WDW and DL vet visiting for one day

[Susie22]

We go to WDW and DL quite frequently. I will be in Paris next week and am considering a one-day visit to DLP (just me and dh, no kids). I've never been there before; I didn't even know there were two different parks! With only one day there, we will hardly be able to see everything. As an American Disney veteran, what is not to be missed?

 

[torsie24]

I'd say it's worth a trip - I certainly couldn't be close to a Disney park I'd not visited before and not check it out!

Thunder and Space Mountains are better at DLRP, and POTC there is my favourite - it's a lot longer and mroe involved.

Haunted Mansion is different (but no Ghost Host which I miss)

The Castle is the best of all of them (IMO) and has a dragon underneath who isn't tobe missed.

Dreams (night time castle show) is definitely a must see.

If you have time to do both parks I'd also suggest you check out the new Ratatoille Ride/area. Also in the Studios park I love Animagique - it's like an on stage version of Philharmagic.

 

[Danauk]

I would concentrate on elements that are unique to DLP.

Although the Studios is a small park there are many attractions in there that are unique to DLP. The new ratatouille area is very well themed, plus Toy Story Playland, Crush's Coaster and the Animagique and Cinemagique shows.

In the Disneyland Park make sure you visit the castle (go up inside it and under to see the dragon), in Fantasyland the Alice in Wonderland Maze, in Adventureland Adventure Isle. These are all unique to DLP. Some of the classic rides also have a different twist at DLP; BTMRR goes under the lake onto an island of its own, Space Mountain is a looping rollercoaster (similar to RnRC), Phantom Manor has a different storyline.

I also suggest you stay until park closing time to watch Disney Dreams. It is my favourite of all the night time shows I have seen in the Disney parks I have visited.

Just so you are aware the fastpass system at DLP is the same as the old system in the American parks were you get a paper ticket from the machines. Also, if you have time check out the Disneyland hotel as it is located over the entrance to the Disneyland park. Cafe Fantasia is a nice place to have an afternoon coffee for a break from the park in the warmth.

 

[lostatdisney]

DH and I were just at DL Paris last week! We are Texans and big Disney fans, so when DH suggested a trip to Paris, he said we could spend a couple of days at DL. I am very glad we did; it was fun seeing another Disney park. You can definitely hit the highlights in one day. I would not miss these rides:
Disneyland:
-BTMRR is better than all the U.S. parks! It is so smooth and fun and goes under a lake to its own island. We rode it over and over.
-Space Mountain is very different, with two loops. It's a very intense roller coaster (DL California has the best version IMO), but I'm glad we rode it.
-Dreams fireworks show was very good.
Hollywood Studios:
-Crush's Coaster was very fun! Different from any coaster we'd ridden, since you sit in an upside down turtle shell which spins around. We enjoyed it!
-Ratatouille is a wonderful ride! Definitely don't leave without riding this innovative ride, which just opened in July.
Have a magical time!

 

[Susie22]

Thank you all. Such wonderful advice! Any recommendations for a wonderful restaurant that is different or has a unique twist on what's offered stateside? We'll be there all day so we'll need to choose a counter service and a table service. Can you make reservations online? Any snacks I need to try while I'm there?

 

[lostatdisney]

Thank you all. Such wonderful advice! Any recommendations for a wonderful restaurant that is different or has a unique twist on what's offered stateside? We'll be there all day so we'll need to choose a counter service and a table service. Can you make reservations online? Any snacks I need to try while I'm there?

We didn't do a dining plan, but I did make reservations at two buffets - Plaza Gardens and Restaurant de Stars. Both were very good but definitely had an international flavor; we saw escargot in the buffet at Plaza Gardens! The counter service food did not look appealing, but we did eat at Earl of Sandwich twice. They had refillable drinks and free wifi, which was great! The snacks did not look very good either. We typically saw Lays potato chips. And no Mickey bars! But like I said, the buffets were very good.

Also, I made reservations by calling the Disney number for the states and was able to get transferred to France, so I didn't have to pay ridiculous fees. Be sure to call early though, since they are six hours ahead.

 

[Danauk]

For a unique table service I would recommend the new Bistro Chez Remy in the studios or Walts on Main Street in the Disneyland park. For speed, Chez Remy would be better as it is a more limited menu but is designed to have a 45 minute turn around time. The restaurant is Ratatouille themed, all the props are giant as you are supposed to have shrunk to the size of a rat. Walts is a longer dining experience, bigger menu choice. Each room in the restaurant is based on a different land in the park. It is full of Disney memorabilia, plus if you get a window seat you have a lovely view of Main Street. The entrance to the restaurant is based on the entrance to Club 33 at Disneyland. If you want a character meal, Inventions in the Disneyland hotel is nice. It is a buffet located in the Disneyland hotel and the restaurant overlooks the entrance to the park so you can see the train station, Main Street and the castle.

You can view menus here: http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

Unfortunately, DLP does not do on line reservations. You need to ring the restaurant reservations line on 0033 160 30 40 50

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Also, I made reservations by calling the Disney number for the states and was able to get transferred to France, so I didn't have to pay ridiculous fees. Be sure to call early though, since they are six hours ahead.

Which US phone number did you call? A WDW or DL line?
Thanks.

 

[fly girl]

Also, I made reservations by calling the Disney number for the states and was able to get transferred to France, so I didn't have to pay ridiculous fees. Be sure to call early though, since they are six hours ahead.

Which US phone number did you call? A WDW or DL line?
Thanks.

Oh my goodness, that is FANTASTIC!!! Please share what number to call.

Thanks!