Anyone that jumps at the opportunity to spend a few days immersed in the magical world of Disney with me, is a best friend for life. Ever since my very first visit to the original theme park in California back in the ’80s, a piece of my heart has unquestionably remained in the hands of the great Walt Disney, and I encourage anyone with a playful spirit to come along for the ride.
There have been countless visits to Disney parks and resorts across the globe over the years (California, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo), and I’m still head-over-heels. It’s an accumulation of the experience in its entirety that has a hold over me... the feeling of stepping into a movie set; the thrill of a rapid rollercoaster; the mouse ear-shaped pretzels; the joyous character parades, and the meticulously curated music that tickles the ear drums, urging my legs to skip to the beat. I adore it all. Disney is my happy place.
Awakening from a two-year reimagination with aplomb, the completely refurbished Disneyland Hotel, Paris is a dream come true. Straddling the entire entrance of the French theme park, her palatial candyfloss-pink façade is irrefutably striking – plucked straight from a fairytale fantasy. But it’s once inside, that the enchanting five-star hotel truly reveals herself, as I discovered in the lobby where cleaning staff dressed in chic uniforms unexpectedly began to twirl their feather dusters in the air, bursting into song and dance – Be our Guest – of course. An uncontrollable smile ensued as I whole-heartedly surrendered to the magic, just as Cinderella sashayed down the grand staircase.
Dedicated to paying homage to the legendary stories in which Disney princes and princesses appear, 487 royal abodes honour this theme. Design features such as gilded-framed mirrors resembling Rapunzel’s hair, and Aladdin’s magic lamp woven into the plush carpet, embody the multi-character tone. However, it is the one-of-a-kind Beauty and the Beast Princely Suite that should be on the wish-list of those in search of a truly out-of-this-world, enchanted experience.
Swathed in lavish textiles in sumptuous tones, the opulent suite radiates with elegance. Rich fabrics insist you glide a hand across them, while exquisite accents compel you to reconsider your own home décor concept. Unique design elements including golden candelabras, an illuminated enchanted rose, and a fireplace inspired by the tale as old as time, ensure every detail honours the animated classic, inviting guests to step inside the heart-warming story in grandeur style. From the bedroom to the ballroom-turned-lounge, the lavish baroque aesthetic will capture the hearts of Disney devotees in an instant, made possible by the Walt Disney Imagineering team and its unique collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Every detail, as expected, is as captivating as the next.
While the temptation to stay inside the suite is immense, stray you must, to the Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins for a lavish treatment to soothe the mind, body and spirit. A stay at the hotel also wouldn’t be complete without experiencing fine dining restaurant, La Table de Lumière. A tribute to the unforgettable Beauty and the Beast ballroom scene – which itself was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles Castle – a hyper-seasonal menu where dishes combine complex flavours is nothing short of genius. From Dhs27,725 (US$7,550) per night.
