Originally Posted By Any Huis For those of you who have been to both Disneyland Park AND 1 or both of the USA parks, could I request that you give me a comparison of the similar attractions? For the list below, tell me if the Paris version is (a) Same; (b) Better; (c) Worse; or (d) Different -- when comparing to the similar US park attraction: Disneyland Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion) Pirates of the Caribbean SW Robinson Treehouse It's a Small World Mad Hatter's Tea Cups Peter Pan's Flight Pinocchio Fantastic Journey Snow White dark ride Space Mountain Mission 2 Autopia Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Star Tours Legend of the Lion King Art of Disney Animation (at DAK) Studio Tram Tour (at Disney-MGM) CineMagique (Great Movie Ride?) Rockin'Roller Coaster Television Production Tour OK, that's quite a list, but when we go to DLP in March, we'll have only 1 day to see both parks. We'd like to concentrate on those attractions which are most different from Orlando/Anaheim. Thanks!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Ok Any Huis. To set the scene, I am a California Native living in Europe. Went to DL 300+ times between 1974 and 1986, as well as 2 weeks in 2002. We have been to WDW twice - 1 week in 1979 and 2 weeks in 2000. We have been to DLP 40 times since 1992, latest being 3 weeks ago. Based on that experience, here is my take: Disneyland Railroad Similar to all the others including a Grand Canyon Diorama. Unique point is some glimpses of PotC Big Thunder Mountain Best Version Ever as it goes under the Rivers of the Far West. This and Peter Pan are the 2 most popular attractions in the resort. Be sure to either use Fastpass, ride first thing or last. Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion) Different. I prefer DL's to WDW's and this is my favorite of all. For others, they think this is weaker. Differences (SPOILER ALERT) Portraits in stretching room are different, the story line of the Phantom, a wonderful orchestrial score instead of a ghost host, and a cowboy ghost town instead of the cemetary - inspired by Marc Davis - DO NOT MIS PM. Pirates of the Caribbean Definately better than WDW's. Not better or worse than DL's, just a little different. Best queue of all of them, a different order of sequences, and some very advanced AA's including duelling pirates. It's also the un PC version with wenching !!!! ;-) DO NOT MISS SW Robinson Treehouse Pretty Much the same as others It's a Small World Best one ever. Much brighter, light and airy, and there's a whole area dedicated to the USA. If you like IASW, you'll love this version. Mad Hatter's Tea Cups - same with a glass roof. I prefer DL's. Peter Pan's Flight - pretty much the same as DL's in French. Pinocchio Fantastic Journey - pretty much the same as DL's in French. Snow White dark ride - - pretty much the same as DL's in French. Space Mountain Mission 2 - Not as good as Version 1 at DLP, but head and shoulders above the US versions including 3 loops. Pretty amazing (but getting a little rough). for the best Supernova effect, be sure to sit in the rear. Autopia - essentially the same experience (skip if you only have one day) Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - same Star Tours - same but in French (still fun though!) Legend of the Lion King - Fantastic, one of the best Disney shows ever to be staged in a theme park. The Florida shows are terrible. This one is pure class and stars a number of performers who have appeared in the Broadway and West End Lion King Productions- DO NOT MISS - but you must arrive early for tickets. Art of Disney Animation - Not bad - a room with a Multiplane Camera and Optical toys with the history of animation, next room is a montage in different languages to demonstrate the power of Disney Animation, followed by Drawn to Animation as used to appear at DCA, followed by an animation playground where you can learn to draw a character (like at DCA/Disneyquest) and play with Various computers for recording voice tracks, colors etc. like the Beast's Library at DCA (but not as well themed - ignore if time is tight). Studio Tram Tour (at Disney-MGM) Similar to WDW - SPOILER Set of Dinotopia, Catastrophy Canyon, Planes from Pearl Harbor, Costuming, Cars from the Rock, 102 Dalmations and Runaway Bride, a set from Reign of Fire with pyro and back to the station. Difference is there are monitors that have Jeremy Irons and a French Actress giving the tour (similar to what they have done at Universal Hollywood). Not bad, but if tight on time, skip if you've been to WDW. CineMagique (Great Movie Ride?) A wonderful attraction if you are a film buff. It is a movie that is a tribute to Cinema History - both American and European. There are some nice subtle effects and we love it. It's a real gem if you like movies and with that Caveat is a DO NOT MISS. However, if film attractions are not your style, skip if time is tight. Rockin'Roller Coaster - shorter preshow, but the ride is faster by about 4 miles an hour. Instead of cardboard flats, it has lighting rigs and smoke machines. Very similar to WDW's. Television Production Tour - Do not waste your time. Walking tour in French of the Disney Channel Studios, followed by some green screen activities and Cyberspace Mountain from the now defunct Chicago Disneyquest.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo There are a few things you have left out here: Mark Twain/Molly Brown - if running, is similar to the US versions, but there is far less to be seen at DLP. Tarzan: Le Recontre - again this is a fantastic show and DO NOT MISS if you enjoy stage shows. Great acrobatics and wonderful ariel ballet. Far better than any shows in WDW IMHO. The Mysteries of the Nautilus - a lovely walk through of the Nautilis (a tribute to the sets that used to be at DL) including a squid attack. I minor diversion, but unique to DLP. Indiana Jones and the Temple du Peril - this is a poor coaster. Don't bother unless you have done everything else you would like to. Le Passage du Aladdin - a diorama walkthrough in Adventureland similar to the old Castle Walk through in DL's SB Castle. Not bad. Casey Jr - This is more of a kiddy coaster and was the very first Disney coaster with an integral soundtrack. Storybookland Canal Boats - Similar to DL without a narrator. Most of the scenes and models are different. Alice's Curious Labrynth - not bad hedge maze with fiberglass figures from the movie. Castle - go not miss the stained glass and tapestries in the Castle, and the AA dragon under the castle is amazing - DO NOT MISS! In the Studios: Animagique is a cute blacklight show if you have small kids (skip if short on time as adults). Armaggedon - mixed thoughts on this. I really like it, but I seem to be in the minority. If you like Backdraft and Twister at the Universal parks, go and see this. If you're not a fan of that sort of thing, skip it. Either way, do not get in line if there is a large queue. Moteurs Action - very similar to WDW. If you are into cars, action films or stunt shows, this is a do not miss. If however you are going to WDW in the not so distant future, as you only have one day, skip it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo For us, the do not misses every trip are: Phantom Manor Big Thunder Pirates of the Caribbean The Castle and Dragon It's a Small World Space Mountain Legend of the Lion King Star Tours (though I'd recommend you skip it if short on time) Tarzan In the Studios: Cinemagique Armageddon (please see warning above) Moteurs Action RNR Coaster (again you could skip if you do not have time). You may wish to take a little time to explore the caves on Adventure Isle as well. Parades are very good at both parks (though the DLP parade is getting old for us, it will be new to you). If Fantillusion is showing, it's not bad, but I prefer MSEP. For the best spot, stand at the castle. Fireworks (if showing, which is rare in DLP) are very small, but fairly well done. A dissappointment compared to WDW and DL though. For dining, we never miss the chance to eat at either Walt's or the Silver Spur. However, table service restaurants are almost always a 2 - 3 hour affair in DLP. For dining advice, please seach for my extensive review here on the boards. Have a great time and if you need any further advice, let us know.
Originally Posted By CMM1 IMO, 1. POTC - DLP version entertaining, quite different from original DL version. WDW version slightly below both DLP and DL. 2. BTMRR - DLP version has a far superior ending due to the fact there is a large tunnel under the river back to the station - otherwise a near carbon-copy of WDW version. DL version slightly smaller and a bit less intense. 3. Space Mountain - DLP is certainly faster and has loops; will hold out judgement until see new DL version. WDW version hampered by visible indoor queue and lack of darkness. 4. Phantom Manor - WDW, DL and DLP versions all have their differences; major difference of DLP is Ghost Town at end - it's different but can't say it's that much better than DL or WDW graveyard scenes. 5. Indy (versus DL Indy) - it's obvious that Indy Paris is a far cry from the great Disney/Lucas creation at DL. Perhaps someday someone at Disney will grant DLP the DL Indy ride which is one of Disney's best attractions of the last 20 years.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Most every attraction at DLP is better than same ones found at WDW. Only cleanliness and rude guests are the negative aspects of DLP.
Originally Posted By Any Huis Thanks everyone! You've sold me on making sure we do Big Thunder, Phantom, Space Mtn, Peter Pan, Pirates, Lion King, and Small World. By the way, I didn't include the "unique to DLP" attractions because they are unique. If at all possible, we definitely intend to see as many of these as possible. Also, Storybook Land and Casey Jr will be closed when we're there. One further question: What is this "Tarzan" thing? It's NOT showing up on the DLP website.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN "Tarzan Encounter" you mean? That's a stage show presented (I believe seasonally) in the Chaparral Stage in the backside of Frontierland. It's a really fun show that puts DAK's "Tarzan Rocks!" to bloody shame. Catch it if they are performing it.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN On the other hand... "Mickey Winter Wonderland" show takes over the Chaparral Stage during the holiday season, so maybe "Tarzan Encounter" will be on hiatus during your visit.
Originally Posted By Any Huis OK, davewasbaloo has described Cinemagique a little bit, but can I ask for more clarification? Is it essentially the same as DMGM's "Great Movie Ride", only with different films, or is it entirely different? Is it a sit down film to watch, or is it a ride through, like GMR?
Originally Posted By u k fan It is a sit down film with some limited effects. I don't want to give too much away, but it's basically a humorous look at different cinema genres. It's on my list of must do's at the studios!!!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Yes. I 2nd that. Cinemagique is one fun sit down movie theater attraction. (no ride)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It's a wonderfully understated and magical film that takes care of the cross between European and European film culture. There is nothing like it anywhere else, hence the numerous international awards it has won. Once again though, it is understated and not in your face at all.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Of course...It could have been inproved by having Brad Pitt play the leading role... but I guess we'll have to deal with it as is... which is practically perfect (when all special effects work that is)
