Americans at Disney Paris

[jonkatony]

Just back from a holiday at Disney Resort Paris (were English) and was very suprised to here so many American accents. It was very nice to hear, do many Dis'ers plan to or have gone to Paris? and what did you think of it?

 

[bleeps]

We plan to go, although we don't have a date set yet. Perhaps foolishly, we're waiting for the world situation to calm down a bit (perhaps with a new US president?) before we commit. It does look lovely, and we are eager to explore the park along with spending time in Paris and the general area.... It is frustrating, though, the the WDW corporation doesn't seem to realize that US citizens DO want to plan to visit the Paris park -- they don't let you order planning materials from the Web site (or, at least I haven't figured out how to do it!).

 

[phisigprincess]

My sister was in Paris this summer and she and her boyfriend did a side trip to WDWP. She said the same thing - it was like being home again! She was amazed that Main Street USA was just the same in Florida. I know if I were in Paris, I'd DEFINATELY hop over to the World!!

 

[airplane]

I was there in the summer of 2000. I absolutely loved it. I was surprised to hear that English was the main language used. I was expecting to have to wear the translation devices, which were offered for many, many laguages all over the park.

The only thing I did not like was how the lines were formed. Every line we went in, people did not line up in a straight line or even side by side. Instead people would keep moving up until all of the spaces in the line were filled. The park wasn't even that crowded but I would actually have to take breaks from standing in lines b/c I was feeling claustrophbic (and I am not claustrophobic).

I often wonder if this is how it always is there or if this was an unusual experience?

 

[jonkatony]

airplane, your dead right about the lines, infact me and my son were saying that there is no 'personal space' this aside it is a great place.

 

[wdwguide]

Disneyland Paris is awesome. I hope to go back again soon

 

[Tinkerbellmom33]

We're thinking about spending a couple of days there ourselves and I was wondering if I'd have to dig out my high school French book!!
We're thinking about going to Austria to see our friends (no kids ) And hubbie suggested flying into France and spending a night in Disney!!! I think we're hooked!

 

[MyGoofy26]

The only thing I did not like was how the lines were formed. Every line we went in, people did not line up in a straight line or even side by side. Instead people would keep moving up until all of the spaces in the line were filled. The park wasn't even that crowded but I would actually have to take breaks from standing in lines b/c I was feeling claustrophbic (and I am not claustrophobic).

This is typical of Europe - it's not just that park. Any line people crowd in but people just seem to know who came first - so the "line" exists in peoples' heads, LOL.

Takes a little getting used to. I had to keep reminding myself in Italy that people weren't trying to cut line, they were just filling in the space.

 

[shoes99]

We were there in May 2005. I loved it. We stayed at Hotel New York, we are from the NY/NJ area so we loved the NY theme. I love the landscaping, the grounds at the Disneyland Hotel, and the extra special touches of design and architecture inside the parks. We are 55+ and we had a great time.
I experienced the lack of lines right at Newark International Airport. There was no sense to the boarding. One women said to me , "There are no lines in Europe", you just push and go. We were in the last row of the plane, so we just waited until the mob got on. We experienced the same at DL park. No lines, just push. The only organized line we were in was the line for the Lion King tickets. That was very organized and well done.
Michele

 

[jonkatony]

picture of the castle at Paris

 

[Michelle2]

This is typical of Europe - it's not just that park. Any line people crowd in but people just seem to know who came first - so the "line" exists in peoples' heads, LOL.

Takes a little getting used to. I had to keep reminding myself in Italy that people weren't trying to cut line, they were just filling in the space.

I went to Disneyland Paris in December of 2001. I did not encounter the no-line mentality at the parks as much as I did the airports, etc in Europe....It was pretty slow at DLP because it was right after 9/11/01 though. I really liked DLP, and LOVED staying at the Disneyland hotel right at the entrance of the park! I was not too crazy about the food, but I was in my first trimester of pregnancy though, so not much appealed to me anyways....

I would love to go back someday. I LOVE that castle!

 

[TracyK]

This is typical of Europe - it's not just that park. Any line people crowd in but people just seem to know who came first - so the "line" exists in peoples' heads, LOL.

Takes a little getting used to. I had to keep reminding myself in Italy that people weren't trying to cut line, they were just filling in the space.

I find this a bit of a sweeping statement. As a 'European' I certainly know how to queue properly, as do the majority of fellow Brits.

Tracy

 

[DISUNC]

I find this a bit of a sweeping statement. As a 'European' I certainly know how to queue properly, as do the majority of fellow Brits.

Tracy

 

[ArielDreams]

I just returned from DLP as well (was there 4/5 and 4/6). While we liked it, my mom and i kept comparing it to WDW in Florida and we just did not get the same experience at DLP. It didn't seem as magical and friendly and accommodating. It was definitely fun but I don't think I'd go back there again unless they got way more rides and attractions. Mom and I finished both parks in 1 day + 2 hours the next morning (finished Studios in less than 4 hours!)

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

The only thing I did not like was how the lines were formed. Every line we went in, people did not line up in a straight line or even side by side. Instead people would keep moving up until all of the spaces in the line were filled.

We went a few years ago and LOVED it. We would go back in a heartbeat... It is funny that you mention this, airplane, while all the ques were lined up as normal, we did find that there was no personal space, if I took one step the person behind me would take two, this was the only complaint that we had... But we understand it is a cultural difference and did not let it really bother us, As americans we are used to that "personal space bubble" and we just didn't get that over there. But hubby and I use it as our own little "code talk" now. When we are out and we feel people are too close we will look at each other and say "Want to go back to Paris?" and the other one knows exactlly what is wrong.

We were there when it was only MK, it is absolutely our favorite Disney park to date (although we have not been to Tokyo which I am sure will take the title once we get there).

 

[jonkatony]

hi Ariel, I was there the same time as you, I agree with the size of DLP does not compare with WDW and is a three day trip, we love both WDW and DLP and for us, its a 2 hour train journey. when we go to WDW its for two weeks minimum. If I lived in the USA,I would combine a trip to DLP, with visits to London & Paris

 

[brer rabbit 28]

as a british person i find the queuing system in DLP very claustrophobic-especially on space mountain,having said that i didn't witness any of the running to get on rides first at park opening,this seems to be purely an american thing.The only thing i wish they would sort out in paris is the character meetings.They just tend to let people congregate around them instead of organising a queue.Any adults without children have got almost no chance of getting photos unless you are prepared to bully your way forward.

 

[Cruisin]

I am not American, I'm Canadian but I'm looking very much forward to going to DisneylandParis.

We are planning a trip to Holland next year to visit relatives and hope to make it to Disney Paris at that time.

jonkatony, how difficult is it to get from the train station to the park? We probably won't be driving and I don't know if relatives have any interest in going to Disney or not, so we might take a train.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

the train station is at the park entrance.There is also a direct bus from charles de gaulle airport

 

[Scratch42]

I am not American, I'm Canadian but I'm looking very much forward to going to DisneylandParis.

We are planning a trip to Holland next year to visit relatives and hope to make it to Disney Paris at that time.

jonkatony, how difficult is it to get from the train station to the park? We probably won't be driving and I don't know if relatives have any interest in going to Disney or not, so we might take a train.

Hey!

Come over to the DLP Boards! They are being very helpful and friendly! They are helping our group plan our travels for August 2007!

When are you guys going?

j