Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Where do you begin a trip report to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom of them all? I guess at the beginning. So here goes ... I'm writing this stream on consciously because that's how I feel people can get a true read on what I experienced and observed. As with my WDW and DL observation threads, I don't hold anything back. I'll give the good, bad and the ugly and why I feel the way I do. First off, let me put on the official LP.com record (maybe we could call this Doobie's Decree?) that I advise any true Disney fan to get to Paris. Even if it means throwing change in a jar for a few years ... or skipping a meal a week (who couldn't stand to lose a few pounds anyway in the USA) ... or pushing up that minimum payment on Visa. You could always sell your least fave child too! But you owe it to yourself to see a shining example of what WDI can produce when money isn't the top priority, but creativity is. When I think about the best part of the Michael Eisner/Frank Wells Legacy ... DLP is always at the top of the list. Just an amazing accomplishment regardless of some of the financial difficulties that have plagued the resort. Onward ... when last I visited DLP in June of 2006, work was just starting on many areas of bringing the resort back from basically 14 years of neglect to get ready for the 15th celebration. Scaffolding was on almost all the resorts and the Emporium and other parts of Main Street were under tarps. So how did things look 11 months later? Better. Much better. From my first steps toward the DLH, which literally had places with bare wood as all the paint had rotted odd, you could tell that work had been done. The DLH shined like it was brand new ... like a giant, pink, Victorian, gingerbread palace. The lobby had actually just had new carpeting put in days before we arrived as you could tell by the 'shedding' going on. Paris weather can be ... well, like weather anywhere else. Very unpredictable. But for much of the week I was there (two days at DLP), it was sunny with temps in the mid-upper 70s. Beautiful weather for exploring Naploeon's tomb, Notre Dame, Sacre Coer, taking a cruise on the Seine or having a picnic under the Eiffel Tower (hmm...sounds like other thing I did!) ... or even taking a boat cruise with AA Pirates. I should point out, however, that unlike DL's top-to-bottom amazing makeover for its 50th, DLP's 15th makeover was deceiving. Sure the DLH looked brand new. For $500-plus a night, one would expect that. Main Street also looked like it had just opened ... but beyond the obvious, it was a very deceptive rehab. More like 'make sure we take care of the big things and hope no one notices all the VERY many little ones.' Again, I know I've done my share of exec bashing before, but this is the calling card of DLP's top two execs (Karl Holz and George Kalogridis). They are known as guys who will come in and clean house on the surface and make the bottom line look very good ... for a while. By the time you notice all the problems, they've been promoted, demoted or just moved elsewhere in the company. Examples of things that still need MAJOR attention: there remain HUGE potholes in the pavement and walkways around DLP, some that could potentially cause someone to take a very nasty spill. While much of Main Street looks brand new, apparently someone thought no one can see the third floors of some buildings and the paint work stopped ... that can be a problem when you're having dinner on the second floor and can look right across the street and see areas that haven't been touched. Anyway, before I bore you too much by complaining, let's get started with Day 1. Both of my days at DLP were weekdays (Thursday and Friday) and weren't in any way crowded. There weren't any serious waits (longer than say 15 minutes) except for Big Thunder (which in my experience is the most popular attraction in the park) and Peter Pan. Both are by far the best versions produced in a Disney theme park, so it's understandable. After a late arrival due to a switch in hotels (I stayed in Paris and opted for the extremely convenient RER after having a nightmarish experience staying on property last year that still is awaiting proper resolution), I met one of my friends who I was traveling with just before noon. After a quick meal at Disney Village's McDonald's (amazing how much better McD's is in Europe) it was off to the park. There are no biometrics (yet) or anything like that. You simply put your AP (or other media) into the machine and you walk in. No confused backups like in Orlando because a tourist can't figure out how to give Disney the finger. Walking under first the Hotel, then the Main Street Station is almost like an extra layer that transports you into Disney's magical realms. Main Street is amazingly detailed. If DL's version is a 10, then this is a 14. The MK's would be about a 4 now (shot No. 1 at the MK for those keeping score at home). From the facades to the Main Street vehicles and period advertising (like a coffee billboard that periodically releases smoke from a cup) to the amazing (and very useful) Discovery and Liberty Arcades, which run the length of Main Street on each side, there's no doubt that you're in Main Street USA of the early 1900s. There are no closed shops with blacked out windows, no empty spaces, no attractions that have been turned into failed retail ... no outlet mall gone bad vibe like you get in O-Town (shot No. 2). Unlike Orlando where Main Street serves as only a walkway to the other lands, a place to watch the parade or grab a cheap Grumpy tee on the way out, in Paris you could easily spend a few hours soaking up the ambiance. If you have time, which I didn't. Lining Main Street are banners for the 15th, which feature Lumiere -- who's basically the official leading character of the celeb (a wise choice IMHO) -- and kewl fiber optics that light up at night. The castle makeover is a thing of beauty. I think it's the best one I've seen. The pics are all over online so I won't go into any long description, but it has various golden versions of the characters holding candles (which again light up at night or so I'm told because DLP never stays open past 8 p.m. in May ... more on this later). It just looks classy. A bit toned down from DL's. And without something huge being hung on the castle that serves no purpose (MK shot No. 3 or is that 4?). Grabbed FastPasses for Big Thunder as I've noted in the past that typically the wait time will say something like 20 minutes and turn out to be 50. Then it was off to Phantom Manor. I know some folks don't like the western take on Mansion, but this attraction really wows me. The effects and showmanship are all 21st century quality. There is no Ghost Host. Most geeks know Vincent Price did one in English that lasted all of about six months before it was replaced by strictly music. Although you can still hear Price's demonic laugh in the stretch room. It works. As did all the effects unlike Orlando (MK shot No. 5). Because of the limited time, I knew what I wanted to do before ever taking the flight across the pond (thanks to my good friends at Continental for the free tix and the wonderful flights). This wouldn't be a slow, meandering visit. It also wouldn't be a 'just hit the E-tix' either. After PM, we headed over to PoC. The only version that has yet to be Deppitized yet. It's such an amazing version of the attraction. I still think I love DL's slightly more, but this one makes more sense in that you start with the pirates alive and sacking the town (and I just love the going uphill into the battle scene) and ending with the pirates all dead amongst their ill-begotten loot. Just amazing all around. And it does make me sad for all the folks who have only experienced WDW's incredibly inferior 1973 version (shot No. 6) and worse for the few HKDL regulars who apparently won't get an even more incredible version that has just been killed in favor of parades and cheap marketing campaigns. From PoC, it is a quick and easy transition to Fantasyland and that's where we headed to experience a totally unique to DLP attraction (although in many ways, the two E-Tickets above are pretty unique in their own rights) in Alice's Labyrinth Maze. While not exciting ... and likely it would never be popular in the US parks as it requires exploration ... it's a fun diversion and blends perfectly with the storybook village look of the area. A side note here ... Fantasyland at DLP even puts DL's medieval village to shame. The one feature that separates it from all others is waterways that flow thru the land and give it a more dynamic, kinetic vibe. Hit Small World next. Another E-Ticket that was plussed greatly for Paris and features many, many unique show scenes as well as a nice postshow (DLP seems to not have trouble keeping sponsors unlike WDW). There is a huge North America/USA section near the end ... the one weird thing is it features the WTC towers (much like the American Adventure) and I kind of think it's time to remove them. We then spent a good 30 minutes exploring the castle and the dungeon, which features a ??? Yes ... a donkey (no wait, I've got Shrek on the brain) ... really a dragon. The stained glass in the castle is just spectacular. The place was designed like a real fairy tale castle and I know this may shock you WDW regulars, but there's no character dining in it, the shops aren't dedicated to princess merchandise and there isn't a Jon-Benet Boutique on the horizon. (how many WDW shots are we at now? lost count) By this point, we wanted to head over to the least impressive park (and I use that word lightly) in the Disney empire, the DSP, to check out a few things there ... we'll pick up there ... Hope you're enjoying ... actually, I just hope you're reading ;-)
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I'm reading! I'm reading! Pick me! Great report (surprisingly positive so far, but you haven't gotten to WDPS yet). I can't wait to hear more about your adventures in DLP.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "no attractions that have been turned into failed retail" Not exactly true. Main Street Motors used to contain vintage Cars (about 4) and tools. A mock up of an early car dealership. It was turned into a Pooh Shop a few years ago and now is a hodge podge. Also, the Barber Shop was turned into a plush store a few years ago when the 2 barbers left, but after a major petition, they reopened it! Also, we went a number of years without a horsedrawn streetcar and again, I went to city hall every day I noticed, and there was a petition. They have tried.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "I know some folks don't like the western take on Mansion, but this attraction really wows me." Indeed, I love PH the most of all the Mansions. It is so well done!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "The only version that has yet to be Deppitized yet. It's such an amazing version of the attraction. I still think I love DL's slightly more, but this one makes more sense in that you start with the pirates alive and sacking the town (and I just love the going uphill into the battle scene) and ending with the pirates all dead amongst their ill-begotten loot. Just amazing all around. And it does make me sad for all the folks who have only experienced WDW's incredibly inferior 1973 version (shot No. 6) " I'm with you here. I love Dl's the most because of the pacing. They sped up Paris' Pirates, and while amazing, it has taken away some of the charm, though I do love the order and new scenes Paris has to offer. The queue is sublime. WDW - well, talk about your short change. Love the queue at FLA, but boy, there are so many starry eyed WDW fans that really do not know what they are missing by skipping DL and DLP.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "the one weird thing is it features the WTC towers (much like the American Adventure) and I kind of think it's time to remove them." This is where we start to disagree. I am glad the Twin Towers are still there. I can't stand how for years they haven't dared show TV shows or movies that have them in. They were a great part of America, and should never be forgotten. How many dumb tourists think the Collosus of Rhodes or Hanging Gardens of Babylon are still standing? They were 7 wonders that marked their area, and in a way, the Twin Towers were modern marvels. I smile in rememberance as I go past. Especially as I was ironically on IASW at DLP when the 9/11 attack happened.
Originally Posted By barboy """"there remain HUGE potholes in the pavement and walkways around DLP"""" I totally forgot to bring this up on my report---- yes, the pavement in select areas looks to be in bad shape. """" Walking under first the Hotel, then the Main Street Station is almost like an extra layer that transports you into Disney's magical realms."""" Now that's what I'm "talkin bout"!! What memorable experience. """"Main Street is amazingly detailed. If DL's version is a 10, then this is a 14"""" or even a 16 or 17 if you ask me. And like you said DL Anaheim is a perfect 10! """there's no doubt that you're in Main Street USA of the early 1900s. Unlike Orlando where Main Street serves as only a walkway to the other lands, a place to watch the parade or grab a cheap Grumpy tee on the way out, in Paris you could easily spend a few hours soaking up the ambiance."""" Absolutely.
Originally Posted By barboy Spirit, you said Peter Pan is by far the best version of any park. The only thing I noticed differenly was the actual ride ship had two rows of seating instead of the one 3 person row thus helping its capacity significantly. The entire ride seemed exactly the same down to the smaller details. Am I missing something?
Originally Posted By barboy Phantom Manor is far, far superior.... BTMRR is noticeably the best version too... Pirates with its very nice facade and extravagant queue rocks. And the ride blows all other renditions out of the water if you ask me. Pirates is the 2nd best ride on this planet. Small world was done so well that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I won't even ride any other version because the song can grate on me and the sets/AA's don't impress me but this one was magical. Even the Story Book canal ride and the Casey Jr Train are light years ahead of their brothers and sisters in the US. Space Mountain in Paris is the way a real Space Mountain should be.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Shame you never got to experience the original Space Mountain at DLP, in comparison to Mission 2, it was a real masterpiece.
Originally Posted By barboy """"We then spent a good 30 minutes exploring the castle and the dungeon, which features a ??? Yes ... a donkey (no wait, I've got Shrek on the brain) ... really a dragon. The stained glass in the castle is just spectacular. The place was designed like a real fairy tale castle"""" I would have tried to describe the sheer beauty of the catle( both inside and outside) but I gess one just has to see it to believe it. The castle is so damn good I would say it is equal to or better than Tokyo Disney Sea caliber as far as detail, wonder and scope. Cheers!! to all those stellar designers and emgineers who created this stunning park.
Originally Posted By barboy "Shame you never got to experience the original Space Mountain at DLP, in comparison to Mission 2, it was a real masterpiece." Hey dave, could you give some specifics as to what I missed? I rode Sp Mnt 2 probably 5 times so I still remember a lot of the detail.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Not exactly true. Main Street Motors used to contain vintage Cars (about 4) and tools. A mock up of an early car dealership. It was turned into a Pooh Shop a few years ago and now is a hodge podge.>> Yes. I am aware of Main Street Motors and the uber kewl period vehicles they used to sell. And the shop is a hodge podge of all kinds of generic DLP character merchandise now (again, more on this later). But it still was a shop and is one today. It's not like the MK where the Walt Disney Story, Penny Arcade, Main Street Cinema have all been replaced by retail ... where all the unique shops and the bank have disappeared etc ... <<Also, the Barber Shop was turned into a plush store a few years ago when the 2 barbers left, but after a major petition, they reopened it!>> Yeah. I heard about that. <<Also, we went a number of years without a horsedrawn streetcar and again, I went to city hall every day I noticed, and there was a petition. They have tried.>> And so long as they have the current batch of Fla. guys as the leadership (using this word very loosely) team, I'd expect to see things like that. <<I'm with you here. I love Dl's the most because of the pacing. They sped up Paris' Pirates, and while amazing, it has taken away some of the charm, though I do love the order and new scenes Paris has to offer. The queue is sublime. WDW - well, talk about your short change. Love the queue at FLA, but boy, there are so many starry eyed WDW fans that really do not know what they are missing by skipping DL and DLP.>> Oh yeah, tell me about it. From 1974-1990, I knew of only one version of PoC ... the MK's ... and oh how I loved it. One of my fave attractions. Then I visited DL ... and then DLP. ... And the MK version, which went on and on with no rehabs, no TLC, nothing ... until last year's very small, very poorly done Jack Sparrow addition. ... Yeah, ignorance can be blissful. <<This is where we start to disagree. I am glad the Twin Towers are still there. I can't stand how for years they haven't dared show TV shows or movies that have them in. They were a great part of America, and should never be forgotten. How many dumb tourists think the Collosus of Rhodes or Hanging Gardens of Babylon are still standing? They were 7 wonders that marked their area, and in a way, the Twin Towers were modern marvels. I smile in rememberance as I go past. Especially as I was ironically on IASW at DLP when the 9/11 attack happened.>> I dunno ... I see your point ... and I understand it. But still, something bothers me. I don't see the WTC towers as a great American landmark. They were two very bland tall skyscrapers before 9/11. They weren't IMHO overly symbolic of America of what's so great about the USA. I think they're even more out of place in the American Adventure's finale ... but that's a whole other discussion.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit, you said Peter Pan is by far the best version of any park. The only thing I noticed differenly was the actual ride ship had two rows of seating instead of the one 3 person row thus helping its capacity significantly. The entire ride seemed exactly the same down to the smaller details. Am I missing something? >> I was speaking of the the technical aspects, special effects and show quality. Although I do believe 2-3 scenes are staged a bit differently than DL's ... and the whole attractions is VERY different than WDW's cartoonish 1971 version. <<Even the Story Book canal ride and the Casey Jr Train are light years ahead of their brothers and sisters in the US.>> Yes. I didn't ride them on this visit, but I have in the past. Storybook Land is done quite well ... even enjoy the Return to Oz and Peter and the Wolf scenes ... stuff you won't find on DL's version. And Casey is actually a mini-coaster at DLP too. Both high-quality, smaller scale attractions that never are mentioned in discussions of what makes DLP so special.
Originally Posted By mstaft I remember my first visit to DLP in 1998- it was amazing! I never missed Indiana Jones Adventure or Splash Mountain, two of my favorite rides. This Magic Kingdom is the king of all for sheer beauty and attention to detail. My favorite MK, no question.
Originally Posted By barboy "This Magic Kingdom is the king of all for sheer beauty and attention to detail. My favorite MK, no question." I always thought DL Anaheim was the bomb--especially after the 50th paint job and refurb. and Tok DL was first class, grade 'A' but DLP is a visual paradise for theme parks.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Space Mountain for the Earth to the Moon was pure class. The original version was very Jules Verne. The back story is the Baltimore Gun Club had built the Columbiad (meaning freedom) Cannon to launch rockets to the moon. If you have ever read Jules Verne's book or seen the old silent movie with the real man in the moon getting a bullet in his eye, you get the idea. Outside over the sign was a lovely moon that had a brass train litterly circling it as a type of clock. The mountain was not as dark, and in the queue you could see the ride, as well as the victorian props that looked like they were out of the movie - including the sparks (real sparks) as rockets hit the inside of the astroid before the final loop. There were also a series of cooridors where young kids and others who did not want to ride could look at the mysteries of the mountain. The queue was victorian in feel and had star charts and the like. When one arrived in the boarding areas, the banners were red, white and blue - the colours of patriotism to both Americans and the French. You were loaded into gold cannons. So far, most of these issues are not a huge loss, but it's what happens next that mattered. The musical score was a beautiful masterpiece that sounding more like it was from a Spielburg film than the Increadibles. It had strings, and brass and was a real masterpiece (heck, if in the right mood, it could bring me to tears). The music matched the track movements exactly. And when you pulled back into the station, it was a real march that stopped when the train did. You left feeling like you had truly been on an adventure! On the ride, the Cannon area had more natural light and felt faster, even though it was slower. Instead of launching you from the bottom, you actually moved halfway into the cannon, backed up and a door opened to show you the nautilus. It felt you were a bullet being cocked before firing. As you were shot into the Mountain, it opened into a Victorian illustration of space with blacklight props and as I say, sparks as you went through the astroid. On the second lift hill, instead of a supernova effect, there was a smiling moon that turned and winked just before plummetting through the second run. Then you stopped in the Velocilator (still there, and gives you a hint of how the previous props looked). When Mission 2 opened, most of these things were taken out. Michael's score was put in. The supernova and projections were put in. And that very cool light spiral was added. I still enjoy SM, but it really is a shadow of it's former self. From 1995 - 2004 Discoveryland was awesome with the Victorian feel of Le Visionarium, SM and the Nautilus complementing each other with the kennetics of Orbitron adding to the mix. Although Buzz is my son's favorite attraction, and a lot of fun (coupled with the fact that timekeeper and Nine Eye were never hugely popular). And many people enjoy Mission 2. I cannot help but feel Discoveryland has lost a lot of it's soul and I lament it's loss. I am just glad I had the chance to experience 26 rides back to back one time at SM to drink in the detail (probably have chocked up 100 rides on Mission 1) and thanks to an LPer who used to be a cast member there, we had the chance one evening to do Mission 2 12 times back to back. Although I like Mission 2, to me it was dumbed down and not improved. Though the spiral light effect at the end is really cool. What's sad is it is even closer in feel to RNRC now than ever. At least RNRC is smooth.
Originally Posted By barboy Wow! I mean Wow!!! Your description has me mouthwatering. Server: "May I take your order?" barboy: "Sure.... I'll have the vintage 1995 Space Mountain with the Jules Verne retro victortian theme with a side of the unadulterated Le Visionarium please. Oh, and hold the Lion King, thanks." I got to say dave.... you offered some great details and nuances. You realize now I will forever be wishing that I could turn back the clocks.
