Can you take a three-year-old to Disneyland Paris and still have a good time? We find out how to enjoy a large theme park with a small child

My seven-year-old loves Disneyland, but he is a real thrill-seeker and loves nothing better than a stomach-lurching, death-defying roller coaster. So it was with some trepidation that we set off with our three-year-old also in tow to find out that Disneyland Paris has to offer families with small children.

Getting started
Your first port of call has to be the buggy rental - don't even think about trying to get round the park without one. You'll be walking all day and the last thing you need is a cranky toddler.

Next, I would head straight for Fantasyland, which is where most of the 'tame' rides are. From the Mad Hatter's Teacups to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the attractions here are perfect for the mini voyager. Bear in mind though, that most of these rides don't operate the Fast Pass ticket system, so you will have to wait in a long queue at peak times. Good times to hit these are during the Disney Parade (at 4pm every day), early morning or later in the evening.

An absolutely huge hit with both of my kids (and my husband!) was the new Buzz Lightyear attraction in Discoveryland. It's a fantastic journey through space in which you zap aliens with your laser pistols in the battle to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. Brilliant fun, although be prepared for some serious competition, as your scores are tallied up along the way.

Off the beaten track
With my husband and son number one hurtling around Big Thunder Mountain, Louis and I headed for Pocahontas Indian Village - a playground with slides, climbing frames, tunnels and swings. It's really worth checking this out if you need a little down time and a rest from the excitement of the bigger rides.

Another great playground area is to be found in Adventureland. Head for Pirates' Beach, where your kids can play at being swashbuckling sailors, then wander along to Adventure Isle for some serious cave exploration.

Worth exploring too are the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House for climbing and letting off steam and Le Passage Enchante d'Aladdin for some lovely special effects.

What to watch
The Disney Parade is an unmissable part of the visit. With its impressive array of floats and cast of familiar characters, my kids were mesmerised (although the looped theme tune may drive the adults mad). Make time too, for the Winnie the Pooh Show, which is totally geared up for the younger audience.

One of the best shows we saw was the Tarzan - Encounter in the Chaparral Theatre in Frontierland. All-singing, dancing acrobats flying around the stage dressed as apes certainly made for an entertaining performance.

Time out (and in)
Plan ahead to make sure you get to eat somewhere that will suit the whole family. We tried out the Auberge de Cendrillon, which served a delicious buffet plus lots of child-friendly, yet reasonably healthy, lunch options. It's worth booking ahead, particularly at peak times.

If you're staying for more than one day, the Disneyland Hotel is a great choice since it's right at the park gates (so no dragging tired and grumpy kids too far). Staying there also means you'll bump into any number of Disney characters during breakfast and dinner, which utterly delighted my youngest.

Any worries I had about taking a very young child to Disneyland turned out to be unfounded, as the whole family had a really great time. However, my husband and I split up for some of the time, as the age difference between the kids meant the younger rides simply couldn't compete with the thrill of the roller coasters for the seven-year-old. But if you're prepared for that, and you do some good planning, you should have a successful trip.

Opening hours
Disneyland Park is open everyday from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. The Walt Disney Studios Park is open from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm.

Contact info and bookings
You can book an entire holiday at Disneyland Paris (hotels included), through the Disneyland website. Prices vary according to how you travel and what type of accommodation you decide on.