Tips for Americans?

[ducky_love]

Hi Everyone! I'm so sorry to start a new thread but I couldn't find my answer. In all my reading and studying French I came across that the peace sign is very offensive in France? That is a little horrifying as I'm sure when I was asked how many were in my party for rides I would have flashed the peace sign every time! Now I know but does anyone know of other things we should be aware of? I want to be as respectful as possible! I appreciate your insight.

I will be practicing my "deux" - that is for sure!!

 

[MissSkellington]

I know when we lived in the UK we were told that a reverse peace sign was offensive in England, but I've never heard that being the case in France. And I'm sure I've held my 2 fingers up to indicate such, and I've never gotten a nasty look for it.

I'm sure you've read by now, but many folks that visit DLP don't form proper queues for meet and greets, it's a bit of free for all.
As Americans, we were really thrown for a loop by that...and people smoking in places other than designated spots.

Not exactly rules of French etiquette you're looking for, but something to be aware of.

 

[ducky_love]

Thanks for the response! Living at WDW we were surprised to see characters roaming around without handlers on our first trip to DLR. I was following Sleeping Beauty around worried she'd get attacked by kids! LOL! When she worked up a little bit of a crowd she put them into a line and that was that. *never* would have worked at WDW!!

I can't imagine no lines at DLRP! Can't wait to see how that works!

 

[freddythebear]

oh dear I hope the peace sign is not offensive, as I have done it many times in my daughters school when helping out doing number songs for the children to learn English!
I will have to find out about this one

Always say 'Bonjour' to CMs its kind of the equivalent of a smile!

 

[Lisa_C]

The actual peace sign isnt offensive in France, the reverse peace sign however, could possibly get you a punch in the face (!) It's used to tell people to "go away" in a swearing tone and literally means "whatever" to the person you do it too.....not advisable, though we tend to do it to drivers who cut us up

 

[ducky_love]

Thank Lisa!! So reverse means showing the back of your hand, right? As long as my palm is facing the person I'm ok? I'm still thinking I'll just use my pinky and ring finger to say 2!!

Any other red flags?

 

[MissSkellington]

Here in a germany they use their thumb for 1 and then pointer and thumb for 2...and so one...maybe try doing that, but it's hard to remember to do...lol...

I think you'll be fine...but as mentioned, try not to do the reverse peace sign.

Hope you have a great time!!

 

[Sundancer UK]

The 'reverse peace' sign is offensive in the UK too - similar to flipping the middle finger.

 

[ducky_love]

Yikes! Thanks, guys!

 

[Sam1]

I'm almost sure the reverse peace sign isn't offensive in France, especially if you're using it to show a number and not intentionally using it to be offensive. I'll check with my son later, but I'm sure he's mentioned they don't have any hand gestures like British people do.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

As an expat who visits the park often. I would say lower your expectations. DLP is very pretty but in a different way from WDW or DL. Look for the small things that make it special. The details in the buildings. The CM's try to get it but most don't. Do be polite everywhere you go. Start with bon jour and end with Merci'. Manners matter here!

If I can be help with more specific questions feel free to ask.

 

[Lolsmum]

The 'reverse peace' sign is offensive in the UK too - similar to flipping the middle finger.

Yep. My kids do a normal peace sign then say they are swearing at themselves. 6 and 7 are very silly ages.

 

[Sundancer UK]

Yep. My kids do a normal peace sign then say they are swearing at themselves. 6 and 7 are very silly ages.

Ooh yes, I can agree with that!