Never been to DLP and going HELP!

[Love That Stitch]

All the DLP people out there I need your help. My husband and I are going to Europe for our 10th anniversary in March '08!

We are going to be in Paris and we are going to stop at DLP. We are Disney fanatics but we have only been ot Walt Disney World. So, I don't know much. We are thinking of staying at Disneyland Hotel. We are DVC members and are going use that when staying there. We won't have long and are thinking 3 or 4 nights.

Will this be enough time at the parks?
How do the parks compare to WDW? as big? as many attractions? can both be done in one day?
Which hotel do you suggest?
Any suggestions overall?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Cyrano]

Hi Love That Stitch and welcome to DLP DIS board
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I don't think you can use DVC points for the Disneyland Hotel. Members have complained that using DVC points at DLP do not represent good value. Hopefully others will chip in

 

[davewasbaloo]

You can indeed use DVC points at the DLH, but many think it is an expensive way of using points. But if it makes you happy, go for it!

DLP is smaller than WDW. Geographically speaking it is about the size of the Epcot park and resort areas (maybe including the Studios). It is actually bigger if you count the golf course, Davy Crockett Ranch and Val De Europe, but for most, they do not count these.

Disneyland is bigger in area than the MK, but contains marginally less attractions. The Studios is about 1/2 the size of the WDW Studios.

But DLP still has much to offer and I would recommend 3 days for WDW vets that are major Disneyfans (personally I can spend even more time here, we did 10 days this year, but I like to soak up the atmousphere). You could even do a highlights of DLP in 1 day, but you will not get the full effect or the Studios. So if you can spend 3 days, I recommend it.

Do not misses for WDW fans:

Phantom Manor, Big Thunder, Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, Buzz and Space Mountain - once you have experienced these, I guarentee you will be disappointed with their counterparts in Florida for ever more.

Also unique - Liberty and Discovery Arcades, Keel Boats (not amazing, but the only Disney park that still has them), Tarzan or Mickey's Winter Wonderland (both excellent shows), Indy - fun coaster, but not a must do, Explore Adventure Isle, the cute Aladdin walk through, Pinnocchio (same as DL and TDL), the Dragon's Lair and Castle Gallery, Alice's Curious Labrynth, Casey Jr and Storybookland Canal Boats (different than DL's), the Lion King (think broadway, not DAK), the Nautilus.

Very similar to WDW - streetcars, horseless carriages, Mark Twain/Molly Brown, Peter Pan, Snow White, Carousel, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Orbitron (rocket jets), Star Tours, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Autopia (Grand Prix Raceway)

I think the MK is butt ugly compared to DLP, so spend time drinking in the details and be sure to have a meal at Walt's!!!! I also love the Silver Spur, and you may get a kick out of Auberge de Cindrillon Princess Dining. The Plaza Gardens is great too. Some people like the Blue LAgoon which is a lovely looking restaurant in PotC and has the nightime feel like San Angel Inn, but the food and service here is aweful and they have a rat problem (we have tried it 5 times - never again).

 

[davewasbaloo]

As for the studios, we actually have a better time in the PAris park than the WDW one. But it is smaller, and there is not much to do. But there are some great unique attractions.

Cinemagique - a do not miss tribute to international cinema with some twists!!!! - show
Crush Coaster - very cute, and very well done
RNR Coaster - faster than WDW's but very similar - uses a lighting and smoke rig rather than wooden flats. Personally I prefer WDS', but it is marginal difference.
I like Armageddon (I am in the minority) it is like a Backdraft/Twister style of Special Effects attraction.
Animagique Show - if you like characters and the Little Mermaid Show at WDW, check this one out. Character shows do little for me, but my wife and kids adore this one.

Other attractions -

Lights Motors Action (I adore this, but it is almost identical to the one in Florida, but bilingual. It is missing the wet bike stunts, but they have better warm up cyclists.
Tram Tour - actually more interesting than WDW's as it has a video with Jeremy Irons accompanying it - set from Dinotopia, Catastrophe Canyon, set from Pearl HArbour, Costumes, Boneyard, and set from Reign of Fire.

I also prefer WDS Animation exhibit.

Magic Carpets and Cars Race Rally are typical spinners.

If you go after Jan 2008, you will also have ToT (different than the WDW version as there is no 5th dimension forward roll, but it will have cool mirror effects like DCA) and Stitch (think more like Crush's Turtle Talk, not the SE in MK).



Dining in the Studios is limited, so we tend to have lunch in the Village on WDS days.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Some other tips. If you enjoy the great restaurants of WDW, some dining advice. Most of the restaurants are American/French fusion. The real stand out restaurant of the resort is the California Grill - think a cross between the California Grill and V&A's at WDW, with a French Californian menu and wine list.

Other outstanding offerings are the Steakhouse in the Village, Manhatten Grill at the Hotel New York, the Yacht Club at the Newport Bay, and the restaurants I listed in DLP.

For Americans, you may get a kick out of King Ludwigs for the German cuisine and 1 litre steins of Beer.

Annette's offers very good value and is very popular, but if you have a good diner and soda fountain near you in the states, ignore (in Europe we do not, so we go hear often when I am homesick).

Cafe Mickey is the closest thing we have to a Chef Mickey's, but since you are staying at the DLH, character breakfasts are included each morning of your stay (see people don't realise this when they gripe about DVC point values, this actually helps offset some of those issues).

We do not have Dole Whips at DLP, the only place to get Churros is La Fuente Del Oro mexican counter service in Frontierland, popcorn is sweetened, not salted. Just to cover off the popular snacks of WDW guests (and turkey legs are virtually non existant), instead look forward to waffles with chocolate or sweet whip cream, or Hot Dogs - these tend to be the snacks of choice at DLP.

One do not miss for us is Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show - it makes the offerings of Orlando seem like comparing Walmart with Macy's. BBWWS offers an hour and a half of solid entertainment, a meal and a souvenir cowboy hat. Coming from the States, you may not at first seem that interested. However, this is a pretty faithful reproduction of the show BB toured through Europe over 100 years ago, and it is awesome Disney storytelling at it's best. Personally it is my fav attraction at all of DLP and one of the best Disney has ever done (bearing in mind I have been to 8 of Disney's parks 100's of times over the last 32 years).

Some other things to bare in mind. Service is slower in Europe (allow 2 hours for table service, and probably about an hour for counter) especially in the shops and restaurants - there is not the same level of urgency.

I hope these tips have helped. Any questions, let us know.

Congratulations and have a great trip!

 

[Love That Stitch]

OMG! You are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to read my response and type so much of a response!

Questions:
Which hotel should we stay in? I like the Disneyland Hotel because it seems the nicest and right by the parks. Also, being that I used to live in New York, have absolutely no desire to stay in the New York Hotel (it just does not seem right).

With the DVC, I was under the impression you get your tickets and breakfast included in the cost of points. Is that correct? If so, that definitely makes it more understandable why points are so high for DLP.

How is the weather in France in March and April? How are the crowds at DLP in march or april? Is this a good time to go?

I hear the Dragon's Liar and Castle Gallery is particularly unique. What is special about it?

RNR- what do you mean "lighting and smoke instead of wooden flats"?

You confused me on this one - "If you go after Jan 2008, you will also have ToT (different than the WDW version as there is no 5th dimension forward roll, but it will have cool mirror effects like DCA) and Stitch (think more like Crush's Turtle Talk, not the SE in MK)." I don't know what ToT is.

We have never been to France and my husband is very nervous about going. Unfortunately stereotypes have invaded his brain. I am adventurous and could care less what language is spoken, I will figure it out. So, how is DLP for Americans that do not speak French? I am going to try and learn a little before going (because I feel it is the polite thing to do).

Unfortunately, I think the most we will have at DLP is 4 days and that is pushing it. We are celebrating our anniversary by going to several cities in Europe. DLP is a sidetrip. We will be in Paris for our anniversary, which sounds wonderful.

Thanks for all your advice.

 

[davewasbaloo]

OMG! You are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to read my response and type so much of a response!

Questions:
Which hotel should we stay in? I like the Disneyland Hotel because it seems the nicest and right by the parks. Also, being that I used to live in New York, have absolutely no desire to stay in the New York Hotel (it just does not seem right).

With the DVC, I was under the impression you get your tickets and breakfast included in the cost of points. Is that correct? If so, that definitely makes it more understandable why points are so high for DLP.

How is the weather in France in March and April? How are the crowds at DLP in march or april? Is this a good time to go?

I hear the Dragon's Liar and Castle Gallery is particularly unique. What is special about it?

RNR- what do you mean "lighting and smoke instead of wooden flats"?

You confused me on this one - "If you go after Jan 2008, you will also have ToT (different than the WDW version as there is no 5th dimension forward roll, but it will have cool mirror effects like DCA) and Stitch (think more like Crush's Turtle Talk, not the SE in MK)." I don't know what ToT is.

We have never been to France and my husband is very nervous about going. Unfortunately stereotypes have invaded his brain. I am adventurous and could care less what language is spoken, I will figure it out. So, how is DLP for Americans that do not speak French? I am going to try and learn a little before going (because I feel it is the polite thing to do).

Unfortunately, I think the most we will have at DLP is 4 days and that is pushing it. We are celebrating our anniversary by going to several cities in Europe. DLP is a sidetrip. We will be in Paris for our anniversary, which sounds wonderful.

Thanks for all your advice.

My pleasure. The DLH is like the Grand Floridian, but much, much smaller (it has about 500 rooms). It's at the gates of the park, but is removed from the hustle and bustle of the Village and the other resorts. The Hotel New York, is like a smaller version of the Swan and Dolphin (same architect) with the best service, and a business flair. The Newport Bay club is like a moderate version of the Yacht and Beach Club - great architecture, but moderate feel, service, and very crowded. My least fav, which is a shame as I love the decor. The Sequoia Lodge has the best pool and feels like a moderate, small version of the Wilderness Lodge (no grand lobby here, but then it predates WL). So if the HNY is out, you would probably be happiest with the DLH - Breakfast and tickets are indeed included on DVC. An alternative may be to contact interval internation to swap into the Marriott Vacation Club which is 950 sq ft with a full kitchen. But if it's the 2 of you, go for the DLH. If paying money, I would not recommend it, but on points - absolutely worth it!

Weather can be changeable, it could be snowing and in the 30's, or sunny in the high 60's low 70's. The key is layers! Crowds I am not going to predict. Since the 15th Anniversary has started it seems busy all year, but in the past (as long as it is not Easter/Spring Break) you were looking at 10 min waits for most attractions, 30 - 45 peak time for e-tickets.

The Castle Gallery has traditionally hand made stained glass and tapestries telling the story of Sleeping Beauty. The Dragons Lair is under the castle and has an 18 foot long audioanimatronic dragon - soooo coooool!!!

Sorry, on RNRC instead of a lino going through roads signs and doughnuts, they have metal lighting rigs and smoke machines around the track, which is even more disorientating - love it!!!

Sorry - ToT = Tower of Terror


Language at DLP is not really an issue. French and English are supposed to be spoken bilingually, and if someone doesn't speak English, they will try to find a cast member who will. The key is to keep patient. My wife and MIL do not really speak French (I do), and they have a blast. Disney have used music and visual storytelling to support this park, as there are 18 languages within a 600 mile radius. Just keep calm, be patient, use gestures, and you'll have a blast. And to get really great service, just start with "Parler vous Anglais (pronounced Parlay Vu Onglay) That breaks a smile because you've tried.

An recommendation while you are there, check out Provins - 45 min south of DLP. They have 49 buildings from the 13th century in this medieval market town, including falconry displays, horse riding demonstrations, and siege weaponry, as well as museums, a cathedral, vinyards, WWI and WW2 cemetary, and great french restaurants and creperies within walking distance. It gives you a feel for real rural France. A UNESCO treasure. And it cost us $65 for our family of 4 to see all the shows and museums. A fantastic day out that you cannot have in the US.

 

[eebadeeba]

First of all, davewasbaloo, your replies are great!! They should be a sticky for WDW lovers going to DLP.

I hear the Dragon's Liar and Castle Gallery is particularly unique. What is special about it?

We have never been to France and my husband is very nervous about going. Unfortunately stereotypes have invaded his brain. I am adventurous and could care less what language is spoken, I will figure it out. So, how is DLP for Americans that do not speak French? I am going to try and learn a little before going (because I feel it is the polite thing to do).

My DD 5, who rarely stands still, was transfixed by the Dragon for at least 10 minutes.

I am from America here in Paris while my DH is working for a few months. I have 2 young daughters and love Disney. I knew no French before coming, and had about 1 month notice. I tried learning some then, but found it frustrating and difficult to learn anything other than the common greetings.

I have had no problems here. In the tourist areas most of the people working know English. And even outside the tourist areas, a lot of people know it enough to converse. I was lost once and it took 3 people to find someone who knew English. There are also always people around, so you will be able to find help if needed. As for DLP, there is no language barrier. There are a lot of visitors from England, so you hear a lot of English in the parks.

From my experience here, the stereotypes are totally unfounded, if not even more so in the other direction.

You will have a great trip. Paris is really a beautiful city.

 

[Love That Stitch]

Thank you so much for that. It is comforting to know we will not be completely lost!

I am looking forward to our trip.

We are going to be in Paris for our 10th anniversary and am wondering what would be special to do on our anniversary? Restaurants, shows, romantic spots, etc. Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate.

 

[davewasbaloo]

For an anniversary, I recommend a three course meal at the California Rose accompanies by the local Tattinger Champagne (the Rose Reserve is my recommendation).

 

[A Small World]

We are going to be in Paris for our 10th anniversary and am wondering what would be special to do on our anniversary? Restaurants, shows, romantic spots, etc. Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate.

When you say you will be in Paris for your anniversary do you mean Paris itself or DLP?
If in Paris itself there are loads of lovely and romantic places to eat.
We had a lovely meal up the Eiffel Tower - there are 2 restaurants up there and we ate at the cheapest one which was lovely.
There are also some lovely restaurants in Montmatre near the Sacre Coeur.
You can have a meal on the river on a bateau mouche or simply have a trip down the river in one of these.

Even a stroll along the river is a romantic thing to do especially early evening

 

[Love That Stitch]

When you say you will be in Paris for your anniversary do you mean Paris itself or DLP?
If in Paris itself there are loads of lovely and romantic places to eat.
We had a lovely meal up the Eiffel Tower - there are 2 restaurants up there and we ate at the cheapest one which was lovely.
There are also some lovely restaurants in Montmatre near the Sacre Coeur.
You can have a meal on the river on a bateau mouche or simply have a trip down the river in one of these.

Even a stroll along the river is a romantic thing to do especially early evening

Yes, we will be in Paris the city for our anniversary. DLP is a side trip since we will already be there.

I was thinking about a ride down the river and how that would be nice. Thanks for your great suggestions.

For an anniversary, I recommend a three course meal at the California Rose accompanies by the local Tattinger Champagne (the Rose Reserve is my recommendation).

California Rose - is that in Paris or Disneyland Paris? Do I need to make reservations at this place?

 

[davewasbaloo]

Yes, we will be in Paris the city for our anniversary. DLP is a side trip since we will already be there.

I was thinking about a ride down the river and how that would be nice. Thanks for your great suggestions.



California Rose - is that in Paris or Disneyland Paris? Do I need to make reservations at this place?

Sorry, I meant the California Grill (mixed name with Napa Rose in California - sorry). It's in the Disneyland Hotel and reservations are highly recommended. It is Disney's signature restaurant and it beats anything in Florida IMHO.