Ooh La La Disney [Sleeping Beauty's Castle]

The Castle. Not only is it the focal point of every Disney park, but it truly makes you feel as if you've stepped into a magical land unlike any other. Sleeping Beauty's Castle not only tells a story, but lets you imagine what walking through a castle would truly be like.

Entering the castle through the center pathway, you are greeted with detailed stone work that helps bring life to the castle. Stone archways, coat of arms, carved trees and a dazzling ceiling highlight the magnificence of the castle. There are two charming stores that can be found within the castle, the first named La Boutique du Château (The Castle Shop), which brings Christmas cheer to all who walk through it 24/7. The ornaments were divine, and while some were similar to the ones sold in the U.S. there were many I had never seen before. There are even Christmas stockings, stuffed animals and figurines throughout. The second store, Merlin l'Enchanteur (Merlin The Enchanter), is where you can find glass statues of characters and watch as some of them are made by the cast members in the shop.

Off to the side of Merlin l'Enchanteur you can get a glimpse of Merlin's work room and see how he cooks up his spells. As you walk by his work bench you come across a dark stairway that leads you down to the pit of the castle. It is here you can find the dragon who watches over the castle. It may seem as if he's sleeping, but if you stay around long enough you'll see him awaken and check to make sure no one is disturbing the castle.

Walking back up to the main floor of the castle you noticed a golden book encased in a podium next to the stairway leading upstairs. Upon closer inspection of this book you see it is none other than the familiar "La Belle Au Bois Dormant" (Sleeping Beauty) book that starts off the beloved film. This prepares you for the story you are about to encounter as you walk up the stone staircase.

Reaching the top, you are greeted by a gorgeous tapestry adorned with the three fairies as they put the kingdom under a sleeping spell. Below the tapestry is a book, opened to the page explaining the scene depicted. Though it is in French, those who know the story of Sleeping Beauty know exactly what is going on and how this plays into the fairy tale.

Depending on which way you decide to wander along the top floor of the castle will determine which way you read the story of Sleeping Beauty. Continuing to your right will lead you to the end of the story, which is told through breathtakingly bright stain glass windows and other beautifully woven tapestries. Books in French are placed in front of each new part to tell the tale for those who wish to read it. When you reach the part in the story where Aurora pricks her finger there is an actual spinning wheel hauntingly turning by its own evil magic.

As you travel through Sleeping Beauty's story you can't help but take in all the details in this castle. There is a small fountain with Aurora and Prince Philip dancing toward the balcony entrance. Outside on the balcony, not only do you get another great view of Fantasyland, but Archimedes is perched on his own pedestal, watching over the park as well. Back inside, there is a chandelier decorated with Hidden Mickeys, and even Flora, Fauna and Merriweather can be found etched into a stone pillar.

Getting a chance to explore Sleeping Beauty's Castle is what makes visiting Disneyland Paris unique. I enjoyed the opportunity to see what it would feel like to live in a castle, if only for a little bit. The magic found within the castle is what helps to bring it alive on the inside, turning it into something more than just the centerpiece of the park.