Disneyland Paris plan for US Parks expert?

[hitormiss]

After 20 years of wishing, I'm taking my family from Los Angeles to Disneyland Paris next month. We only have one day at the parks, and plan on staying from opening until Wishes at closing, then we will take the train back to Paris.

I have had the good fortune of going to WDW and DLR multiple times, so I'm trying to find a list of all things to do/see things that are unique to the two parks at Disneyland Paris, or different enough that they're worth doing there. For example, we will obviously ride Space Mountain and see Animagique, but we will skip Tea Cups and Captain EO. Are Pirates, Small World, etc. different enough that they're worth doing in our one day? That's what I want to know.

Since we're also doing all this in one day (Tuesday, July 17), I'm looking for strategy guides for the optimal ride/attraction order and Fastpass strategy to minimize time in lines. I use Ridemax and TouringPlans for the US, but haven't seen anything for Paris.

Other key questions: how are the parks connected? If we all go to Studios first thing to ride Crush's Coaster, can my wife in the meantime go to the main park and get a Fastpass for something else for all three of us? Or do all three of us have to enter each park so the system "knows" we're there? Alternatively, can I get a Fastpass from the main park and from Studios at the same time if I run back and forth? Can you use Fastpasses past the printed time like you can at Disneyland?

Any and all help or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I would also love to know the answers to many of your questions, since I am visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time next July for 3 or 4 days after our 12 night Disney mediterranean cruise. We also have been to WDW and Disneyland in CA many times and want to experience the uniqueness of DLP. I also love RideMax, always use it for WDW and DLR, it is amazing. I'm going to feel lost without it for DLP now that I'm used to following my custom printout plan. But, they do have TouringPlans in the 'Unoffical Guide to Disneyland Paris' book that are setup just like the ones for the 'Unofficial' Guides for WDW and DLR. I've never used these since I just use RideMax but I figure its better than going aimlessly into the park.

 

[kmg148]

I'm going for a day as well when I go, and I've been to DL once and WDW countless times.

I made a list of thing must-dos that I have and somethings that I wouldn't be disappointed missing. I think the reality is not everything I want to see will get done, and if I limit myself to only a few must-dos, I won't be as disappointed.

If you spend less time eating full service meals you will be able to save a lot of time, like in WDW. I think the key is pretty similar to WDW; get a FP for one popular attraction while riding another popular one first thing in the morning.

One of the biggest differences I've seen so far is in EMH. While you get 2 hours in the morning, that might be enough time to do everything that's open because you are very limited in the attractions that are operating. If you are staying at one of their resorts, keep that in mind!

 

[Happy Tappy]

Must do's:

Disneyland park: Space Mountain, PoTC, Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor, Dragon under the castle, Dreams.

Studios: Cinemagique, Crushes Coaster, ToT, Animagique.

The rest are quite similar to the American versions or not worth visiting if you only have a day.

Your wife could get you fastpass tickets in the other park but she'd have to come out to give you your tickets so you can get back in!

A good plan would be to head to the Studios first. Join the queue straight away for Crush whilst someone else in your party gets you ToT fastpasses. Crush has the longest queue in the whole resort.

Once you've done Crush you can assess the showtimes for Cinemagique and Animagique and fill it in the gaps on rides with short queues like the Aerosmith or Stitch Live.

By the time you've done the must do's for the Studios it will be lunch time. Grab something to eat and then head over to the main park. Thunder Mountain will be the busiest ride in the main park so it makes sense to get a FP as soon as possible. Rides like Phantom Manor and Pirates rarely have long queues so you should be able to do them easily enough. The rides should be open until 10pm in July so you should be able to do a lot of Disneyland Park, especially if you get a counter service dinner. The rides tend to be very quiet between 8pm and 10pm as everyone is eating.

Your day is then complete with Dreams which is unmissable.

 

[zavandor]

I went to WDW last January, DL Paris last May and DLR two weeks ago, so I can help comparing attraction of the three parks

About Disneyland Park must dos:
- the Castle: the walkthrough is really beautiful. Don't forget to take a picture of the crow (you'll see a surprise when you'll be back home) and listen near the armors. Under the castle there is a Dragon!

- walking in Fantasyland: the theming of the area is much nicer than the one in Magic Kingdom and I think better than DL too

- Casey Jr train and Storybook canal are different from DL. However not really a must do.

- Alice's labyrinth is nice: I'm in love with Alice in Wonderland so for me is a must do.

- It's a Small World: similar to WDW one, but the entrance is the most beautiful version. Try to be in front of it at the hour

- Space Mountains: beware it's really more intense than other versions.

- Phantom Manor: you must see this. It's in Frontierland, so its story is very different from other Hunted Mansions. The first part is almost identical to DL one, but the second part is unique, due to its location. Haunted Mansion in WDW is far better, but this one is quite unique. After you exit, go to the graveyard, nice photo op (and put your ear near the big tomb).

- Big Thunder Mountains: best version in the world, hands down.

- Indiana Jones: unique to this park, so a must see. It has an inversion, but I consider this one not very intense (it's also short) so I think it's a nice "bridge" coaster from a family one like BTM to a more intense like SM.

- Pirates: my favorite version of the three, but be aware, they keep the music at an higher level than WDW or DL, so you'll not be able to hear the story. It has not Jack Sparrow (yet).

- all shows: M-U-S-T-S-E-E.
Dreams is really fantastic. I compare its beauty to Fantasmic! and World of Color. It's my third favorite Disney Show, but very close to the other two.
The parade is very nice, my favorite in the parks I've seen.
Tarzan: really really good. Different from Aladin in DCA, but I think it's on par.

Dumbo, Teacups, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snowwhite are very similar to DL and WDW versions.
Star tour is the old version, unless you feel nostalgic you can skip it.
Buzz Lightyear is very similar to the DL one.


About the Studios:

- Cinemagique: must see. Unique and very magical

- Animagique: nice show, especially if you have little ones

- Tram tour: almost identical to WDW version, even a little worst, now they cut it a little to make room to build a new attraction, you can skip it

- Toy Story Playland: little attractions, with low hourly load so you'll find long lines. Not really worth it, but two of the three have single riders line so you can cut most of the wait

- Armageddon: worst Disney attraction in the world. Narnia was worst, but since it's now closed Armageddon get that prize now

- Stunt show: identical to WDW

- Rock and Roller Coaster: the coaster is identical to WDW, but they have cut all the story off.

- Nemo: must be rope dropped, or prepare to a long line. They tested single rider a few weeks ago, i don't know if it's still available

- Tower of Terror: identical to DL, even the drop sequence. If you can go to DL often, you can skip it

- Parade (Stars and Cars): not my favorite

- Stitch: very nice. I think it's similar to Turtle Talk (but I've never seen Turtle Talk)

- Playhouse Disney: for little ones is a nice show

I think restaurants are really not anything special, if you compare to quality and variety of WDW. Walt's has good reviews, and Blue Lagoon is like Blue Bayou in DL (inside Pirates) but since you have only one day, I would suggest to not do any table service at all.
Toad's Hall is a counter service restaurant in Fantasyland where you can eat traditional fish and chips and the theming is really nice. It's very small, so finding a table to eat will be hard, but if you eat during odd times it's worth a visit.

 

[Michael623]

DLP has a few walk through attractions that are pretty neat and are quick to see like the Alice in Wonderland Maze, Aladdin, Castle tapestries, Nautilus and the Arcades (not the kind with video games) that parallel Main St.

Rides that are different than in the US: IASW (same concept just different), SpM (totally different), BTMRR(same concept just different), HW (Phantom Manor), POC(while it is different, it's still not as good as the DL version), Star Tours (still the old version), RNR(same concept just different) and the Storyland Canal boats (rarely open and similar to DL but still different enough to enjoy).

Rides that only exist at DLP: I've covered the walk throughs, Cinemagique (must see!), Animaquiqe, Indy Coaster, Adventure Isle (great for kids but still worth a look without kids), Dragon under the castle, Stitch Live, Armageddon, Crush's Coaster (hugely popular), Cars Race Car Rally (essentially the same as Francis' Ladybug Boogie at DCA), and the attractions of the Toy Story Playland (not my cup of tea but some people seem to like them).

Rides that are copies of the US versions or at least not different enough to make a difference, either DL or WDW: TOT, Swiss Family Tree House, Buzz lightyear, Capt EO, Autopia, Orbitron, Peter Pan (although still one of my favorites), Tea Cups, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Snow White, Carousel, Flying Carpets, Lights Motors Action.

 

[Michael623]

- Armageddon: worst Disney attraction in the world. Narnia was worst, but since it's now closed Armageddon get that prize now

I think Capt EO is the worst attraction ever at any theme park but Armageddon is really lame, similar to Twister at Universal which is equally lame.

You and I seem to be in the same page as far as are reviews but I have to disagree on the Indy Coaster, I think it is rough and not all that fun. Unless you're a coaster junky this is not a must do at all.

 

[zavandor]

At least Twister has a flying cow, who doesn't love flying cows?

I never did coasters before going to a Disney Park and I still skip a coaster if the theming or the story does not attract me.
However since hitormiss already said that he's going to try SM and Crush, Indy will be easy for him. The theming is spectacular, the view too and it's unique. So I think it's a must do. But I agree, it's not the best coaster out there.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Hi, I've not been to any other parks, so can't compare, but thought I'd give a quick tip for getting to Big Thunder Mountain quickly.

Once in the park, from Town Square, head to the left of Main St and go through Liberty Arcade. This runs up the side of Main St (as Michael623 says). Once at the other end of the arcade, turn immediately to the left. This is the start of the 'covered walkway' and will lead you quickly to Frontierland and BTM.

For maximum effect, I'd suggest riding in the evening if you can, just as it gets dark, about 9:30ish. You'll see much of the park lit up and it's a fantastic ride

Also, don't miss Dreams - the most amazing show i've ever seen

 

[hitormiss]

Thanks to everyone for the fantastic responses - that's exactly the kind of information we were looking for. If anyone else has additional insight or tips, we're all ears!

 

[Hipster Meg]

Having read lately that a lot of the counter service restaurants seem to be shut during the day my advise would be if you want something quick to eat rather than hunting round for a restaurant that's open or hiking back to the village to grab something maybe think about going to Cafe Fantasia in the Disneyland Hotel for a quick bit to eat. From what I remember it does a variety of different sandwiches and is a comporable price to a burger meal in the park. The advantage of going there is that you get to have a nice, quick meal in a lovely restaurant. Yes it won't be as cheap as going to the Earl of Sandwich (which is also a good place to eat) but the experience will be nicer. Plus it's just outside the park which won't cut into your park time too badly.

 

[torsie24]

I'm another who adores TGM, TouringPlans and RideMax.

But honestly you don't need them for DLRP.

Just use the normal Disney common sense and make use of FPs (that have very strict return times) and you'll be fine.

 

[wvulion]

I traveled to DLP for the second time from West Virginia two weeks ago, and my advice is get there as early as you can (no EMH since you're not staying on property). Grab a map--both parks are on one, so don't waste time running back and forth picking up both. The 20th Anniversary parade is nice and there's no 3:00 parade like WDW, but it's not necessary, so start at the Studios and kill Crush's Coaster immediately--it is a time drain. Remember that, in general, all the rides are more intense, so consider that for little ones as well as adults. Do the rides they don't have in the States first, then double back for repeats of those you want to compare. I love the Castle and its dragon more than any other of the Castles I've been to. Give yourself enough time there, and also prepare for the larger scope of DLP--just go onto Main Street, look left and right, and you'll immediately know what I mean. They've learned so much in the park design and corrected mistakes from the earlier parks. Get your seat for Dreams at least 1.5 hours before--you'll want to be close to see the water screens. Finally, no one cares there about the princesses, so they are hard to find, and when you find them--no lines. No lines for any character and the handlers won't help back people up, so be prepared--they love the animal movies like "Fox and the Hound" and "Jungle Book" more. Also no Photo Pass at all. Finally--do the Buffet at the Studios featuring Remy--he's really neat, but it's an All You Can Eat Buffet featuring lots of French food as well as American favorites--it was a nice budget friendly way to sample a lot of great food without committing a ton of money. Have a great time and Bonne Chance.

 

[zavandor]

Get your seat for Dreams at least 1.5 hours before

I don't agree. Any view in the central hub is good. I think that also from Main Street is good as well. The VIP area (where you can go with the dining experience) is near Casy's Corner, way far from the Castle.

no one cares there about the princesses, so they are hard to find, and when you find them--no lines

There is a meet and greet in Fantasyland and it's a solid 90 minutes wait all day long.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

I don't agree. Any view in the central hub is good. I think that also from Main Street is good as well. The VIP area (where you can go with the dining experience) is near Casy's Corner, way far from the Castle.



There is a meet and greet in Fantasyland and it's a solid 90 minutes wait all day long.

+ 1

and you are being optimistic as I've not yet seen it under 120

 

[RyMickey]

We are Orlando veterans and headed over to Europe for the first time in late April/May this year. We stayed onsite at the HNY and ventured into the parks for only one day...and it was plenty of time to see it all. Granted, staying onsite allowed us early entry to DL, but when comparing what's open Stateside for EMH, there's much less open at DL. Here was our touring plan for the day (this ended up going on much longer than I expected!).

If you're staying onsite, head into DL right at rope drop. We did Space Mountain (which, IMO, is AWFUL), Buzz, and Peter Pan's Flight and then headed over to the Studios. We arrived about 20 minutes before the opening time, but the park was already open, so we rushed over to Crush's Coaster. The wait said 50 minutes, but it wasn't even 25. If memory serves me correctly, there isn't a whole lot of weaving inside, so what you see outside will be the bulk of the wait. After Crush, we got Fastpasses for ToT and then rode the RnRC (which was fun and a bit different). Then we lucked out that we could see Animagique immediately followed by Cinemagique (I believe it was the first show of each for the day). Both shows were good, but the latter is not to be missed. Then we did ToT and headed back to DL. (The walk is less than 10 minutes and probably close to 5 if you're walking at a decent pace.)

Back in DL, we went right over to Big Thunder and grabbed Fastpasses. Then we did Phantom Manor and then had a bite to eat with stuff we had brought into the park (we tried to wait in line for food at a fast food place, but the line was so interminably slow-moving, we just ate what we'd brought). We then did the Indy roller coaster (not worth anything more than a five minute wait), then rode Pirates and explored the Swiss Family Treehouse and Pirates Cove and then rode BTMR. Then we trekked back into Fantasyland and did Pinocchio (since we don't have that in Orlando), the dragon walkthrough (which while neat, will take you seriously all of three minutes) and then did Small World.

At this point, it was probably about 4:30pm and our party broke up as we had met family who had joined us late and they wanted to see Cinemagique. My brothers and I explored the Alice's Labyrinth and, I think at this time, rode BTMR again (although we may have done this after dinner). After that, since everything seemed so ridiculously expensive to our American sensibilities, we actually left the park and went to Earl of Sandwich in the village -- totally reasonable prices like at home.

Then it was back to the park. I, for some reason, really wanted to ride the Storybook Canal Boats which closed at 8pm, so we rushed over to them (and I soon realized it was totally not worth it). Then we went to Tomorrowland and did the Submarine walkthrough and then rode Space Mountain again to see our hatred for it in the am was just because we were tired. It wasn't. It's rather telling that at 8:15 at night, we literally walked right on the ride and had a whole roller coaster all to ourselves. We then did Star Tours, explored the shops, and still had time to get a decent spot at the end of Main Street (essentially at "the hub") for the fireworks show about 20-25 minutes before it was supposed to start.

Looking back on things, we saw everything we wanted to in both parks in one day and could have pushed ourselves even harder if we needed to. It's absolutely manageable. I should also note that we visited a day or two before a French holiday so the parks were moderately busy, but we really didn't encounter any long lines. I will say that if there is any flexibility in your plans, try to make sure you head into the parks on a day that it doesn't rain. We ended up having a few rain-related issues (Indy and Big Thunder closed when we wanted to ride them...not a big deal, though, as we just decided to have our lunch then), but obviously not everything stays open in the rain and with only one day to see everything (unlike the multiple days you take at a Stateside park), you can't really "go back and see it the next day."

As far as Fastpasses go, I really think we only used two...one for ToT and one for BTMR...unlike MK in Orlando, it's just not as prolific over there as there really aren't as many "rides" as we're used to in our parks. (And I don't mean that as a slight.)

Have fun! I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

 

[petals]

can I ask another question in Paris do they do anything special in any of the restaurants for anything other than birthdays like in WDW they do for celebrations like anniversaries and that. I'll be graduating when I come back and would be cool to celebrate it somehow in Paris.

 

[kizzabel]

The Princess Pavillion wasn't open very long on our last trip with the kids (Nov 11) and we queued for well over an hour on a quiet day. Its right near IASW and gets queues during EMH for a 10am opening (?? someone correct me if Im wrong).
For c/s restaurants Toad Hall does a nice fish and chips and the theming is nice. Its near Peter Pan.

You could see about the two hour tour in english aswel. It is well worth doing if you have time. Its an interesting tour which points out the secrets and history behind rides, decor and props. It can be booked in the morning thru City Hall.