DISNEY’S magic has left children spellbound for generations. But a trip to Euro Disney is sure to leave even the biggest kid enchanted.

For as soon as you step through those shiny gates, any lingering thoughts of work deadlines and the credit crunch drift from your mind as you enter the realm of fantasy.

Staff at the park have made every effort to bring to life the classic Disney films and characters that have become a big part of our cultural consciousness.

From giant monuments like Sleeping Beauty’s castle (with its own dragon) to little touches like the ubiquitous Mickey Mouse logo, the detail is meticulous.

Coming in all shapes, sizes and themes, even the shops are hard to resist but beware, the Disney label comes at a price.

Upbeat music is constantly lilting from unseen speakers. Anywhere else and this would most likely drive anyone to madness but somehow, wrapped up in the Disney dream, it perfectly fits the bill and puts you in the mood.

Start of the dream
You start your adventure into the park from ‘Main Street USA’ where various parades can be enjoyed throughout the day culminating in the Once Upon A Dream parade.

Here, almost every character from the Disney universe, including the villains, wave on floats as apt melodies work their magic.

After Main Street USA, the park divides into four sections: Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Adventureland and Frontierland.

If you have children, a good place to ease yourself in is Fantasyland as all the rides here will entertain the whole family.

Peter Pan’s Flight and the Dumbo ride remain firm favourites as well as It’s A Small World, a water ride where you drift past cheerful characters from every continent.

You can also see the fun and frolics of Winnie the Pooh and his friends at the show in Fantasyland, which can feel a bit surreal because it is half in English, half in French.

In Adventureland, you can tackle the Indiana Jones mine cart if you are brave enough or set off on the wild seas of the Pirates of the Caribbean, the ride that inspired director Gore Verbinski to make his film trilogy.

Frontierland boasts one of the best rides in the park – a speedy runaway mine train that plunges, twists and turns in the darkness called Big Thunder Mountain.

If you are looking for something a bit more gentle after that, the Thunder Mesa Riverboat is the perfect antidote navigating a calm stretch of water with some curious things to look at including fake dinosaur fossils.

Have a blast
But the best part of the park is arguably Discoveryland. Here a futuristic theme takes centre stage so expect a Star Wars simulator called Star Tours, a Buzz Lightyear laser blast game/ride and the Honey, I Shrunk The Audience experience.

Topping all that is the renowned Space Mountain rollercoaster which launches you upwards like a rocket before taking you on a white knuckle voyage around the planets and stars. Not for the faint-hearted.

But Discoveryland also takes a break from its futuristic theme to offer shows in its ‘videopolis’ and a fantastic theatrical interpretation of the Lion King is currently being performed.

Of course, one of the highlights for the children will be seeking out the autographs of Mickey Mouse and his pals.

Naturally, some characters are harder to meet than others and Disney’s top icons will only sign autographs at designated times with orderly queues, such is their demand.

Though every diligent person who puts on these suits, in often blistering heat, must really be commended for the lengths they go to make children happy.

If you stay in the park until the end of the day, you will be treated to an illuminated parade and fireworks that is simply spectacular.

As the parade starts, the park is plunged into darkness except for the glittering castle and the floats and characters twinkle in the night sky as they go past.

Then fireworks erupt into the sky’s dark canvas as everyone celebrates the 15 years Disneyland has cast its magic over Paris.

A word of warning though — arrive at least an hour before the illuminations and stake your claim over a bit of pavement with a good view as otherwise you will have nowhere to sit.

Go to the movies
For all film buffs, the Disney Studios attraction is just next door to the park.

Your first stop should be the behind-the-scenes tram tour, which is a lot more exciting than it sounds.

Jeremy Irons (just on the screen unfortunately) is your guide as you see some fantastic props and sets and experience some pulse-racing special effects first hand.

For a chance to explore the cinema go to Cinemagique where a reluctant hero finds himself in the world of film starting with silent movies and working his way through the eras.

You will not believe your eyes when you see the stunt show as real stunt drivers perform dangerous action scenes before your very eyes.

Another attraction not to be missed – if you are brave enough – is the Tower of Terror, inspired by the Twilight Zone. Take a drop faster than the speed of gravity in a spooky elevator ride.

But the fun does not stop there. Outside the studio and park lies the Disney village with plush bars and restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest Cafe as well as the chance to go in a hot air balloon.

Of course, this is just a cross section of what you can expect.

There is so much to do it is unbelievable, so try and get a three-day pass at least.

So to escape the real world for a brief spell, head to Euro Disney.

You may even find you enjoy it more than the kids...