Frontierland, Disneyland Resort, Paris

Frontierland is the first the five areas of the Disneyland Park that you will come to if you walk in a clockwise direction from the end of Mainstreet, USA (the main thoroughfare and entranceway to the park). It is, as all Disney parks are, a themed are and this time the theme is the Wild West. It is an excellent place for young cowboys (and cowgirls, of course) to discover the legends of the gold rush.

In my opinion, Frontierland is Disney at its imaginative and expressive peak. The attention to detail here is phenomenal and, although it isn't the magic that makes the younger kids' eyes light up, it will no doubt capture the imaginations of the older kids and adults alike. The rides here are thrilling, but not white knuckle and the attractions are well thought out and very well presented.

The centre-piece of Frontierland is Big Thunder Mountain, home to the run away mine train. This provides an exciting roller-coaster that is more suitable for all ages than the white knuckle rides you'll find in other 'lands'. There is still a height restriction for this ride, but it doesn't restrict many that would want to ride it. There are dips and turns and the ride is fast, but in an enjoyable way that allows you to keep your eyes open and your surroundings, rather than having them scrunched up in fear.

Big Thunder Mountain is surrounded by Thunder Mesa, a large moat that you can take a steamboat ride around. There are two paddle steam boats (the 'Mark Twain' and the 'Molly Brown') that depart on regular cruises from the Riverboat Landing. The boats are fairly large and there are very rarely any queues for this quaint and fairly scenic attraction.

The other popular ride in Frontierland is Phantom Manor, which is set up high on a haunted hill surrounded by creepy trees and gravestones. Again, the attention to detail is superb, from the area where you queue to the manor itself, the eerie scene is set. The ride begins in a waiting room and then you catch a car to travel around the manor and witness the spooky wedding of the phantom bride and groom. There is nothing scary in terms of making you jump, but there are plenty of ghosts, ghouls and other creepy things that probably will scare younger visitors.

Although Frontierland will probably be more enjoyed by older visitors, there is plenty to keep smaller visitors entertained. Pocahontas Indian Village is a play area for four to eight year old children that is themed around the legendary princess and will provide hours of fun sliding and climbing. There is also plenty of opportunity throughout the day to 'meet and greet' their favourite characters and watch shows in the Chaparral theatre.

The theme doesn't stop with the attractions in Frontierland either, it extends to the many gift shops and eating establishments as well. In the gift shops, you'll find all the usual gifts, but with a twist. For example, the character soft toys are all there, but this time many of them are wearing cowboy costumes. You'll also be able to get many other themed souvenirs, including fancy dress costumes, accessories and gifts.

As with all of the 'lands' there are a number of places to eat offering everything from fast food to buffet and a la carte restaurants along a the tex-mex theme. The Lucky Nugget Saloon is an all you can eat restaurant that is a fairly reasonably priced £20 per person for adults and £10 for children. Compared to paying £10 a head for a very mediocre burger and chips in the fast food restaurants, this does offer pretty good value for money. If you book in advance, you can also enjoy your meal here with the Disney characters.

Overall, I would say that this is my favourite of the Disneyland Paris lands; the rides are the most fun; the theme is the most imaginative; and the attractions are the most varied. No trip to the park would be the same without spending some time in Frontierland.