My family is scheduled to spend a couple days at Paris Disney at the end of our 2 week Paris vacation, Aug. 20-23, 2012. We've been to CA Disney and are wondering if Paris Disney will satisfy or dissapoint. We liked CA Disney and my daughters are 14 and are excited to wind up their Paris adventure (after seeing all the museums, architecture, experiencing the wonderful food, etc.) with Euro Disney. But a friend told me it was "shabby" compared to USA Disney locations. Any advice/recent experience to share? Thanks!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2777 posts
My impression was that Disneyland Paris is not as well managed or maintained as Disneyland in CA. However, I would not call it shabby by any means. I thought it was really interesting to compare it to the parks in CA and FL. We had a great time, although it took some getting used to - it was like being transported back to the US. I will say that the Studios park is not nearly as nice as the one in FL. You might enjoy the rides and shows but the overall ambience is really lacking. The hotels are not as good as the ones on FL. We spent a night in the Cheyenne three years ago and it was kind of bland and a bad value. Little boys would probably enjoy it though. Last year we stayed in the Sequoia, which was quite nice, but does not measure up to the Grand California, or whatever the one in CA is called. If you love Disney parks, I think you'll enjoy the one in Paris. Whether it is worth giving up some Europe time is up to you. I felt like I had to see it and was glad I did. It's good to see it last because it eases your transition back to the US.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2777 posts
I forgot to say that one day is plenty. Possibly two if you want to go to both parks and ride everything. Certainly no more than that. Also, it is really fast and easy, but not cheap, to take the high speed train to CDG. Another good reason to go there last and the only reason to stay in the park.
Posted by
OP
Mercer Island, Washington, USA
37 posts
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Just what I needed to know, Lynn.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
While not "Disney Freaks," my family really enjoyed the Disney parks back in the US. When we found out we were going to be an hour from Parc Disneyland in Paris, getting annual passes was a given. We didn't renew them even though they offered us 18 months for the price of 12. And I have younger kids. We were that disappointed. It's okay, really. But it doesn't have any of the "Disney Magic" that we found at the US parks. It also seemed to constantly be under refurbishment. I have concluded that the people who think it is magical have never spent considerable time in one of the US Disney parks. If your daughters like thrill rides, and you're not afraid to be in a more French environment, I would highly recommend you take your daughters to Parc Asterix instead. This became our Parisian park of choice last year, and more so now that our youngest finally reached roller coaster height.