Will I be disappointed with DLP??

[Keurigirl]

We are Disney veterans and Disney fans. We are heading to DLP this summer after a transatlantic Disney cruise and I'm a bit worried that I'll be disappointed. I hate smoking, dirty bathrooms, rude people ... And I keep hearing that Disneyland Paris has these problems and more. Will I feel the Disney magic there?

 

[UK mum of 4]

I visited in August for 3 nights on the way back from another holiday. I am pleased to be able to yuck it off the list because I'd like to visit all disney parks but I will never return :-( unfortunately the staff were rude and unhelpful, the queues were really hard work because of people jumping in and rather than a line to meet the characters it was a crowd and the character picked who they wanted, usually the rudest person there who pushed everyone else out. I really felt that it was missing the magic but like everything it is possible that we just went at a bad time maybe?
I'm sorry to sound so down on DLP, hopefully someone will reply with a positive experience.

 

[DLPdaft]

Can you go prepared for the worst?

Fact - in France, people smoke in the parks at DLP.

Fact - some guests who visit DLP don't queue, they attempt to queue-jump.

Fact - some guests make a mess in the public toilets, and I personally don't think there are enough staff to cope with keeping them in pristine condition. That doesn't mean that they are all smelly - but the ones in the high-traffic areas of the parks can be, so avoid them and use the lesser-known ones.

Rude and unhelpful CMs? Not in my experience - but it depends what you expect from a CM. Do you expect the happy sunshine magic styled on the American CM model? You won't see much of that at DLP. But you should see CMs who are willing to help you with your questions.

Character meets (the random ones) at DLP have historically, (and entirely justifiably in my opinion) got bad press in the past. However, this month DLP are trialling a queue system, even for the random meet n greets, so hopefully this will stay and the "scrum" meet n greet experience will be a thing of the past.

 

[Danauk]

I feel the Disney magic every time I go to DLP, I actually prefer the Disneyland Park at Paris to the MK at WDW. I love that you can go up inside and below the castle, I love Dreams night time show, I love the attractions that are unique to Paris (Alice's maze, Crush's coaster in the Studios and I am excited about the new Ratatouille attraction opening.) Yes, I do think smoking is an issues there as mainland Europeans seem to have a different attitude to that than people from the UK. I have never seen dirty bathrooms (whilst I have at WDW) and as for rude people, you find them everywhere (again I saw them in WDW and Disneyland as well.)

The character meet and greets used to be an issue, but they have changed things there now. Lines are formed and people wait their turn just like in the US parks. As you can see from my signature I have been to DLP many times and already have 2 trips booked for this year (plus we will probably go at Halloween too.) I love going to DLP, for me they have taken the best elements out of Disneyland, mixed with a bit of WDW to create a nice resort.

 

[Lisa_C]

I visited in August for 3 nights on the way back from another holiday. I am pleased to be able to yuck it off the list because I'd like to visit all disney parks but I will never return :-( unfortunately the staff were rude and unhelpful, the queues were really hard work because of people jumping in and rather than a line to meet the characters it was a crowd and the character picked who they wanted, usually the rudest person there who pushed everyone else out. I really felt that it was missing the magic but like everything it is possible that we just went at a bad time maybe?
I'm sorry to sound so down on DLP, hopefully someone will reply with a positive experience.

Things are changing - the character meet and greets are now organised with a queue system equal to all. You will find the experience to be much better now!

Bathrooms can be a problem, sometimes you can be unlucky during high season, and this includes stressed staff (the weather was unusually hot last year and yes, the CM's got grumpy along with guests! Its the culture I'm afraid, we tend to just get on with things and it doesn't bother us much). I'm the opposite across the pond and don't like the "in your face" CM (who I know is just really happy to e working there!). Its just a job to a lot of employees in customer service rolls and it seems like some can't wait to get home

I think you need to see past things like the state of some of the bathrooms etc, and take a good look at the Disneyland Past itself. It's beautiful. Its the largest of all "Magic Kingdoms" and is the best themed. It's twice the size of the original Californian park, but has less rides to be spread out. Maybe go into this with an open mind, our rides are different versions to the U.S parks, and you will find yourself upside down on some!

I love DLP. It's my home park, but I honestly get a real Disney buzz and home feeling when I'm there. Which is quite a lot

 

[cruisingteacher]

Well I'm about to go back for a second visit (I was there for 1 day in 2012) now I am staying on property for 5 days.

In France people smoke everywhere, that is a reality of the country.

I don't remember any rude people from my visit (so nothing stood out there) and I definitely found the Disney magic.

 

[Jazzy B Bunny]

I'll be honest, its not as 'magic' as florida. Its not even on the same scale. I find a lot of guests to be rude. that being said I am going back this year. However given the financial choice I'd go to Florida.

 

[petals]

We are Disney veterans and Disney fans. We are heading to DLP this summer after a transatlantic Disney cruise and I'm a bit worried that I'll be disappointed. I hate smoking, dirty bathrooms, rude people ... And I keep hearing that Disneyland Paris has these problems and more. Will I feel the Disney magic there?

We went back to Paris in 2012 after ten years and going to Walt Disney World 4 times in between.

Paris didn't feel anywhere near as magical as Florida. It was good and we enjoyed it and the christmas stuff that started when we were there was great and Mickey mouse was fab and whatever else but the rudeness was a major drawback. I didn't notice smoking so much but alot of the in park bathrooms were wet and smelly. We encountered maybe one really rude CM and I was taken back by the pin trading there because they wanted to pick what pin you trade to them whereas in Florida you pick what pin you want to trade away. We did enjoy it if you can overlook the rudeness!

 

[RoseBug]

I haven't been to Florida - I keep putting it off because the scale of it; the weather (I don't do heat) and the American idea of customer service just puts me off. I have been to the California park, which was my first Disney park experience. I enjoyed it; but I don't remember being overwhelmed by it - unlike my trip to DLP a few years later where I was just in awe.

For us it has one huge negative - smoking. I hate it and I despise it in DLP. But I know it is an issue and still choose to go back.

Our experience of CM's is outstanding - we have never, ever met a grumpy; rude or couldn't be bothered CM in DLP. But then we don't expect the OTT greetings from them - a smile and a hello is perfect, and a conversation when you initiate it. The CM's have always treated us wonderfully - arranging the most fantastic pixie dust for our little girl on our last two visits.

Toilets - sometimes they are a little messy; but I am totally OCD and have never encountered a toilet I couldn't cope with. And due to our little girls bowel troubles we visited them alot.

Rude people - the majority are not rude; in the most part it is just the way of the European which is very different to an American. Yes you get rude people - but surely you get that in WDW too? Not everyone who visits WDW are the epitome of politeness and perfect social behaviour. If you think that then there is quite clearly some rose-tinted glasses in play!

The park itself - stunningly beautiful. Might need some TLC in places but we don't "look" for it so don't see it.

Go with an open mind; don't expect a comparison to WDW and you should see it's worth. Enjoy!

 

[Madhattermad]

Aww I'm so saddened by this question, such a shame you have got this impression because DLP is fully of magic! I love it...it's my happy place

I stayed for 5 days in October and I'm back out this coming Sunday. A few thoughts:

Smoking: Yes, people smoke but to be honest this is not something I noticed when I was there in October as a problem. Even if you notice it, I don't think it would ever be so bad as to subtract from the disney magic!

Toilettes: Again I didn't find these a huge issue. I found the toilettes in the Liberty Arcade to be clean and often quiet.

Queuing/people pushing in: Unfortunately, hubby and I did exerience this on a couple of occasions but my advice is just hold your ground and don't be afraid to call people out on this. We had one family of about 6 people trying to queue jump in the princess pavillion! So many people were just letting this family push their way in but when they got to us, I simply said excuse me, but I have been waiting and I'd appreciate it if you queue like the rest of us. As soon as we spoke up everyone behind us agreed and spoke up and sent the family packing (looking rather sheepish!). It's a shame but don't let a few peoples actions spoil it for you.

Go and have a ball...there is a lot of personality in DLP and I have NO doubt you are going to love it.

I have never been to WDW but have been to Tokyo and off to California in April and I think as long as you go expecting all parks to be different and have their own quirks and your open to exploring and open to love it, you'll be fine!

 

[Jayney73]

Threads like this make me sad and I feel like I have to post something in defence of DLP.
Smoking, yes occasionally noticed, but it has never bothered us, I wouldnt let it any way.

Rude CM's, not rude as such, maybe just not as in your face as WDW, but anyone can have an off day, like the rudest CM we have ever met at
Magic Kingdom, but again didn't let it spoil our holiday, because I wouldn't.

Bathrooms, can honestly say never encountered really bad bathrooms, but Im sure it does happen at really busy times and I know a lot of people have complained about it.

DLP is not WDW and please don't go expecting it to be and constantly making comparisons, or that is all your visit will be and you miss the absolute beauty and charm that is DLP.

It is different but given the choice I would visit DLP park over MK any day it is breath-taking and truly is magical and we always feel the magic when we are there.

I had to take my own advice and stop comparing Magic Kingdom negatively to DLP park when we were there because in my opinion it just didn't measure up and I was beginning to spoil my own holiday

 

[Michael623]

If you're like me, the problem is you've been to the US parks and no matter how hard you try and be objective, you'll spend your time comparing DLP to the US parks.

I personally think what sets DL and WDW apart is the atmosphere created by the Cast Members. They are friendly and and enthusiastic and seem genuinely happy to be at DL/WDW. They are happy to answer questions, give advice, directions etc. This is not the case at DLP. Don't get me wrong, as others have said the park is beautiful, the details are excellent and most of the rides and attractions are top notch, but the CM interaction is more like you'd find at Six Flags. I have a theory that this is a result of under staffing (which also explains the bathroom situation) but this is really my own opinion (although try googling disneyland paris suicide).

That being said, I think the behavior of the guests there is even worse than the CMs. Line cutting is a national pastime at DLP, but once again there either aren't enough CMs to enforce it or the CMs just think it's perfectly acceptable to walk in front of someone who has been waiting patiently in line. Same goes for the smoking although as long as people are smoking outside it really doesn't bother me.

The first time I went to DLP I set my expectations very low and was disappointed. The second time I went, after experiencing it once before I set my expectations even lower, and was still disappointed.

 

[kel0709]

I think It is what you make of it. If you go expecting it to be a negative experience then it will be and there are things that are annoying but for me those things didn't make it any less magical. I've only ever been to DLP but I love it and it is so magical. Just be prepared that people do smoke and que jump but you will have an amazing time!

 

[Michael623]

Just be prepared that people do smoke and que jump but you will have an amazing time!

Doesn't that seem like a bit of a defeatist mentality?

 

[markpsych]

Always find these threads interesting

I've taken about 30 trips to DLP, and I can honestly count the number of queue jumpers I've noticed on 2 hands maximum. Certainly not something that would stress me out on holiday, as I make good use of the fast passes. Regardless, life's to short to worry about the odd person getting on a ride before me!

Haven't smoked myself for years, and don't particularly like the smell of smoke now, but I actually quite like the fact that France is a little less rule bound than we've become

We went to the Parc de Pierre Brun theme park a couple of years ago https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=T...Gaem0QWlx4GYAg&ved=0CGsQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=1085 and wehad the time of their lives (aiming to go again this summer ). Full of vintage park attractions and gigantic inflatables that would almost certainly been banned in the UK by now on health and safety grounds.

Obviously I don't suffer with an asthmatic condition, and can understand those people who do feeling a little different...

 

[cdsmiler81]

We went mid December 2013 and DIDN'T experience any queue jumping, and only one instance of smoking in queues - this was while waiting to see Jack Skellington and the CM asked the lady to step out of the line while she smoked!

On the negative we experiences two different grumpy CMs BUT we interacted with a LOT more (due to DD pin trading!) and every single one of the others were lovely.

Don't forget, the majority of the time when people review or talk about a place (outside of a fan heavy place like this), they normally want to complain - look at trip advisor as an example!

Doesn't that seem like a bit of a defeatist mentality?

And surely setting your expectations low BEFORE going on a trip somewhere is more defeatist?! Surely it's best to make the most of things?!

C x

 

[CruznLexi]

I have been lots to WDW we are also DVC members and have been to DL several times as well. I have checked all 3 sites for prices and all seem quite expensive for just a 3 night stay with transfers for $100 as well. I am afraid of being disappointed. I think 3 nights for over $1000 at this is not at a deluxe is just pricy what do most think. This is on the France site. The US site was over $1700. This does not include food. For $1500 I can do a nice cruise too. Just seems like it will cost close to $2000 for 3 days. By the times there is food and some gifts.

 

[angelmav]

I have been to DL, WDW (multiple times) and Paris Disney (twice). The smoking, honestly is not something that I noticed (any more than anywhere else in Europe). But the que jumping....Yeah that is REAL and pretty bad. Honestly about saw a fight break out in POC and Buzz over it.

The food is also not up to standard. You would think the european counterpark would get top marks in this category, but sadly, I have been served stuff they would be embarrased to sell at a six flags.

The parks are pretty, but I would never choose a trip to DLRP over WDW or DL. If I wasnt four hours away I wouldnt even be considering it. But its my Disney park of convenience.

I cant even really say what you should focus on. As a disney vet you will notice some things like POC is the best version...but its a difficult place to fully enjoy if you are expecting a certain disney standard.

 

[carmie3377]

I have only spent 1 day at DLP & 4 days at DL but 100+ days at WDW over the last 10 years. Of course it was only one day, but I didn't notice any smoking and I'm very sensitive to cigarette smoke. The food, it was ok. Nothing stood out and nothing was bad but we had a total of 4 meals between the 2 of us. So yes, I'm sure bad meals are to be found just like they are at WDW.

The line jumping was a problem. If ANY amount of space was left between you and the person in front, the people behind would go around. Or if we were waiting for someone to get out of the way to take a pic, people behind would jump in front. But that was an issue in Paris as well and it started at CDG when we first landed, continued onto the metro, and of course at DLP. I like to have a bit of personal space. Not too much but obviously too much for Europeans and such. I realized it's just their way. Things in Paris move at a much faster pace. I mean, if you blink, the metro will leave w/out you Anyway, after about 3 or 4 days in Paris, we soon realized to leave zero personal space and we didn't have an issue with line jumping in Paris.

We are headed back to Paris soon - leaving in 16 days We will be spending another day at DLP cause we will be in Paris. Would I travel 5000+ just to go to DLP? Probably not. But how can I travel 5000+ miles and NOT go .

 

[MickeysFavouriteGirl]

Have to say, in all the DLP trips we've been on, we've never really noticed the smoking. We're not smokers ourselves and I don't like the smell at all, obviously I wouldn't allow our children to be arlund smoke so maybe we've just been oddly lucky?!