MUSIC festivals usually mean mud-spattered wellies and warm pints of cider, but this weekend I saw some of the world's best-known stars up close and personal without coming into contact with one speck of dirt.
By best known, I mean Mickey Mouse, Moana and Cinderella… because I was at Disney's first ever music festival – at Disneyland Paris.
For five months, is putting on its very first music festival, and over the weekend, I was lucky enough to see it in action.
Heading up to the bandstand on Main Street, within mere minutes of entering the park I caught my first ‘gig – Minnie Mouse And Her Marching Band singing along to movie hits.
The park feels even more magical than usual with so many musical events – there's a whopping 20 hours of festival attractions around the park, from huge performances to small gigs.
It even has its own anthem for the occasion, it's called ‘Viva La Musique', which translates to ‘long live music' on repeat.
And be warned, you won't be able to get the catchy tune out of your head.
The smaller attractions include and her Musicians, Timon's Matadance, and a Musical Meet-up with .
There's also Miguel's Fiesta Latina, Donald and Daisy's Accordionist and and the Pearly Band.
These are performed around four times a day, and it's a chance for fans to see their favourite characters up close.
For a good view, I'd suggest going around 15 to 20 minutes before the start time.
When I headed to see Moana and her Musicians, a crowd gathered very quickly.
For anyone with children, they'll be invited to sit at the front and join in with the dancing too.
After almost a day of wandering the park, I made sure my next musical event was a seated concert.
Over in the Videopolis was the Music Hits Concert.
The half-hour show is based around everything from modern hits to timeless classics.
A band with guitars, drums, keyboard and a saxophone accompany five incredible singers, who belt out hits from Prince Ali to Into The Unknown, with lyrics sung in a mixture of French and English.
To enjoy the show, you don't actually have to sit in the auditorium as the seats above are in the restaurant area, where you still get a great view of the stage, and enjoy a snack at the same time.
The main event of the entire festival is The Grand Orchestra Finale and it's a real showstopper.
When the day drew to a close, we gathered in the Central Plaza watch an amazing medley of songs.
Main mouse conducts the orchestra from outside the castle as performers and characters from around the park all unite for a huge medley.
While it did get busy, the characters like Rapunzel, and the singers from the Disney Music Hits Concert use all four stages – so you will get a great view from wherever you are.
Chip and Dale circle the Central Plaza on a bus so everyone can see the cheeky chipmunks.
A must during the festival is downloading the Disneyland app.
Not only can you view ride wait times, but you can add a filter for the Disney Music Festival.
Click on that and the entire showtime schedule is on your phone.
From Timon’s Matadance to Miguel’s Fiesta Latina, you’ll be able to see exactly when the smaller and larger performances are taking place.
Along with the festival, you can of course head on the rides and see the famous character parade at 11.30am.
There's also the incredible which is the very last event of the day.
The evening show kicks off at 10.40pm and is a spectacular 20-minute show which debuted on January 10, 2025.
With a fleet of 1,571 synchronised laser projections and fireworks, tales of Disney like Cinderella, Encanto and Lili & Stitch come to life.
Even if you’re standing further back, it doesn’t matter, as the shops along Central Plaza light up, and there’s even fake snow.
The Disney Music Festival is currently taking place in and ends on September 7, 2025.
To book tickets and see more information go to disneylandparis.com.
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