Originally Posted By BeccasMommy My Husband and I are headed to London and Paris for two weeks in October and while in the Paris area we'll be spending one day at the Disney parks. We've just received a guide book from someone on Amazon, but I thought I'd ask my trusty LP'ers what they would recommend as must do at DLP. We've been to DL and WDW, but I'm sure the Paris parks have their own flavor. Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted By mstaft Make sure you do DLP and NOT the Studios- they are a waste of time regardless of what you may read here or elsewhere. DLP is beautiful and full of attractions you know and love but Imagineered in a whole new way. Pirates, Phantom Manor, Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Adventure Isle, all of Fantasyland and Frontierland and Discoveryland, in particular, are just amazing. I have been to DLP twice. I have more info on my blog, if you are interested- and lots of photos. Mark www.InsightsandSounds.blogspot.com
Originally Posted By Tinkgirl50 We are Americans living in Germany. We have been to Disneyland Paris once and are going again. Those who have been to Disneyland and Disneyworld have been spoiled. Disneyland Paris isn't quite up to that level, but it is fun. We think the Tower of Terror at Disneyland Paris is the best of the three parks. The cast members all speak english and are very nice. There were many things on sale at the stores. The Disney Village is nice, there are resturants and shops. Early entry isn't as crowded as the other parks. You can have a nice stroll down Main Street in the morning.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<We think the Tower of Terror at Disneyland Paris is the best of the three parks.>> That may be true, but I am in agreement with mstaft, and think the OP would be better served by only visiting the Disneyland park.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmmmm, so much to write, so little time. I do not agree with Tinkgirl, I think in many ways DLP is certainly better than the MK in WDW and almost equal to DL (though not as many attractions, live entertainment, or fireworks). For a Disney Vet, my must do recommendations are: Take a some time later in the day to explore Main Street and all the subtle jokes. In Frontierland, do not miss Phantom Manor (this is my fav version, others disagree, it will be fun to hear your view) and explore boot hill. Big Thunder Mountain is the best version on the planet too. If you have kids with you, Cotton Wood Creek Ranch/Woody's Round Up has the shortest meet and greet lines. And Frontierland has the best food in the park - Silver SPur for great table service steaks with wine or going counter service, Cowboy Cookout BBQ and Fuente del Oro are great (and the only place for Churros in the park - in DLP belgian waffles, chocolate crepes and sugar popcorn are the main treats in ODVs). Adventureland, be sure to explore the caves of Adventure Isle and check out the greatest version of PotC. Also the bazaar and Aladdin's passage is worth a peek. Skip the Indy coaster unless it's a walk on. It might have been Disney's first looper, but it is poor. Fantasyland is the prettiest version yet. Be sure to explore the castle and the dragon's lair. Check out the fairies in the candy shop and Snow White's cottage hidden away in the other store. Alice's Curious Labrynth is unique and we have the best version of IASW. In Discoveryland, enjoy Space Mountain Mission 2 with the launch and 3 inversion with synched sound (again synch sound first happened in DLP - Casey Jr then Space Mountain - before RNRC in WDW or Screamin'). Also be sure to explore the nautilus (sadly only seems to be open around lunch time these days). The rest is pretty equal to the US attractions. Do not eat in Discoveryland though, it is terrible, except the pizza burger in Pizza Planet. For dining, there are some real treats: Walt's - it is nicer than Club 33 and is a must for Disney fans. If you can book a table for an hour before the parade, it is great to watch from your table (no guarantees however). Food and wine are excellent, service is hit and miss. Silver Spur - excellent steaks and service Blue Lagoon - like the Blue Bayou - it has it's fans - seafood and caribbean menu. We have never had a good experience here (cold food and a rat problem), but others have. Auberge de Cindrillon - all inclusive french haut cuisine with wine and the princesses waltz with their princes each hour. At night, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show is a must do Dinner Show. Better than any dinner show I have seen anywhere else, and the food is ok. But to me, it is one of the biggest gems of the resort. I love the Studios too, but with only one day I would give it a miss. But ToT, RNRC, Cinemagique, Moteurs Action, Crush Coaster, and Armageddon mean there are some pretty special attractions there.
Originally Posted By EmmaJayne I went to DLP for the first (and possibly only) time last September. I cried when I saw the castle, though this is not an exprience unique Paris as I cry the first time I see the castle at Dl but the one in Paris is truly amazing. The entire Fantasyland is brilliant and do not fall into the trap of saying 'Oh I've seen that in Anaheim, I can skip it'. There are so many litte differences and Fantasyland really needs to be thoroughly explored. The Dragon's dungeon and the walk through at the end of IASW just blew my mind! Space Mountain 2.0 is just.. wow. I went there with no idea it owuld be different to DL's and just.. wow. I got off it and lined straight back up. At the studios.. the only thing that I felt really stood out was Crush's Coaster. Amazing and unlike anything else I have ever read.. plus I love Nemo and after 4 months abroad.. it was nice to feel some kind of Aussie presence somewhere! If they still have the deal where it's only ten euro for the park hopper then I would pay it over and over again just to ride this. Also their Anamagique show is cute, but a number of the songs are performed in French and it's probably not a 'must see'. Also I got to see a numer of characters across both parks that I haven't met in California- Robin Hood and Scrooge McDuck were my favourites! I hope your day there is magical!
Originally Posted By nemopoppins I loved reading all these helpful posts. I too will be visiting DLP for one day, either this September or this October. We'll be staying somewhere more near the center of Paris and we'll be taking transportation to the park for opening and leave at closing. Do you have any practical advice on getting there, tickets, crowds, etc.?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Get there early, at least 30 mins before opening. The resort guests will have already been in for 90mins to 2 hours. Start with either Big Thunder or Peter Pan, they have the worst weights. I do not recommend buying tickets on line, they are almost always a problem. But the PAris Disney Store on the Champs Elysee, RER stations and FNAC all sell tickets to DLP in advance. Otherwise, you can get in line at the ticket booths. Enjoy.
Originally Posted By u k fan Sorry, I've not been able to post in this thread so far. I've been really busy and currently have no internet access at home (arrgh!). I echo what Dave said about buying your tickets in advance, but make sure you get tickets not vouchers (unless it's a killer deal) as you will still need to queue to exchange them. I did this in December (buying heavily discounted tickets from the Auchan hypermarche nearby), we saved over 100 Euros in total on ticket prices, but had to exchange our vouchers for tickets each morning which meant arriving earlier each day. Having said that 2 members of my party had bought their tickets online and printed them at home - they paid full price, but could walk straight in!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Urghhhhh, that's what I get for posting after a 20 hour working day. I meant the worst waits. Agree with UKFAN, there can be some good buy in advance deals, but it is about the difficulty of exchange. The easiest thing might be a case of when you are going to DLP. If you are planning on seeing the Arc de Triumph before DLP, pop in the Disney Store on the Champs Elysee and get your ticket there. It will be the same price as DLP, but it will save you time on your day trip.
Originally Posted By u k fan Yeah, I wouldn't bother getting the vouchers for a day trip especially if I'm staying in the city, but they can save money over a longer trip. I've twice saved cash on buying my passes at the hypermarche (which is fine on a longer trip as we usually go there on the first day anyway for supplies), but on a tight time budget I wouldn't bother. Should also point out that the new Toy Story Playland will be open by then. I wouldn't make too much of a special effort to see it as it's definitely not the high point of Disney design, but if people have hoppers it could be worth a look see!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan I agree with Dave regarding arriving as early as possible. If you've got kids we usually get a FP for Peter Pan first thing and then ride Dumbo, the Teacups and the Caroussel to get them out of the way then ride Peter Pan. From there I would head to BTM and either ride or FP again depending on the wait time. Any Disney Vet knows that on a usual day you can leave fast loaders like POTC and IASW until the middle of the day. Same goes for Alice which (when it's well maintained) is an original and a must-see!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan Also, you don't mention dates, but if you listen to nothing else we say avoid the park in the last week of October as it will be PACKED. Think MK on Christmas day kind of busy. Seriously, you'll ride very little!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed, that last week of OCtober can be pretty scary. And if at all possible, avoid weekends.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins You guys are way better than a guide book! And you're interactive. Thank you.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo No worries Nemopoppins, any questions, shoot. UKFAN and the Baloos have probably racked up nearly 100 trips to DLP between our two families as well as experience of the US resorts. If we can help, we will. And if we don't know, we'll be honest and say so.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins Thanks, davewasbaloo. I will have more questions. I've done about half as much to the US resorts, mostly Disneyland, and I remember it was very easy to apply Disneyland experience to WDW, with a little help. I am just thrilled that I am actually going to venture to another, and I really appreciate your help. Just the idea of buying my tickets on the Champs Elysee is feeding my anticipation.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Cool, there are some things at DLP that are much better than the US parks and some things that are much worse, and some about the same. You are likely to have a fantastic time, but bear in mind it is a little different. Also, be prepared that DLP is handled at a much different pace than the US park service. There is really no such thing as a quick meal in Europe (unless you buy from an ODV, and even then that's not guaranteed). But have a read of the DLP board, we have tried to give advice in the past on must do's etc. Also, if you have any questions about Paris or the region, feel free to ask and I will try to help.
Originally Posted By u k fan Yeah, I agree with Dave on meal lengths. On a one day schedule I would probably skip the fine dining in the park (as much as it pains me to say it) and opt instead to eat a nice meal in one of the hotels or Disney Village when the park closes. Counter service can have lengthy lines though so choose wisely. As Dave has already said Frontierland offers some of the best, but for a quick value meal we like sharing a pizza at Col Hathi's in Adventureland fine dining it ain't, but it's cheap and filling. They have a family meal which includes a large pizza, garlic bread a large bottle of Coke and possibly 2 desserts. It cost us last time around 23 Euros and fed 5. I'm not sure on how the park works on an East/West axis, but as a general rule the further to the "left" of the park the better the counter service. It steadily decreases in quality as you go "right". The only exception in my mind to this rule is Victoria's on main St. which is on the "right". It has a very limited menu, but is lovely to sit in mid-afternoon whilst eating a Croque Monsieur!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Wise words. The alternative is make reservations at Walt's for lunch an hour before the parade (if parades are important to you) and do both at the same time (only if the park has late hours).
