Has anyone been to both? Are they fairly similar? And, is it difficult if the kids are not fluent in French? DH is considering Euro Disney, since we'll be spending so much $ anyway. (Actually, he'd just rather take the family to Europe, period.) I'm just concerned that the kids will not get as much out of Euro Disney versus Disneyland due to the language barrier. DH is fluent in French, but the rest of us are not! Thoughts from someone who has been there?
Thanks!
I went to Disneyland Paris Resort (the new name as of several years ago - Euro Disney is no more) last June. Language is not an issue. The resort is biligual - French and English - with English being more prevalent. I speak no French myself and was fine.
I had a great time there. DLP itself was breathtakingly beautiful. Their FantasyLand was incredible. Their castle was incredible too. Lots more detail than either the DL or MK castles. Adventureland was loaded with detail.
Here are some broad observations:
1. As I said, the French know how to make things beautiful and DLP is that.
2. The second gate there - Walt Disney Studios - is very, very weak. People complain about DCA but DCA is light years ahead of WDS.
3. The entire resort is lacking in quality thrill rides - if that is your thing. Their BTMRR was very cool and better IMO than the ones at DL and MK. But their Space Mtn was very different and much too rough. I liked all Disney coasters I have ever been on - until this one. Never again. Their Indiana Jones coaster was a joke. Their RnR coaster at WDS was similar to the one at the MGM/DHS park at WDW but they changed the theme such that it is a weaker experience.
4. DO NOT MISS THE TARZAN SHOW AT DLP. It was the most amazing Disney show I have ever seen. Prior to that Aladdin at DCA was my favorite, but Aladdin is now a close second to DLP's Tarzan. It is hard to describe how they handle the language issues and do it justice, but once you see it you will understand someone did a wonderful job making a show that is langauge independent.
5. They have multiple shows of the Lion King with some in French and others in English. You will need to get advance tickets on the day of the show and just check for which language you want when you get the tickets. I though the LK show was OK although it has a reputation greater than Tarzan - I do not know why.
6. No late FASTPASS usage at DLRP. They have 30 minute windows which are strictly enforced.
7. The most valuable info I found on DLRP was here on DIS on the DLRP forum. It has mostly European partipants and the activity level is not very high compared to the WDW and DLR forums here. But there are a number of very helpful people there - most of them British.
8. DLRP is under tight restrictions from their government so they cannot do regular fireworks shows. There were none the week I was there.
9. If you go in the summer as I did, the higher latitude in Paris meant lots of daylight - until 10PM.