Just back - A few thoughts

[SteveyJC]

Just back from a 4 night break at the Sequoia Lodge, with 3 full days, and 2 days with just a few hours in the park. Previously, I have been to WDW, and DL California.

The SL was beautiful, probably the nicest looking (at Xmas). And all was great there.

However, I was left feeling very disappointed by the parks (esp DL park). I dont want to seem like a stupid British person, where I think everyone should speak my language, but I always think of Disney as being american, and I have to say, the french in most of the rides, really ruined it for me. Another problem I had, was the general "punters" in the parks. They were sooo rude, and the concept of a queue must not be recognised over there. Not to mention the waiters (in fancy restaurants like the blue lagoon and steak house) - "nipping" in front of you etc.

Arghhhh.

Now that that is off my chest, I really did have a great time, and my GF who had never been to a disneypark before seemed to really enjoy it.

I think Disney should send a few people over from the US to teach them the art of customer service. I even saw a cast member who was working on the railroad ORDERING a woman off the train, That just wouldnt happen in WDW!


Well, that my two cents worth!

 

[missypie]

I thought that the parks were beautiful. I didn't expect American style "service with a smile." What amazed me is that people didn't queue to get the character's autographs. Each character had a "minder" just like in the US parks, but the minder just ignored the crowd, instead of attempting to control it. My kids gave up on getting autographs.

 

[Cyrano]

Stevey gald that you enjoyed Sequoia Lodge.
Definitely a firm favourite on this board

 

[diberry]

I always think of Disney as being american, and I have to say, the french in most of the rides, really ruined it for me.

Speaking French in France - how inconsiderate!!!!!

I think Disney should send a few people over from the US to teach them the art of customer service. I even saw a cast member who was working on the railroad ORDERING a woman off the train, That just wouldnt happen in WDW!

Ahhhh - but it's not WDW, it's France - that's what you have to take into account!!!

 

[DisneyRGB]

Interested to hear your comments SteveyJC, I definitely agree about the Sequoia Lodge, love it there and it's great at Christmas

I'm surprised about your comments about the French language though. I think the language situation is handled incredibly well at DLP. For a country so proud of their language I think they make huge concessions to English speakers. There are a few rides done only in French (Pinocchio, Snow White) but I don't really see a lot of explanation is needed on those rides. On attractions where the language really does need to be understood to enjoy the ride, everything is done in French and English and actually I found most of the shows are done largely in English.

And sorry but I do get a bit fed up of people saying "...wouldn't happen in WDW" - although it's natural to compare if you've been to another Disney park, WDW is the ultimate but there are lots of areas in which I feel DLP has the edge (some of the rides, theming of the main park, the castle, proximity of all the attractions, fantastic theming at Halloween & Christmas...)

Glad to hear that overall you enjoyed it though

 

[urglewurgle]

i can see your point about speaking french, yes it is in France, and i DO make an effort to speak french, and would definately do so outside of the park... but, i AM paying to be there.... and the staff should accommodate the guests kwim?

and about the CMs... i found some were really grumpy... but then those ones who walk up and down the parade route... shoving you back... lol... were FANTASTIC... starting games... messing around... getting the crowd worked up etc... one guy in particular, dressed like a pirate... kept everyone waiting by the castle in stitches and we were having shouting fights with the people on the other side of the road... he was great...

 

[dlpSteve]

i can see your point about speaking french, yes it is in France, and i DO make an effort to speak french, and would definately do so outside of the park... but, i AM paying to be there.... and the staff should accommodate the guests kwim?

How many foreign people visiting the UK do you think get treated to even a hello in their own language when they visit big tourist attractions?

I've never had a problem with the language and I find they are very appreciative of us speaking French to them, or at least tying. The British have for years been known as one of the most ignorant races when abroad - especting everyone to speak their language where ever they are - I see this in hotel bars in DLRP when british people order drinks and don't even use proper sentances and manners let alone attempt to add a tiny bit of French to help things along.

This is not directed at anyone on here I just find it quite embaressing at times to be British when you see how some people act in foreign countries.

I love the fact that DLRP is European and that it's not an English speaking park in France - it's one of the things that Denise prefers to the American parks (I've not been) - which hardly feel like you are abroad.

As for the CMs - again, never had a problem - maybe I should consider myself lucky.

 

[wideeyes]

.

I love the fact that DLRP is European .

Me too.

 

[urglewurgle]

How many foreign people visiting the UK do you think get treated to even a hello in their own language when they visit big tourist attractions?

good point... but, for some reason, i have it in my head that as it's Disney, *they* should make the effort to make everyone's stay comepletely magicall.. and by *they* i mean Disney... if that makes any sense...

and i think DLRP is more of an internation attraction than anything we really have...

i think we as a country should definately make more of an effort with speaking other languages abroad and at home in our tourist attractions etc. I think it's embarrassing how rubbish my foreign language skills are compared to how well other europeans speak english...

thinking now, every large tourist attraction i've been to in other countries recently has always had some kind of english translation... Pompeii, the rock of Gibraltar etc.

 

[emmaness]

I find the fact that a lot of it is in French adds to the magic in a way, because you *really* feel like you are in another country. However, when you have things like Honey I Shrunk the Audience, which was originally in English, and then they dub it into French, and have the original sound in headphones, it seems a bit silly! Same with some of the clips of Disney films from The Art of Disney Animation at the Studios. Those clips did not even have subtitles so people who don't speak fluent French aren't going to appreciate it. And again, those clips were originally in English! I despise dubbing as it means you don't get to appreciate the voices of the original actors, and that is a big part of it.

But as I say, most of the time it doesn't bother me at all! There was only one thing that irked me this trip - on the Armageddon ride they got the French-speaking people to come to the front of the first room, and the rest of us were really segregated. The cast member was evidently cracking jokes that only the French-speakers would understand (they were all laughing), and not translating them. I found that a bit off - I don't know if it was a one-off but it certainly made us feel a bit... unwelcome, so to speak! Not in the Disney spirit at all.

For the most part, though, I just enjoy seeing how much of the French I understand these days!

 

[dlpSteve]

I think it's hard for DLRP to have translations for everything, no other tourist attraction anywhere in Europe has anywhere near as much potentially translateable material. They also need to focus on who fills the park up which is the French first and foremost, followed by the Germans and in third, us people from the UK.

There's nothing, that I've come accross, in DLRP that needs to be translated that isn't - I even love the fact the POTC is in French and English - makes it more realistic for them not to be spoeaking just English in the Caribbean. All announcements and notices and menus are in English and the CMs in places like Phantom Mansion and other attractions that have preshows all translate into English as are lots of the rides, where possible.

 

[jodyb]

This year was our third time spending an entire week at DLP, and the only languages we know are English and Hebrew. We have never had a problem language-wise. I found that on the VERY few occasions that we tried to speak to someone that really did not know English, they went straight to find someone that did, and with a smile at that (in the shops, restaurants, etc.). The rides themselves do lean toward the French, but as someone has already pointed out - um... DLP is located in FRANCE. Imagine everyone coming to WDW in Florida and expecting things to be in their own language! I think having lived in the Middle East for the past 32 years, I've become accustomed to English not being everyone in the world's first language, and I am often amazed at how people from English speaking countries are surprised that the whole world isn't oriented toward English, when actually, when you think about it, it almost IS!!! English IS the most ubiquitous international language, and I think DLP is no exception. Even my daughter, whose first language is not English, and who speaks no French at all, never felt it a problem at DLP.

Now, having said that, I do have to agree that customer service AND behavior between guests could be improved upon, and this has nothing to do with language. On several occasions I felt as if I were almost a criminal suspect rather than a welcomed guest! The harshest example was when we had lunch at the Lucky Nugget. We had a reservation for 2 PM, and arrived at the restaurant promptly. There were two queues (sort of) - one for those having a little slip of paper which was their reservation confirmation, and one for those wanting to either wait for a table or make a reservation for later or a different day. I tried to approach the person taking the people with reservations to their tables several times, and each time was physically blocked by guests not understanding the queueing - and when I say physically blocked I mean I could really have been hurt!!
When we finally did get taken to a seat, we were summarily shown the table and not a word (in any language) was said to us as to how it works here or what we should do. We sat for a few moments taking in the pandemonium until we finally decided to just go and take some food. We were almost finished eating before we could flag down someone to bring us drinks. He brought them when were ready to leave. We did not enjoy our food nearly as much as we might have simply because we were really thirsty!! And several times I'd left the table and literally searched for someone to order drinks from! The waiter that finally brought them said not a word to us. I had simply gone up to someone and pointed to our table and said "may we have two cokes at that table please?" I had no idea whether he'd understood or would bring them, but he did, put them down and disappeared. There was NO SERVICE at the Lucky Nugget that day of ANY KIND.
When we were ready to leave, we put on our coats and started for the door. I assumed we would pay at the exit, since it had been impossible to find any wait person to ask for a bill. I somehow got ahead of Liav and reached the podium before realizing she was not next to me. I turned around and saw her in the middle of the restaurant, almost in tears, trying to explain to a waiter that had blocked her from leaving that her mother was over there by the exit. He would not let her move - thinking we were trying to get away without paying!! When I rescued her he told me (ordered me!) to return to our table and wait for him. We did. He reappeared 10 minutes later with our bill. 68 Euros. No, I did not leave a tip. And normally I am somewhat of a big tipper - I know how hard waiters can work, and I appreciate the service when it is present. We were given a receipt and then allowed to proceed to the exit. At the door, another CM stopped us and asked for the receipt, which he looked over VERY CAREFULLY! I wondered what could possibly have been wrong now, but after a long moment he unblocked the door and we were free.

Now, I cannot say I encountered a lot of this sort of thing, but I will admit that this incident put even more of a damper on a very rainy and cold day. I'll have more to say about the Lucky Nugget in my trip report.

I do want to say this, however because I hate leaving things on a negative note. There were plenty of OTHER examples where CM's went out of their way to be kind and NICE - so this example was not the be all and end all of DLP and I may not even have mentioned it if I had not read this thread.

Just one more comment. I do think that things can change and evolve, and I think the fact that so many guests at DLP are British, has already rubbed off on the parks and their culture in a positive way, and I think it will continue to do so. We (and I am Israeli, spent my childhood in America) - all have to continue to set a fine example and as the world gets smaller due to the internet, travel becoming more affordable, and all manner of technology, the cultures will take more from one another of what makes people feel good. I see it happening already, so let's stay positive and try to see the "bad" with a sense of humor and pixie dust.

 

[Father_and_Son]

Hello together,

during all our stays I allways had the luck in meeting just wonderful CM´s, but I really can understand that things like Jodyb has experianced are unworthy for a Disneypark.

The Language-Problem is for me not understandable. For me as a German it is normal that outside my country nearly no one speeks my language. That is the Reason I´ve learned English and a bit Spanish. And also I don´t speak any French, I never had any Problems with the Language in the Resort.

So I just can repeat:

Disneyland Resort Paris is a bit French because Paris is the Capitol of France.​

So what is the Problem there??

 

[emmaness]

I have no problem with the fact that most of it is in French! It only becomes annoying when, as I say, the French people were actually brought to the front in the Armageddon ride, for no apparent reason, as though they were more important or something?! I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into it. It makes sense for Honey I Shrunk the Audience as the front few rows have no headphones, but there didn't seem to be a particular reason for Armageddon.

I suppose it is exactly the same for other Europeans when they come to the UK - they don't translate everything into French, Spanish, German, or any other European languages.

Ah, I don't know. I just like to have a bit of a rant really!

 

[bonhoga]

Do you know what I love about DLRP , its the fantastic service and wonderful CMs.I have 5 children and I can honestly say our two trips to DLRP have been the two most enjoyable experiences [even with minor catastrophes]- mainly because I feel as a family we have been so well treated. The language has never been an issue, maybe we have just been lucky!

When you consider the huge quantity of visitors travelling through the resort, it is amazing that there aren't more complaints - I think all in all they cater very well for a very large and diverse customer base!


Kaye

 

[emmaness]

When you consider the huge quantity of visitors travelling through the resort, it is amazing that there aren't more complaints - I think all in all they cater very well for a very large and diverse customer base!

I agree with you there, Kaye. It is nice to get the full appreciation of everything, which involves speaking fluent French, but even if you can't speak a word of it, Disney's attention to detail means you still get loads of out of it. I think you'd still get a fair bit out of it even if you couldn't speak at all!

I do wish I was fluent in French sometimes, because I don't like the idea that there is anything, however small and insignificant, that I'm missing out on! I'm just too obsessed, I can't deny it. But of course you lot can all relate to that!

 

[nicola]

I guess we have been lucky too. We have been 4 times now and have never encountered a rude CM. In fact the nicest CM I have ever met at any of Disney's parks works at Inventions restaurant. By the end of our trip he was well known to my children and they would look for him at meals. He lavished so much attention on them it was unbelievable. My husband and I also really like the fact that a lot of the shows are in French etc.. It just seems to make for a more magical atmosphere for us some how. My husband commented on this with regards to Belle's Musical Medley in particular. I LOVE DLP sooo much and prefer it over WDW but obviously that's my own preference and if I had to guess I'd say I'm in the minority with that one.

 

[Rascal1003]

I don't generally have a big issue with the language, in fact, I am quite keen to speak in French as a practise. I think that the staff do appreciate the effort.
They don't do a bad job with catering for a variety of languages. I noticed it more this trip where they have mixed language conversations on some attractions.....in particular Moteurs Action. There are English and French speakers giving recaps for each nationality and conversing in a mix making it easy to follow.

However..........the rest of the thread supports some of the issues I raised when I got back on Tuesday and I am glad I am not alone.

I am now beginning to become suspicious that we as the customers are not doing enough to complain. I am as guilty as anyone of moaning about it and telling you all about the bad points, and like most, I never mentioned a word to Disney ! I am realising that they will never address the problems if they don't necessarily know that they exist.
Perhaps we all need to write our concerns in an e-mail and send it to DLP Management and see if there is any response? This board has a nice healthy number of visitors so must make up an ideal blend of visitors, old, young, families, couples etc so that should give them an idea of how people are reacting to the issues.

Just my thoughts !

Joyeux Noel !

 

[diberry]

I am now beginning to become suspicious that we as the customers are not doing enough to complain. I am as guilty as anyone of moaning about it and telling you all about the bad points, and like most, I never mentioned a word to Disney ! I am realising that they will never address the problems if they don't necessarily know that they exist.
Perhaps we all need to write our concerns in an e-mail and send it to DLP Management and see if there is any response? This board has a nice healthy number of visitors so must make up an ideal blend of visitors, old, young, families, couples etc so that should give them an idea of how people are reacting to the issues.

Great idea! But could I just make a plea that people also tell them about all the great aspects of DLP and not just the problem areas? If anyone wants to take up Russ's idea this might be useful:
dlp.communication.visiteurs@disney.com

 

[bonhoga]

However..........the rest of the thread supports some of the issues I raised when I got back on Tuesday and I am glad I am not alone.

I am now beginning to become suspicious that we as the customers are not doing enough to complain. I am as guilty as anyone of moaning about it and telling you all about the bad points, and like most, I never mentioned a word to Disney ! I am realising that they will never address the problems if they don't necessarily know that they exist.
Perhaps we all need to write our concerns in an e-mail and send it to DLP Management and see if there is any response? This board has a nice healthy number of visitors so must make up an ideal blend of visitors, old, young, families, couples etc so that should give them an idea of how people are reacting to the issues.

Just my thoughts !

Joyeux Noel !

I think you have hit the nail on the head here, by addressing specific issues and faults and informing DLRP, problems can be addressed and rectified - I am just so glad we have only encountered the lovely CMs and its worth bearing in mind that they will also benefit from improved service. Lack lustre CMs must reflect badly on all staff, even those doing a sterling job!


Kaye