MAXINE GORDON heads to Disneyland Paris with her tweenager and discovers the legendary magic has no age barriers.

ALL my 12-year-old daughter Eva wanted from her trip to Disneyland was a pair of Minnie Mouse ears. As soon as we arrived and got through the considerable security bag-check and ticket queues, it was straight to the first store to buy the ultimate Disney memento.

The black furry accessory then stayed on for the duration of our daytrip to Disneyland in which we road-tested the best the two adjoining parks have to offer.

The great thing about going to Disneyland with an older child is that they are not so interested in queuing (yes, be prepared for a lot of that) to meet the famous characters and more interested in getting on the rides.

I am a wimp when it comes to rollercoasters, but steeled myself to find some deep reserve of courage to accompany Eva on her thrill-seeking.

First up was Big Thunder Mountain, a rickety ride on a “runaway” train that dips and twists through an impressive Rockies stage set.

Having survived the first hurdle, my confidence grew – so much so I was prepared to do the 360-degree loop on Indiana Jones and The Temple of Peril. Strapped into the carriage, my heart and stomach flipped as it took off like an out-of-control wagon. My coping mechanism was to shut my eyes, knowing the ride wouldn’t last forever. As we flipped upside down, everyone screamed. Except me. Inside I was counting every second until I could get off.

Determined not to be a party-pooper, I conceded to one further scary attraction.

Over in the Walt Disney Studios Park – a few minutes walk away – you can hear the shrieks as soon as you approach its landmark attraction: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Built to resemble a large hotel, the gig here is that you travel in a “broken” elevator that “drops” suddenly, then stops as the doors fly open to reveal the Disneyland parks before you.

As if I wasn’t nervous enough, while we waited to enter the lift, there was an announcement on the Tannoy apologising for the delay because of a mechanical problem. I was all for turning back, but before I could yell “let’s leg it”, the lift doors suddenly opened and we were ushered inside.

To get the experience here, I knew I had to keep my eyes open this time. So I breathed deeply, then gulped for air as I felt the ground give way. In a whoosh we had fallen several floors (luckily we were strapped into seats). It was like being on a giant yo-yo, as the ride thrust us upwards then let us fall.

Despite the adrenaline rush of such dramatic rides, our favourite attraction was the newest one at the Walt Disney Studios Park – Ratatouille, inspired from the popular Pixar animation about French rat Remy, who has a love of cooking.

This is billed as a 4-D experience, so we were expecting an onslaught on our senses. We weren’t disappointed. The rat-shaped carriage whisks you through a film set, set in a bustling kitchen which could have come straight from the movie. The action looms large before us as we are cast as Remy. Wearing 3-D specs, you feel totally immersed in the movie; a chef’s broom abruptly pokes at you, sending the carriage into a spin, and a champagne cork flies straight for your face, accompanied by a cooling spray. It’s brilliant and a sure sign that Disneyland Paris is going the extra mile to keep its millions of visitors satisfied in this, its 23rd year.

Our visit was arranged for the purposes of this article, which gave us a VIP Fastpass ticket, effectively allowing us to jump the considerable queues.

Many guests staying at certain Disney hotels can get Fastpass tickets too, which can be used on 10 of the most popular attractions across both parks. Another way to beat the long wait is to pick up Fastpass tickets on the day, which are dispensed free of charge at terminals situated near the attraction entrance and give you an allotted time slot to try the ride.

Queueing, however, is part and parcel of the Disneyland experience, Fastpass or not. I mentioned the queues to get in, but you will also wait in line for loos and at food outlets. If you are visiting for the day, I recommend you bring a picnic.

Also, buy your return train ticket in Paris, to save the long queues at the Marne-la-Vallée station at the Disneyland site. We waited a good 30 minutes for ours – almost as long as the journey back to the city.

But it was a small gripe in what had been a wonderful, memorable day for mum and daughter. Eva came away cherishing her Minnie Mouse ears, and I left having discovered some courage.

Fact file...

• For information about a family break to experience Disneyland Paris call 08448 008 111 or visit disneylandparis.co.uk

• Prices for a two-night/three-day package including return travel with Eurostar in May 2015 start from £1,244.10 based on a family of four sharing (children aged 3-7).

The price includes two nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast at the Disney’s Santa Fe Hotel, three-day park hopper tickets for the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park and travel by Eurostar.