Hayley Gyllenspetz takes a short trip across the Channel to meet all the favourite characters at Disneyland Paris - and to experience the thrills of the newly-opened Walt Disney film studios

IMAGINE waking up and finding Minnie Mouse at the breakfast table, or Goofy offering to make your bed. Well, at the wonderful world of Disneyland Paris, it's an everyday occurrence to find cartoon characters wandering around, larger than life.

For too long, Disneyland Paris has been considered the poor relation to its American counterpart. But what Paris lacks in guaranteed sunshine, it more than makes up for in fun, especially now the new Walt Disney film studios have opened to the public.

The studios section of the park gives visitors the chance to experience life on a film set, to get a first-hand look at special effects, or to get really frightened on some of the scariest rollercoaster rides ever invented.

Rock legends Aerosmith have helped create one of the main attractions at the new park. But, sadly, the most frightening thing about the high speed, spinning rollercoaster is the film you are made to watch before you settle down for the ride. Watching lead singer Steve Tyler and the rest of the band trying to act certainly makes you eager to climb aboard the ride and get as far away as quickly as possible.

Elsewhere in the park you are taken onto a spoof set for the all-American action film Armageddon. Fire, water and exploding circuit boards surround you as you step aboard the spaceship heading off to save the world from impending doom.

It's a real no-no if you're claustrophobic or hate surprises, but amazing for anyone who has ever fancied themselves as a stunt man or woman.

If all this excitement is too much for you, then sit on a special bus and get a fun tour of the history of movie sets. As you trundle through various sets looking at props from real films, you could be forgiven for getting too comfortable - but remember, this is Disney.

Just as you feel you have found a safe ride, the bus runs into a canyon where a blazing inferno and volcano are quickly extinguished by a monsoon. A word of advice - remember to take your brolly with you.

You soon realise that nothing at Disneyland Paris is as it seems. Walk into a cinema to see Honey I Shrunk the Audience, and you are soon in the middle of an interactive film with the most realistic 3D effects you'll ever experience.

An exhibition detailing the history of Disney soon becomes an animated talk narrated by an hilarious dragon who seems more alive than a lot of the staff.

Of course there are the usual merchandising opportunities at the new studios park - if you've ever wanted a clapper board with Mickey Mouse on it you are in the right place - but that doesn't detract from the magic.

There are also lots of cafes where you can get a snack, but remember you are paying amusement park prices so you might have to dig deep; a three-course burger meal costs around £15. Snacks are no cheaper, with a packet of crisps costing about £1 and soft drinks at £1.20 a can.

Just a short walk from the new Walt Disney studios attraction you can relax in one of the Disney hotels where you are more than likely to bump into your favourite cartoon character. The hotels are comfortable and obviously child-friendly - apart from the all-too-tempting gift shops in the foyers.

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, then make sure you keep a day aside for the new Walt Disney studios - a brilliant addition to a theme park that is slowly, but surely, living up to the Disney name.

* Hayley Gyllenspetz travelled by GNER from Darlington to London Kings Cross and Eurostar from London's Waterloo to Paris.

Tickets and information for Eurostar 0870 1606600

Tickets and information for GNER 08457 225225

* The Northern Echo Reader Travel department is offering a selection of dates at Disneyland Paris from May to October 2002, with both on-site accommodation at the Disneyland hotels and off-site accommodation in Paris.

Three days and two nights at a hotel away from the resort, including travel, accommodation and a park pass start from £99.95.

Three days and two nights at a hotel in the resort, including travel, accommodation and a park pass start from £129.95 per person (based on four people sharing).

There are also several packages available offering two days passes for the Studio and the general park, or three-day hopper passes. To book or to request a brochure call Reader Travel on (01325) 505240 or (01325) 505290.

* A three-day hopper pass for Disneyland Paris allowing you to come and go at the park is £68 for adults and £48 for children.