MICKEY Mouse and his pals have long been part of our traditional Yuletide celebrations with TV Disney specials bringing a magic cheer to the holidays.

But how much better it is to join him in person on the streets of Fantasyland for an unforgettable family Christmas at the spectacular Disneyland Paris.

The festive season at the park is great fun for an adult. Through the eyes of a child, it is simply magical. I wasn't sure whether it would all be too much for my three-year-old, Olivia, but she loved it and keeps asking me when we are going back.

Part of the thrill is boarding a Eurostar train in London and just two hours 35 minutes later, you're through the Channel Tunnel and there, right at the entrance to a magic land.

It is a great way to make the journey — especially as you can start from Exeter St David's with a First Great Western service. Then, from our arrival on, our eyes and ears were treated to the best that festive Disneyland has to offer. And boy have Santa's elves been busy — all the way up Main Street more than one million lights twinkle. The tallest Christmas tree has been hauled into place at the entrance to the park and it is decked in 590 baubles and 500 lights.

This time of year you get all the usual Disneyland attractions plus a host of additional seasonal spectaculars. Like Mickey's Winter Wonderland show, two daily Christmas parades, one at night, where you can see lavish illuminated floats depicting all your favourite characters.

You are also guaranteed a white Christmas as snow falls everyday on Main Street and right in the heart of Santa Claus village, not only can you meet the great man, but also post your Christmas wish list and receive a reply direct to your home.

Throughout the park there's a chance to meet some of the characters in festive costumes and have your picture taken.

You are never short of something to do. The biggest problem is fitting it all in and getting round all the themed areas be it Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, Walt Disney Studio Park or the Disney Village. Timings for daily shows, some character appearances and special events are detailed on the theme park's maps, as are the locations of rides and the many eateries. To fit everything in it is best to plan your day in advance.

We spent lots of time in Fantasyland where the rides and attractions are perfect for toddlers. Olivia loved the castle — especially in the evening when over 400,000 lights transformed it into a shimmering Crystal Palace — Le Carousel de Lancelot, the spinning tea cups and It's a Small World.

For bigger children there's rides a plenty and parents will be just as awestruck as they walk around the park and take in the sights. And when you need to refuel there's plenty of choice of places to eat offering a wide range of menus.

The Resort now has seven themed hotels to choose from. We stayed at Disney's Hotel New York. Celebrating the art deco style of the 1930s, it is reminiscent of the Big Apple's skyscrapers.

The attention to detail is unbelievable from the yellow cab in the lobby to the art deco lamps in the rooms. It has a choice of restaurants and bars, swimming pool and fitness centre, and ice-skating rink right outside.

For information about a family break to Disneyland Paris, call direct on 08448 008 111 or visit www.disneylandparis.com

Fares on Eurostar are from £69 (from £95 with an Exeter connection) standard class return (adult), £44 return (child aged four to 11). Details from eurostar.com or on 08705 186186.