Speak English?

[dave&di]

I'm about to ask a really simple question, apoplogies if it's stupid!

We've never been to DLP or France as it happens! Do all CMs speak Englsh as we can't speak any French?!?! We are thinking of going for a few days in 2014 but if communication is an issue it would put us off!

Thanks!

 

[marni1971]

Virtually every CM speaks English, from passable to excellent. As much as French is welcomed, you'll be just fine speaking just English. Don't let that put you off!

 

[dave&di]

Virtually every CM speaks English, from passable to excellent. As much as French is welcomed, you'll be just fine speaking just English. Don't let that put you off!

Good to know! Thanks

 

[MichWolv]

I'll just pile on with the same note as Martin. All of the signage is in English, and virtually all CMs speak English quite well. Attractions are a mix of English and French, but you'll never have a problem getting around the parks at all.

 

[SkipperButler]

Purchase Rick Steves' guide to Paris, it really helped me get around and I speak very very little French.

The thing to remember while traveling in France is at least learn how to ask "do you speak English" in the native tongue. They'll appreciate it. Even if they do speak English, they find it rude if you automatically launch into English and take their heritage for granted. If they don't speak English, best to back away with a simple "merci."

When I was at Disneyland Paris I was surprised at how many different nationalities were represented by the Cast Members. It was like a European World Showcase! One of my waitresses was English and one of the merchandise guys was Finnish. For the most part everyone spoke a little bit of English.

The French Cast Members are often a little bit more reserved than their American counterparts. They were more formal in their greeting and less "Hey howdy, hey! Be my best buddy! I hope y'all are havin' a Zip-a-Dee Day!" Always make sure that you acknowledge a Cast Member who says hello or bonjour. They appreciate that.

Research the backstory of their version of Haunted Mansion. The story of Phantom Manor can be difficult to understand because most of the dialogue is in French.

If you have any WDW or Disneyland specific shirts or jackets, make sure to pack them. Many of the Paris Cast Members like to make trips to the Resorts in the States and like to talk about them.

 

[dave&di]

Purchase Rick Steves' guide to Paris, it really helped me get around and I speak very very little French.

The thing to remember while traveling in France is at least learn how to ask "do you speak English" in the native tongue. They'll appreciate it. Even if they do speak English, they find it rude if you automatically launch into English and take their heritage for granted. If they don't speak English, best to back away with a simple "merci."

When I was at Disneyland Paris I was surprised at how many different nationalities were represented by the Cast Members. It was like a European World Showcase! One of my waitresses was English and one of the merchandise guys was Finnish. For the most part everyone spoke a little bit of English.

The French Cast Members are often a little bit more reserved than their American counterparts. They were more formal in their greeting and less "Hey howdy, hey! Be my best buddy! I hope y'all are havin' a Zip-a-Dee Day!" Always make sure that you acknowledge a Cast Member who says hello or bonjour. They appreciate that.

Research the backstory of their version of Haunted Mansion. The story of Phantom Manor can be difficult to understand because most of the dialogue is in French.

If you have any WDW or Disneyland specific shirts or jackets, make sure to pack them. Many of the Paris Cast Members like to make trips to the Resorts in the States and like to talk about them.

Great tips, thanks! Merci !

 

[Bolna]

There is also a very good podcast called "coffee break French" which teaches you at least some basic phrases of the language. If you aren't planning ot go until next year, there is still plenty of time to pick up a little bit of French and I think it will make you just feel a little bit more comfortable if you sometimes at least recognise a few words. Just as others have suggested, even just greeting someone in French (and I was tought you never use Bonjour without adding Monsieur or Madame, i.e. Sir or Madam, otherwise it is impolite) often makes people much friendlier.

 

[Emie]

As a french cast member, I can tell you, you don't have to worry about Disneyland Paris for the language, you'll always find someone who speaks perfectly english. All of the tips before are good, I just wanted to add you can say "bonjour" without "Monsieur" or "Madame", that's not impolite
Hope you'll enjoy your trip !!

 

[dave&di]

There is also a very good podcast called "coffee break French" which teaches you at least some basic phrases of the language. If you aren't planning ot go until next year, there is still plenty of time to pick up a little bit of French and I think it will make you just feel a little bit more comfortable if you sometimes at least recognise a few words. Just as others have suggested, even just greeting someone in French (and I was tought you never use Bonjour without adding Monsieur or Madame, i.e. Sir or Madam, otherwise it is impolite) often makes people much friendlier.

Thanks, I shall have a look for that podcast.

As a french cast member, I can tell you, you don't have to worry about Disneyland Paris for the language, you'll always find someone who speaks perfectly english. All of the tips before are good, I just wanted to add you can say "bonjour" without "Monsieur" or "Madame", that's not impolite
Hope you'll enjoy your trip !!

Thanks! Good to know!

 

[wild01ride]

This is all good info!
I'm glad to know that if and when I make it over there, I won't be chastized for not knowing [much] French.
I've been to Montreal a handful of times and, at least from my experiences, they don't take kindly to English-speakers. Granted, Montreal is a story unto itself, but still....

I definitely hope to have the fortune to visit DLR sometime in the near future!

 

[jenonso2]

I'll just pile on with the same note as Martin.