Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 One of the best features of DLP is the ability to simply crossover from one park to another, much like DCA. While I used to love WDW when you had to take the monorail to get from the MK to EPCOT Center, things have gotten so overdeveloped that it can take forever to get between two points at WDW. So this new model of two parks in walking distance really is appealing. That may be the best thing I can say about DSP ... nah, it's not THAT bad. But close! The one thing I have to mention here is that despite it being DLP's 15th B-Day and DSP's 5th, most of the 'new stuff' is coming to the Studios. DLP has a great new parade with an incredibly catchy theme (more on both later) and a character castle lighting that is completely useless until the summer season starts on July 13th. And it is also marketing the year-old Buzz Lightyear as a 'new' attraction. But that's about it. It's the Studios that are getting the lion's share of the money and attention in this 15th Anniversary. Now, while that may be smart, I would also point out that DLP hasn't added an E-Ticket since 1995 either. And there are none on the horizon right now. Anyway, DSP should have its name changed to DPA right now ... DPA=Disney's Plywood Adventure for those keeping score on the home game. You can't miss the construction because it envelops you before you even pass under the arches and go thru the turnstyles. I couldn't help but notice a 'Only in France' moment when we were heading in as there were a group of 4-5 workers doing some excavating of the walkway in front of the park. One dude was driving a bulldozer. No CMs were around anywhere. All of a sudden, and without any warning to guests, the driver floors it in reverse (I've never seen a bulldozer go that fast) and BACKS all the way across the pedestrian entrance to DSP until he finally backs thru a fence and into a backstage area. He could have easily run people down ... you just had to be there. Upon entering DSP, we noticed characters out, signing autographs and Pluto running away from kids ... that was fun but in a 'that wouldn't fly in Orlando' kind of way. Also, would someone please explain why there's a 20-year-old, beat up, Cadillac limo parked outside the studio store. The emblems have been ripped off. The car has more dents then the typical 90210 plastic surgery patient. Walked through Studio 1 ... not that you have any choice really. It's nicely done, but in 'small, regional, indoor park' kind of way. There should have been one full-serve restaurant put in this facility. Of course, this wasn't a park built as a park, but as a way for Disney to spend very little (thank Jay Rasulo, kids) and keep hold of the very valuable real estate before it had to go back to the French government. The first thing you notice upon exiting Studio 1 is the fact everything looks a whole lot bluer than before. That's because Disney's 'placemaking' folks apparently determined that having a studio park that actually looks like a real studio with nondescript tan soundstages might depress visitors, especially when the weather was cold and unpleasant. On one hand it makes sense, on the other ... let's just say I have my doubts about the staying power of Dutch Boy Blue. It's a very good thing that hardly anyone visits this park because right now it would be damn near impossible to handle any sort of crowd due to all the walls that surround the massive construction. Think of DSP (for those who've never been) as about the size of Hollywood Blvd at Disney-MGM with the area over to the Indy Stunt show too. That's the extent of DSP right now. I was hoping beyond hope that Toon Studios (featuring Crush's Coaster and Cars Race Rally) would be in soft-opening, but it wasn't to be. They were safely hidden (mostly) behind blue fences. And I was also hoping a friend might be able to take me back behind the scenes, but they weren't in town that week. Next time, I guess. Crush's show building looks quite large and the buzz I've heard on the attraction is quite good. The fact that 98% of it is enclosed with dark ride features is promising. The Cars area also appears (in photos) to be highly themed. And they even have a Toontown painted backdrop like at DL and TDL. But the whole area looks tiny to me, so this isn't going to add much capacity to the park. ToT construction continues to plod along. It really doesn't look like a great deal has been done since my '06 visit. I know they want to soft open by the December holiday period. Also, if anyone thinks DCA's tower was poorly placed, you ain't see nothing. You walk out of Studio 1 and it's just right there, right in front ... no build up, no nothing. After walking around the construction zones, we headed to see Cinemagique as one of my friends hadn't seen it yet. It also was the highlight of my very brief time here last year. It's still a great show. It's wonderful to see a movie-based attraction that doesn't focus on Disney and/or Pixar. It won a major THEA award a few years ago and is quite deserving. Even if I admit to being a huge Martin Short fan. But this is another one of those deals where you say 'This would never fly in Orlando' ... you actually have a piece of the Exorcist scene where Linda Blair's head does a 360 and begins spewing green vomit. Would that fly with all the repressed American mommies and daddies ... the ones who were horrified by Alien Encounter? I don't think so. All in all, this is a great attraction and the one 'can't miss' in DSP. Also, want to toss out here that it's great to also hear the soundtrack of this park. It features all kinds of famous movie scores, again most that are NOT Disney. I recall when Disney-MGM did this many, many moons ago ... and even DCA's Hollywood Pictures Backlot had movie and TV themes for a few years before being replaced by more Disney music. A quick break for some really bad Nescafe coffee (the only bad coffee I had in France, Belgium and the Netherlands) and we went to see Anamagique, something I had wanted to see because I missed out on it last year. And because it was another unique attraction. Think of it as a black-lit, puppet show with a (very) loose theme of Mickey and Donald working as animators at the Disney Studios (and speaking both French and English). Mickey goes home. Leaves the magic key. Donald opens the Disney Vault and chaos and music spring forth. I enjoyed the show ... especially the Pink Elephants on Parade, Jungle Book and Little Mermaid portions ... one of my pals enjoyed it a lot, the other said it was amateurish 'something a high school would perform' ... I guess it all comes down to taste. Next it was the Armageddon Special Effects Show, something else I hadn't seen last time opting for a (very) slightly better version of RnRC instead. You don't hear much about this show, which was supposed to be added to DCA where the empty Millionaire building sits in the original plans. Now, I enjoy Backdraft (although very dated) at Uni. Hollywood and Twister at Uni. Orlando so these shows generally appeal to me. Frankly, this one surprised me a lot. I thought it was very well done. Money was clearly spent. (But apparently not on talent, hence Michael Clarke Duncan doing the pre-show instead of Bruce 'Yes, He is Doing Another DieHard film' Willis. Just a lot of very kewl effects, but well done. So that makes three unique attractions worth seeing at DSP. Hey, it's something. By this point it was 5:30 and DSP closed at 6. So we headed back to DLP to ride BTM with our FastPasses. When here in 2006 I had remarked about horrible Six Flags-like graffiti that had literally covered the entire queue and mildew that had covered the entire mountain. I'm pleased to report the mildew is all gone and the graffiti was removed and wood resurfaced, but new stuff is already appearing. I know this is partially cultural as there's barely a surface on any building, wall, train, historical object, etc., in France that isn't tagged. At the same time, if Disney had CMs in the queues and cameras and removed people from the park when they damaged property, word would get out and it would stop. BTRR at DLP is simply a whole lot of fun. It's the longest, fastest, best version of the ride going. Placing it on an island in the center of the Rivers of America was a great design move by Tony Baxter's team at WDI. It necessitated the addition of two looooong pitch-black tunnels to get you from the load area across to the island and back. Just a great ride all around and easily my fave coaster in any MK-type park. After BTRR we decided to tempt fate and ride Space Mountain. Now SM happens to be a great ride. With a cannon launching you into a mountain of pitched darkness, followed by numerous inversions, twists, turns and drops ... and kewl special effects. But it also is the kind of head-banger (hey Karl, would it kill you to do some maintenance?) that can give you a headache or even worse. So I debated skipping it. I didn't. And it wasn't as rough as I remembered, but still plenty of banging ... but it took me about 40 seconds into the ride to realize 'something's missing,' ... sure enough, the soundtrack was out and (like with DL's pair of soundtrack coasters) you really miss it when it's gone. By the time we got off, it was almost 7 (closing time ... despite the fact there is light in Paris skies until about 9:40 this time of year). Did some quick shopping on Main Street (more later). Walked through an absolutely packed Disney Village ... which makes sense as Disney does have a captive audience that is afraid and/or doesn't want to get on a train and be in downtown Paris in 30 minutes. Huge potholes are all over the walkways of both Disney Village and the promenade around Lake Disney. You could lose a mini Cooper in some of them. Again, this wouldn't fly in the states because legal wouldn't allow it. They'd be afraid of liability. Apparently, things are different in France. Stopped into the Sequoia Lodge, which I think is my fave DLP resort as it has a very peaceful, laid-back feeling. It was quite busy. Then it was a stop at Newport Bay where you can tell how shoddy their 15th makeover was by the fact the old paint is already showing through the new stuff and looks terrible. The entrance staircase area and lobby also show lots of sign of wear and tear, especially anything wooden. Do NOT stay here. We then hightailed it to the RER as it was almost 8. 30 minutes later we were picking up food in Paris. In another 30 minutes we were setting up a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, which does an amazing light show on the hour that lasts about 8 minutes and features hundreds (thousands?) of twinkling lights ... just an amazing sight. Not amazing ... paying 4 Euros for a tiny Coke (with no ice, the French are afraid of the stuff) from a vendor at the Tower because we forgot to get drinks at the market. All in all, one magical day ... Day 2 ... and general observations to follow ... Comments and compliments welcome. Complaints are not!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "All in all, this is a great attraction and the one 'can't miss' in DSP." Cinemagique is truly a gem of DLP. I love it - but I do think it is very much for a European audience. I cannot see it flying at WDW or DL sadly, but for us over here, it's fantastic.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "I enjoyed the show ... especially the Pink Elephants on Parade, Jungle Book and Little Mermaid portions ... one of my pals enjoyed it a lot, the other said it was amateurish 'something a high school would perform' ... I guess it all comes down to taste." Glad you liked it. When I first saw Animagique (during the Studio previews) I didn't like it and my wife loved it. They have retooled it and I have come to finally enjoy it (though I think having kids has helped my enjoyment factor).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "Frankly, this one surprised me a lot. I thought it was very well done. Money was clearly spent. (But apparently not on talent, hence Michael Clarke Duncan doing the pre-show instead of Bruce 'Yes, He is Doing Another DieHard film' Willis. Just a lot of very kewl effects, but well done." YAY!!!! This makes me so happy. I finally met someone else who likes Armageddon. I really do love this attraction (and I like Backdraft and Twister too). It is so well done. I love the build up and the feeling of the Space Station exploding around me. It really gives you a chance to play - something I think a lot of people have forgotten how.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "Do NOT stay here." Agree. Newport Bay is a rip off hotel. SL and Hotel New York are far better choices by far.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Once again, you are pretty much on the money. I have to say though, the location of ToT has really grown on me, and I think WDS will start to shine over the coming years. I have often agreed that it might not look like the typical Disney Park, but virtually every attraction in WDS is a fantastic quality. We think of it as a new land in DLP and with that mindsset we always have a great time. Can't wait for Toon Studios, ToT and Stitch Encounter. Mix in better quality character experiences, a good parade and great streetmousephere, we can honestly have a more enjoyable day in WDS than DLP.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I look forward to reading more comments and also about your dining experiences.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Cinemagique is truly a gem of DLP. I love it - but I do think it is very much for a European audience. I cannot see it flying at WDW or DL sadly, but for us over here, it's fantastic.>> No. As you'll see in the next few installments of my DLP observations, there are many things in Paris that simply wouldn't fly in the USA ... different culture ... much more open in many ways. But Cinemagique really is wonderful. <<YAY!!!! This makes me so happy. I finally met someone else who likes Armageddon. I really do love this attraction (and I like Backdraft and Twister too). It is so well done. I love the build up and the feeling of the Space Station exploding around me. It really gives you a chance to play - something I think a lot of people have forgotten how.>> It is very well done. I would have loved to see something like this at Disney-MGM Studios. <<Once again, you are pretty much on the money. I have to say though, the location of ToT has really grown on me, and I think WDS will start to shine over the coming years. I have often agreed that it might not look like the typical Disney Park, but virtually every attraction in WDS is a fantastic quality. We think of it as a new land in DLP and with that mindsset we always have a great time.>> I agree with you, Dave. But I still think that's a sad way to view a Disney park. Although it's how plenty of folks view DCA ... and even how some view Florida's 3rd and 4th gates ... as extensions of the other parks ... diversions ... places to spend a few hours, see a few attractions and leave. That's not what a second gate, no scratch that, that's not what ANY Disney park should be. Why are Epcot and TDS so successful? Because they totally and completely stand alone as destinations. You can visit either park and NOT go into either the MK or TDL and still get a 100% quality Disney experience. Heck, you can spend a few days visiting and exploring each park. So the fact I can go to DSP and enjoy myself for four hours, which I did, isn't a good reason to justify its existence as a shoddy, half-baked insult to the parks that came before with the Disney name on it. <<Can't wait for Toon Studios, ToT and Stitch Encounter. Mix in better quality character experiences, a good parade and great streetmousephere, we can honestly have a more enjoyable day in WDS than DLP.>> C'mon Dave ... isn't that a bit of hyperbole? I can enjoy a day at DCA, but it never makes me forget about the park across the plaza.
Originally Posted By mstaft ^^^ Good point! Every- and I mean every- time I am in DCA, I think, "Should I have gone to DL instead?" I finally got smart after a few visits and now only buy a one day park hopper.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It's funny, but the crowds and lunacy of the DLP really puts me off. Also, to me it is the live entertainment and streetmousphere that make Disney special. WDS offers these, DLP does not (anymore). It could be the familiarity breeds contempt thing. I have been to DLP 42 times, but there is still some novelty in the Studios. Also, with kids, because the character experiences are so much better, it makes it so much more enjoyable. The bad behaviour at DLP really can get to me, but at WDS it is no where near as rife. But what do I know, I'd rather spend time at Epcot or DAk than the MK. And I love DCA, and again find the novelty factor such that we actually spent more time at DCA last time than DL (been to DL 300+ times, DCA 6 times). But I do agree, I certainly would not call WDS a full Disney park. But since the resortisation came into effect I don't think in terms of parks, but the overall resort expereience. Hotels, Dining and Entertainment are as important to me as e-tickets (sometimes more so).
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Cinemagique is truly a gem of DLP. I love it - but I do think it is very much for a European audience. I cannot see it flying at WDW or DL sadly, but for us over here, it's fantastic.<< Well, I agree with that and nothing would be more enjoyable to me than seeing Cinemaguique at MGM, but if you think it won't fly in the US with USA audiences, then the Americans have no taste (but we have known that for like...ever)
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>But I do agree, I certainly would not call WDS a full Disney park. But since the resortisation came into effect I don't think in terms of parks, but the overall resort expereience. Hotels, Dining and Entertainment are as important to me as e-tickets (sometimes more so).<< Not to mention immersive theming, which is one reason why I still believe HKDL is worth a day visit.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<The bad behaviour at DLP really can get to me, but at WDS it is no where near as rife.>> Well, you need guests first. And DSP doesn't have them ... <<But what do I know, I'd rather spend time at Epcot or DAk than the MK.>> I don't know what you know, but I do know you have good taste. I don't know why anyone would want to visit the MK over Epcot or DAK. ... as soon as I finish my DLP chronicles later this week, I'm going to start a new (sure to be inflamatory) thread about the MK basically becoming a glorified kiddie park. <<And I love DCA, and again find the novelty factor such that we actually spent more time at DCA last time than DL (been to DL 300+ times, DCA 6 times).>> I can't say I love DCA. But I do like it a lot. And some of the changes that have been made haven't been for the better, but if John Lasseter gets the necessary funding, DCA is going to be a very, very, very good park in the next decade. <<But I do agree, I certainly would not call WDS a full Disney park. But since the resortisation came into effect I don't think in terms of parks, but the overall resort expereience. Hotels, Dining and Entertainment are as important to me as e-tickets (sometimes more so).>> This where I agree 100% with where you're coming from, but digress at the conclusion as I think the resort-building has shown at WDW to be disasterous as bigger isn't better and so many things become left behind ... Kevin Yee on Micechat had a great column called Abandoned World (shameless plug as the column came out of a discussion we had) a few weeks ago about all the empty spaces where attractions, dining and shopping locations had been left empty as WDW got bigger in other ways. That's the insidious nature of the current resort model. It's that some spirit can go visit the DSP for 3-4 hours catch 3-4 attractions he finds worthy and then leave and spend the rest of the day at DLP, Disney Village (which I'm going to savage soon) and the resorts. It's just not how parks should be built. They should be built as Epcot and TDS were ... full day(s) experiences, not half-baked parks.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<oh i agree tdlfan, i look forward to hkdl on the way to tokyo>> That's how I'm planning on visiting the parks on my visit. Although TDLFAN has really got me thinking that Uni Japan might be worth an out of the way visit too!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Universal Japan mimics TDL in many ways... including, but not limited to, CM's approach to work, theming, cleanliness. As for attractions, expect a very small improvement in those when compared to Orlando's park. >>I look forward to hkdl on the way to tokyo<< Yes, do HKDL first, so you can get the full blown effect of TDR and why the Chinese got robbed (serves them well for stealing anything american and selling it for cheaps at the markets). The only thing HKDL has over TDR is the beautiful surroundings around the resort, as opposed to Urayasu's concrete city of today bordering TDR.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed the Penny Bay site does make HKDL seem like the jewel in the crown location wise. I started my HKDL, TDL/TDS, USJ savings account this month!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Universal Japan mimics TDL in many ways... including, but not limited to, CM's approach to work, theming, cleanliness. As for attractions, expect a very small improvement in those when compared to Orlando's park. >> And just think ... soon we'll have two more Uni resorts ... although I think I might have issues with a park in Dubai. >>I look forward to hkdl on the way to tokyo<< <<Yes, do HKDL first, so you can get the full blown effect of TDR and why the Chinese got robbed (serves them well for stealing anything american and selling it for cheaps at the markets). The only thing HKDL has over TDR is the beautiful surroundings around the resort, as opposed to Urayasu's concrete city of today bordering TDR.>> The sad thing is HKDL has all the potential to be a GREAT park and I mean that. The location, the detailing, the master plan ... but I'm not sure how many fans realize how significant a project the Pirates Cove addition to Adventureland (that was killed because Disney simply doesn't want to put any money into any park) would have been ... you're talking a huge expansion with a completely new, modern, thrilling 21st century take on PoC ... plus 2-3 smaller C-D type attractions, shopping, dining and a venue for Fantasmic. All done by some of the best talent WDI has. ... And it's simply dead. They'll add things like water play fountains, parades and an animation academy and wonder when they can't break six million a year even with cheap APs. But anyway, let's head back to Paris ... shall we?
Originally Posted By MPierce You know when I go to WDW I ride very few rides. There are just a few that put a smile on my face, and definetly are a must do. My biggest enjoyment comes from just walking around, and looking at the beauty, and details of everything. Just letting the feel of the park surround me. I guess that's what a lot of people call the magic of a Disney Park. This revue seems just like all the rest of your reports, they always seem to have a feel about them that you love being there, and that anything critical pointed out is only your attempt to get the appropriate people to correct things. I get a since that you really didn't feel any of the Disney Magic there at DSP, is that the case. If so I don't think the Park would even be worth walking around in. I guess I would have to go there myself to know. >> Well, I agree with that and nothing would be more enjoyable to me than seeing Cinemaguique at MGM, but if you think it won't fly in the US with USA audiences, then the Americans have no taste (but we have known that for like...ever) << How can you possibly say that about a Country that gave us 2 Jack Taco's for Only ninety-nine cents!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<You know when I go to WDW I ride very few rides. There are just a few that put a smile on my face, and definetly are a must do. My biggest enjoyment comes from just walking around, and looking at the beauty, and details of everything. Just letting the feel of the park surround me. I guess that's what a lot of people call the magic of a Disney Park.>> Ohmygawd, a kindred spirit!!! Yes. That is exactly how I feel. It's why after a lousy afternoon of dealing with some emergency construction on my unit in Beverly Hills that forced a last-minute flight in from Florida, I sat in traffic on the 405, so I could spend time at DL ... just 10 days or so after getting back from DLP. I think I rode 4-5 attractions in six hours at the park ... but just soaked up the atmosphere ... the magic! <<This revue seems just like all the rest of your reports, they always seem to have a feel about them that you love being there, and that anything critical pointed out is only your attempt to get the appropriate people to correct things.>> You got it. That's me. 100%. Period. <<I get a since that you really didn't feel any of the Disney Magic there at DSP, is that the case. If so I don't think the Park would even be worth walking around in. I guess I would have to go there myself to know.>> DSP is worth three hours of your time. If only to see Cinemagique, Anamagique and Armageddon ... and soon, Toon Studios. But it is lacking in Disney magic. It feels more like a giant Disney mall complex. DCA is truly world-class in comparison.
