin – Just the right amount of excitement for little legs. • Playhouse Disney Show – Brilliant sit-down break with singing and dancing — and most importantly, air-con.
The Tower of Terror Saga
G was absolutely desperate to go on it. He had no idea what the ride actually was, just that his big brother wanted to do it, and that made it the most exciting thing in the park. We queued up, full of anticipation. He was bouncing on the spot with excitement.
But when we reached the front, a cast member swiped a little card across the height marker — and just like that, it was over. Too short. Not even by much, but enough. His face fell, and then came the tears. Not just a wobble — I’m talking heartbroken, full-body sobs that lasted all afternoon. He was devastated. Even now, years later, he still brings it up as his “Disney injustice” and tells people how he was this close to riding it.
Meanwhile, M did get to go on it. He was brave, he was buzzing, and… he wet himself. No joke. Full-on, mid-ride terror wee. But he came off the ride with a huge grin and declared it “the best thing EVER.”
We had one child in emotional ruins and another drenched in triumph (literally).
Parades, Characters & Food
We caught the daily parade most afternoons — the characters, music and floats were a total hit. We didn’t do any paid meet-and-greets, but the boys loved spotting characters around the parks.
G decided that my Minnie Mouse ears were far superior to his Star Wars ones. He wore them for the entire holiday, totally unbothered and completely fabulous!
We ate mostly quick service food (burgers, chips, hot dogs), but we did treat ourselves to a meal at the Ratatouille-themed restaurant, Bistrot Chez Rémy. It was such a lovely experience — the theming is amazing, with oversized cutlery and bottle caps making you feel like you’ve shrunk down to Remy’s size. The food was delicious too, and it felt like a real break from the usual fast food pace. Highly recommend if you want a sit-down treat without going full fine dining.
We also had a buffet meal at Plaza Gardens. Loads of variety, something for even the fussiest eaters, and plenty of space for the kids to relax. The boys loved being able to choose their own bits. It felt calm, clean, and really family-friendly — would 100% do it again next time.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, yes, YES. Was it relaxing? Not in the slightest. But was it magical, funny, chaotic, and completely unforgettable? 100%.
I went in thinking that having a baby in tow might limit us. That we’d have to skip rides, sit out on the fun, or just be too exhausted to enjoy it.
But in truth — it added something even more special. Watching our baby take in the colours, lights, and music. Seeing how the older two loved “showing” Disney to their baby brother.
My Top Tips for Disneyland Paris with Littles:
• Take a double buggy, even for older toddlers. • Clip the carry cot on if you’re bringing a baby — makes life so much easier. • Use Rider Swap so no one misses out. • Don’t try to do everything. Go slow, take breaks, and let the magic happen around you. • Bring spare pants. You never know what the Tower of Terror might trigger.
Disney truly is our happy place — and now we know it’s just as magical, even (or maybe especially) with a baby in tow.
