I recently returned from my ninth trip to Disneyland Paris and I can tell you it's nothing like it used to be. I've always said the thing that makes Disney different from the rest is the friendly staff (cast members) who really get into their roles and act the part at the attractions, but this visit I don't think I saw a single cast member smile or make polite conversation - they all seemed so miserable.
I was looking forward to Captain EO but it was closed for unscheduled refurbishment. Phantom Manor, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinemagique were also closed. The sound system wasn't working on Rock n Roller Coaster and Crush's Coaster was closed for most of the week as well.
Disneyland Paris used to be sparkling clean everywhere - even the toilets - but this is slack as well recently and it is a lot less busy than it used to be. On the upside, this means no queues for rides and attractions and we didn't have to book for dinner anywhere because the restaurants were all empty.
The reason I said I'm off to Orlando next time is because we travel from Jersey and since the cancellation of the direct flight from Jersey to CDG airport (a one hour flight), it took us 8 hours to travel to Disneyland Paris...the same amount of time it takes to get to the USA. There is much more to do in the US as well and the cost really isn't that much different.
I'd love to give Disneyland Paris 5 stars as it used to be my favourite holiday destination but I really feel the Disney magic has gone. They seriously need to look at their marketing and appeal to different age groups because it's not just for kids - the thrill rides are brilliant. DLRP also needs to sort out some more shows similar to the Lion King, Tarzan and even the Mulan shows they used to have because aside from the parades, there is no entertainment in the parks.
I was looking forward to Captain EO but it was closed for unscheduled refurbishment. Phantom Manor, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinemagique were also closed. The sound system wasn't working on Rock n Roller Coaster and Crush's Coaster was closed for most of the week as well.
Disneyland Paris used to be sparkling clean everywhere - even the toilets - but this is slack as well recently and it is a lot less busy than it used to be. On the upside, this means no queues for rides and attractions and we didn't have to book for dinner anywhere because the restaurants were all empty.
The reason I said I'm off to Orlando next time is because we travel from Jersey and since the cancellation of the direct flight from Jersey to CDG airport (a one hour flight), it took us 8 hours to travel to Disneyland Paris...the same amount of time it takes to get to the USA. There is much more to do in the US as well and the cost really isn't that much different.
I'd love to give Disneyland Paris 5 stars as it used to be my favourite holiday destination but I really feel the Disney magic has gone. They seriously need to look at their marketing and appeal to different age groups because it's not just for kids - the thrill rides are brilliant. DLRP also needs to sort out some more shows similar to the Lion King, Tarzan and even the Mulan shows they used to have because aside from the parades, there is no entertainment in the parks.
