Just back from first trip to DLP

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

My dd (14) and I just got back from a long European trip that started with her Girl Scout Troop and ended with just the two of us at DLP.

We stayed at the Sequoia Lodge which we really liked. We did not swim as the pool was about a million miles away from our room and didn't want to walk all the way back to our room wet. It would have been nice to swim as it was hot!

We ate at and loved Walt's and Cafe Mickey.

We both agree with other posters that DLP does seem a bit run down. It seemed a bit "dirty" and there were a lot of chipped paint areas.

Although we had read these boards and been warned about the smoking everywhere we were not prepared for what we encountered. While we encountered smokers everywhere on our trip - much more than in our hometown where hardly anyone smokes in public places -- DLP was the worst area of all. At first we tried to avoid it as I have only one lung and it really bothers me but we quickly realized that there was no place to go. The smokers were everywhere. The worst time was while we were waiting for Dreams (amazing show) and two people started up right in that huge crowd.

We found the wait times fine but did miss the "magic" that is present at WDW and DL.

All in all we are both glad we went and would go again if we ever travel to Paris but we wouldn't go just for DLP like we do DL and WDW.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I am a regular visitor to Disney California and have been to DLP twice. Your observations are spot on. The smoking and overall rundown nature of Paris compared to the American parks is something I notice most too. Although you have to watch where you say this, regular Paris visitors who have never been to the American parks don't like hearing their park compared negatively like this, lol I am hoping to visit Paris sometime in the next year, purely because it is in Europe. I say the park is Frencified Disney, its the French version of Disney, with all the cultural and social aspects of France and central Europe in an American style themepark!

 

[DLPdaft]

DLP is my "home" park, its where my daughter grew up and I can't wait to go there solo one day when she's older.
I think BadPinkTink is spot on when she says, its Northern European Disney, its not American Disney.
DLP is going through a major refurb period at the moment, ready for the 25th anniversary in 2017, I've been there once when the entire castle was covered and there were green hoardings everywhere in Fantasyland - not a good look, and if it had been my first time there, it would have put me off going again.
Unfortunately I think comparing the Disney parks you visit is inevitable on some level, and DLP rarely comes out of such comparisons well, as American Disney's younger European cousin.

 

[anthony2k7]

The really sad thing about all the comments about the state of the parks is that people used to say that Paris had the most beautiful of all the parks around the world. The castle was prettier, the gardens better kept and more colourful and all the other theming as good as anywhere else and as well kept. Whilst people used to say that, they'd also say that its a shame the parks were smaller and lacked attractions etc.

Now the attraction situation has not changed much, and the parks are no longer as beautiful and well presented either.

 

[markpsych]

Now the attraction situation has not changed much, and the parks are no longer as beautiful and well presented either.

It doesn't look too shabby to me : http://www.disboards.com/threads/making-emh-and-other-things-9-6-15.3418244/

 

[anthony2k7]

It doesn't look too shabby to me : http://www.disboards.com/threads/making-emh-and-other-things-9-6-15.3418244/

Its not so bad now. 2 years ago a lot of the facades and gardens were in a shocking state as well as litter looking like it hadnt been cleared in weeks in some less accessible areas. They're basically spending most of their budget for the next big anniversary on getting back on top of maintenance.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I should have added that I think DLP has the best castle .... hands down. My dd and I loved exploring it and the views are amazing. The dragon underneath is by far the coolest thing ever! (We are total maleficent fans.)

We also think DLP has the best fireworks show. We just saw the 60th anniversary ones at Disneyland in California and they come close to Dreams but aren't quite there yet and that is our "home park" which we visit often.

 

[BagOLaughs]

Love Dreams...

 

[cmpeter]

My dh and I just got back from four days at DLP. We are DL California regulars and have been to WDW once. I was so very impressed with how clean the parks were and how few smokers we encountered...none while waiting in lines or for Dreams. Occasionally, we would pass someone walking, but even that was rare. Yes, there were some hand rails that needed paint and the exterior of IASW was a bit faded, but overall we found the parks to be very well maintained. Loved, loved, loved Dreams...easily the best show at any of the parks we have visited.

 

[anthony2k7]

My dh and I just got back from four days at DLP. We are DL California regulars and have been to WDW once. I was so very impressed with how clean the parks were and how few smokers we encountered...none while waiting in lines or for Dreams. Occasionally, we would pass someone walking, but even that was rare. Yes, there were some hand rails that needed paint and the exterior of IASW was a bit faded, but overall we found the parks to be very well maintained. Loved, loved, loved Dreams...easily the best show at any of the parks we have visited.

Its interesting how peoples opinion differ on Disney shows. For me, WoC is far better than Dreams! I'd probably rate WDW Wishes over Dreams as well.