Comparison of DLP to other parks?

[NadieMasK2]

Does anyone know of a good resource (website, book, or other) that goes through the differences in all the parks - atmosphere, attractions, etc? I am starting to think about an anniversary trip and right now am between Paris and Tokyo. I can find info on the parks themselves but am more interested in comparisons, having been to WDW and DLR.

Thanks!

 

[marni1971]

Without diving into specifics, Tokyos Magic Kingdom is an almost copy of Orlandos. There are differences, some big most small, but you would feel like you were visiting (and riding in) Orlando for the most part.

Tokyo DisneySea on the other hand has been often called one of the most detailed theme parks ever. It has many attractions unique to that park, but also quite a few clones from the US parks now too.

Disneyland Paris - I can relate since we`re taking our 3rd trip in April - is fantastic. Bigger than Anaheim but as a whole still on an intimate level resort wise. Disneyland Parc (the MK) is another park classed as one of the most detailed ever. It`s 1992 $2.2Billion budget just for the park shows. Each signature attraction was stripped back to the bones and re designed from the ground up to be the best, be it Animatronic, scale, music, or sheer size. Phantom Manor, whilst being very similar to the HM, is a very dark and well executed update. Big Thunder is on an Island (!) Pirates of the Caribbean is on 3 stories. IASW is massive. Space Mountain is stunning. You get the idea. The park is also more EPCOT sized than MK.

WDSP however was rather lame when opened. Small size apart, it did and still does have a lot of attractions unique to it - Cinemagique, Animagique, Armageddon (all worth your time) and newer additions of Crushes Coaster and finally the (same almost as DCA) ToT. It has the original Moteurs Action stunt show, and a Rock n Rollercoaster like you`ve never seen too! It is now a good day park in season. Speaking of which, DLP is very seasonal. Visit in the summer for longer hours and evening entertainment.

Perhaps I`m biased, and I`d love to go to Tokyo, but I`d recommend DLP to even the most die hard DLC or WDW fan (like myself)

 

[NadieMasK2]

Wow thanks Martin! I was kind of already leaning toward Paris, since I would really like to spend some time exploring the city as well. That was very helpful! The pics of Cinderella Castle in DLRP are just stunning. While I would love to see Disney Seas, and hopefully will someday, I think Paris will be my next goal!

:wave:
Thanks so much!

 

[NadieMasK2]

I thought of a couple more questions:

1. How difficult is it and how much time does it take to stay in central Paris and take the train (?) to DL? If we are basing our stay in Paris I am not sure if it is worth it to move hotels for DL. Maybe for staying in the magic but just not sure.

2. Also, Martin you may be able to answer this, but last year in WDW I ran into quite a few Brits as it was a Holiday time for them. I posed the question about how nice it must be to have DLP within a reasonable distance and I always got kind of a negative reaction. They all said they don't really visit there but go to WDW instead. I even got some ugly faces, kind of like "Eww"! Why is that? It looks like such a beautiful park. Is it because it is in France? Has it not been well received in Europe?

 

[marni1971]

No problemo...

I`m not sure, I think the train is about 30-35 mins. The RER (Paris subway) has a station right outside the park gates, as well as a TGV and Eurostar (High speed trains) station. We keep threatening to go to Paris for a day but can never find the time - even with 5 days in DLP it isn`t enough to enjoy everything. Depending where you stay could mean a lot of travelling - depends on if Paris or Disney come first! And money of course. We`ve stayed at the Newport Bay Resort twice and would do so again - a mod resort. There are 2 value resorts below that. Generally a resort room includes length of stay park hoppers as well as breakfast each day. DLP is truely a magical place to stay in.

And yes, I`m afraid it`s snobbery with Brits and the French. A cultural thing. Not really because it`s DLP - more because it`s in France. Daft really. Personally I find the French just like Brits, and contrary to the odd story DLPs CMs - from all over Europe and wider - are just as helpful as in WDW. There is a European feel to CMs at DLP, but not for the worse. And of course English is the main language in the parks, village and resorts.

Feel free to ask away, or PM me for anything specific :wave:

 

[Philo]

Getting the train to Paris is pretty easy. Theres a train station right near the park entrances!

Don't worry about our 'not DLP' attititude. I only went because I was desperate to visit a Disney Park but couldn't afford to go to WDW. It is however fantastic! A lot of the WDW attrations were a bit of a let down after visiting DLP