Anybody been to Disneyland Paris?

cornelious · Post by **cornelious** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:37 am

I am from England and intend to take my fiancee to Disneyland Paris for her 21st birthday early next year. My only concern is neither of us speak ANY French whatsoever and i've heard reports lately that EVERYTHING is now in the French language, with no English. Would just like to know if anyone has been within the last year and could shed some light on the situation.

Do the cast members understand English?
Would it spoil it that we wouldn't be able to understand Shows ect?

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:54 pm

Here is an interesting article on Europe's Theme Parks.

http://globalpolitician.com/articledes. ... id=3&sid=9

"The profitability of theme parks frequently balances losses spawned by more glamorous bits of entertainment groups. Amusement grounds - themed or not - are astoundingly immune to geopolitical upheavals. Attendance in Disney's US parks declined by only c. 5 percent during the 1991 Gulf War. Even September 11 failed to dent it measurably.

"EuroDisney is partly to blame for the scarcity of themed parks in Europe. For many years it was perceived, quite correctly, as an insatiable white elephant gulping rivers of red ink. Reality moved on but impressions - fostered by smug pundits - lasted. Wary investors and governments throughout the Old Continent confined themselves to the mostly family-operated "garden parks" and "carnival grounds" built during the 1960s and 1970s.

"The truth is that Disney's Parisian adventure is flourishing. The entertainment behemoth is planning to invest c. $540 million in Walt Disney Studios, an annex of the French outfit. This is projected to add 5 million visitors to the current 12."

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:49 pm

Protests in Paris Disneyland!

Some of you may have heard that there have been protests from the staff at Disneyland Paris.

CNN reports:

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europ ... disney.ap/

"PARIS, France (AP) -- Hundreds of Disneyland Paris resort workers staged a protest Thursday to denounce the "stinginess" of managers who chose not to pay many employees a euro100 ($119) bonus this year.

The protesters, many waving banners and chanting, said the retraction of the annual bonus was one of many complaints, including increases in maximum daily work hours and changes to compensation time."

------------------------------
The BBC reports as well
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4567496.stm

The resort lost money in 2005 and there were no such special events.

Its loss for the 2005 fiscal year was 95m euros (£65m).
--------------------------

Loomis says:
Maybe the positive messages Disney have been posting in relation to "Europe's #1 paid tourist destination" aren't quite as rosy as the official line would imply.

The bonus issue is obvious something that needs to be worked out between the workers and their employers (Disney), but the complaints about working hours and minimum wage have been long held by Disney employees around the world. The Hong Kong employees have made similar complaints this year. ANY customer service job is going to result in copping abuse from the public, and long hours standing and being faux friendly. I know this first hand. If you truly intend to make something 'the happiest place on Earth', you really need to start with your employees.

I'd be interested in hearing any comments from Cast Members, particularly from the parks, as to how they feel they are being treated/paid.

creid · Post by **creid** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 8:44 am

Loomis,

I never had the priviledge of being a cast member but my wife was at Disneyland for three summers. She enjoyed the job and felt like it was a fun experience. She was never unhappy about working hours and paying minimum wage. Actually, Disneyland was about $.50 higher for entry level jobs. She often worked the night hours and got use to it. However, in the states, large multi-national corporations biggest fear is litigation so most reputable businesses avoid breaking obvious laws. On top of that, Disney had a union to protect the workers.

According to my wife, I was a low-life because I spent 5 years/summers working at Knotts Berry Farm, that lamer theme park 20 minutes from Disneyland. I chose Knotts because it had less rules and was closer to my house.

jwa1107 · Post by **jwa1107** » Thu Jan 05, 2006 3:09 pm

I went to Disneyland Paris two Octobers ago.
we were staying in Paris and just took the train out for the day.
it was cool and overcast, so there were not big crowds.

Phantom Manor and Alice's Curious Labyrinth were my favourites.
The Jules Verne-themed Space Mountain is awesome.
Unfortunately the Nautilus was closed.
The Pirates ride there is cool; we ate at the Blue Lagoon restaurant inside the ride.
Also liked Skull Rock and teh Dragon underneath the castle.
The Indiana Jones Backwards ride gave us all whiplash; we did not enjoy it.

The Studio Park had just opened, but we did not go there.

All in all it was a good day trip for Disney-philes.

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:54 pm

Sounds like it is the same as the other Buzz Lightyear rides, but it's news:

Get Ready To Save The Galaxy From The Threat Of Invasion In 'Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast'

http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayP ... E_1186Buzz

On 8 April 2006, Disneyland Resort Paris launches a brand new interactive attraction in Disneyland Park. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film Toy Story 2.

In another galaxy, the Evil Emperor Zurg has plans to construct a massive invading army of robots. His power-hungry constructions require the theft of each and every battery in the universe, leaving toys everywhere at the mercy of his evil ways. Buzz Lightyear calls upon the help of Disneyland Resort Paris's guests in thwarting Zurg's plan.

An Extraordinary Encounter
Buzz Lightyear, Emperor Zurg and the Martians join the stable of Disney Characters already present at Disneyland Resort Paris. The Resort is unique in Europe in that is brings Disney storytelling magic to life.

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast propels guests into a toy universe. Newly recruited as Space Rangers by Buzz himself, guests come to his aid in the fight against Emperor Zurg and his diabolical plan.

The Watchword: Interactivity
Guests will climb aboard two-seater space cruisers fitted with dual laser pistols and a joystick that allows full 360-degree rotation of the vehicle. On a mission to defend toys throughout the universe, passengers must shoot at the many targets encountered throughout the different scenes. Their hits are tallied, and as guests leave the attraction, they can check out the status board to discover how successful a Space Ranger they have been.

An Innovative Attraction
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is an attraction designed to be shared among friends and family members. Adults and children alike throw themselves wholeheartedly into the adventure, getting caught up in the challenge to save the universe. As they battle for the highest score, friendly fun and competition will build between space rangers likely to repeat the adventure in search of more points and the title of Galactic Hero. Enjoying the attraction will be even easier, thanks to the FastPass* system that allows guest to pre-book their spot on the attraction for a specific time and use a shorter queue line.

disneywb · Post by **disneywb** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:08 pm

I visited Disneyland Paris in November (didn't go in the park since I'm from FL and am a poor student, but visited the resorts, Disney Marketplace, and entrances). I would say the Sequoia Lodge is probably the best place to stay...walking distance while very affordable. There was also a deal for French people where for 81 Euros you got 2 days admission (per adult), a night stay, and breakfast, which is an awesome deal.
Oh, and don't be worried about not knowing French. I was surprised to find that most everything was in English anyway (having to specially request a French-language map).
As for the employee strike, don't blow it out of hand. French employees strike all of the time...I think the 2nd Tuesday in October is like a national strike holiday! It's just part of the culture.

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:43 am

Coming just a week or so after Hong Kong Disneyland named a replacement for its head, comes this news that Disneyland Paris will received a chief financial officer.

Euro Disney names Ignace Lahoud as CFO

http://today.reuters.com/investing/fina ... DISNEY.XML

"PARIS, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Euro Disney (EDLP.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) has appointed Ignace Lahoud as its chief financial officer and senior vice president who will replace Jeff Speed, the French theme-park operator said on Wednesday.

Lahoud, 40, joined Disneyland Resort Paris in October last year as senior vice president finance. Before that he was CFO for TWDC-Latin America in Argentina and held several finance positions for the Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research).

Speed returned to the United Stated to pursue other career opportunities, the company said.

Euro Disney shares closed at 0.12 euros on Wednesday".

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 2:52 am

Cheap4Ferries.co.uk Introduces Three Fantastic Offers to Disneyland Resort Paris

Cheap4Ferries.co.uk introduces three fantastic offers to Disneyland Resort Paris including a 15% off Early Booking offer, FREE nights and KIDS GO FREE.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb334059.htm

dizfan · Post by **dizfan** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:09 pm

I definatley loved Disneyland Paris, it's the most beautiful of the Magic Kingdoms (but the dirtiest

) and it still doesn't offer what Disneyland does in number of attractions and shows. So Disneyland remains my favorite.

I think WDW Magic Kingdom vs. Disneyland Paris would be a tie. But I enjoyed Tokyo Disneyland more than either of these two!

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:21 pm

Euro Disney Q1 sales rise 4 pct

http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/af ... 77873.html

PARIS (AFX) - Theme park operator Euro Disney SCA said sales rose 4 pct to 268.5 mln eur in its first quarter to December from 258.8 mln a year earlier, spurred by 37 pct growth in its real estate business.

The Disneyland Paris theme parks increased sales by 2 pct to 139.8 mln eur from 137.0 mln, thanks to higher attendance and slightly higher average spending per guest.

Revenues at the adjacent hotels expanded 4 pct to 100.3 mln eur from 96.7 mln, reflecting improved occupancy rates and higher average daily guest spending per room, primarily driven by food and beverage spending.

In the real estate segment, sales jumped to 12.6 mln eur from 9.2 mln in the prior year, in line with the company's land development expectations, Euro Disney said.

'We are pleased with the progress made in the first quarter on the implementation of our multi-year strategy,' Karl Holz, Euro Disney chairman and CEO, said in a statement.

'While continuing to grow revenues, we have nearly completed our first new major attraction in four years, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, which will open on April 8, 2006,' he said.

Loomis · Post by **Loomis** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 4:01 pm

Euro Disney Net Loss Widens in First Half

By Associated Press |
Posted April 27, 2006, 5:47 PM EDT

PARIS -- French theme-park operator Euro Disney SCA said Thursday its net loss more than tripled in its fiscal first half because of one-time restructuring gains a year earlier.

Euro Disney's net loss rose to 102 million euros ($126 million) in the six months ending March 31 from 29.8 million euros a year earlier.

The company, which operates the Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios parks in the Paris region, said its operating loss increased to 61.1 million euros ($75.9 million) from 51.2 million euros ($63.6 million) a year earlier, as revenue fell.

First-half revenue decreased 1.4 percent to 467 million euros ($581 million) from 474 million euros last year, as both theme park attendance and hotel occupancy were lower.

Spending per hotel room decreased due to the discounting of room rates for certain vacation packages, Euro Disney said.

Real estate revenue grew 60 percent from the prior year to 15.5 million euros ($19.3 million) because of increased land sales of residential property.

The group said it plans new attractions in the Walt Disney Studios Park from the beginning of the 2007 fiscal year to add to the appeal and capacity of Disneyland Resort Paris.

Euro Disney shares were nearly unchanged, to close at 0.10 euros (12 cents) in Paris trading.

Ste7en · Post by **Ste7en** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:29 am

Hi (first posting, be gentle)!

We were in DLP last month and had a great time. The following is the first part of my trip report (originally posted on DLP.info):

-----

Monday 17th April, 2006.

Arrived at CDG at 17.15, went downstairs to bus terminal to look for coaches to DLP. While I was busy looking for the brightly coloured VEA coaches my wife spotted another coach provider (I think they were called Vision), so we hopped on.
Unfortunately, someone on the coach remembered that she had left her pram in the airport! This delayed the coach by 10-15 minutes while we waited for her to collect it.

The first stop was the Sequoia Lodge - where we were staying - the trip took approximately 45 minutes and was pretty easy.

The lobby of the Sequoia Lodge was totally chaotic! I was stunned to see the length of the check-in queue. It was quite possibly the busiest lobby I have ever been in. The check-in staff were great, really helpful. We were given our pack of key cards, tickets etc. then called at the Concierge desk to arrange for a kettle to be delivered to the room and to collect tea/coffee making facilities (5 EUR for a nice little box with tea/coffee and biscuits).

Finally got to the room, lots of hustle and bustle whenever an elevator arrived - "Does anyone queue round here?" I wondered (a question I'm STILL asking myself AFTER the visit)!
Got into the room, someone's stuff was all over the beds - two cases in a state of semi-unpacking lay on the floor. Oops...

Back to the reception, we were given the wrong room! Key cards were reprogrammed and we were off to the right room - Katie had her photo with Tigger taken en-route. Nice

20.00 and we were in the Disney Village looking around - Katie had a quick ride on the merry-go-round. Bought some snacks (bunch of Sandwiches from the NY Deli and McDonalds).

Lobby of the Sequoia Lodge still very busy.

Hmm... traces of vomit on one of the bed throws (which was folded up and put to one side) and on the wall next to the toilet. Room a little grubby and hasn't been hoovered.

Not impressed with the housekeeping at the Sequoia Lodge, but the staff were great.

Fantasyland Breakfast in the morning...

To be continued...

-----

If y'all wand I can post the rest. To see pictures: http://pp.mousekingdom.com/index.php?cat=10955

creamdog · Post by **creamdog** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:24 am

Since I live in the Netherlands, it was easier for me to visit Disneyland Paris than to go to WDW. I've been to Paris 7 times now since the park opened and I loved every visit. The attention to detail and atmosphere is great. Last year, after hearing and reading so many positive things about it, I visited WDW expecting Disneyland Paris, but better. Honestly, I really loved WDW, but Paris is at least as good. Especially the fantasyland part part of WDW looked les atmospheric, more squarish and not so organic. Of course I loved all the atractions and everything (philharmagic was a nice surprise, hopefully we get something like that in Paris too). Walt Disney studios was not all that special last time I visited, but reading about all the new atractions they're building, it sounds like they are really upgrading the park. My girlfriend didn't want to go in the Tower of Terror when we were in Florida, so I might get her to ride, when we are back in Paris some day.

One last thing, I keep reading so-so stories about Animal Kingdom, but I absolutely loved that park! It was so incredibly well put together and the "cages" for the animals where incredibly animal friendly and well themed and designed. I was there two weeks before expedition everest opened, wich felt like an unfair tease. Been wanting to go to WDW all my life and I couldn't wait two more weeks to witness that ride, wich looked amazing from the outside. I surely hope to visit that park again in the future.

creamdog · Post by **creamdog** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:26 am

edit: sorry, double post...

Imhotep's Ashes · Post by **Imhotep's Ashes** » Thu May 25, 2006 9:16 am

Yes, I have - Phantom Manor, in particular, is a magnificent ride on every level. The Haunted Mansion elevated to a highly cinematic and beautiful new plane... The musical score is without doubt the finest in any theme park attraction. The special effects are thoroughly belivable and even frightening... I love anything macabre, so this was sublime. And that IS Vincent Price's laugh you hear inside...

darth_deetoo · Post by **darth_deetoo** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:18 am

I visited Disneyland Paris for a week this March, for the second time. My first visit was a weekend trip in August 2004, where we stayed just outside the park, and just had a day and a half in the parks. Only the Disneyland Park was open at that time, and there was a bit of the Disney Village, although it wasn't as developed as it is now.

I think the park is brilliant, the hotels are first rate (we stopped at Sequoia Lodge) and the staff are wonderful.

The only gripe is that shuttle buses to the airports are poorly organised. Instead of having a booked seat linked to your flight, you have to literally fight your way onto the bus. We had a bunch of Spaniards who had overstayed in the park on their last day and were then panicking about getting to the airport. I'll never fly there again, I don't think. And also, there seems to be no concept of good manners and queuing on the concept, I'm talking about other guests here, as I said, park and hotel staff were excellent.

I enjoyed it so much that I've booked to go back next year on the same week, although I'm staying an extra day this time. Once again, I'll be staying in the Sequoia Lodge, which is in very relaxing surroundings.

Rather than flying, I'm going to take the car. This means a 4 hour drive down to Dover. An hour and a half ferry crossing, and then a three and a half drive to Disneyland. A long haul, but alot of it will be done overnight, and I'll be able to take my time with it, and should hopefully arrive at Disneyland by dinnertime on the Sunday, giving me almost 6 full days in the resort.

I really can't wait and I'm counting the weeks down. Just got confirmation of my booking yesterday, and all that remains now is to save up over the next 6 months for lots of Disney goodies while I'm there.

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Anybody been to Disneyland Paris?