Anybody been to Disneyland Paris?

[Wonderlicious]

I personally have, but has anyone else gone to this place? If so, what are your thoughts? If you've been to Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World, how do you think it compares?

Personally, I quite liked Disneyland Paris and probably more so than its Florida equivalent as it seemed to have a more classic feel and was more European orientated. My favourite attractions were (mainly the ones you'll find anywhere) Star Tours, Space Mountain, Piartes of the Carribean, Les Voyages de Pinocchio and Alice's Curious Labyrinth.

[Disney-Fan]

It's a truely amazing place. Beautiful, atmospheric, high-tech and entertaining! I find Big Thunder Mountain to be Disney's best of its type, and the Space Mountain is a few notches above any other indoor coaster I know. And the hotels, wow! I stayed at the Newport Bay Club, and I was in total awe my entire stay. Everything was grand, themed to the bone. A truely magnificant experience.

[Escapay]

I've always wanted to go there, especially to see Phantom Manor, their version of the Haunted Mansion. I've heard music clips, and just hearing that orchestral score...*brrr* it sends chills down my spine.

Is Disney Studios in Paris worth checking out too?

Escapay

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Is Disney Studios in Paris worth checking out too?

I've heard about it, and it sounds worse than California Adventure and Animal Kingdom.

I mean what happened to creativity at Disney? Certainly they could've thought of something better than a MGM clone, taking out all the great rides(except for Rockin' Roller Coaster)!

[AwallaceUNC]

I almost got to go this summer, and I vow that I shall someday!!!! It looks amazing, and just from pictures, looks to be the most aesthetically beautiful of all the Magic Kingdoms. I love the look of the castle and the Sleeping Beauty-esque trees surrounding it. It also looks really pretty in the snow, which is something you won't see in FL or CA. I think it would be the perfect place for me to put my French speaking skills to the test, since most of the CMs there speak English and French, and much of the signage and attractions are translated for both as well.

-Aaron

[Loomis]

As you can probably see from my signature, the ultimate plan is to go there next year. Things are actually looking quite positive in that regard presently, as there is a travel expo with cheap deals on in a few weeks.

For those that have stayed there, I'd just like to ask a few questions (which is what this forum is all about):
- Did you stay in a Disneyland hotel? If so which one?
- How do they rate? We plan to spend about 3 nights near the park itself (the rest of the trip closer to the centre of Paris), and we were thinking the actual Disneyland Hotel?
- I noticed that there is also Davy Crockett Ranch (which sounds like a fanboy dream) and Disney's Newport. How far are they actually from the park in terms of walking? Are they good hotels?

We figure that for only 2 or 3 nights, we could probably spring for the official hotel.

[AwallaceUNC]

I can answer part of one of your questions, Loomis. DLP's Davy Crockett Ranch isn't within walking distance of the parks. You'd have to use transportation. I do know that a lot of people like it, which can be said for several of DLP's hotels.

-Aaron

[Disney-Fan]

- Did you stay in a Disneyland hotel? If so which one?

Yes, I did. I stayed at Disney's Newport Bay Club. Very fancy, worth every penny.

- How do they rate? We plan to spend about 3 nights near the park itself (the rest of the trip closer to the centre of Paris), and we were thinking the actual Disneyland Hotel?

Well, I can't remember exact numbers but the price is steap, though not quite as bad during September/October (wonderful time to visit btw). You can quote rates through the official Disneyland Paris site. If you're going to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, prepare to spend quite a lot (although on the plus side, you get unlimited access to both parks).

- I noticed that there is also Davy Crockett Ranch (which sounds like a fanboy dream) and Disney's Newport. How far are they actually from the park in terms of walking? Are they good hotels?

Newport is a 5 minute walk. I mean, in 2 minutes you're already at the Villiage, and besides, going past the lake each morning and going through Disney Villiage's shops is great fun. Davy Crockett, while cheaper, is the farthest away. Disney writes in their site that it's a 20 minute walk. Also there is no tansportation from that hotel.

[Wonderlicious]

I know Aaron and Raz have answered this before, but...

For those that have stayed there, I'd just like to ask a few questions (which is what this forum is all about):
- Did you stay in a Disneyland hotel? If so which one?

Yes, I did. First time around, I stayed in Newport Bay Club, which was nice, but not as nice as the hotel we stayed in second time round; Sequoia Lodge (a bit like WDW's Wilderness Lodge, though smaller).

- How do they rate? We plan to spend about 3 nights near the park itself (the rest of the trip closer to the centre of Paris), and we were thinking the actual Disneyland Hotel?

We had a look around that hotel and although it looked lovely, it is the most expensive of the parks and I thought that Sequoia Lodge seemed just as nice. And frankly, you get unlimited access to the parks no matter which Disney hotel you're staying in.

- I noticed that there is also Davy Crockett Ranch (which sounds like a fanboy dream) and Disney's Newport. How far are they actually from the park in terms of walking? Are they good hotels?

The Newport Bay Club is where we stayed first, and that's quite nice (I liked the smell of the interiors ). It has a nice atmosphere, though as I said, I personally liked Sequoia Lodge better. Davy Crockett's ranch are essentially self catering mini homes. I've heard that they're nice but are primarily for drivers (it's a 10 minute drive from the park and there are no shuttle buses). I know a lot of families use them.

Oh, and Timon/Pumbaa Fan, the Studios park isn't terrible. At least not in my opinion.

[Loomis]

Thanks, people.

As I said, we might be able to get some good deals if we book early enough (especially through this expo) so you've all given me something to think about.

Given we will only be in the Disneyland area for a few days (because, as I understand it, it is about 30 clicks outside of Paris proper), we MIGHT be able to afford the Disneyland Park Hotel. Otherwise, it does sound as though the Newport Bay Club could be a viable alternative.

Also, anybody care to give a trip report or a description of any of the rides not found in other parks, or how similar rides compare?

[Wonderlicious]

Well, I think that a comparison may be easy to do. Essentially, Disneyland Paris is more European orientated. The lands are often more suited to European ideas. Frontierland has more to do with the Wild West than the American counterparts (no Country Bears or Tom sawyer Island here) and Fantasyland tries and relates to the origins of its sources by placing characters in situations that you'd associate with the country they originate from (example, the Snow White ride looks like a German house from the exterior, Mr Toad has an English restaurant). With Adventureland, instead of being themed to an adventure in a jungle, the land seems based upon the European idea of being in an adventure land; you're in stories and films such as Aladdin, Peter Pan, Treasure Island and Indiana Jones. A more extreme example is with Tomorrowland; it's less based on retro sci-fi and more based on Jules Verne's visions of the future, so much so that it's renamed Discoveryland (to fit in with the idea of his Discovery Bay).

I'll give you descriptions of some of the ride differences (as far as I'm aware), as well as some descriptions of DLP exclusive attractions.

Liberty Aracde
This is an indoor walkway (in case it rains) on Main Street themed to the presentation of the Statue of Liberty to New York (it was a present from the French). Includes a little diorama of the event.

Discovery Arcade
Similar to Liberty Aracde, only walled sketches of Jules Verne style visions of the future.

Various little rides along Main St.
I'm not sure if other Disneylands have these, but these are horse and cart/Paddy wagon escorts along Main Street. Cute!

Legends of the Wild West
Presentation at the gates of Frontierland commenting on Western life.

Pocahontas Indian Village
A little play area for little kids themed to everyone's favourite Native American.

Phantom Manor
I believe that this version of the Haunted Mansion has more a plot than its USA counterparts, which is related to Frontierland having a back story.

Adventure Isle
This is a Tom Sawyer's Island like thing, only themed to stuff such as Treasure Island. The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse lies here, and in Summer, there is a Peter Pan show on the ship.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril: Backwards
Rollercoaster that goes backwards and is set within an Indiana Jones looking temple.

La Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin
The entrance to Adventureland isn't a rope bridge but a Morrocan market place. In one of the buildings, you'll find a walk through attraction themed to Aladdin, which is essentially model sets set to music.

Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant
This is DLP's version of Sleeping Beauty Castle, which seems to pay more of an homage to the animated film, with a surprise related to the film underneath the castle...

Alice's Curious Labyrinth
This is a hedge maze based upon Alice in Wonderland, which features lifesize models of characters and settings from the film interwoven into a hedgemaze. It obviously relates to Fantasyland's aim of placing characters back in the countries they came from; Alice's country England is the birth place of hedge mazes.

Les Pirouettes du Vieux Moulin
This is a Fantasyland ferris wheel based on the Silly Symphony The Old Mill, yet it only operates seasonly.

Le Pays de Contes de Fées
This is Storybook Land Canal Boats. I believe that the California version has a narrator, but this doesn't (due to language, I suppose), although little signs telling one what the story is appears. I also believe that this version of the attraction ranges far out of normal Disney films; as well as parts based on Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Fantasia, there's also bits themed to things like The Wizard of Oz and other not conquered by Disney tales.

The Nautilis
Part of Discoveryland's Jules Verne theme, you'll find a little walk through attraction based on 1954's Disney adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, touring Captain Nemo's infamous submarine.

Space Mountain
This is themed to From the Earth to the Moon by Mr Verne, and is more thrilling than the ones in other Disney parks (it goes upside down).

Videopolis
This is a theatre cum dining area in Discoveryland, where shows take place, such as ones themed to The Lion King and Mulan.

Hope that helps! Also...check out this site.

[Loomis]

Hope that helps! Also...check out this site.

Huge help. Thanks, Wondy!

The next 10 months or so will now seem slow and torturous

[orestes.]

I've never been there but my friend has and I've seen pictures and it looks like it would be a lot of fun but I guess I don't really need pictures for that!
Lucky her, she was at Disneyland Paris in 2001 and Walt Disney World just one month ago.

Me, I haven't been to any.

[brownie]

I went there back when it was called EuroDisney..around 1998 or so. I didn't like it that much.

[Grunches]

i'm going there on the 26th! I am so excited I can hardly wait!

[ckdish]

Is the pinocchio ride in Paris the same as the one in Anaheim? I really, really want to go. J'adore France et j'adore Disney, les deux est un ensemble parfait !

I hope nothing was damaged during the riots

Vive Paris!

[Glen_J]

I've been when it was called EuroDisney and had a great day.

I was worried that would have problems with the language seeing as I was an Aussie with absolutely no French but it was fine.

The only disappointing thing was as I was leaving the park I looked up at some rooms that were lit up over the main entrance to the park. The lights and some movement in the room caught my eye and it was at this point I could see someone assisting Minnie to take off her head.

Sounds kinda funny but I thought to myself that had I been a kid, I was 20 at the time, it would have just ruined the magic of the day for me.

Glen J



Other than that it was great.

[Loomis]

I was worried that would have problems with the language seeing as I was an Aussie with absolutely no French but it was fine.

The only disappointing thing was as I was leaving the park I looked up at some rooms that were lit up over the main entrance to the park. The lights and some movement in the room caught my eye and it was at this point I could see someone assisting Minnie to take off her head.

Awesome. Just what I want to hear I can ocker up as much as I like then.

Good thing it was only her head though...

[Grunches]

Did anyone ever have any problem with big crowds?

[Loomis]

Disneyland Paris net loss narrows after restructuring

http://today.reuters.com/business/newsA ... nL16110443

Net loss has gotten smaller by a third; however operating costs have also gone up. Still, it's promising.