A Trip to Disneyland Paris? Pros and Cons

[Disneysea05]

Wow, beginning to wonder if I have made a huge mistake in booking a trip to DLP, you all know how to put a person off going!

Stay positive. It is a beautiful park. I will be honest, when people ask me if they should go to Disneyland Paris, I always say that while it's nice the one international park that a Disney fan MUST DO is Tokyo Disney Resort. That sets a new standard. But even so, and even after admitting its considerable shortcomings, I find Paris to have much charm and unique enough to repeat visit every 5 years or so. This will be my 5th trip and hopefully not my last.

It's enough time to walk across both parks and Disney Village, ride some of the top attractions (including Big Thunder, Pirates, and Phantom Manor), check out 'bonuses' such as the Dragon's Lair, feel constantly suffocated by secondhand smoke, and be shocked by the ugliness of the entire property outside of Disneyland Park. Sorry, but those things don't change with more time!

It might not, it may very well. You still haven't had enough time for a full experience, which is all I'm suggesting. You may very well still hate it after you are completely through, but at least you had reasonable time to actually experience a lot of what the resort has to offer. Take time some real time to explore. What you posted was indeed an initial impression of a lot in such a short time and seemed like you had to rush through all of that . I don't think I could enjoy even the best theme parks in the world under those circumstances.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

You still haven't had enough time for a full experience, which is all I'm suggesting. You may very well still hate it after you are completely through, but at least you had reasonable time to actually experience a lot of what the resort has to offer. Take time some real time to explore. What you posted was indeed an initial impression of a lot in such a short time and seemed like you had to rush through all of that . I don't think I could enjoy the best theme park in the world under those circumstances, definitely not Disneyland Paris.

I'll definitely try to explore the original park more - it seems like Fantasyland and (especially) Adventureland have some nice details to discover. But those underlying issues (mainly with everywhere outside the main park, but also the prevalance of smoking) aren't simply going to disappear. Space Mountain could be the best roller coaster in the world (which it isn't), and Disney Dreams could be the greatest nighttime spectacular Disney has ever done (I don't know, but it's possible), and those fatal flaws would still be reason enough for me to never return to DLP. I'm going back in a few days because I have no choice - the ticket is purchased and nonrefundable. But again, I don't think there's enough positive substance to overcome those issues.

I'd liken DLRP to the original DCA. It has solid substance (good rides and a decent ride count if you include Parc Disneyland and WDS), but most of the resort is so ugly and unpleasant that I don't want to spend time there and experience the good things. Yes, even Phase 1 DCA had its good qualities (such as Soarin', GRR, and California Screamin'), but people still called out the park for its flaws...and Disney eventually came around. Due to Euro Disney's dire circumstances, I don't think that'll ever happen for DLP, and it's sad.

People constantly give WDW a hard time for its maintenance and new attraction record, but I actually think DLP would be better if TDO were operating it. Yeah, I went there. Just look at the attention DTD/Disney Springs is getting, in order to make it a beautiful, worthwhile place to spend time. And the previous DTD (even without Pleasure Island) was still leagues ahead of Disney Village. Seriously, outside of Parc Disneyland (which has its own weak points anyway), the entirety of DLP is a mess. And sadly, Disney isn't in a position to save it.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

DLP is currently undergoing a multi-year refurbishment/expansion project that will cover both parks, the hotels and Disney Village. In 2012 they added a great nighttime show, new World Of Disney store and fixed some of the more glaring maintanence flaws (like the Pirate ship) of the main park for the 20th. This year they opened the new Lego store in the Village, a new E-Ticket for the studios and will complete phase one of Newport's refurb.

Leading up to the 25th in 2017 will see more refurb work (including multi-month work on the coasters in the main park - Indy just had 5 months of work done to it), expanded seasonal offerings (like the new Spring Festival), new attractions and more store/scenic changes to the Village.

The resort is getting work done to it. While things may not be perfect at this exact moment in time, the resort is hardly without a plan on the verge of disaster. Daily twitter updates show otherwise.

Also, Sequoia is a nice hotel and I stayed there for less than any rate I could possibly get at Wilderness Lodge.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

DLP is currently undergoing a multi-year refurbishment/expansion project that will cover both parks, the hotels and Disney Village. In 2012 they added a great nighttime show, new World Of Disney store and fixed some of the more glaring maintanence flaws (like the Pirate ship) of the main park for the 20th. This year they opened the new Lego store in the Village, a new E-Ticket for the studios and will complete phase one of Newport's refurb.

Leading up to the 25th in 2017 will see more refurb work (including multi-month work on the coasters in the main park - Indy just had 5 months of work done to it), expanded seasonal offerings (like the new Spring Festival), new attractions and more store/scenic changes to the Village.

The resort is getting work done to it. While things may not be perfect at this exact moment in time, the resort is hardly without a plan on the verge of disaster. Daily twitter updates show otherwise.

Also, Sequoia is a nice hotel and I stayed there for less than any rate I could possibly get at Wilderness Lodge.

Glad to hear the resort has a plan to address some of its enormous flaws, and that Sequoia is nice despite its ugly, cheap-looking exterior.

Also, how you do book Sequoia Lodge for less than $202 a night? Because I was easily able to find that rate for WL in the fall using a general public discount. For the same time, Sequoia is showing up as $626 (although that includes a 2-day park ticket - remove the ticket, and that's still around $450-500).

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Also, how you do book Sequoia Lodge for less than $202 a night? Because I was easily able to find that rate for WL in the fall using a general public discount. For the same time, Sequoia is showing up as $626 (although that includes a 2-day park ticket - remove the ticket, and that's still around $450-500).

4 nights with the "two nights free" promotion. Essentially, 50% off. Like WDW, I would NEVER suggest paying rack rates for DLP hotels when they offer discounts all the time. That promotion is usually offered around January, which appears to be the best time to book a DLP package.

For me it worked out to about $200 CDN/night and that included park hopping access, breakfast and tax for the day. I'm paying more to stay at Newport this year, but I'm staying club level this time and the vaule of the CDN dollar has declined a bit.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

4 nights with the "two nights free" promotion. Essentially, 50% off. Like WDW, I would NEVER suggest paying rack rates for DLP hotels when they offer discounts all the time. That promotion is usually offered around January, which appears to be the best time to book a DLP package.

For me it worked out to about $200 CDN/night and that included park hopping access, breakfast and tax for the day. I'm paying more to stay at Newport this year, but I'm staying club level this time and the vaule of the CDN dollar has declined a bit.

Wow, that is a good deal, albeit one that forces you to spend 4 nights on property. Never would have known about it if you hadn't mentioned it, as the website is completely dysfunctional IMO.

That brings me to another point: MyMagic+ at WDW. As much as people dismiss it for the price tag and occasional glitches, I have to admit that the updates (on the website and app) have created a notably streamlined experience, as well as a useful place to manage info about my WDW visits. It looks like DL's website now follows a similar format, even if it's missing some of the more blatant components of MM+.

In comparison, DLP's site is useless. Info seems inaccurate or outdated, and trying to book a room (especially without tickets attached) seems to be impossible. Can't make dining reservations online either. Once MM+ smooths out and glitches become less frequent (which has already happened in my case), people will probably enjoy using WDW's site - I already do. Those infrastructure updates (while a massive undertaking) have truly benefited my Disney experience (lol).

It would be great to see Paris do something similar, but based on the financial pressures they're already under, I don't even know if it's possible. In this day and age, seamless planning and vacation management are growing more and more important to consumers. DLP still feels like it's in the Stone Age in that regard.

 

[Ralphlaw]

About the second hand smoke, I didn't notice it much, but my wife did. It's there, but it's basically outside, not indoors. I do not believe smoking is allowed indoors, but outdoors it is apparently acceptable just about everywhere. Yeah, it's annoying for us, but it's not really a health hazard outside. Remember, it is only relatively recently that indoor smoking in public places was forbidden in most states. In Wisconsin, I believe the indoor smoking bans only went into effect about 4 years ago. Other states have had them longer, but it's still a relatively new, American phenomenon.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Wow, beginning to wonder if I have made a huge mistake in booking a trip to DLP, you all know how to put a person off going!

I visit DLP several times a year, and I always have a great time.

While most of the negative stuff is all true - the restaurants closing at five pm just when you are about to begin considering dinner, the smoking, the parks being infested by Europe's under classes - most of the positive stuff is true just as much.

The castle park is a sight to behold. Every Disney fan should at least once go up and under the castle, explore the pathways between Frontierland and Adventureland, do AL Isle. And there are fantastic versions of familiar classics: the Pirates is the best on the planet, Space and 'the Mansion' are great re-imagenings. There are also several rides unique to DLP. Fantasyland has awesome rides, lots of them. And there is great detail to be explored everywhere, including walkthough atractions. In fact, DLP totally blurs the line between walkthrough attraction and intricate scenery.
Also, lack of investment combined with current cleanup efforts mean that DLP is now emerging like Sleeping Beauty, prettier than ever and untouched by the infantilisation and toonification that dimished the American castle parks.

The Studios park is the worst park on the planet. So godawful ugly you don't know if you should be insulted or admire the sheer pigheaded ambition to strip a Disney park of everything that makes it great. WDSP feels like a park created by guests surveys. There are Pixar characters all over, coasters, Toy Story carnival rides - and a complete lack of placemaking or charm. But the ride roster is pretty decent though. With the new splendid Rat area the Studios are worth almost an entire day. I parkhop and walk quite a bit, so to me the two parks function like one gigantic Disney park. The small walk between the parks is gorgeous too.

The Village is disgusting, like a chav beach resort met a cheap amusement park knock-off. The hotels are overall disappointing.

 

[croboy82]

Wow, beginning to wonder if I have made a huge mistake in booking a trip to DLP, you all know how to put a person off going!

Nooooo, don't wonder. You WILL enjoy it! It's a Disney Park after all.

But its nice to know in advance that it's not perfect.

 

[Tink28]

Trying to feel excited, but nowhere like I am when going to WDW, haven't been to DLP in 10 Years and needed a Disney Fix and cannot afford WDW right now so thought DLP would scratch the itch but have to admit to feeling slightly apprehensive!!

 

[hichloe]

Trying to feel excited, but nowhere like I am when going to WDW, haven't been to DLP in 10 Years and needed a Disney Fix and cannot afford WDW right now so thought DLP would scratch the itch but have to admit to feeling slightly apprehensive!!

Enjoy it!! I always feel like DLP is a different sort of excitement to WDW; obviously France feels much less exotic to a Brit than Florida, but I would argue that Disneyland Parc is more beautiful than Magic Kingdom and it's just nice to access some Disney magic closer to home.

 

[Ralphlaw]

. But those underlying issues (mainly with everywhere outside the main park, but also the prevalance of smoking) aren't simply going to disappear. Space Mountain could be the best roller coaster in the world (which it isn't), and Disney Dreams could be the greatest nighttime spectacular Disney has ever done (I don't know, but it's possible), and those fatal flaws would still be reason enough for me to never return to DLP.

Gee, I didn't think outdoor smokers and some ugly/commercial development outside the park were so intrusive that they ruined the experience for me. Understand, I am also vehemently anti-commercialism and anti-smoking. But I hate long lines, humidity, bad breath, flatulence, loud cellphone talkers, BO, weird European bathing suit customs, whiny kids, ignorant parents and a host of other problems that come with going to a theme park much more than these.

The smokers are not in line for the attractions, from what I recall, and they're outdoors, not indoors. And the ugly commercialism is invisible once you're inside the park. In 1985, I sat in a fancy indoor Paris restaurant for a budget dinner of essentially bread and onion soup which was ruined by smokers lighting up at the next table. That same year, I couldn't believe that smokers in England could light up in college classrooms, movie theaters, banks, and just about anywhere else. It's all improving. Things are getting better, at least at DLP, with an indoor ban.

IMO, don't let it ruin the experience. It certainly didn't for me, and, again, I absolutely hate both smoking and over-commercialism.

 

[RobUK]

We went to Disneyland Paris last September for 4 nights (5 days). Two adults, no kids. We also went together about five years beforehand and have been to Disneyworld. Here's a few bullet points (from mostly our recent visit):

• Disney Village. The shops are fantastic and beautifully themed. The rest of it? Quite disappointing. As many have said in many threads in here, much of what makes Disney Parks amazing is the feeling of being completely intoxicated in the Disney bubble - the magic, if you will. Rainforest Cafe is not a patch on the DW editions, Planet Hollywood is frankly pathetic, and King Ludwig's castle is decent, but not spectacular. The lake is pretty at night, with the hotel fronts lit up and reflecting up off of the water. Go see Buffalo Bill's if you can - it's a good show, although slightly ruined by the shoe-horning of Disney characters into it;
• Newport Bay Hotel. We went for this one because it fitted our budget, plus my wife likes the nautical theme. I have to say the rooms were basic - not awful, not great, nothing special. We took a walk one night to other hotels and none of them looked especially great. Hotel New York probably looked the best. The first time we went to stayed at Hotel Cheyene. We were stuck out in an apartment right at the back and it was horrid coming back at night in that there was no artifical lighting and it felt like you'd stepped right out of the Disney experience and into downtown Paris;
• The main park. Fantastic. For us it was just as good as the Magical Kingdom in DW, with Space Mountain an improvement on its American counterpart and the castle over the entrance just a joy to behold. One day we will stay there! The Pirates of the Caribean ride is one of the best rides in the whole Disney franchise, but this is kinda offset by the lack of Splash Mountain (a good ride at MK DW if you ask us). The Haunted Mansion was shut for our whole time there. Still, a wonderful park;
• Disney Studios. A disappointment. It's like someone's created several attractions, mixed them up in a giant bucket, and vomited them out onto a piece of French land. Crush's Coaster is a great ride, but has a long queue and forever breaking; Tower of Terror and Rock and Roll Coaster are, well, still great; the Backlot Tour is nothing in comparison to it's US counterpart (would it hurt to flesh out a museum at the end?). Cinemagique and Animagique are excellent shows though.

Have a great time,

Rob.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Gee, I didn't think outdoor smokers and some ugly/commercial development outside the park were so intrusive that they ruined the experience for me. Understand, I am also vehemently anti-commercialism and anti-smoking. But I hate long lines, humidity, bad breath, flatulence, loud cellphone talkers, BO, weird European bathing suit customs, whiny kids, ignorant parents and a host of other problems that come with going to a theme park much more than these.

The smokers are not in line for the attractions, from what I recall, and they're outdoors, not indoors. And the ugly commercialism is invisible once you're inside the park. In 1985, I sat in a fancy indoor Paris restaurant for a budget dinner of essentially bread and onion soup which was ruined by smokers lighting up at the next table. That same year, I couldn't believe that smokers in England could light up in college classrooms, movie theaters, banks, and just about anywhere else. It's all improving. Things are getting better, at least at DLP, with an indoor ban.

IMO, don't let it ruin the experience. It certainly didn't for me, and, again, I absolutely hate both smoking and over-commercialism.

Not really sure what you're talking about regarding commercialism. That wasn't an issue for me at all, as I accept that it's a huge component of all the Disney parks. However, the ugliness of Disney Village (and WDS) is a problem for me. The exteriors look so cheap and drab that they completely fail to enhance my mood (actually they make it worse), which is the opposite of what I expect from any Disney-created environment.

As for the smokers, yes they were in some of the outdoor queues. In particular, I was right behind them in Big Thunder Mountain's FP queue (which was long and stretched for about 8-10 minutes). I've read that DLP actually has designated smoking areas in the parks, but because of the culture there, cast members don't make any attempt to enforce them. You're lucky that it didn't bother you, but I was constantly noticing it, especially in Disneyland Park itself.

Hopefully these things will be less bothersome when I return to the parks in a few days, but I don't think that'll change DLRP's position as my least favorite Disney resort. By a large margin. A pretty castle and some impressive headliners don't compensate for 'blah' atmosphere and placemaking outside of Disneyland Park.

 

[kasi22]

I have been there a couple of times as a kid and older when i was 18 and i think its worth place for the tourist no one will be bore during the trip of that place...

 

[alissafalco]

I'll definitely try to explore the original park more - it seems like Fantasyland and (especially) Adventureland have some nice details to discover. But those underlying issues (mainly with everywhere outside the main park, but also the prevalance of smoking) aren't simply going to disappear. Space Mountain could be the best roller coaster in the world (which it isn't), and Disney Dreams could be the greatest nighttime spectacular Disney has ever done (I don't know, but it's possible), and those fatal flaws would still be reason enough for me to never return to DLP. I'm going back in a few days because I have no choice - the ticket is purchased and nonrefundable. But again, I don't think there's enough positive substance to overcome those issues.

I'd liken DLRP to the original DCA. It has solid substance (good rides and a decent ride count if you include Parc Disneyland and WDS), but most of the resort is so ugly and unpleasant that I don't want to spend time there and experience the good things. Yes, even Phase 1 DCA had its good qualities (such as Soarin', GRR, and California Screamin'), but people still called out the park for its flaws...and Disney eventually came around. Due to Euro Disney's dire circumstances, I don't think that'll ever happen for DLP, and it's sad.

People constantly give WDW a hard time for its maintenance and new attraction record, but I actually think DLP would be better if TDO were operating it. Yeah, I went there. Just look at the attention DTD/Disney Springs is getting, in order to make it a beautiful, worthwhile place to spend time. And the previous DTD (even without Pleasure Island) was still leagues ahead of Disney Village. Seriously, outside of Parc Disneyland (which has its own weak points anyway), the entirety of DLP is a mess. And sadly, Disney isn't in a position to save it.

Can you post more pics of what you are talking about? Maybe its just me but the other pics you posted looked very nice. I didnt see the negatives you are describing.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Can you post more pics of what you are talking about? Maybe its just me but the other pics you posted looked very nice. I didnt see the negatives you are describing.

Maybe the photos won't show it then, but everything in the Studio park (with the exception of Ratatouille) looks flat, warehouse-like, and/or cheap. ToT is the same as the DCA version (less impressive IMO), but it's plopped in the center of the park with no foreboding walk leading up to it. RnRC has a sign instead of an impressive facade, and the ride has been stripped of its story, pre-show, setting, Hollywood/LA visuals, and post-show that actually make it interesting at DHS. Disney Village is hideous from ground level - those unifying 'smokestack' structures really don't help, and the buildings are ugly (Rainforest Cafe is situated in a giant, visible box). Not gonna take pictures of people smoking, but they're all over the place - I'm behind some of them in line for Ratatouille right now (outdoors for now, but still). Everything outside the main park (and Ratatouille) looks so much worse than I could've imagined, and for me, aesthetics are a huge reason why I've enjoyed Disney destinations in the past.

 

[alissafalco]

Maybe the photos won't show it then, but everything in the Studio park (with the exception of Ratatouille) looks flat, warehouse-like, and/or cheap. ToT is the same as the DCA version (less impressive IMO), but it's plopped in the center of the park with no foreboding walk leading up to it. RnRC has a sign instead of an impressive facade, and the ride has been stripped of its story, pre-show, setting, Hollywood/LA visuals, and post-show that actually make it interesting at DHS. Disney Village is hideous from ground level - those unifying 'smokestack' structures really don't help, and the buildings are ugly (Rainforest Cafe is situated in a giant, visible box). Not gonna take pictures of people smoking, but they're all over the place - I'm behind some of them in line for Ratatouille right now (outdoors for now, but still). Everything outside the main park (and Ratatouille) looks so much worse than I could've imagined, and for me, aesthetics are a huge reason why I've enjoyed Disney destinations in the past.

Ugh! That does not sound nice. I hope you enjoy ratatouille!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Ugh! That does not sound nice. I hope you enjoy ratatouille!

Thanks. I actually rode it two days ago, and again today - it's cute and fairly immersive, but it definitely felt too screen-reliant to me. As the videos have indicated, you basically move from one screen to another (and can easily see where the screen ends and the ground begins). Occasionally the vehicle tilts up or down, and some water is splashed on you - really not groundbreaking IMO. The exterior is beautiful, but London Waterfront at Uni is grander and more detailed (and that's not even where the actual 'magic' of Diagon Alley happens).

Another unrelated point - yesterday at Blue Lagoon I ordered "tap water" and received a pricey bottle of mineral water. Today I ordered a "Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce" at a waffle stand and received a hot chocolate. If you come here expecting the staff to speak French and English, think again - I've found the English to be rather lacking (even at places where it should be important, like knowing the word "waffle" at a waffle stand). I do speak some French, which I've used when necessary, but don't expect to come here as an English speaker and have a seamless experience. That has seriously surprised me.