It’s a kind of magic

A magical adventure is only a short journey away and despite appearances you don’t need to take the kids to have a good time...

If you’re wondering where to take the family for the October school holidays, then I reckon I may have an answer for which the children will love you forever.

It may seem an obvious choice, but Disneyland Paris offers feelgood fun for everyone. I know as I have been lucky enough to visit during the Hallowe’en Festival and had a Cinderella’s Ball of a time.

Spell-binding during any season, Disneyland Paris is even more enchanting this year as it is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Autumn is especially “spooktacular” with giant pumpkins, parades, ghosts and adrenaline-fuelled rides during October and early November. You don’t have to wait to celebrate Guy Fawkes on November 5 as every night is a fireworks fiesta. The incredible Disney Illuminations show each evening is simply a must-see at least once in your life. As if by magic, the turrets and towers light up as the wonder of Disney is brought to life in front of your very eyes in a blaze of special effects.

Lasers and holograms make Sleeping Beauty’s Castle glisten in an explosion of flames and fountains. This mesmerising show is the icing on the cake of an extraordinary journey through Disneyland.

Without any young children in tow, I thought I might feel as welcome as Cruella De Vil, but far from it. Costumed characters from Donald Duck to Frozen’s Olaf grin from ear to ear as they embrace their meet ‘n’ greet guests.

A handsome Gaston from Beauty and the Beast flirtatiously blew kisses and smugly posed for photos. The crowd were all for dressing up too – it seemed almost everyone had Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears.

There are two parks within Disneyland Paris – those with younger children will enjoy more gentle entertainment in the company of princesses to pirates in Disneyland Park; while teenagers and adults will undoubtedly relish the thrills and spills of Walt Disney Studios.

At the latter, the Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic is an action-packed adventure around full-scale film sets.

It’s like being in the middle of a disaster movie as a tanker suddenly explodes into a ball of flames and a river realistically bursts its banks, threatening to swallow us up in the flood.

If you’re brave enough, the Twilight Tower of Terror does just what it says on the tin. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I wouldn’t eat lunch at the many themed restaurants before you enter...

Highlights for the 25th anniversary include a new parade and the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – definitely a force to be reckoned with, while youngsters can join the Jedi Training Academy for some sabre laser action.

Located in the new town of Marnela-Vallée, Disneyland Paris (www. disneylandparis.co.uk) is a short train ride from the centre of the French capital as well as Charles de Gaulle airport.

Booking into one of the seven individually-themed Disney Hotels gives you VIP access to attractions with FASTPASS and extended time to roam the Parks with Extra Magic Hours.

I stayed at one of the associated hotels – the Vienna House Magic Circus Hotel (viennahouse.com/en/magiccircus-paris), a 10-minute free shuttle ride away.

Family rooms are decorated like big tents, with a double bed and curtained off bunk, while reception staff are dressed like ringmasters.

Our grown-up-only break also gave us the freedom to go bargain hunting at the luxury outlet shopping centre La Vallée Village as well as quaff bubbly at famous cellars in the nearby celebrated region of Champagne.

Here’s to the 25th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris and many more years of making all ages very happy… Santé!