Disneyland Paris is a magical destination known for its enchanting atmosphere and thrilling rides. Among the most exciting attractions are the roller coasters, offering a range of experiences from family-friendly fun to heart-pounding thrills. In this blog post, I’ll take you through each roller coaster in Disneyland Paris, providing insights into their intensity, suitability for children, and any special warnings you should consider before hopping on.
1. Big Thunder Mountain
- Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
- Intensity: Moderate
- Suitable for Children: Yes, but recommended for ages 7 and up
- Warnings: Fast turns, sudden drops
Overview: Big Thunder Mountain is one of the most beloved attractions in Disneyland Paris. This mine train roller coaster takes you on a wild ride through the rocky mountains of the Wild West. It’s fast, fun, and offers breathtaking views of Frontierland. While the ride has some sharp turns and sudden drops, it’s generally considered a moderate coaster, making it suitable for older children and adults who enjoy a bit of speed but aren’t looking for anything too extreme.
Tips:
- The ride is set on an island, and part of the thrill comes from the sensation of speed as you zoom through tunnels and over water. Disneyland Paris’s version of this ride is unique in this aspect!
- The coaster is especially magical at night, with the mountains beautifully illuminated.
2. Space Mountain: Hyperspace Mountain
- Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park
- Intensity: Very High
- Suitable for Children: Recommended for ages 10 and up
- Warnings: Inversions, high speed, flashing lights, loud noises
Overview: Space Mountain: Hyperspace Mountain is a thrilling indoor roller coaster themed around Star Wars. This ride is intense, featuring high speeds, inversions, and immersive space battle scenes. The ride is in the dark, which adds to the excitement (and the fear factor). It’s a must-ride for thrill-seekers but may be too intense for younger children or those who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights.
Tips:
- The queue area is part of the experience, with detailed theming that sets the stage for your adventure into space.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware that the combination of speed and darkness can be disorienting.
3. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
- Intensity: High
- Suitable for Children: Recommended for ages 10 and up
- Warnings: Inversions, sharp turns, rough ride
Overview: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is an outdoor roller coaster that simulates a thrilling expedition through a cursed temple. The ride is fast-paced and includes a loop, making it one of the more intense experiences in Disneyland Paris. It’s a short but exhilarating ride that’s perfect for those who enjoy a quick burst of adrenaline. However, the ride can be a bit rough, so it’s not ideal for very young children or anyone sensitive to jarring motions.
Tips:
- The queue area is relatively compact, so consider using a FastPass if you want to avoid a long wait.
- The ride is more intense than it looks from the outside, so be prepared for a bumpy adventure!
4. Crush’s Coaster
- Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Intensity: Moderate to High
- Suitable for Children: Yes, but recommended for ages 7 and up
- Warnings: Spinning motion, dark ride, sudden drops
Overview: Crush’s Coaster is a unique spinning roller coaster that takes you on an underwater adventure with Crush the turtle from Finding Nemo. The ride starts with a gentle, scenic tour of the ocean but quickly transitions into a dark, fast-paced coaster experience. The spinning cars add an extra layer of excitement, making each ride a bit different. It’s a fun ride for families, though the dark and spinning elements might be too much for younger children.
Tips:
- This ride is extremely popular, so be sure to head there early or use your Extra Magic Time to avoid long queues.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, the spinning aspect of the ride might be challenging.
5. RC Racer
- Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Intensity: High
- Suitable for Children: Recommended for ages 8 and up
- Warnings: High speeds, steep inclines, back-and-forth motion
Overview: RC Racer is a half-pipe coaster that simulates the experience of racing up and down a giant U-shaped track in a toy car. The ride offers intense thrills as you soar to great heights before plunging back down. It’s a short ride but delivers a powerful punch, making it a favourite for thrill-seekers. The back-and-forth motion and steep inclines can be intimidating, so it’s best suited for older kids and adults who enjoy a good adrenaline rush.
Tips:
- The ride’s duration is relatively short, so if you’re looking to squeeze in several attractions, RC Racer is a quick but thrilling option.
- Be prepared for some intense G-forces as the car climbs and drops repeatedly.
6. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
- Location: Avengers Campus, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Intensity: Very High
- Suitable for Children: Recommended for ages 10 and up
- Warnings: High speeds, inversions, flashing lights, loud noises
Overview: Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is the latest high-speed roller coaster at Disneyland Paris, set in the newly opened Avengers Campus. This intense ride puts you in the middle of a mission with Iron Man and Captain Marvel, as you race through the darkness at incredible speeds. The ride features inversions, sharp turns, and immersive special effects, making it a must-ride for Marvel fans and thrill-seekers alike.
Tips:
- This ride is very intense, so it’s best suited for older kids and adults who are comfortable with high speeds and inversions.
- The theming in the queue is a big part of the experience, so don’t rush through it.
What to Expect and How to Prepare
Roller coasters at Disneyland Paris offer something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun family ride. However, it’s essential to consider the intensity of each ride and whether it’s suitable for all members of your group.
Tips for Enjoying the Roller Coasters:
- Check Height Requirements: Make sure everyone in your party meets the height requirements for each ride.
- Be Aware of Intensity: Some rides are more intense than they appear, so consider your comfort level with speed, inversions, and drops.
- Use Extra Magic Time: If you’re staying on-site, use your Extra Magic Time to hit the most popular coasters before the crowds build up.
Conclusion
Disneyland Paris’s roller coasters are some of the best attractions in the park, offering a mix of family-friendly fun and adrenaline-pumping thrills. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or just looking to try something new, there’s a roller coaster for every taste. Remember to consider the intensity of each ride and enjoy the thrills that Disneyland Paris has to offer!
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