🎉 From theme park dreams to Disney scenes—this moment’s pure magic 🏰✨🐭

Hey everyone! So, you know how some birthdays are just… meh? Well, my 13th was the absolute opposite. My parents totally surprised me with a trip to FRANCE, and I just got back with the craziest memories. Here’s the lowdown on my absolutely legendary week in March 2024.

Paris in Early Spring: Chill Vibes & Cool Sights

First stop: Paris in March. It was chilly but sunny, and there were these pretty purple flowers popping up everywhere. We stayed in a cozy hotel, and I loved wrapping up in a scarf to head out—it felt very Parisian.

My first mission? The ultimate Eiffel Tower experience. My parents had secretly booked us a guided rooftop tour that took us all the way to the SUMMIT! We skipped the main lines, took a special glass-walled elevator that shot right up the curved leg of the tower, and our guide told us all these crazy facts. Seeing the tiny people below and the entire city laid out like a map from the very top floor was mind-blowing. I could spot Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. It was way more than just a photo op; it felt like a proper adventure. At night, we watched the sparkly light show from the Trocadéro gardens—a totally different, but just as cool, perspective.

The next day was all about seeing Paris from different angles. We started with a Seine River Cruise. Gliding under all those famous bridges and passing right by Notre-Dame was so chill. The audio guide pointed out everything, and getting the “postcard view” of the Eiffel Tower from the water was a total must-do. It was the perfect relaxed hour to just take it all in.

Later, for something WAY more fun and fast-paced, we did a Tuk-Tuk City Tour! This was probably the biggest surprise of the trip. We zipped through smaller streets in this electric open-air tuk-tuk that our driver called a “très chic golf cart.” It wasn’t a boring history tour—our driver, Pierre, showed us secret spots, cool street art, and told funny stories. We could hop out quickly for photos at places like the love lock bridge without dealing with big crowds. It felt like our own private, quirky tour of the city. 10/10 recommend for something different!

Of course, we also did the classic museum day at The Louvre. Having it not be super packed was a win. We did the highlights tour—sprinted (well, walked fast) to see the Mona Lisa. She’s smaller than you think, but checking that off the list felt major. The ancient Egyptian stuff and the massive paintings were way more my speed, though.

Now, for the important part: FOOD. I became a macaron expert. We hit a famous shop called Ladurée. They’re like little clouds of flavor. Pistachio? 10/10. Salted caramel? 12/10. The hot chocolate from Angelina was also a lifesaver in the March chill. Ice cream (glace) felt like a brave choice, but Berthillon’s chocolate was next-level.

And shopping? Champs-Élysées was awesome. It’s this grand, bustling street. I used my birthday money on some limited-edition sneakers from a huge sports store. Major score.

The Main Event: Disneyland Paris for my 13th!

Then, we booked a private taxi and BAM—we were at Disneyland Paris for my actual birthday!

We stayed at the Disney’s Newport Bay Club Hotel, and it was incredible. It’s this massive, beautiful hotel that looks like a classic seaside club. The whole theme is nautical—think polished wood, brass details, and model ships everywhere. Our room had porthole-style mirrors! The best part was the indoor pool—we went for a swim one evening after the parks, which was the perfect way to relax. Plus, it’s a short, pretty walk around the lake to get to the parks, and we got Early Magic Hour access every morning!

The Birthday Day Highlights:

• Character Breakfast: This was the best way to start my 13th birthday. We booked breakfast at Café Mickey. I’m 13, okay? I thought it might be kinda little-kid. I WAS WRONG. Having Mickey Mouse wave at you while you eat Mickey-shaped waffles? Pluto bumping your elbow? Getting a birthday high-five from Goofy? It was pure, unadulterated joy. They even brought me a special dessert with a candle!
• The Rides & Crowds: Going in March was a genius move. The lines were so manageable! Big Thunder Mountain was our favorite—we rode it five times. Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain in the dark was epic. The Avengers Campus made me feel like I was actually in a movie.
• The Birthday Pin: I got a “It’s My Birthday!” pin at City Hall. ALL DAY, cast members (and even some characters!) said “Bon Anniversaire!” or “Happy Birthday!” It was the nicest thing.
• Disney Dreams!: The nighttime show. Wow. They had special 30th Anniversary projections on the castle. The fireworks, the music… they played “Go the Distance” and I felt like the hero of my own story. The perfect, if chilly, birthday finale.

Final Thoughts:

Turning 13 in France was unreal. We saw Paris from every angle—from the breathtaking top of the Eiffel Tower, to gliding on the river, to zipping through backstreets in a tuk-tuk—before diving into the magic of Disney. Staying at the Newport Bay Hotel made the Disney part feel even more special and luxurious. March was the perfect time—less crowds, a festive vibe, and that exciting early-spring energy.

If you ever get the chance to go, say oui immediately. Just remember a warm jacket, mix up the tours, try every flavor of macaron, and never be too old for a birthday celebration with Mickey.

À bientôt!

P.S. From “Bon Anniversaire” at Disney to seeing “Paris à vos pieds” (Paris at your feet) from the Eiffel summit, this trip was the best way to become a teenager. The tuk-tuk and boat combo is the secret sauce for seeing it all, and a pool at your Disney hotel is a game-changer! 10/10 would recommend.