Ever since I was a little girl growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I’ve dreamed of going to Paris.
The City of Light lived in my imagination, gleaming like the Eiffel Tower itself. Always. And yes, maybe all those romance movies that I love to watch still had something to do with this dream of being swept away and exploring the seemingly romantic and ethereal city. I used to stare at books and movies and whisper to myself, “Someday.” I never gave up on that wish. Not when I was in school, not during college, not even as life swept me into adulthood, marriage, and a career.
I kept that wish close and this Spring Break, on a break from teaching, writing and other responsibilities of my day-to-day life, this wish finally came true. After nearly two decades of dreaming and being together, my husband Sebastian and I made it to Paris.
A Dream Come True at Disneyland Paris
As a lifelong Disney fan, it only made sense to begin this dream journey at Disneyland Paris.
We checked into Disney’s Sequoia Lodge, nestled near the heart of the resort, which instantly reminded me of cozy forest adventures. This was right after landing at the airport from a lengthy flight, only to find out that Air Canada had put our suitcases on the wrong flight. Cue the panic! But like any good fairytale, a twist didn’t ruin the story. Thankfully, we had a few essentials in our backpacks. I treated myself to an adorable Stitch jersey and a pair of matching Disney ears. (The Stitch Disney ears might have been a stress-induced purchase, but so worth it!)
Our first day was spent at Walt Disney Studios Park, and even though the wind tried to chill our spirits, the adrenaline from the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force coaster had us laughing and screaming like teenagers. The Avengers Campus transported us into another world, one where bravery and excitement ruled.
We dined at the enchanting Bistrot Chez Rémy, where everything, from the mouse-sized decor to the rich flavors of French cuisine, made us feel like honored guests in Remy’s kitchen. And do not forget to take pictures in front of every oversized detail, such as dinner plates and a bottle of wine.
That evening, we explored Disney’s Hotel New York—The Art of Marvel and relaxed at the chic Skyline Bar with craft cocktails while admiring superhero art that brought Marvel stories to life in the most elegant way. It was the perfect nightcap as we watched virtual Marvel characters and their adventures on the screen.
The next morning, with coffee in hand and excitement in my heart, we stepped into the main Disneyland Park. The moment I saw Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, I couldn’t hold back my tears. My name is Aurora—this was my castle. I sipped champagne right in front of it, and for a moment, I truly felt like royalty. Entering the Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant, I was mesmerized by the stained-glass windows and tapestries, all telling Aurora’s tale. And then we saw the animatronic dragon lurking beneath the castle. The detail and storytelling are represented in a way that visitors will feel like they are literally inside Sleeping Beauty’s story.
That day was full of thrills, especially with Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars-themed indoor rollercoaster. It was exhilarating, intense, and pitch-black, everything I love about a perfect coaster. We also rode Les Pirates des Caraïbes (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Phantom Manor, the French version of the Haunted Mansion, which gave us a slightly darker twist on the classic ride. Every corner of the park surprised us.
But nothing made me feel quite as special as getting to wear my Snow White-inspired dress, based on the 2025 Disney “Snow White” movie starring Rachel Zegler, along with a crown and my sparkly red shoes, as I fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a Disney princess. I had booked the My Royal Dream experience at the Disneyland Hotel, where a fairy godmother-like stylist did my hair and makeup. I posed for official princess portraits, twirling in my dress, heart bursting with joy. I realized in that moment: you’re never too old to be a princess. (Yes, this experience is for all ages.)
I Fell in Love with Paris
After three unforgettable days of enchantment, it was time for part two of the journey: Paris itself. We stayed at the vibrant and stylish Moxy Paris Bastille, right in the heart of the city. Each morning, we awoke with excitement because Paris was waiting.
Our museum adventures that weekend included the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, where we walked among dinosaur bones and dazzling minerals. We moved onto the Musée d’Orsay, soaking in Impressionist masterpieces, then to the Louvre, where we stared in awe at the historic structures filled with history and stories of the city’s important royal past.
We took some truly unforgettable pictures there, and as I look at most of them, I have decided that this trip deserves a physical album, one that can be shared with loved ones, so they can flip through the pages as we tell them stories of our adventures.
I also had a deeply emotional moment at the Eiffel Tower. The moment I saw it with my own eyes, I cried. Years of wishing. Years of waiting. It was all worth it.
I’m a fan of sculptures, and Musée Rodin enchanted us with its gardens and statues, especially The Thinker. Also, one of Sebastian’s favorite museums, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, showed us the evolution of technology, even from the first cameras and phonographs to cell phones and even the original iPod.
Of course, I had to stroll the Champs-Élysées, that grand avenue of elegance and history, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806.
I treated myself to a very Parisian souvenir: a small bottle of Chanel Paris–Venise perfume, exclusive to the city. The boutique was everything that one can expect from a high-end luxury brand. Chic, classic, and welcoming. They wrapped my gift with ribbons and added complimentary samples of perfume and skincare and sprayed my bag with perfume before walking me towards the store entrance to say goodbye. I felt so pampered and appreciated, like a starlet in an old French film, many of those that I watched in my youth.
Sebastian surprised me with two beautiful Pandora charms that weekend, one being purchased there: Map of France C’est La Vie Dangle Charm and another of the Arc de Triomphe. They are on a chain necklace around my neck.
We wandered side streets and tried delicious meals at cozy cafés. On one evening, we went speakeasy hunting, a side of Paris I’d only read about, and Sebastian took the time to research. Our first hidden gem was Moonshiner, tucked behind a freezer door in an Italian restaurant in Bastille. Once inside, we were whisked into the 1930s, with blues music, golden lighting, and inventive cocktails galore. Then there was the cozy L’Épicier, a cocktail bar tucked behind grocery shelves, making it mysterious, magical and at the same time a casual spot where the bartenders excitedly prep your selected drinks in front of your eyes at the bar, as we were lucky enough to get those two bar seats.
In between adventures, we visited Galeries Lafayette, marveling at the famous dome, and browsed indie and used bookshops like the iconic Shakespeare and Company, as well as the cozier, lesser-known Abbey Bookshop. Surrounded by stacks of stories, I felt like I belonged.
Ending the Trip with Hopes to Return
We walked more than 20,000 steps a day, fueled by pastries, love, and laughter.
But what struck me most wasn’t just the sights; it was the kindness. One moment stood out: a man running a crepe shop giving another man in need a sandwich and banana without hesitation. That moment, like many others in Paris, made me feel safe, welcomed, and understood.
As I sit here reflecting, I still can’t believe that it all happened. Yet, it did. The little girl who used to dream in San Juan finally saw her dreams come true. All of it. The Disney magic, the art, the food, the fashion, the Eiffel Tower, the laughter with my husband, made me feel like I was in a sort of out of body experience. Yet, it was all real.
Love, hope, and hard work brought us here. And I know, in my heart, that Paris will always be waiting with open arms.
If You Go
Special thanks to my teacher colleague and dear friend at Boca Raton High School, Boca Raton local Katie Aufenanger, whose guidance made our Disney and Paris adventure unforgettable. Her help and suggestions were invaluable to us every step of the way. I highly recommend following her for expert travel tips and planning support, especially if you’re dreaming of Disneyland Paris and beyond! Follow her on Instagram: @adventures_by_aufenanger
To plan your own magical journey to Paris and Disneyland Paris, visit:
- Disneyland Paris: disneylandparis.com/en-usd/
- Paris Tourism (Paris Je T’aime): parisjetaime.com/eng/
