Originally Posted By HokieSkipper So I'm heading for a 10 day European excursion in April, and I have 2 comp tickets to any Disney park left from back when I was a CM that expire in May, so my friend and I are taking a day on April 15 to check out Disneyland Paris once we've finished a few days in Paris. So, basically I'm looking for advice from more regular guests. I know April is the beginning of their big 20th celebration, so I'm expecting crowds, but I was hoping someone could let me know what the regular crowds were like at that time of the year. How long does it take to get there from Paris by train? I know the park has fastpass, and I was wondering what attractions you guys would recommend getting FP for? I've read Big Thunder is basically a necessity for FPing, but what else? My list of must do's are Big Thunder, Space Mountain, Pirates, and Phantom Manor. What else can't I miss? Thanks for all the advice in advance, everyone!
Originally Posted By dagobert Hi Hokie, I've been to DLRP in April only once and the crowds were okay. It depends on the school holidays in France and the neighbouring countries. Maybe someone else knows more, but I think there are school holidays in France at that time. As for the trains from Paris to DLP: <a href="http://parisbytrain.com/rer-train-paris-to-euro-disney/" target="_blank">http://parisbytrain.com/rer-tr...-disney/</a> Usually it takes about 45 minutes from the centre to DLP. It's not a Disney train, so don't expect too much. It's a regular commuter train. I would recommend the following attractions: - Phantom Manor - It's a little bit different to the US counterparts. I prefer it over MK's version. - Big Thunder Mt. - It's also a better version compared to the US. The ride is located on an island. You should definitely use FP, the queues can be very long. - Pirates of the Caribbean - The ride doesn't feature the movie characters and that's why I like it more than the MK version. - it's a small world - It features an US scene. - Pinocchio's Journey - You don't have it in the MK. - Space Mt. - It's a lot better than the SM in Florida. It's launch coaster with inversions, but be warned it is a bit rough and bumpy. You also shouldn't miss the dragon beneath the castle and the Nautilus walk through. If you still have time, you could try the Indiana Jones coaster and some of the Fantasyland dark rides. Disneyland Paris is a wonderful park with many details, so take your time. However I want to warn you that people smoke everywhere and there is a possibilty that the park is not as clean as the US parks. The CMs are all friendly and polite, but they are not as friendly as their US colleagues. Do you plan to visit Walt Disney Studios Park as well? If so, you could try Crush's Coaster, a spinning coaster, but the lines are always very, very long. Cinemagique is also a must see in that park. Tower of Terror is the same as in California and Rock'n'Roller Coaster as a little bit different than its brother in Florida. WDSP is considered to be the worst Disney park, but I have to admit that I'm one of the few who likes to spend time there. Nevertheless I prefer DHS' theming.
Originally Posted By dagobert Since the official DLRP homepage is pretty bad, I would suggest the following site: <a href="http://www.dlrpmagic.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dlrpmagic.com/</a> It's a fan made website, but it offers a lot of information about the resort. I wish you a wonderful stay in Europe and at DLRP. Enjoy your time.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Thanks for the advice! Yes, I've read about how detailed the park is and plan on attempting to take my time, but it may be difficult considering we've only got one day there! As for the Studios, we will be skipping it. With only one day, we'd rather spend as much time in Disneyland Park as we can, as Crush is really the only thing we're interested in over there. I definitely want to check out the dragon and Nautilus, as well as take some time to explore Adventure Island. I'm interested to see how long the park will be open. I know they mentioned extended hours coming up due to the start of Dreams. From pictures, the park looks breathtaking at night.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I will need to get back to you hokie, but I will be there when you are there if you want to meet? To add to dagobert's list, also worth while are time to explore adventure isle, the nautilus and Alice's curious labyrinth. Also we have storybookland which the MK does not. In the studios - armageddon is also unique. Take ,I prefer WDSP to DHS (except dining). Let me know if you need any tips on non Disney stuff too.
Originally Posted By dagobert For lunch or dinner I would recommend a table service restaurant, because the fast food can be disppointing. You should try Walt's - An American Restaurant. It has a lot of references to Walt Disney. By the way all restaurants in both parks serve alcohol.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Difficult to tell, they usually close at 8pm during the week and 10 at weekends. But with the promised extended opening, who knows? Sometimes they only publish the hours the week before. For a 1 day touring plan - start with a to for Big thunder and either ride phantom manor or a river boat while you wait. Head across to discoveryland and grab a fp for space mountain, ride star tours version 1 or buzz while you wait, by then, hopefully the nautilus will be open (this is later in the day sadly). Then go to adventureland and grab a fp for indy and explore adventure isle. Then grab a fp for peter pan and go on pirates of the caribbean and iasw while you wait. Enjoy anything else fantasyland that takes your fancy.
Originally Posted By Bolna I would agree with most of the advice given so far. A few things which haven't been mentioned yet: Take your time to explore Main Street, look at the display in the arcades, look at the theming inside the shops. Don't miss the labyrinth. It should be freshly refurbished when you are there and it is unique. Make sure you climb the Queen's castle for quite an interesting view. I think the Storybook boats are very charming. But they do tend to get ridiculously long lines and often have reduced opening hours. DLP has my favourite version of Peter Pan. But this is another candidate for long long lines - you might want to get a FP there early if you want to ride it. It tends to have very far away return times soom. Keep in mind that DLP generally openes two hours early every morning for the resort guests for EMH (more info on the exact time etc at dlrpmagic which dagobert already recommended to you). Fantasyland and Discoveryland are open then. We once did then the official rope drop for Frontierland and it was a mess! The run for BTM equalled the TSM madness happening at DHS. Walt's is really a very special restaurant, but I also like the Steakhouse in Frontierland very much because it seems to fit in so well. A lot of the CS places are very nicely themed as well. Colonel Hati's Pizza Outpost used to be the Explorer's Club which was in a way related to WDW's Adventurers Club. I like the decor of Toad Hall restaurant and the fish and chips we had there were quite good. And Hakuna Matata in Adventureland usually offers some rather interesting food. Hope you have a great time, you have picked a great year to visit DLP from everything I hear.
Originally Posted By u k fan Hokie, I think pretty much everything has been covered, but as has already been said take in the signature Disney attractions that are different and take time to explore the nooks and crannies. It will most likely be busy as the schools are out in the UK for certain. I'm trying to work out if I can get to DLP for the 12th, but it'll be a quick one night stay if I do make it at all. Possibly sleeping in my brother's van...!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Would it fit me and my brother? I'm trying to talk him into a commando style DLP birthday raid! Without transport of my own I've got to talk someone into it. He might be moving to Derbyshire for work so it would be nice to have a road trip, just the two of us. Anyway, to get back on topic there are a few counter service restaurants worth checking out. I like Fuente Del Oro (have I got the name right?) in Frontierland. Avoid eating in Discoveryland!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Perhaps, though could be a little too cozy for the two of you, it is a sofa bed and not as big as a normal double. Fuente del Oro is a good counter service choice, as is the Last Chance Cafe or Restaurant Hakuna Matata. But Walt's or the Silver Spur would be my choices overall. And I agree with UKFAN, do not eat in Discoveryland, I repeate, DO NOT eat in Discoveryland.
Originally Posted By dagobert Totally agree!!! Don't eat in Discoveryland! According to Mr. Gas, Hyperion Cafe is one of the most favorite fast food restaurants in the park. I've eaten there twice and both times it was bad. Even the Toy Story restaurant was better.
Originally Posted By u k fan I ordered fries and a hot chocolate from Videopolis and had a bad meal! On a one day, one off visit I would check operation hours before deciding whether to spend time in a fancy restaurant or not. The DLP restaurants are great, but if the park's busy and there's stuff you want to see I'd get a CS meal and keep moving. I know Dave's not keen, but there are a couple of buffets that might be a good "halfway house". It all depends on your perspective. For some a nice sit down meal in a full-service restaurant is part of DLP's charm for others it's a distraction stopping them from enjoying attractions, shows and parades. I'm actually a little of both. As a regular DLP visitor I'm happy to shuffle about on a busy day doing very little. If I were to go to DLR or TDL (which I have never visited) I couldn't imagine spend 1-2 hours in a restaurant on a one day trip!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well we managed all the main attractions (except Indy), the Tarzan Show and lunch at Walt's when we showed Lulu around. Though I suspect the crowds will be bigger in April.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>I know Dave's not keen, but there are a couple of buffets that might be a good "halfway house".<<< Since I'm a vegetarian I tend to try the buffet restaurants next time. We have already been several times to Agrabah Cafe and it's now our favorite in the whole resort. Unfortunately the table service restaurants don't offer many vegetarian options. That's why we also consider the Val d'Europe restaurants as well.
Originally Posted By dagobert I think I would also eat at a CS restaurant when I'm at DLRP for just one day.
Originally Posted By u k fan <<<Well we managed all the main attractions (except Indy), the Tarzan Show and lunch at Walt's when we showed Lulu around. Though I suspect the crowds will be bigger in April.>>> I seem to recall that was in relatively quiet time of year with no school holidays. That's why I said check the opening hours. If DLP are going all out you may get 10PM or maybe even 12AM if the crowds are there. In which case you're almost better getting out of the way for a while in the afternoon and hitting an e-ticket or two after dark. Adventureland and Discoveryland in particular look great at night!!!
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Okay... let me catch up here haha <<I will need to get back to you hokie, but I will be there when you are there if you want to meet?>> I'll have to let you know. Our plans are still in flux, and I'm not sure what our group size will end up being. I only have 2 comp tickets, but I'm not sure if anyone else will be joining us. <<To add to dagobert's list, also worth while are time to explore adventure isle, the nautilus and Alice's curious labyrinth. Also we have storybookland which the MK does not.>> Defintely want to do all the smaller walking areas. Storybook Land will most likely be a "if we have time" thing. <<You should try Walt's - An American Restaurant. It has a lot of references to Walt Disney.>> Walt's and the Silver Spur look terrific, but for being there for only a day I think Counter Service will be the way to go to maximize time, and from the looks of things they have some good onese. Colonel Hahti's caught my eye for no other reason than its former connection to the Adventurers Club and the Jungle Cruise. Do they still have the animatronic birds in there? <<For a 1 day touring plan - start with a to for Big thunder and either ride phantom manor or a river boat while you wait. Head across to discoveryland and grab a fp for space mountain, ride star tours version 1 or buzz while you wait, by then, hopefully the nautilus will be open (this is later in the day sadly). Then go to adventureland and grab a fp for indy and explore adventure isle. Then grab a fp for peter pan and go on pirates of the caribbean and iasw while you wait. Enjoy anything else fantasyland that takes your fancy.>> This was about my plan as well. But from what I've read, shouldn't a Peter Pan fast pass be gotten earlier in the day? And I've also read Space Mountain's line isn't all that long comparitively. <<Keep in mind that DLP generally openes two hours early every morning for the resort guests for EMH>> Unfortunately I doubt we'll be staying there.
Originally Posted By u k fan If we have kids with us our early morning plan is to FP Peter Pan and then ride Dumbo. You could FP Peter Pan and ride POTC, but that is a great ride for later in the day. There's nothing else other than Fantasyland dark or carnival rides in the area while you're waiting for your FP, but they do go quick. I'd FP BTM first and ride PM while you wait then go top Peter Pan and FP that while you ride POTC if it's a priority. Then hit Discoveryland and ride SM. Buzz is like it is elsewhere and Star Tours is the old version with no real difference except it's in French so you could visit the Nautilus then (though it doesn't take long to see). Hope the train in Discoveryland and head right round to Fantasyland to see IASW and the Labyrinth and any dark rides you want to do. Save Indy for later in the day IMHO. It looks good after dark and is a fairly standard coaster with theming. The Dragon, Labyrinth, Adventure Isle and Main St Arcades can be visited at your leisure though when the Labyrinth is busy it can attract a small line as it operates a one in one out policy. That's my 2 cents!!!
