paris? worth it?
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My sister and I went to Paris, France in fall of 2006 and although at one time Disneyland Paris was suggested, it was axed off the list early on. Partly because we live 7.5 hrs from the original DLR, but mostly, as a PP said, because there's just SO many other wonderful things to see/do in Paris. So if you go to WDW frequently I'd say skip it and do the things unique to Paris.
My don't-miss recommendations are:
- Palace of Versailles (get there early in the day so you can rent a bicycle to tour the grounds...they're just too big to walk the whole thing, even if you're very athletic. When we went the bike rental place on site closed down at 2pm even though the palace was still open. Note if you go on a weekend the fountains should be on. We had to go on a weekday so they were off. Still gorgeous, though!)
- Louvre. Allow plenty of time, at least several hours, because it's huge!
- Musee d'Orsay - beautiful...lots of famous art pieces you will recognize
- Arc de Triomphe - the view from the top is stupendous and the architecture is lovely
- Basilica de Sacre Coeur - fun to ride the funiculaire and it's beautiful inside + great views of Paris.
- Eiffel Tower - obviously! We didn't go up in it, but there's a large park at its base and a lot of fun people-watching. Just wait till you see how ENORMOUS it is!
- Sainte-Chapelle - This church has the most gorgeous stained glass I've ever seen...your jaw will drop.
- Conciergerie - ok, this list is getting long...sorry! There's just SO much neat stuff! Fascinating history here.
- Palais Garnier Opera House - it's so beautiful inside!
We also enjoyed a boat ride on the Seine in the early evening and I recommend that because you get a really unique view of the city from the water. In 2006 they sold a special museum/attraction pass that, as I recall, cost about 40 euros at the time (?) but you could get into a whole bunch of sites and attractions around the city so if you plan to visit a number of places it'd be well worth it.
Have a great time! Wow, I'm getting all nostalgic - take me with you!
P.S. Enjoy all the boulangeries - there's practically one on every corner!
P.P.S. Take advantage of the Metro...it's fabulous...pretty easy to use and it goes EVERYWHERE!
GeneralTso
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We were in Paris last year and we did a full day at Disney Paris. Did not spend the night because we took the train in and out. It was really easy.
If you are a big Disney fan, I think you'll want to do it.
As for the Disney store on Champs Elysees and it was SO TRASHY. Just nasty, dirty, disorganized and junky. Like the Times Square one in Manhattan used to be before it was remodeled.
If you only have one day that you want to venture out, I suggest you go to Versailles instead. That is an experience you will never forget or regret. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
There is so much to do and see in Paris proper. You could have a fab time just staying within the city. We were back last month and did so many more things that we didn't have time for last time.
Oh, and Disney Paris is kind of dirty. I know I sound like a clean freak but I'm really not. The cast members that work there do not have nearly the same amount of pride or priority that they do in Orlando or Anaheim. There were many times we just loaded ourselves on a ride. No one around. They just assume you won't do anything stupid and take care of yourself. It's very different there, expect different.
Lots of trash, especially all around Big Thunder Mountain. We were so surprised to see pop bottles all over, papers, etc.
Just lower your expectations and you won't be as surprised as we were.
Their castle is very cool! Big surprise underneath! I won't spoil it.
If you are a big Disney fan, I think you'll want to do it.
As for the Disney store on Champs Elysees and it was SO TRASHY. Just nasty, dirty, disorganized and junky. Like the Times Square one in Manhattan used to be before it was remodeled.
If you only have one day that you want to venture out, I suggest you go to Versailles instead. That is an experience you will never forget or regret. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
There is so much to do and see in Paris proper. You could have a fab time just staying within the city. We were back last month and did so many more things that we didn't have time for last time.
Oh, and Disney Paris is kind of dirty. I know I sound like a clean freak but I'm really not. The cast members that work there do not have nearly the same amount of pride or priority that they do in Orlando or Anaheim. There were many times we just loaded ourselves on a ride. No one around. They just assume you won't do anything stupid and take care of yourself. It's very different there, expect different.
Lots of trash, especially all around Big Thunder Mountain. We were so surprised to see pop bottles all over, papers, etc.
Just lower your expectations and you won't be as surprised as we were.
Their castle is very cool! Big surprise underneath! I won't spoil it.
Brian_WDW74
Oh, I'm detecting nuttiness...
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The Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies forum is for discussing Walt Disney World theme parks attractions and strategies. I've moved this thread to the Disneyland Paris forum. 
You'll definatly be able to spend an entire day in Brussels, much to see there.
chmurf
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it is maleficent.
If you look at the sign at the entrance of the cave, you'll see that this sign has maleficent's horns on it.
No reason for those horns if it's Merlin's dragon, therefore, it's either Maleficent, or a very poor theming/continuity error.
tinks_1989
<font color=teal>need a <b>like</b> button<br><fon
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it is maleficent.
If you look at the sign at the entrance of the cave, you'll see that this sign has maleficent's horns on it.
No reason for those horns if it's Merlin's dragon, therefore, it's either Maleficent, or a very poor theming/continuity error.
http://www.dlrptoday.com/2012/01/02...lised-snap-renewed-effects-for-20th-birthday/
You would think but that isn't maleficent apparently makes no sense that marlin would have a dragon in sleeping beauty's castle.
chmurf
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Actually both stories are true.
The imagineers have used a large amount of ambiguity here.
In fact they have put both films (merlin and sleeping beauty) into one location.
The entrance sign is maleficent, but there is also a plaque inside which says merlin guards this dragon.
The reference to Merlin is enhanced by the presence of the sword in the stone in the castle courtyard.
The question remains : was it designed (on purpose) or is it just a storyline which was developped after the facts.
Still both versions (maleficent and merlin's dragon) are valid. But guests will invariably have a preference and back up THEIR version
Personally I think it's maleficent, and the merlin story was cleverly crafted to add content. but I may be wrong
tinks_1989
<font color=teal>need a <b>like</b> button<br><fon
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Actually both stories are true.
The imagineers have used a large amount of ambiguity here.
In fact they have put both films (merlin and sleeping beauty) into one location.
The entrance sign is maleficent, but there is also a plaque inside which says merlin guards this dragon.
The reference to Merlin is enhanced by the presence of the sword in the stone in the castle courtyard.
The question remains : was it designed (on purpose) or is it just a storyline which was developped after the facts.
Still both versions (maleficent and merlin's dragon) are valid. But guests will invariably have a preference and back up THEIR version
Personally I think it's maleficent, and the merlin story was cleverly crafted to add content. but I may be wrong
Oh interesting I like the maleficent story better.
I'm going to share a slightly different perspective which may not be popular here since it contradicts much of the advice previously given in this thread. Still, this is an internet message board and the OP asked a question, so all opinions should be valid in helping them find an answer.
My family and I spent a week in Paris in 2011 before flying to Barcelona to board an ocean-crossing Disney cruise. We're obviously Disney fans, but also love travel in general, particularly diving into the culture of a place and not just scratching the surface as a "tourist". We had planned two days at DLP, two days in Paris itself, and two days relaxing at the pool and our resort.
After our first day at DLP we knew one day per park wouldn't be enough, so had planned to sacrifice a lounge-around day. Then we went to Paris itself, and knew we didn't need a second day there. It's easily our least-favorite European city. Previous posters have talked about all there is to see there, but (and I'm going to be a bit facetious here) how many old, decaying buildings can one really study and enjoy?
In the end we sacrificed both our second Paris day AND our second lounge-around day and spent four days at the Disney parks. We loved them, and still didn't see everything. As others have said, they are different than the U.S. parks--which isn't a bad thing. They're not WORSE, just different. Our experience with French CMs was different from what previous posters have mentioned. We found them to be Disney-caliber in terms of friendliness, magic, and service.
Our family has no interest in ever visiting the city of Paris again. There's plenty of Europe we do want to see (again, or for the first time). And we will gladly visit DLP at some point in the future. So my answer to the OPs question is that not only is DLP worth a day, it's worth the majority of their stay.
My family and I spent a week in Paris in 2011 before flying to Barcelona to board an ocean-crossing Disney cruise. We're obviously Disney fans, but also love travel in general, particularly diving into the culture of a place and not just scratching the surface as a "tourist". We had planned two days at DLP, two days in Paris itself, and two days relaxing at the pool and our resort.
After our first day at DLP we knew one day per park wouldn't be enough, so had planned to sacrifice a lounge-around day. Then we went to Paris itself, and knew we didn't need a second day there. It's easily our least-favorite European city. Previous posters have talked about all there is to see there, but (and I'm going to be a bit facetious here) how many old, decaying buildings can one really study and enjoy?
In the end we sacrificed both our second Paris day AND our second lounge-around day and spent four days at the Disney parks. We loved them, and still didn't see everything. As others have said, they are different than the U.S. parks--which isn't a bad thing. They're not WORSE, just different. Our experience with French CMs was different from what previous posters have mentioned. We found them to be Disney-caliber in terms of friendliness, magic, and service.
Our family has no interest in ever visiting the city of Paris again. There's plenty of Europe we do want to see (again, or for the first time). And we will gladly visit DLP at some point in the future. So my answer to the OPs question is that not only is DLP worth a day, it's worth the majority of their stay.
fabulousfive
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Love this thread because I was wondering the same thing. Can't wait to hear more responses!
chmurf
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Paris is a great city.
I personnaly don't like it, because I've lived there, and the pace of life there is just too fast and hectic for me.
But it's one of Europe's tourist heaven.
of course you need to know what you're coming for.
If you're only coming to see the Eiffel Tower and tour at charge speed like some Japanese tour groups do, you'll probably 'not like it so much' (some will even hate it)
But there is a lot of History there if you know what you're looking at.
Visitors from the UK might be more at ease, because they know about old buildings and palaces and gardens and such.
Visitors from the US might be less receptive, especially if they consider that "architecture" is concrete, glass and steel, and everything else is crap (hopefully they're not all like this)
Let me humor our US PP when he says that buildings are old and decaying buildings ... of course they're old, most of them were already old when the United States were not even a country yet ...
... try Rome, you'll see how old and decaying the Coliseum is ... and try Egypt ... they have a statue ... the Sphinx it's called ... so old and decaying that it's nose is missing ... why can't those people maintain their buildings ...
Still Paris has a lot of opportunities for whom can seize them.
But also remember that it is a very large city. And we, the French, do not share the same culture, even with our UK neighbors. Visitors often feel insecure or lost, or overwhelmed by the place.
It's a nice city if you care to embrace it. But it's also a city that won't suit every visitor.
Let me just illustrate this by saying that you could take a friend to the Louvres, the MET or the Smithonian, if that friend is bored by museums, he'll get bored by those museums too, period.
Some people just don't like cities, that's all.
I personnaly don't like it, because I've lived there, and the pace of life there is just too fast and hectic for me.
But it's one of Europe's tourist heaven.
of course you need to know what you're coming for.
If you're only coming to see the Eiffel Tower and tour at charge speed like some Japanese tour groups do, you'll probably 'not like it so much' (some will even hate it)
But there is a lot of History there if you know what you're looking at.
Visitors from the UK might be more at ease, because they know about old buildings and palaces and gardens and such.
Visitors from the US might be less receptive, especially if they consider that "architecture" is concrete, glass and steel, and everything else is crap (hopefully they're not all like this)
Let me humor our US PP when he says that buildings are old and decaying buildings ... of course they're old, most of them were already old when the United States were not even a country yet ...
... try Rome, you'll see how old and decaying the Coliseum is ... and try Egypt ... they have a statue ... the Sphinx it's called ... so old and decaying that it's nose is missing ... why can't those people maintain their buildings ...
Still Paris has a lot of opportunities for whom can seize them.
But also remember that it is a very large city. And we, the French, do not share the same culture, even with our UK neighbors. Visitors often feel insecure or lost, or overwhelmed by the place.
It's a nice city if you care to embrace it. But it's also a city that won't suit every visitor.
Let me just illustrate this by saying that you could take a friend to the Louvres, the MET or the Smithonian, if that friend is bored by museums, he'll get bored by those museums too, period.
Some people just don't like cities, that's all.
rosanab1031
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I went to Paris in 2008 for 2 weeks for a class. We originally had DLP on our schedule but it got nixed pretty early on because there was just so much to do! Granted... I would have gladly cut some things out in hindsight.
For example, Versailles in my opinion is HIGHLY overrated. The gardens are beautiful but the "palace" was just... meh. Definitely not worth the amount of money we paid to get in OR the time we spent there.
A few things I missed out on in my 2 weeks there was going to the top of the Notre Dame, La Duree (French Macarons... they are frickin AWESOME!), Seine River cruise and obviously DLP
My sister just went to Paris a few months ago and did all of the touristy stuff so we have a trip planned for next summer and we are doin DLP! AHHHH! Lol.
The highlights and my must-do's:
Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame
Open Air Markets (If it's the right season. I went in May)
Nicolas Flamel Restaurant (Fine dining, so a little pricey but AMAZING food)
Giverny- Monet Gardens; this is actually a little over an hour outside of Paris but if you can make it there it is TOTALLY worth it.
Chartres- Another one of my favorite places to visit. It has an absolutely beautiful chapel, but again over an hour outside of Paris. It's the cutest little Beauty and the Beast town and totally worth the time in my opinion
So I hope you have a wonderful time visiting all the places you can!
For example, Versailles in my opinion is HIGHLY overrated. The gardens are beautiful but the "palace" was just... meh. Definitely not worth the amount of money we paid to get in OR the time we spent there.
A few things I missed out on in my 2 weeks there was going to the top of the Notre Dame, La Duree (French Macarons... they are frickin AWESOME!), Seine River cruise and obviously DLP
My sister just went to Paris a few months ago and did all of the touristy stuff so we have a trip planned for next summer and we are doin DLP! AHHHH! Lol.
The highlights and my must-do's:
Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame
Open Air Markets (If it's the right season. I went in May)
Nicolas Flamel Restaurant (Fine dining, so a little pricey but AMAZING food)
Giverny- Monet Gardens; this is actually a little over an hour outside of Paris but if you can make it there it is TOTALLY worth it.
Chartres- Another one of my favorite places to visit. It has an absolutely beautiful chapel, but again over an hour outside of Paris. It's the cutest little Beauty and the Beast town and totally worth the time in my opinion
So I hope you have a wonderful time visiting all the places you can!
Jawa Livin
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Hi,
Just wanted to add my .02 to the discussion. I was in Paris just a few weeks ago for vacation and went to DLRP for the first time (2nd time in Paris). My sister came with me and for her, the main draw to go to Paris was Disney (she is not as into museums and old buildings as I am). We had a GREAT time both in Paris and at Disney. It was nice to take a break from the museums and have some fun at Disney. The train from the city to the parks was so easy, it was nice not having to drive there myself as I do going to WDW here. We found the workers were generally very pleasant and when they asked where we were from and found out FL, they were very interested to hear what we thought about their park versus WDW, had a few nice conversations with them. We did pin trading (they have some very nice pins there, unique and nicer quality I felt compared to WDW) and we were there at a time when a lot of merchandise was deeply discounted. I truly enjoyed my 2 days there and would recommend anyone visiting Paris take a day off of the "culture" and be a kid again at DLRP!
Just wanted to add my .02 to the discussion. I was in Paris just a few weeks ago for vacation and went to DLRP for the first time (2nd time in Paris). My sister came with me and for her, the main draw to go to Paris was Disney (she is not as into museums and old buildings as I am). We had a GREAT time both in Paris and at Disney. It was nice to take a break from the museums and have some fun at Disney. The train from the city to the parks was so easy, it was nice not having to drive there myself as I do going to WDW here. We found the workers were generally very pleasant and when they asked where we were from and found out FL, they were very interested to hear what we thought about their park versus WDW, had a few nice conversations with them. We did pin trading (they have some very nice pins there, unique and nicer quality I felt compared to WDW) and we were there at a time when a lot of merchandise was deeply discounted. I truly enjoyed my 2 days there and would recommend anyone visiting Paris take a day off of the "culture" and be a kid again at DLRP!
lorie13
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We spent 6 days in Paris in September of 2011 and during that time spent 2 days at Disneyland Paris. Probably could have seen everything in 1.5 days.
It was a once in a lifetime experience and we enjoyed the differences it had to offer.
If you have never been there do it. I probably would not go back again, but I am glad we did it.
It was a once in a lifetime experience and we enjoyed the differences it had to offer.
If you have never been there do it. I probably would not go back again, but I am glad we did it.
PrincessIndia
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You should definetly go! Top 5 reasons-
1. Paris has the prettiest and most detailed castle exterior
2. Tower of terror, Haunted Mansion/ Phantom Manor and big thunder mountain are better at paris
3. See the original pirates otc ride (no Johnny depp etc), and the original startours and snow whites scary adventures
4. Nutella Crepes, mickey brioche and other foods not availiable in usa parks
5. Chance to meet French cast members, characters and princesses!
TOP Attractions-
Dragons lair and Aurora windows
All the rides mentioned above and Crushes Coaster, Space mountain 2, and Pinocchio ride
Cinemaqique cinema show with scenes from movies- really good!
Dreams- Night show- projections on castle, fireworks etc.
Alice maze
20th anniversary train and parade
The Disneyland hotel
Princess Pavillion
Top restaurants
Innovations in the Disneyland hotel
Blue lagoon
If you go I would advise going for 2 days- one in main park and one in the studios
It really is a must for a true Disney fan
Be sure to check out the DLRP magic website and the trip advisor forum too
1. Paris has the prettiest and most detailed castle exterior
2. Tower of terror, Haunted Mansion/ Phantom Manor and big thunder mountain are better at paris
3. See the original pirates otc ride (no Johnny depp etc), and the original startours and snow whites scary adventures
4. Nutella Crepes, mickey brioche and other foods not availiable in usa parks
5. Chance to meet French cast members, characters and princesses!
TOP Attractions-
Dragons lair and Aurora windows
All the rides mentioned above and Crushes Coaster, Space mountain 2, and Pinocchio ride
Cinemaqique cinema show with scenes from movies- really good!
Dreams- Night show- projections on castle, fireworks etc.
Alice maze
20th anniversary train and parade
The Disneyland hotel
Princess Pavillion
Top restaurants
Innovations in the Disneyland hotel
Blue lagoon
If you go I would advise going for 2 days- one in main park and one in the studios
It really is a must for a true Disney fan
Be sure to check out the DLRP magic website and the trip advisor forum too
do you have kids? My tweens/teen loved DLP (been to WDW 10X). We were on a 2 week cruise/Paris/London trip and DLP ranked as one of the top 3 things that they did/saw on the trip--even outranking Pompeii and Buckingham Palace. I thought DLP was a beautiful park.
gemmybear83
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Having just come back from disneyland California I can't agree pirates is better - the disneyland version is awesome and much longer.
Also the american parks have invested in haunted mansion and undertaken fab updates, whilst the disneyland paris is outdated in comparison.
I love the disneyland park its beautiful, but sadly the poor service, expense and lack of investment let it down.
Personally I would enjoy Paris its a wonderful city with so much to do.
Also the american parks have invested in haunted mansion and undertaken fab updates, whilst the disneyland paris is outdated in comparison.
I love the disneyland park its beautiful, but sadly the poor service, expense and lack of investment let it down.
Personally I would enjoy Paris its a wonderful city with so much to do.
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