Originally Posted By nevadarebel I am heading to DLP this summer with my husband and daughter. We are coming from London via Eurostar and arrive around 2pm and plan on spending the rest of the day and the following day in the parks. Any suggestions or must see attractions?
Originally Posted By dagobert Since you arrive in the afternoon of the first day, I would suggest to spent the rest of that day in the Studios Park, because it's rather small. Unlike WDSP, DLP requires a full day. Must Do Attractions WDSP: - Ratatouille - Fantastic attraction that no other Disney park features - CineMagique - One of Disney's best shows. - Tower Of Terror - Copy of the DCA version. - Crush's Coaster - a fun coaster for the whole family. - Rock'n'Rollercoaster - smae coaster like in Florida, but different theming. - RC Racer - half pipe coaster which is a lot of fun. - New stage show which is replacing Animagique Disneyland Park: - Phantom Manor - Better than the US versions, because it's more scary. - Space Mountain - Intense coaster with loopings, but definitely so much better than WDW's SM. - Nautilus - walk through attraction - Dragon beneath the castle - Pirates of the Carribean - it's a little bit different than the US versions. - Indiana Jones coaster - thrilling small coaster with a looping. - all the little detail that make DLP the most beautiful Magic Kingdom park. If I'm not mistake, Big Thunder is closed for refurbishment. DLP is preparing for its 25th anniversary next year and so some parts of the parks are under maintenance. On US Disney boards Americans complain about the friendliness of DLP's Castmembers. It's true Europeans aren't as overly friendly as their American colleagues at WDW, but that's just the European way. They are still friendly and helpful, but don't expect small talks and stuff like that. There's also the language barrier, but usually if a French CM isn't very fluent in English, he or she gets someone for you to help. You are visiting France and smoking is still very popular there, like in the rest of Europe. So don't expect a smoke free park. It got better in recent years, but it's not on the same level like WDW. Many also complain about the guest behaviour at DLP. Honestly I've never noticed a difference between WDW and DLP. Maintenance is an issue at DLP, because of the financial situation, but the resort improved a lot in recent years. Try to see the good things and not the bad ones. If you are familiar with WDW, you shouldn't have a problem with that, because Disney's crwon jewel is not really better in terms of refurbs and maintenance, dispite what many claim. Make sure to visit Cafe Fantasia inside the Disneyland Hotel and get a cup of coffee, a glas of wine or a cocktail. It's a lovely bar to relax from the parks. By the way alcohol is available in the Disneyland Park. Are you staying in a Disney Hotel on site? If so, don't use the bus to got to the parks. Everything is in walking distance, even Santa Fe and Cheyenne. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I love DLP, it's my favourite Disney resort and I'm sure you will have a great time there with your family.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros The major E-tickets are all unique at DLP, so they're definitely worth checking out from an American's perspective. Most of them are the best of the bunch worldwide, and have a lot of really unique and well thought-out features. Big Thunder is closed though the end of the year, but Phantom Manor, Pirates, small world, and Space Mountain are all worth your time I also enjoy the small walkthrough attractions in DLP. They're nothing major, but a fun way to spend a few minutes, and they really add to the depth of the park. The dragon under the castle tends to get the most attention, but there's a walkthrough in each land (arcades behind Main Street, fort in Frontierland, Aladdin in Adventureland, dragon in Fantasyland, Nautilus in Discoveryland), plus Adventure Isle and Alice's Curious Labyrinth CineMagique is essentially "just a movie montage", but it's incredibly well done. There are a couple in-theater effects, but it's basically just a normal movie. But don't let the description trick you, it's one of the best theme park films I've ever seen. It somehow manages to capture it all
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>CineMagique is essentially "just a movie montage", but it's incredibly well done. There are a couple in-theater effects, but it's basically just a normal movie. But don't let the description trick you, it's one of the best theme park films I've ever seen. It somehow manages to capture it all<<< I'm always overselling CineMagique ;-) It's just one of my favourite Disney attractions.
Originally Posted By nevadarebel Thank you so much!! We got the full board meal plan so any suggestions on best places to eat? My husband saw the menu at the Steakhouse so that will be dinner for one night...
Originally Posted By dagobert >>> any suggestions on best places to eat?<<< Our favourite restaurant at DLP ist the Agrabah Cafe. It's a buffet style restaurant that offers Oriental food. Walt'S - An American Restaurant located on Main Street is very beautiful and although we haven't eaten there in a long time, it was always great. If you are on a budget, there are fast food options throughout the resort. Since I'm a vegetarian I haven't eaten a burger at DLP for a very long time, but according to friends they aren't as good as the ones in the US parks. In Disney Village there's a McDonalds and an Earl of Sandwich. If you like pizzas, Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost in Adventureland might be the right choice. Fuente Del Oro in Frontierland offers Maxican fare. Don't eat at the Hyperion Cafe in Discoveryland. It is considered to be the worst restaurant at DLP, but that was before they closed and refurbed it. WDSP is a nice little diner behind the Tower of Terror. It's called Cafe Des Cascadeurs. If it's open, it will be very popular, because there burgers there are frshly made.
Originally Posted By u k fan dagobert and Ferret have covered most of the must do's I think. Regarding food, Walt's is nice as is The Steakhouse. Fast food wise do your best to avoid burgers and pasta and it's not too bad, but definitely behind the US parks. If you're in Disney Village and need to eat at a Disney establishment then Annette's is my favorite. Sequoia Lodge and Hotel NY have good options too. Last time I was on a food plan I was able to use the vouchers as part payment for a meal at the California Grill at the DL Hotel. I would definitely recommend that. If the timings work get a table with a view of the castle and you won't be disappointed. My visit predated the new night time show, but presumably you could watch it from the restaurant. I doubt they pipe in the music though. Let us know if you need anything else!!!
