Here’s a round-the-world trip with a difference; check-in at New York, drop over to the Wild West, zip out to outer space and have dinner in Paris – all in the same day, writes Keith Harrison.

Sounds like a magical party - and it is, Disney-style of course.

The Disneyland Resort Paris even has a tower to rival the Eiffel, as long as you don’t mind dropping 10 floors and having your wits scared out of you along the way.

But more of the Tower of Terror later. Let’s start from the beginning and step aboard the Eurostar from London’s stunning St Pancras station.

This was a first for Daughter and I, and what a revelation. Having travelled to the continent dozens of times, I was intrigued to see how the sleek train service could improve on a frill-free but functional 45-minute hop from Birmingham Airport.

The problem with flying (as any regular traveller to Paris will tell you) is that it can take twice as long to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to your hotel.

The Eurostar, on the other hand, offered smooth check-in, more leg-room than the Mayor’s Bentley, a decent food and drink menu – and the promise of being delivered straight into the Gare du Nord. Actually, that last bit isn’t true, because the train we were on went one better and arrived within sight of our hotel at Disneyland Resort Paris.

Through-fares from Stafford to Paris, Brussels and the resort itself start from £80 standard return and £210 Leisure Select return with Eurostar and Virgin Trains. There are 12 services a day to Paris, and seven services to Brussels throughout the year.

In just 5 hours 20 minutes, you will be in the heart of Disneyland Resort Paris. Very impressive.

Just a couple of hundred yards from the swish Marne la Vallee terminal stands the Hotel New York, where the rooms are themed around the city that never sleeps, with stylish furnishings, plenty of room and lashings of Big Apple attitude.

The staff, as always with Disney, were exceptionally friendly, dispelling the myth that the French wouldn’t buy into Walt’s vision, heart and soul.

True, there’s a coolness about our gallic neighbours but taking it as a slight would be a mistake and the entente cordiale is very much in evidence throughout.

Onto the park itself then and first stop was new-ish ride Crush’s Coaster which spins riders backwards and forwards while crashing through an Ocean-themed world, both out in the open and then back into the dark interior. Great fun for all ages and attracting queues to match.

Fortunately, though, there is the smart way to avoid an hour or so in the line, by grabbing a Fastpass – Disney’s free ticketing service which allocates a time slot to each rider. Simply come back at the designated hour and you can virtually stroll straight on. Good call, mes amis.

There was just time to grab the ever-popular Once Upon a Dream parade before heading off to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends in the neighbouring Disney Village. This dinner show starts the minute you step through the door and get handed your 10-gallon cowboy hat.

A dazzling stage show keeps folk in the bar entertained before the crowds move into the arena for the mane (geddit?) event.

The two-hour horseback extravaganza is played out with spectacular stunts, cheesy crowd participation and plenty of yee-hah enthusiasm. I defy anyone not to end the evening twirling their hat and whistling Dixie – especially as the beer in inclusive and the waiters are impressively quick on the draw.

The following day began with a comedy bonus when one dozy diner managed to set the buffet table cloth ablaze, causing minor fire juggling as the serving staff got singed. I know you shouldn’t laugh and it could have been serious, but . . .

By staying in the Disney hotel, we were able to stroll across to the park early and take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours from 8-10am where access is restricted to on-site guests. Be warned however, not all the attractions are open at that time and you could end up with time to kill if you get there too soon.

With sunny skies above though it was soon all systems go for the best thrill rides in France, with old favourites like Space Mountain, Indiana Jones and the superfast Rock’n’Rollercoaster still testing the nerves and pulling the biggest crowds along the way.

With an hour or so to catch our breath, Billy Bob’s in Disney Village provided superior quality food at a reasonable price – and a decent selection of vin to choose from.

Dutch courage suitably restored, it was off to the Tower of Terror, where a spooky swirl through the Twilight Zone ends in a petrifying plunge from 10 storeys up. With hindsight, it may have been better to attempt this before lunch.

As ever, there was so much to see and do that a weekend barely did the resort justice but in short, don’t miss the chance to make your own Mickey ears at the Art of Disney Animation section, the behind-the-scenes Lot tour has one or two unexpected thrills and the High School Musical Live show demonstrates how young people have so much more energy than those of us now officially ‘knocking on’.

Each year, Disney adopts a theme for its celebrations and this summer is one big Mickey’s Magical Party.

True, the pound is suffering against the euro, but there are great deals to be had and if the Floridian long haul is beyond your budget this year, a quick trip to the continent’s most polished park would more than make up for it.

After all, it’s party time!

Visit www.mickeymagicalyear.com and www.eurostar.com for more information.

By Keith Harrison