PARIS–Disney does it right.
And located some 20 kilometers east of downtown on the ultra-fast Paris RER Metro is the sprawling Disney complex which offers not one but two complete amusement parks—Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios as well as a shopping and dining complex called Disney Village along with seven Disney “themed” Hotels.
Disney is now a fixed institution in east Paris and has celebrated more than 20 years in the Marne-la-Vallée region of what was a former rural farmland.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
What you will find at Disneyland Paris is nothing less than the most incredible amusement parks in the world. Built with the local French community
in mind, Disneyland Paris has the obligatory Main Street USA leading to Fantasyland and the most majestic of all worldwide—the Sleeping Beauty Castles. In keeping with the Disney concept of individualizing each of its worldwide parks is a dragon (“Le Beast”) underneath the castle that awakens periodically to growl at the unknowing passersby and breathe fire at them.
Captain Hook coming out of his ship
It is way cool!
Guests can also access the top floors of the open castle which tells the story of Sleeping Beauty. These special touches of the Disney “magic” are found throughout Fantasyland and the European theme continues throughout as you stroll the other “lands” including Adventureland and the futuristic Discoveryland (called Tomorrowland in other Disneyland Parks).
Not to miss are the major attractions such as the mainstays: Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain and the creepy Phantom Manor.
For P4,000 per adult for a one day admission, Disneyland Paris has something for everyone and that is where there are nagging issues. It is an old park being 20 years old and certainly there is room for upgrade and beautification.
Pirates of the Caribbean
You should know that if you visit the park during the low season of January through April, be prepared to find that most of the restaurants are closed— again a cost cutting effort—which focuses patrons to two to three fast food places and the “cuisine” is limited, mostly burgers, fried chicken and soft drinks, or what we call the McDonald’s diet.
It was obviously cold as we visited in the dead of winter with the temperature averaging at two to four degrees Celsius. But cold or not cold, foot traffic remains incredible and children still roaming around in their princess
costumes.
Disneyland Paris is a solid amusement park and those young and young at heart will enjoy every minute of it— but a touch of paint here and there are clearly needed.
As an aside—there is Walt Disney Studios Park next to Disneyland Park.
THE STORYBOOK Store offers a selection of Disney related books, CDs, DVDs and posters, among others.
It is a smaller amusement park from the main resort, and even with an overall “Hollywood” theme, it lacks the solid structure of any of the other worldwide Disneyland parks and trying to take in both parks in one single day is an exhausting prospect. Better to spend two days at just Disneyland Paris and take your time to look at all of the unique touches.
When you are searching for a bargain, be sure to buy your Disneyland Paris tickets online and in advance.
Disney Magic On Parade at Disneyland Paris
Whatever your price range, Disneyland Paris truly is a great amusement park; just make sure to have a very big breakfast before you venture out to visit Mickey, Donald and the rest of their furry friends…because it’s going to be one long day of walking and marveling at the beauty of the happiest place on Earth!
With Geppetto and Pinocchio
Questions, comments or travel suggestions, write us at theruffolos@readingruffolos.