This may very well end up being completely uninformative, but I thought it would be interesting to share my thoughts...
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Europe (my first!!!), having spent 4.5 days in London and 5.5 days in Paris. My partner (35) has been to Europe numerous times, but this was my (33) first, but hopefully not last, trip across the pond. After flying from Cleveland to Newark, and from Newark to Heathrow (arriving at 7am on F, 5/17), we spent time in London until Tuesday morning. Then we hopped on the Eurostar for a quick trip to Paris.
Long story short, but the weather on Friday (5/24) was forecasted to be extremely cold and windy. Knowing that I was museumed and churched out and that trying to navigate crowded Paris sidewalks with umbrellas sounded less than appealing, we decided to spend a few hours at Disneyland Paris. We were there from 9:30am until about 5:00pm. I'll share my highs and lows below (from the perspective of someone who has been to WDW and the original DL).
Highs
The Castle- I know you all have heard it before, but your castle rocks. I especially enjoyed the dragon's lair and being able to view Fantasyland.
Pirates- I actually preferred this version (though it was in a weird order) to both Florida and California. The beginning sequence around the restaurant was great! (See lows below, though)
Autotopia- Maybe it was the fact that it was sprinkling and that I was still jet lagged, but I had so much fun driving around that afternoon.
Crowds- Holy empty. I've never seen a park that empty, and that counts going to WDW in January 2008 and 2009 during a global economic meltdown. You've got to love some rain, wind, and cold weather in May. Also, I've read here on the boards about line cutters, smoking in lines, and generally rude guests. If anything, I thought the crowds were better behaved than Florida or California.
Space Mountain 2- Um, what the heck was that? Oh, a 5 minute wait (if that) both times and a unique take on a great ride! A must for any Disney obsessed fan. (See lows below, though)
Lows (there are more lows than highs, but the lows are pretty minor)
Pirates- Here's an idea, people! Maybe load two boats at a time instead of just one when you have a 25 minute wait with no crowds In the park. Completely ludicrous.
Alice's (insert word) Labyrinth- Do you know what word I would use? How about 3? Needs Some Paint. Seriously, close it for five days and paint the curbs. That's all.
The CMs- I know, I know, I know... There are major cultural differences at play here. Quite frankly, I find a lot of my home country to be loud, overly friendly (bordering on insincere), and self centered. But maybe, just maybe, you could stop chewing gum while on the job. The woman I bought tickets from and a CM walking around Discoveryland both looked like cows chewing cud. I know it was cold and rainy, but I really have never seen so many bored and disinterested CMs at a Disney park.
Space Mountain 2- A working soundtrack would've been nice on either of our two rides.
Candy- Haribo? Boo. I missed the candy from WDW.
Snack carts- I think I saw maybe 3 that were open. And what is up with not heating the soft pretzels?
IASW- Get all of the parts and pieces and lights working. And the bizarro America section was, um, unique.
Overall- I loved it! It was fun getting to see some of my favorite rides in a different setting. Most of the rides had super short lines. We only had to use FP once (Buzz), and the overall feel and landscaping were great. And if you are ever in Paris needing a quick Disney escape, you'll love it. And you can be back in Paris for dinner.
Any questions?
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Europe (my first!!!), having spent 4.5 days in London and 5.5 days in Paris. My partner (35) has been to Europe numerous times, but this was my (33) first, but hopefully not last, trip across the pond. After flying from Cleveland to Newark, and from Newark to Heathrow (arriving at 7am on F, 5/17), we spent time in London until Tuesday morning. Then we hopped on the Eurostar for a quick trip to Paris.
Long story short, but the weather on Friday (5/24) was forecasted to be extremely cold and windy. Knowing that I was museumed and churched out and that trying to navigate crowded Paris sidewalks with umbrellas sounded less than appealing, we decided to spend a few hours at Disneyland Paris. We were there from 9:30am until about 5:00pm. I'll share my highs and lows below (from the perspective of someone who has been to WDW and the original DL).
Highs
The Castle- I know you all have heard it before, but your castle rocks. I especially enjoyed the dragon's lair and being able to view Fantasyland.
Pirates- I actually preferred this version (though it was in a weird order) to both Florida and California. The beginning sequence around the restaurant was great! (See lows below, though)
Autotopia- Maybe it was the fact that it was sprinkling and that I was still jet lagged, but I had so much fun driving around that afternoon.
Crowds- Holy empty. I've never seen a park that empty, and that counts going to WDW in January 2008 and 2009 during a global economic meltdown. You've got to love some rain, wind, and cold weather in May. Also, I've read here on the boards about line cutters, smoking in lines, and generally rude guests. If anything, I thought the crowds were better behaved than Florida or California.
Space Mountain 2- Um, what the heck was that? Oh, a 5 minute wait (if that) both times and a unique take on a great ride! A must for any Disney obsessed fan. (See lows below, though)
Lows (there are more lows than highs, but the lows are pretty minor)
Pirates- Here's an idea, people! Maybe load two boats at a time instead of just one when you have a 25 minute wait with no crowds In the park. Completely ludicrous.
Alice's (insert word) Labyrinth- Do you know what word I would use? How about 3? Needs Some Paint. Seriously, close it for five days and paint the curbs. That's all.
The CMs- I know, I know, I know... There are major cultural differences at play here. Quite frankly, I find a lot of my home country to be loud, overly friendly (bordering on insincere), and self centered. But maybe, just maybe, you could stop chewing gum while on the job. The woman I bought tickets from and a CM walking around Discoveryland both looked like cows chewing cud. I know it was cold and rainy, but I really have never seen so many bored and disinterested CMs at a Disney park.
Space Mountain 2- A working soundtrack would've been nice on either of our two rides.
Candy- Haribo? Boo. I missed the candy from WDW.
Snack carts- I think I saw maybe 3 that were open. And what is up with not heating the soft pretzels?
IASW- Get all of the parts and pieces and lights working. And the bizarro America section was, um, unique.
Overall- I loved it! It was fun getting to see some of my favorite rides in a different setting. Most of the rides had super short lines. We only had to use FP once (Buzz), and the overall feel and landscaping were great. And if you are ever in Paris needing a quick Disney escape, you'll love it. And you can be back in Paris for dinner.
Any questions?
! K
