At a glance
Le Carrousel de Lancelot is an old-fashioned merry-go-round in the middle of Fantasyland, right behind Sleeping Beauty Castle. Inspired by the movie The Sword in the Stone and the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, it lets guests climb onto one of 86 richly decorated horses or take a seat in one of the two carved chariots.
Each horse is one of a kind, with its own colors and armor. The sixteen horses in the outer row are carved from wood, while the rest are fiberglass. The ride is trimmed with gilding, jousting lances, and painted murals showing the life and deeds of Sir Lancelot.
The ride turns to classic Disney music played by a historic organ named Big Nelly. As it spins, you get sweeping views of the land around you. It’s a calm family ride that wraps kids and adults alike in a colorful, romantic medieval atmosphere.
The carousel with hand-painted horses. A classic merry-go-round themed to Excalibur, where every mount sports its own medieval decoration. Gentle motion and organ music make it a safe bet for little ones. Its spot at the foot of the castle also makes it a great photo op.
History
Le Carrousel de Lancelot opened with the park on April 12, 1992. It’s the Disneyland Paris take on the King Arthur Carrousel, which has been at Disneyland in Anaheim since 1955. Located in Fantasyland, it draws on the legend of King Arthur and the sword Excalibur. It hasn’t changed in any major way since opening day.
Technical specs
- Duration
- 1 min 30
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Carousel
- Opening date April 12, 1992
- Duration 1 min 30 s
- Number of horses 86 (16 outer + 70 inner)
Theme & world
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact moderate
- Perceived wait moderate
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access must transfer from wheelchair
- Pregnant visitors OK to ride
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
This ride has no Single Rider line. If you want to cut your wait, rely on Premier Access or get there at park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
This ride stays closed during Extra Magic Time and only opens when the park does.
Who it’s made for
Pros and cons
The highlights
- A timeless classic the whole family can enjoy
- Beautifully decorated horses
- Disney songs played on an organ
The downsides
- The line has no cover
- Fairly short ride
- Some guests rush to grab a particular horse
My verdict
Le Carrousel de Lancelot is an old-fashioned merry-go-round with 86 hand-painted horses themed to Arthurian legend, set just behind Sleeping Beauty Castle. The ride lasts 1 min 30 s, an organ plays Disney music, and the medieval theming is well done. It’s based on the King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland in Anaheim (1955).
It’s one of the calmest rides in the park and a good photo spot in the middle of Fantasyland. My tip if sitting high up on a horse makes you nervous: there are two carriages instead of horses, much steadier and just as photogenic. Watch out for guests rushing to claim a specific horse. Boarding can get a bit hectic in peak season.
Best time to go
Based on this ride’s wait time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
Le Carrousel de Lancelot sits in Fantasyland, close to Les Voyages de Pinocchio and the Excalibur rock.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long lines for the most popular rides?
To skip long lines at Disneyland Paris, I mix several strategies. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille, and Spider-Man, as long as you don’t mind boarding apart from your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that guarantees you priority entry on the headline rides. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and that’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without waiting. Last, heading to the busiest rides during a parade or a big show empties the lines dramatically.
02 Are the wait times posted in the park accurate?
Yes, the wait times shown in the app or on the park’s screens are generally accurate. They’re often equal to or slightly longer than the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be under refurbishment during my vacation?
Disneyland Paris posts the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website several weeks ahead of time. Since the parks are open year-round, maintenance crews sometimes work on days the park is open, which leads to temporary closures. My tip: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before you book, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young kids?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can be a bit much for young kids, even with no height requirement. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling moments. La Tanière du Dragon, beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, leans into its ghostly mood and stays pretty intense for little ones. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful scenes and darker ones. I recommend watching how your child reacts before you board.
05 How far ahead does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris shares its list of ride closures about 2 to 3 months ahead. For major rides, the park lets guests know about planned construction at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, since dates can change. That way you won’t get the nasty surprise of finding out on the spot that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment.
