Paris Shmaris

[Psychometrika]

Ok, so I suppose I should start out by saying almost nothing could deter me from being a Disney fanatic. That said .... here's my rant on Disneyland Paris.

Just returned a few weeks ago from a two day visit. According to Disney it was "middle" season. Man, if THIS was the middle season, I can't IMAGINE what high season would be like??!! The park is relatively small, but still, a 100 minute wait for Big Thunder seemed a bit much. When booking with Disney directly, they have a 2 night minimum. I can see why - you'd only get to ride 2 rides a day!

Speaking of crowds ... I pride myself on a European attitude about most things. But what the &%*$#! happened to lining up?? Sure, Disney has the long queue's as they do in their other parks, but they are 2-3 times as wide. Old ladies, young kids, whole families, teenagers - you name it - they just pushed their way in front of us. In Pirates, the family in front of me from Scotland waited arm in arm across, to prevent people from pushing ahead. To quote the worst character ever written in Star Wars "how wude!"

Then there is the park itself. It is a contradiction. On the one hand, many of the effects are much better than the parks in the US. Pirates for instance was pretty cool, as was Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion). I was pleased to see the differences. Yet the park was filthy. How many times in CA or FL do you see chewing gum and graffitti all over ride areas? While waiting in line for Big Thunder I noted the walls absolutely coverered in graffitti. Further, there was more chewing gum on the rocks than I thought was sold across Europe. Where were the cleaners? I saw a few, but overall was shocked at the condition of the park.

Then there was the hotel. I stayed at the Sequioa (pardon the spelling), one of the middle priced hotels. Whoa. Yes, this is Europe and the rooms are small, no prob. BUT, the bathroom was disgusting. Mold everywhere. Broken appliances and fixtures. I crawled into bed to find that it was broken. (I won't ask how it occurred). Luckily there was a second bed in the room - springy and miserable, but I didn't fall out of it anyway.

Two positive things - beware the coasters and go-go-fastpass!

Just because it's Space Mountain, doesn't mean it's the same. A 360 degree loop! Woo hoo!

If you go, get FastPasses for all attractions first...then go around. Paris allows you to have multiple FP's all at once, if they are for different rides. Plus, if you stay at the highest price hotel, you get a hotel FP.

What they need to do for folks staying on property in FL or CA is "book ahead" FP's. It's all computerized anyway, so why not insert ticket at the hotel lobby and plan your day by picking FP times at all the rides. Too hopeful I guess and off topic.

In a nutshell - Disneyland Paris. Go in OFF OFF OFF season and enjoy yourself. You never have to go there again once you've done it!

 

[LukenDC]

I went to Disneyland Paris for a day in March 2005 and experienced very sparse crowds and hardly any waits. It was almost dull without a lot of people. I, too, encountered pushy Europeans who refused to wait in line. My French boyfriend tried to cut in line at Thunder Mountain and I had to tell him that that behavior was unacceptable in the United States and other Anglo countries. The British family in front of me thanked me for my willingness to stand in line.

The park did not seem dirty, but it was odd being there when there were not any leaves on the trees or flowers in bloom. Disneyland in CA and WDW are so lush year-round and the landscaping is part of the Disney experience for me.

The CMs were professional, but not as emotionally effusive as their American counterparts. Their lack of enthusiasm put a damper on the parades.

I am glad that I went to Disneyland Paris, but I prefer the American parks. They seem more "magical."

 

[mickeysaver]

Wow, this is so sad to hear. I had considered going there a few years back, but it is a trip that would be a few years in the future if it is to ever occur. I guess that I don't feel that I am missing much anymore.


That's ok though, I still have my beloved pixie dust bubble down in FL. Maggie

 

[donald...really]

I have visited DLP a couple of times, both times staying on property and visiting the park on numerous days. DLP is by far the most beautiful Disney park I have been to. I am sad to hear it is not being kept up as it should be.

Most of the days I was there the park was not crowded, but one Saturday it was a MAD HOUSE. We were in line to ride the train (the one that goes around the park, NOT BTM) close to an hour. And this was in the early evening when the park was less crowded. Yeah, it was crazy.

 

[Psychometrika]

Didn't want to discourage folks from going. Paris has MUCH to offer in many respects. Any Disney fan really needs to experience it themselves at least once....just go in the OFF OFF season and it will be better, and go on a weekday not weekend. Check to see what "off" season is over there as it differs substantially from the U.S. (Euros actually get quality numbers of vacation days!)

The park is very well designed. As I walked around I noticed a great deal of love that went into it's design and development. Similarly, many effects are better than over here.... but just visit it as an independent park and don't try to compare, apart from general cleanliness.

The Armageddon themed attraction at the Studios was pretty cool as well.

Ah, and one final note...it's nice to see they attract just as GLBT a cast as the US versions. Who needed a hollywood star when I had the studio tram driver to gaze at?