“Impressions de Bricker” France Report — Part 7
I’ve been gushing a lot about Disneyland Paris, but I have to admit that it isn’t for everyone. Out of all the parks, Disneyland Paris is the most divisive, at least among readers of this blog.
Frankly, it’s easy to see why. While it has some truly standout attractions, the lineup is not as robust as the parks in California, Florida, or Tokyo. Dining quality is mediocre and restaurant operating hours are frustrating. French hospitality differs from what you’ll find elsewhere.
If you’re a ride junkie or commando tourist who approaches the parks checklist style, someone who finds dining to be an integral part of the Disney experience, like being told “have a magical day,” or enjoy–to some degree–any combination of the aforementioned, Disneyland Paris may disappoint. However, if you’re big on details, like a slow-paced visit that savors the ‘sense of place’ the parks offer, appreciate a walkable resort experience, or enjoy–to some degree–any combination of the aforementioned, Disneyland Paris might be for you.
I’m not making a value judgment about either ‘type’ of guest (I’m a little from column A, a lot from column B), just trying to make some sense of the divided opinions when it comes to Disneyland Paris. I’m also (hopefully) trying to help those of you who are debating a first international destination choose the right one.
This would probably be more helpful as its own ‘pros & cons’ post, rather than something buried on page 2 of a multi-part trip report, but I thought I’d at least touch upon it here (and do something longer if there appears to be interest…?).
The good news if you’re on the fence: even if you go and discover Disneyland Paris isn’t your cup of tea, you still visited Paris. While I’ll take a ‘reasonable minds may differ’ stance on Disneyland Paris, I won’t on Paris, itself. If you don’t love Paris, you’re crazy. That one is totally on you. 😉
HalLOLween at Disneyland Paris is about as unfortunate as that text messaging song in Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. Disney and trendiness mix about as well as my dad and an Ed Hardy shirt.
Back in the park, I spent some time taking photos of the Halloween decor on Main Street. I’m listening to Christmas music as I write this post, and it just sort of feels odd sharing all of these Halloween photos…
Nonetheless, here are a couple. I’ll probably do a proper Disneyland Paris Halloween post next fall. Or I’ll forget completely and the rest of these photos will never be seen.
First stop was Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for an impromptu photo shoot. I cannot recall the last time I rode this attraction without taking photos…
As late afternoon approached, the light was starting to get good, so photos became more of a priority.
I took dozens of photos of the attraction marquee. On the one hand, look at it…can you blame me?
On the other hand, it was always an awkward photo to take because a Cast Member stands near it, and probably got that same ‘weird sign fetish dude’ vibe that I gave the Omnibus driver. As the kids say, YOLO. (They still say that, right?)
Of course, we always make time for Phantom Manor…
Anyone recognize the mayor of Phantom Canyon?
The projection-face brides have not aged well. I think it’s time to rethink this effect.
Like their Castle, Phantom Manor is something I could photograph nonstop. There are so many different options compositionally, and even after taking tons of photos of it, I still feel like I’ve just scratched the surface…
For dinner, we headed back to Colonel Hathi’s, where we randomly bumped into some friends from the U.S. We knew there would be a lot of Americans there for the race, but still a wild chance encounter.
After dinner, I hung around Adventure Isle to get blue hour photos. With closing–and Disney Dreams!–time approaching, there were literally no other guests back here. It was perfectly serene.
Unfortunately, that meant that they wasted no time clearing Adventureland and Frontierland once park closing hit.
I tried to make it back up to Main Street for the end of Disney Dreams, but didn’t have time to set up for photos.
After it ended, we took our time leaving. Main Street is so beautiful at night, particularly when its devoid of guests, that we always try to savor the experience.
Perhaps that’s what the Disneyland Paris naysayers need…an hour of quality time just wandering that Main Street, soaking up the atmosphere and lavish details?
There are a few Disney experiences that I routinely miss/crave when I’m not at those parks. Near the very top of that list would be quiet nights on Main Street at Disneyland Paris.
The night didn’t end when we left the park! Even though we had to be up bright and early for the Disneyland Paris 5K, we decided to do a walking tour of the resorts. I “had” to do this because I needed photos for our Disneyland Paris Bar Crawl post. I’m not sure why Sarah and Mark tagged along.
OH YES, I AM. THEY WANTED TO SEE THE GLORIOUS VOLCANO OF HOTEL SANTA FE.
Joking aside, I love walking around Disneyland Paris’ Resort area. I think the way the whole resort is laid out is really nice, and under-appreciated by fans. Part of that under-appreciation is understandable; as mentioned, Disneyland Paris doesn’t do much to draw non-hotel guests to the hotels. Even still, I think it’s interesting to go look around (I mean, how many of you didn’t even know Disneyland Paris has that tubular “It Is Here” volcano?!) and the walk is really pleasant. It was a great way to cap off a great day at Disneyland Paris…
“On the other hand, it was always an awkward photo to take because a Cast Member stands near it, and probably got that same ‘weird sign fetish dude’ vibe that I gave the Omnibus driver.”
You also get that ‘look’ when you visit as a childless couple we’ve noticed! Even more so when I brought my Duffy, Shellie May and Gelatoni plush along for the ride!
I agree about the resorts not drawing you in to even look around. We’ve only ever eaten at the hotel we stayed at or the Disneyland Hotel where we felt a bit out of place! Plus the cost of those meals and choices are prohibitive.
I think next trip we will stay off site and walk. It looks to be just as good accommodations and a lot cheaper. I had no idea it was as close, I thought that you’d need a car or have to get a bus or train to the parks.
Thank you again Tom (and Sarah) for another wonderful trip report installment!
I also wanted to touch on Michael’s kind words above – I’m also newly disabled and sometimes housebound or hospitalized for long stretches. I discovered your site about the same time as I was diagnosed with my illness and it’s not only been able to feed by Disney addiction (Disneyland was my home resort), but it’s been a wonderful escape at times. Your writing is humorous, thoughtful, and so much fun to read.
So thank you for taking the time to create this blog. It’s given me and I’m sure countless others hours of joy when times get tough by allowing us all to feel like we’re traveling along with you guys!
Hi Tom
I don’t share your opinion about the dinning quality at DLP which is far better than in California for example (hard to compare with WDW which is far bigger).
We have many very good TS like Walt, Inventions, l’Auberge de Cendrillon, or the Blue Lagoon, even the Buffets like Agrabah café or Plaza Garden Restaurant are very good. And Hakuna Matata, Chalet de la Marionette or Cookout BBQ are quite good QS.
Wonderful Tom, I have visited Disneyland Paris 13 times,the last time spending 5 nights,and I have seen it go up and down maintenance wise, but its looking good now, so I hope to go back for the 25th next year.I just wish they would sort the studio’s out, it the worst Disney park in my opinion, and it could be so good.
I would also like to say Sarah and you make a big difference to my life, being disabled and almost housebound now, I live through your trip reports and articles, so thank you both.
Prior to the Paris terrorist attack last year, I know there were plans to reinvent WDSP. From what I understand, those have been put on hold (and in looking at how all of DLP’s financials have suffered since, it’s no surprise). If the 25th is a smash hit, I could see WDSP getting the help it needs. The problem is that I think anything short of a DCA level redo is going to be insufficient.
Thanks for the incredibly kind words about the articles here making a difference for you. That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about this site, so thank you. 🙂
The refurbs look stunning, but I’m concerned how long they will last. Refurbs done only a few years ago are having to be redone – Pirate ship, castle, castle approach as examples. Also, Small World had a complete refurb 12 months ago, but after 6 months many of the animatronics weren’t working.
I think the problem is that routine maintenance also needs to be performed, or the fruits of a refurbishment can disappear pretty quickly. I didn’t know IASW was already having trouble with its dolls, but that’s disappointing to hear.
Great report, seems a fairly balanced take on Disneyland Paris. I love it, warts and all, as it’s my home resort, but am so pleased to see the work they have been putting in over the last few years. Looking forward to your write-up on the races themselves.
Thanks! Hopefully there isn’t a 3-week gap between part 7 and 8. I’ll try to have the race reports done as quickly as possible…
Thanks for the report Too bad so much of the Adventureland side of the park was still under construction while we were there. That said, we ate at Restaurant Hakuna Matata and it was one of the better Disney QS meals I’ve had – including the US(!).
Were Phantom Manor and Pirates open during EMH? From what I’ve read, that is rare. We had Fantasyland and some of Discoveryland. I loved how empty the park was for the first hour of EMH – I’ve never experienced that in the US during daylight hours.
Phantom Manor and POTC were not open during EMH–we just hit them basically as soon as normal operating hours began.
Great report. We were there for the race as well and had the chance to briefly wish you a good race as you scurried around the castle getting shots. Great to see the master at work!
We love DLRP and I agree with you that I can’t get enough of Phantom Manor. Do you prefer the Phantom storyline or the American version?
I absolutely love the storyline of Phantom Manor, and Thunder Mesa as a whole, but I think the execution in some parts of Phantom Manor is lacking. For example, the look of the Phantom is so generic, and doesn’t have the same “personality” as many of the Haunted Mansion ghosts. Given that he’s the antagonist of the attraction, you’d think he’d have a more distinct appearance than your garden variety haunted house ghoul.