DLP v. Disneyworld FL

[Enzo Ferrari]

Thanks in advance for any help you can render to someone who's utterly clueless about all things Disney. To make a long story much shorter, I'll be spending a week in Paris in July, accompanied by 2 friends. While I've been to Paris many times, neither of my friends has. One of them is a special friend, and we'll have only one day alone together during the trip, during which I very much want to do something memorable for her. We've agreed that I'll be in charge of planning/executing our one solo day, all as a surprise for her. Since she's a hard-core Disney fan and has enjoyed several visits to Orlando, I'm considering taking her to DLP for the day. I figured I'd buy tickets in advance and get her there at 9:00 when the gates open.
My question is, do you think there are sufficient differences between the two experiences so as to make this a good choice for our day-trip? You may assume that we'll have hit all the usual tourist spots in/around Paris- my question really centers on whether someone who loves the Florida Disney experience will find DLP a really fun way to spend the day, or whether instead it'll be too redundant. Feel free to e-mail me privately or respond here- all help sincerely appreciated! Merci bien.

 

[Emmo]

Speaking as someone who adores both places I say go for it! She should love DLP as much as Florida, they certainly are similar but different enough to get great enjoyment, and the park is breathtakingly beautiful. Let us knowm how you get on!

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

they certainly are similar but different enough to get great enjoyment, and the park is breathtakingly beautiful

THANKS, Emmo, that's the sort of feedback I need. I'll let you know how this plays out. Anyone else?

 

[Emmo]

You're welcome, anytime! Good Luck!

 

[Bexx]

As you are just planning to go for the day, just visit the Disneyland Park and don't bother about the Studios. Unfortunately our Studios does not compare too favourably with the one in Orlando, whereas the Disneyland Park is definitely a more beautiful version of WDW's Magic Kingdom - and if she is a Disney fan, a place I'm sure she would be delighted to visit.

Welcome to the DIS!!

 

[SimonV]

I would say - absolutely, yes, definitely, do it! Especially if you can get there for opening time and take some time to wander around and appreciate the extra layer of wonderful design and imagination with the Disneyland Park. Both Susan and I feel this is THE most enchanting of all the Disney Magic Kingdom-type parks and there is a LOT for Orlando fans to appreciate in DLP. Just make sure you spend some time looking and exploring rather than dashing from ride to ride (although DLP also has several all-new attractions compared to Florida and several that are good variations on the same theme). Book a meal in the Blue Lagoon at some point as well, and you will be well on the way to a great day out.

 

[Ware Bears]

Enzo Ferrari, What a wonderful friend you are.

I agree with the others in that however much I love WDW's Magic Kingdom, DLRP's Disneyland Park is the more beautiful park, especially Sleeping Beauty Castle which is unique in that it has its own dragon lurking underneath!

 

[Miffy2003]

I have been to both and I echo the others' advice to go.

DLP has a particularl charm of its own, and is a very beautiful park. Some of the rides that are in both parks are better in DLP because they were designed more recently - particularly BTMR, Space Mountain & POC.

Part of the appeal when I went to DLP was looking for the similarities and the differences

Do have a wonderful trip!

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who has replied thus far.
BECKY: I'd wondered whether it was worth trying to do both the Park & Studios in just one day, so I appreciate the advice.
SIMON: Good advice too, especially since I'd love to include a good meal! ELAINE: Glad you mentioned Sleeping Beauty's Castle, since she's a big Sleeping Beauty fan.
MIFFY: Good point- I suspect that comparing the two will be a big part of the fun for her.

 

[Cyrano]

Hi Enzo Ferrari and welcome to DLP DIS board

We are a friendly bunch here so please join in on any other thread or if you have a number of questions just start a new thread for each one

Given that many of the fables that were the origin of Disney animation have European origins, then I'm sure your friend and you will love Disneyland Paris. I'd echo Becky's comments that you should spend your time exploring the detail in the main park, ignoring WDS. Have a look at our beautiful pink Sleeping Beauty castle.
Look for sounds and details of the imagineers on Main Street.

You might want to go in to Disneyland Hotel which has wonderful views of the castle.

I'm sure you'll have a great day

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

You might want to go in to Disneyland Hotel which has wonderful views of the castle.

Good tip, thanks!

 

[jonkatony]

We have been to both a few times, and enjoy both. They are the same but also very different (I hope people know what I mean?)
Go have fun and enjoy the comparison

 

[Ghost]

she's a hard-core Disney fan

Be carefull; she might totally fal in love with the Disneyland park in Paris.
Enjoy your day at DLRP

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

They are the same but also very different

Funny, "just the same, only different" is one of our favorite catch-phrases! I think maybe you're right, and that she'll find the comparison fun.

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

Be carefull; she might totally fal in love with the Disneyland park in Paris.

How awful, we might have to stay in Paris and refuse to return to the States!

 

[Cyrano]

Have a look at the secrets thread here for some of the fine detail

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

Thanks, Reid!

 

[jillrobinson]

What a wonderful surprise - I'm sure you'll both have a superb day at the park.

 

[tifosi]

We are Big fans of the US Disney parks and are trying Paris for the first time this month. We are also apprehensive but trying to go with an open mind. I will report back in 4 weeks.

Enzo: you have a good handle, I am a fan, look at my handle

 

[Enzo Ferrari]

We are Big fans of the US Disney parks and are trying Paris for the first time this month. We are also apprehensive but trying to go with an open mind. I will report back in 4 weeks.

Enzo: you have a good handle, I am a fan, look at my handle

Thanks, Tifosi, I'd really appreciate reading your feedback after you return. As for my handle, yes, I'm a long-time Ferrari owner, and my friend and I are both big F1 fans (rare here in the US).