Charts A Course

Scale:

Disneyland Paris (DLP) has 2 Parks, Disney Village (i.e. Downtown Disney), and 7 themed hotels, or about 33% the size of WDW. The Disneyland Hotel is located directly in the middle of the 2 Parks and Disney Village. These are very close and within 5-10 minute walks of each other. It takes about 45 minutes train or car ride from Paris. The 2 parks are Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, similar to WDW Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. DLP’s Studios Park is currently under construction until 2025 doubling its footprint for a Frozen expansion and rebranding to Disney Adventure World.

WDW is the largest theme park operated by the Walt Disney company, if not in the world, consisting of 5 Parks, Disney Springs, 30+ hotels, and 2 water parks. It has a diversity of experiences to offer for different guests. However, WDW’s large size and variety of experiences creates complexity and the inability to complete everything.

DLP’s smaller size felt more manageable and allows guests to ‘complete’ more of the parks. Being able to comfortably walk between parks provides flexibility to complete preferred attractions (i.e. all Pixar rides). Furthermore, we were able to ride every attraction in one park in one day, including waits. The longest wait time was 1 hour.

Observations:

Positive

• The night-time light show has a great story line and uses drones and fireworks. However, you may not see the full scale of drone image if close to the castle.
• Landscape planning amplifies color and maximizes green space and foliage. This makes it feel more ‘outside’ and reduces temperatures.
• There appeared to be more non-ride experiences than WDW, other than meeting characters. for instance there is an Alice in Wonderland maze, meeting the Dragon under the castle, and ascending the castle to look over the park.
• The available rides are varied to satisfy families or specific age groups. The slinky dog ride is for 3 year olds, the RC ride is more like a carnival ride, Spider Man uses advanced technology that is great for the family, and Iron Man is a roller coaster designed for older kids and adults.
• The shows are beloved and have strong talent.

Negative

• There are little quick service dining options requiring guests to choose between 3-course price fixed and smaller snacks, like a pastry. The best option for a la carte is in Disney Village, located in between the two parks.
• The Studios Park construction creates heavy guest traffic, making the park compact. However, it has some of the best rides which can be completed between opening and lunch.

Attractions:

Same as WDW

• Small World, Dumbo, Peter Pan, and Pooh. Buzz light year and Star Tours.
• Peter Pan and Pooh are the longest wait times.

Positive

• Pirates of the Caribbean was essentially the WDW version but added a new vantage point from within the fort being attacked by pirates and has a longer drop. The best part is the restaurant! It is like the EPCOT Mexico pavilion restaurant but Caribbean themed. It is a must stop for Americans who want some Rum amidst all the wine.
• Hyperspace Mountain is Star Wars themed and a rollercoaster. It does not have the harsh wobbliness of WDW Space Mountain intake or Thunder Mountain. I am a huge Star Wars fan and recommend, if you like a loop and fast edges. The sound effects are stellar making you an X-Wing pilot attacking the Death Star. Lock S Foils in Attack Position.
• Pixar Land has a Cars area and is so fun. The main ride is the old MGM Studios Catastrophe Canyon re-skinned with Cars theme. It brought back old, good memories of Star Wars weekends, Ace Venture, and Ninja Turtles.
• Ratatouille is 3D without needing the glasses. Most impressive is the ability to eat at Little Chefs home. The food is good but at a 3 course price.
• Avengers Campus is awesome. The spider man ride leverages body motion to screen technology to create the same functionality as the Toy Story mania ride at Hollywood Studios. The park re-themed Rock’n Roller Coaster with Iron Man putting you in the suit. Last, you get to meet the Heroes in person. The Pimm buffet restaurant is also fun for the family and has surprisingly good food.
• Haunted Mansion was scarier.
• The Dragon was very realistic, somewhat scary, and very dark. Not something I would expect for Disney, but rather the set of Game of Thrones. It is impressive and I am happy it is there to add realism. Walk inside the castle, on second floor, to learn the story of the dragon.
• 20,000 Leagues under the Sea is a perfect adventure for families with little ones. Takes about 10 minutes.
• Thunder Mountain Railroad is longer, less abrasive, and faster! This was such an upgrade. We went on it three times. It also goes underwater, which is interesting.
• Tower of Terror had a different story and The Shining vibes.
• The parks were playing movie soundtracks at various points. Frontier land played ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ theme song and near Tower of Terror was Blade Runner theme. Not sure if they now own international rights via 20th Century acquisition or if Europeans think Americans are like that

Negative

• One of the E attractions, Crush Coaster, has the longest wait of both parks. It is negative because it lasts 45 seconds. The 4 person clamshell swivels and goes fast around turns. It is good for families.
• I am a huge Indiana Jones fan and was excited to be immersed in the ride. I was disappointed. The attraction footprint was small with minor theming. The ride also lasts 30 seconds.

Ranking: 7/10

The smaller scale allows most of the Guests to accomplish their wants feeling fulfilled. Although most of the rides are similar to the USA, they are enhanced. The experience is less dependent on the mobile application. Soon, expansion will be complete and add more exciting adventures to the Parks.

• Smaller scale and shorter lines allows Guests to accomplish most of the attractions in a single day
• Many onsite hotels to continue the experience
• Many rides are enhanced despite being similar to USA
• Free Disney internet. Limited dependency on mobile application.

Safe Travels

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