Adjoining the ticket-only Disneyland Paris theme park, this public-access hotel and leisure complex, running 2¼ mls from N to S and 1¾ mls E to W, has many attractions in its own right. The principal buildings and accommodation are grouped around the artificial Lake Buena Vista and feeder rivers such as the Rio Grande. Landscaping is well established, thanks to thousands of mature trees having been transplanted. All parts of the complex are linked by broad pedestrian boulevards and promenades illuminated at night by cast-iron Victorian-style street lamps. Loop roads provide access for vehicles which are carefully separated from pedestrians. Architecture is varied and inspired by various American themes, with the exception of the rather glitzy complex of restaurants and entertainments known as Disney Village. Nearly all of the young, international staff speak English, and cafes, bars and restaurants have menus and signs in English. Everything is concocted for the taste of a clientele drawn to Americana and Disney characters.

Theme-park activities, rides and entertainments to suit most tastes, age groups and pockets, although add-ons and eating costs can soon strain the wallet. The definitive family venue with traditional Disney entertainment, marred by the risk of inclement weather.

Half a dozen very large and well-equipped hotels varying from fairly economical to expensive. Each of the hotels depicts a theme from the well-advertised "American way of life". Room-sharing families or sharing couples may find savings. Departing guests are required to check out by 11am, but new arrivals cannot check in until 3pm. Some additional hotels are located a couple of miles E of the RER station, with regular shuttle buses to and from the resort.

Unsurprisingly dominated by all manner of Disney regalia, souvenirs and tourist tat, ranging from a myriad soft toys to Mickey Mouse hats, T-shirts and videos of famous Disney films. The hotels have boutiques and small shops matching their own particular theme. Head out of the park for genuine French food and fashion.

Daytime: stroll around Lake Buena Vista's pedestrian promenade; swagger down Dodge City streets of Hotel Cheyenne; circular "spin-boats" for hire from quay; giant multiscreen cinemas outside Disney Village; Walt Disney Studios, a smaller second theme park, which specialises in Disney-produced films and hair-raising rides. Kids will love watching out for the numerous roving Disney characters. 1 ml from the hotels is Golf Disneyland Paris - a 27-hole golf course. Nightlife: Disney Village lights up with an array of diversions, including a nightclub, eateries, live music and Buffalo Bill spectacular. Hotels offer their own, often themed, entertainment programmes.

Each hotel has themed eateries at varying levels of expense. Disney Village has a host of all-American diners, plus steakhouses, an ice-cream parlour and cafe.

The RER train service from Paris also links with the outlying villages and accommodation in Marne la Vallee. Disneyland Paris shuttle buses from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports depart every 45 mins. Free shuttle between hotels (except Davy Crockett Ranch); tram service; occasional ferry across lake. Public buses to local Marne la Vallee villages.

Full day: Paris (less than 1-hr journey); Meaux, a large town with medieval centre; Benedictine abbey at Jouarre; 17th-century chateau and gardens at Champs-sur-Marne; Fontainebleau chateau, former summer residence of French kings.

In N France, 25 mls E of central Paris; 18 mls SE of Roissy/Charles de Gaulle airport.

On gently undulating, rural land on the S side of the Marne Valley, just off the main Paris-to-Reims A4 auto route.

Website: www.disneylandparis.com

Airport : Charles De Gaulle
Airport Code: CDG
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr