Why We Went Back to Disneyland Paris Just One Month Later

Our first family trip to Disneyland Paris was something we knew we would remember for a long time. What we didn’t expect, however, was how quickly we would find ourselves planning another visit.

Just one month after returning home, we were booking a second trip.

So what made us go back so soon?

More than we expected

Before visiting, we assumed Disneyland Paris would be all about the rides and attractions. And while the rides absolutely delivered, what stood out to us most was everything that happened in between.

The atmosphere, the music, the detail in every area, and the feeling of stepping into a completely different world all combined to create something far beyond what we had imagined.

It wasn’t just a day out or a theme park visit — it felt like an experience we were completely immersed in.

Two very different stays

During our visits, we stayed at two different Disney hotels, which gave us two slightly different perspectives on the trip.

We spent four nights at Disney Newport Bay Club on our first visit, and then returned a month later for three nights at Disney Sequoia Lodge.

Having that time across two stays made a big difference. Instead of trying to see everything in a single day or rushing through the parks, we were able to slow the experience down.

Our days were a mix of rides, character meet and greets, shows, and parades, but also quieter moments — heading back to the hotel for breaks, exploring Disney Village, trying different food spots, and taking time to simply wander and take everything in.

What most people don’t always mention

One thing that surprised us was just how full-on Disneyland Paris can be.

The days are long, the early starts come quickly, and it’s very easy to walk over 20,000 steps without even realising it — even for younger children.

We also visited during winter for both trips, which added another layer to the experience. The cold, combined with the excitement and energy of the parks, meant the days could feel quite intense at times.

And like any busy family trip, there were moments where things felt overwhelming or tiring.

But when we slowed down and focused on the experience itself, those moments faded into the background.

What stayed with us was how special it felt to be there together.

The feeling you can’t quite explain

Disneyland Paris has a way of pulling you into its world.

From the storytelling to the music, from the atmosphere to the smallest details in each land, everything feels carefully designed to immerse you completely.

It becomes easy to switch off from everyday life and simply enjoy the moment you’re in.

That feeling is hard to describe in words — it’s something you really have to experience for yourself.

And for us, that feeling is what made the biggest impact.

Why we returned

When we arrived home after our first trip, Disneyland Paris stayed with us.

It wasn’t a case of ticking it off a list and moving on. Instead, we kept talking about it, revisiting memories, and thinking about what we would do differently next time.

Not because we felt we missed anything, but because we genuinely enjoyed the experience.

So when a second opportunity came up just a month later, the decision felt surprisingly easy.

We booked again.

Watch Our Full Video

🎥 Watch our Disneyland Paris journey on YouTube: The Atlas Journey, where we share our full experience.

Final thoughts

Disneyland Paris isn’t perfect, and like any destination, it has its challenges. It can be expensive, busy, and physically tiring, especially with long days and unpredictable weather.

But despite that, it offered something we didn’t fully expect — a shared family experience that felt both memorable and meaningful.

When people ask us if it’s worth visiting, we don’t think about ride counts or park size.

We think about how it made us feel.

And the fact that we went back just one month later probably says more than anything else ever could.

Disney Newport Bay Club vs Sequoia Lodge: Which Disneyland Paris Hotel Should You Choose?

Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and trying to decide between Disney Newport Bay Club and Disney Sequoia Lodge?

We recently stayed at both hotels during our Disneyland Paris trips, and although they're both located around beautiful Lake Disney and offer convenient access to the parks, they provide two very different experiences.

If you're wondering which hotel is the better choice for your family, this guide shares our honest experience to help you decide.

At First Glance

Choose Disney Newport Bay Club if you:

• Prefer a more premium and elegant atmosphere

• Want a modern, polished room

• Love beautiful lake views

• Don't mind paying a little extra for a 4-star Disney Hotel

Choose Disney Sequoia Lodge if you:

• Prefer a cosy woodland atmosphere

• Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed hotel

• Want a more budget-friendly Disney stay

• Don't mind that the hotel is currently being refurbished

First Impressions

Although the hotels are only a short walk apart, they couldn't feel more different.

Disney Newport Bay Club has an elegant New England coastal theme, creating a bright and sophisticated atmosphere from the moment you walk into the lobby. Overlooking Lake Disney, it immediately feels like one of Disneyland Paris' more premium hotels.

Disney Sequoia Lodge offers something completely different. Inspired by American national park lodges, it has a warm woodland theme with timber finishes, stone features and a cosy atmosphere that feels much more relaxed after a busy day in the parks.

Neither hotel is better—they simply offer different styles depending on the type of stay you're looking for.

Comparing the rooms

One of the biggest differences we noticed was the rooms.

While both rooms had a similar layout, Newport Bay Club felt fresher and more contemporary, with a brighter design and a noticeably more premium finish.

Sequoia Lodge, while still comfortable and perfectly suitable for a Disney holiday, felt a little more dated. However, it's important to remember that we visited while Sequoia Lodge was undergoing a major refurbishment. It will be interesting to see how the hotel compares once all renovations are complete.

It's also worth noting that Newport Bay Club is a 4-star Disney Hotel, while Sequoia Lodge is officially a 3-star Disney Hotel, so some of those differences are reflected in the hotel ratings.

Location

One area where both hotels perform exceptionally well is their location. Both are situated around Lake Disney and are within comfortable walking distance of Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World Park. The walk itself became one of our favourite parts of the day, especially during the evening when the lake is beautifully lit.

For us, there wasn't a significant advantage either way when it came to convenience.

Facilities

At Disney Newport Bay Club, guests have access to the Nantucket Pool & Health Club, which includes both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness room, sauna and steam room. Kids can also enjoy Little Captains' Corner, a dedicated children's play area where younger guests can unwind after a day in the parks.

During our stay at Disney Sequoia Lodge, the Redwood Pool & Health Club—including the swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room—was closed as part of the hotel's major refurbishment. Because of this, we weren't able to experience these facilities firsthand. If you're planning a visit after the refurbishment is complete, it's worth checking the latest updates, as your experience may be quite different from ours.

Sequoia Lodge also features Little Prairie Kids Corner, a children's play area with a woodland-inspired theme, providing another great space for younger guests to enjoy.

However, with the ongoing refurbishment, Sequoia Lodge is expected to offer a much more modern experience in the future, making it an even stronger option for families considering a stay.

Which Hotel Would We Choose?

This really comes down to the type of holiday you're hoping to have.

If you're looking for a more premium Disney experience with elegant surroundings and modern rooms, we'd recommend Disney Newport Bay Club.

If you're after a cosy woodland atmosphere and a more relaxed setting, Disney Sequoia Lodge has plenty of charm—and once the refurbishment is complete, it may become an even stronger option.

For our travel style, Newport Bay Club was the hotel we'd personally choose again. We loved its bright atmosphere, beautiful lakeside location and more refined feel.

That said, we'd happily stay at Sequoia Lodge again in the future, especially to experience the hotel once the refurbishment has been completed.

Watch Our Full Video Review

🎥 Watch our Disneyland Paris journey on YouTube: The Atlas Journey, if you'd like to see both hotels side by side, including the rooms, atmosphere and our complete comparison.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Disney Newport Bay Club and Disney Sequoia Lodge isn't about finding a "winner"—it's about choosing the hotel that best suits your family and your travel style.

Both offer the magic of staying at a Disney Hotel, easy access to the parks and a unique atmosphere that adds something special to your Disneyland Paris holiday.

We hope our honest comparison has helped make your decision a little easier.

Disney Newport Bay Club Review: Is It Worth Staying at Disneyland Paris?

If you're planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, choosing the right hotel can make a big difference to your overall experience. During our recent visit, we stayed at Disney Newport Bay Club as a family of three and wanted to share our honest thoughts on what it's really like to stay at one of Disneyland Paris' most popular on-site hotels.

Our Stay at Disney Newport Bay Club

Disney Newport Bay Club is a 4-star Disney hotel located on the shores of Lake Disney, just a short walk from both Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World Park.

Inspired by the grand seaside resorts of New England, the hotel features a coastal theme throughout, with elegant décor, nautical touches, and subtle Disney details.

With more than 1,000 rooms, it's one of the largest hotels at Disneyland Paris and offers a range of accommodation options for couples, families, and larger groups.

Location and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Newport Bay Club is its location.

The hotel is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the parks, with a pleasant route through Disney Village along the way. Complimentary shuttle buses are also available for guests who prefer not to walk.

For our family, being able to return to the hotel during the day for a break was incredibly convenient and helped make our park days feel much more relaxed.

Our Room

We stayed in a Superior Lake Side Room featuring two comfortable double beds and views towards Lake Disney.

The room felt spacious by European standards and included:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Air conditioning and heating

• Television with Disney and international channels

• Tea and coffee facilities

• In-room safe

• Hairdryer

• Plenty of storage space

• Baby cot (upon request)

One thing worth noting is that standard rooms do not typically include a mini fridge, which may be important for some families.

Hotel Facilities

The leisure facilities were one of the highlights of our stay.

Guests have access to:

• Indoor heated swimming pool

• Outdoor swimming pool (seasonal)

• Children's splash area with a large ship-themed play structure

• Whirlpool spa

• Sauna

• Steam room

• Fitness centre

Pool towels are provided free of charge and there are spacious changing rooms with lockers, showers, toilets, and private changing cubicles.

For children, there's also Little Captains' Corner, which offers colouring activities, games, and Disney shows throughout the day.

We also enjoyed completing the complimentary Discovery Quest treasure hunt around the hotel, which ends with a small prize from the gift shop.

Extra Magic Time

One of our favourite benefits of staying at a Disney hotel was Extra Magic Time.

This perk allows Disney hotel guests to enter selected parks before official opening hours.

On some mornings, we were able to experience major attractions with little to no wait, making a huge difference to our overall park experience.

For us, this was one of the most valuable benefits included with our stay.

Character Meet and Greets

Another lovely touch was the opportunity to meet Disney characters within the hotel.

Depending on the day, guests may have the chance to meet characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy, often dressed in themed nautical outfits.

Compared to the parks, these meet and greets felt more relaxed and often involved shorter queues.

Dining Options

Disney Newport Bay Club offers several dining options including:

Cape Cod

A family-friendly buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.

Yacht Club

A table-service restaurant offering seafood, steak, and New England-inspired dishes.

Captain's Quarters

A comfortable lounge bar serving drinks, coffee, and light snacks overlooking Lake Disney.

Although we didn't purchase a meal plan during our stay, it was reassuring to know there were plenty of dining options available within the hotel and nearby Disney Village.

Was It Worth It?

For our family, yes!

The combination of location, convenience, Extra Magic Time, hotel character experiences, and comfortable facilities made Newport Bay Club a fantastic base for exploring Disneyland Paris.

While it may not be the cheapest option available, we felt the added convenience and Disney atmosphere enhanced our overall experience.

Would we stay here again?

Absolutely!

Watch Our Full Video Review

🎥 Watch our Disneyland Paris journey on YouTube: The Atlas Journey. You can watch our complete Disney Newport Bay Club review where we take you inside the hotel, show the facilities, and share our full experience.