DLP v Florida? Is it worth it?

[laluna]

We love Florida and Disney World but as we have a young addtion to the family, are delaying our next trip til next April. We are tempted by a trip to DLP but are restricted to visiting in August because of school hols. But we are just so hesitant. I am worried that I will make less than favourable comparisons with Florida and am also concerned about the crowd levels at the end of the summer. (I have also heard that our fellow europeans dont believe much in queing and dont fancy this with two little ones). Are there any mutual Florida lovers who can convince me or should I put the money towards the Florida fund for next year?

 

[A Small World]

We are also Florida lovers and although we visit France every year couldnt bring ourselves to visit DLP until last year. We thought it would be a poor relation and that we would be disappointed.
However we loved it!!! so much so we are setting off again today to go again

There were advantages over Florida- hotels being in walking distance being the main one.

The parks themselves are also very beautiful with a lot more detail in some places than Florida.

For most rides queues did form but it was more pleasant queueing in a moderate heat rather than the very hot Florida.- Although what it will be like in August Im not sure.

I would say give it a go and enjoy

 

[boxerdog]

We are also addicted to Florida, went to DLP this year. When we went it was in January so it was cold and very strange as you are so used to the heat in Florida. I have to agree it was great being right next door to the parks and you can go in and out so easily. We are glad we went but there is just something about Florida that Paris just hasn't got. In saying that we would go again but because we stayed in the Disneyland Hotel (which was absolutely lovely) it cost us quite a lot and it would not have been that much more to go to Florida if you booked a last minute deal. And the prices you do compare because of the rate of the dollar. It was nice just getting on Eurostar and having no hassle and being there in such a short time though.

 

[esk]

We've been to Florida probably 5 times and DLP three times with little ones.

I would put the money towards Florida.

Yes, the queues are more orderly in Florida -- I think the barriers are smaller and force you to be just one person across instead of 5 or 6. I think either the parks there have larger open areas, or because there are more of them, it seems a bit more spacious....DLP seems a little crowded, even without too many people. Because there are so many parks, there are more options, so if queue is really long at one place, you can just go to a different one. We were in DLP last year the first week in September and it was very crowded; wait times were huge and people were everywhere.

If you go between Sep-Mar in Florida, it is not that expensive and the weather is not hot. We go to DLP because it is so much less money and easier to go to, but try to do a big Florida trip maybe every 2 years.

 

[Bexx]

I LOVE DLP But then I don't plan a trip to DLP instead of going to Florida, I go there as well as going to Florida.

DLP seems to have a reputation for rude CMs and queue jumpers, but I can honestly say I have hardly ever experienced these things myself. But even in Disney these things happen - I've even seen a couple of queue jumpers and rude CMs at WDW *gasp*

August will be a pricey time to visit but, (though I don't know the ages of your children) you might well be able to take advantage of the Under 7's go free offer.

Toon Studio and the new rides will be newly opened when you go, and the parks are going to be looking wonderful, having been done up for the 15th Anniversary. And the night time parade Fantillusion is on until the 26th August

 

[palantiriel]

I've been to DLP 5-6 times and Florida twice, and i've seen queue jumping, crowds and rudeness at both, but never very much. There are more groups of teenagers at DLP I think, probably because it's more affordable than WDW, but the more raucous ones tend to stick to rides like Indiana Jones which (depending on how old your kids are)
may not not affect you so much. I've never had any problems there, and the majority of times I've been my brothers have been quite young kids. There's definatley a more European attitude there, maybe not *as* friendly as WDW, but still very welcoming and fun!

Even though DLP is a lot smaller, the Magic Kingdom itself is a lot more expanded - most of the rides are bigger/more detailed/newer, Big Thunder Mountain is is good example - it's one of the maid rides at DLP, and it's much grander than at WDW, as are Pirates, Phantom Manor/Haunted Mansion and a lot of others. The castle is amazingly pretty, with tapestry and stained glass galleries inside, and a dragon's lair underneath.

And it's the 15th anniversary this year, so everything's going to be extra special!

DLP obviously wouldn't be as big a holiday as WDW, and it doesn't have all the other parks you get at Florida (the Studios don't compare to MGM really), but the Magic Kingdom (for me at least) is the most magical! It's worth a visit!

 

[chocolate mouse]

After 3 trips to DLP and then one to CBR in Florida 2006, then we decided Florida wins every time! The people are much nicer - europeans have no idea what 'queue' or 'polite' means! They didn't care that we had an 11 month old in a pram along with a 6 year old - oh no. It felt like it was a case of "This is the last bus ever to the parks so do whatever you have to do to get on it! Push these people out of the way, trample on them - they are only English!!!"
Queueing for character autographs was also the same. It does make things easier if you stay in a hotel in easy walking distance so you can avoid the buses. However, not ALL the people were like that, just the minority, but it still annoys! And, despite all that I would still love to go back for a few days to get my Disney fix - we are due to go to CSR in Florida in Oct 2007 but I need to see Mickey and co now!
DLP is a great place, the kids loved it, great rides and a quicker plane ride than Florida, which is a big plus!

 

[chocolate mouse]

Forgot to say - the castle at DLP is (in my opinion) better than the Florida one because, as someone else mentioned, it has beautiful stained glass windows, a dragon, and I also think it looks nicer, more princess-like!

 

[pigby]

There are more groups of teenagers at DLP I think

palantiriel - You obviously haven't been to WDW in July with all the Brazilian tour groups - noooo

 

[tennisfan]

Everyone will have different opinions and only you can decide if you like it or not. I have to say I have never met any rude staff, queue jumpers yes and after mentioning it to the CM's they got chucked out of the queue. I hope to go to WDW soon but DLRP is convenient for short trips.

 

[lainey]

Forgot to say - the castle at DLP is (in my opinion) better than the Florida one because, as someone else mentioned, it has beautiful stained glass windows, a dragon, and I also think it looks nicer, more princess-like!

I totally agree...I love DLP.
The Disneyland Park is newer than MK WDW, and a couple of the rides are better.
Hotels are on the doorstep. Its great
Seeing some of the characters maybe a problem with little ones but, we tend to steer clear as we get the autographs and photos at the character meals instead.
I love it so much I really want to go again and see the 15th birthday celebrations.....but I cant be greedy we have already been this month and will be in WDW in Oct.
So I say do it .... its great
Elaine

 

[laluna]

Thank you so much for your replies. We've done it and booked! Really excited for my babe's first Disney experience (he will be just 13 months!) He last met Mickey when he was in my tummy and the mouse patted him!!

 

[tennisfan]

I hope you have a great time

 

[Bexx]

Thank you so much for your replies. We've done it and booked! Really excited for my babe's first Disney experience (he will be just 13 months!) He last met Mickey when he was in my tummy and the mouse patted him!!

Oh that's wonderful!! You really will enjoy it there - just try not look on it as an alternative to WDW, but as a great added extra.

 

[bavaria]

I LOVE DLP But then I don't plan a trip to DLP instead of going to Florida, I go there as well as going to Florida.

DLP seems to have a reputation for rude CMs and queue jumpers, but I can honestly say I have hardly ever experienced these things myself. But even in Disney these things happen - I've even seen a couple of queue jumpers and rude CMs at WDW *gasp*

exactly what she said!

I hold APs for DL in CA, WDW and DLRP. Each has its own merits, but DLRP has a lot of special touches not seen in the American parks, and has some attractions which are significantly better than in America.

I think that you will really enjoy the trip, and find the differences at DLRP are positive differences.

 

[Cyrano]

Thank you so much for your replies. We've done it and booked! Really excited for my babe's first Disney experience (he will be just 13 months!) He last met Mickey when he was in my tummy and the mouse patted him!!

I'm sure you will have a great time

 

[wideeyes]

great news, hope you have a great time.

 

[chocolate mouse]

My son was just short of 1 year old the first time he went, and my daughter was 6, and they both really enjoyed it!
Hope you all have the best time!

 

[laluna]

Thanks! My two will be of a similar age - DS will be 13 months and DD will be 5 3/4. Off we go to begin the search for Aurora in her blue dress!

 

[ManCityMickey]

The first time we visited DLP, we heard a few people wandering around moaning "It's not as good as Florida". BUT ITS NOT FLORIDA!!!DLP does not pretend to be in Florida. It is in France, and that brings all the european charm and etiquette, enhancing the whole Disney experience!! When you visit DLP, try to ignore the lack of the "Have a nice day attitude", Dlp has its own atmosphere which makes it different to, rather than not as good, Florida.
Go to DLP with an open mind and try not to compare to Florida.
P.S. you can get a beer in DLP, now that is very european!!!!!!!