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Hi all,
Taking a side step from the usual character focussed nature of this site, I wanted to take some time to share with you some of the beauty of my home park here in Europe, Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Paris is making the last minute preparations for it's 20th anniversary in just a few months time, and so I wanted to lead up to that special occasion with a series of articles celebrating the magic here in Europe.
This site attracts a lot of international fans, and we forever receive comments about our work, which we greatly appreciate. I know that the bulk of our fans are from the US, and don't have the opportunity to travel as much as Europeans do.
Of course, there are the appropriate sections of this site that are dedicated to Paris, and I do tend to mention character news related to Paris more often than most parks, but I also know that not everyone has the time to go through the thousands of pages on this site to really digest it all.
I know that a lot of you would love to travel to the European Resort, and seeing 50,000 pictures on the DLP page on this site might be a little daunting. So with that, coupled with the 20th anniversary fast approaching, as I mentioned above, I thought we would take a "grand circle tour" of the Magic Kingdom here in Europe.
Of course, this IS a character site, and the tour wouldn't be complete without a few character greetings along the way...
I have decided also to break up this article into a series, as there is so much to write about. This first article is about Main Street USA.
Before we begin, I just want to point out that all the pictures you see here are on the DLP pages of this site, and are, as always, a mixture of both mine and Jon's photos.
Approaching the park from any direction, you have to pass through Fantasia Gardens, where you are presented with the spectacular Disneyland Hotel that stands at the entrance to the park.
After passing under the hotel through the grand Victorian themed hallways and ticketing areas, you enter the park and arrive at Main Street Station.
Passing under Main Street Station, you find yourself in Town Square.
You may find the Dixieland Band (formerly the Disney Fanfare) playing upon your arrival.
You might decide to take a trip on one of the many transportation offerings for a scenic ride up Main Street USA.
Before we leave Town Square, you might want to meet Mickey Mouse at his Boarding House.
If Mickey isn't at his location yet, maybe you'll find him driving around on his Mousemobile?
As well as Mickey, some of his good pals might appear throughout the day in Town Square. You can meet any number of Disney friends, so be sure to stop back and check out who is there!
Now we take a walk up Main Street USA, and explore some of the boutiques.
The Emporium.
Disney & Co.
Lilly's Boutique.
Harrington's.
The Boardwalk Candy Palace.
Why not get your hair cut at the Dapper Dan's?
If the weather is too hot, too cold, or there are too many crowds, utilise the park's unique arcades at either side of the street and soak up the fantastic atmosphere and theming.
In the Liberty Arcade be sure to check out Liberty Court.
Or head to the other side of the street to visit Discovery Arcade.
If you're feeling peckish, there are plenty of food options on Main Street USA, including the Cable Car Bake Shop, which is my favourite place!
You could also try the Market House Deli.
Casey's Corner.
Some fresh fruit.
Victoria's Home Style Restaurant.
Walt's, An American Restaurant.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour.
Or finally, the Plaza Gardens Restaurant.
That's a lot of food options!
Before we head towards Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cantral Plaza, let's take a stroll down the street and just soak up some of the atmosphere and buildings.
Main Street at night.
And now finally we arrive at Central Plaza, and are blown away by the spectacluar Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The question is, where will we head now? Through the Castle to Fantasyland?
Maybe to Discoveryland?
Adventureland?
Or even Frontierland?
I shall let you decide! Vote for the next land to be explored by voting in the poll on this topic. Click the 'Discuss' button below this article, and we'll continue our tour in a couple of days!
Dan.
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