Is Disney Land Paris worth a visit?

[Daisydrum]

I’ve got two DCs and we are looking for a holiday with DH and DM. I suggested Disney Land Paris as it’s quite close and we are big Disney fans. DH and DM both turned their nose up at the idea. I’d be interested to know what other people think? Thanks.

‘People’ not ‘prone’!

I don’t personally actually like theme larks - can’t do rides etc.
However, I’ve done Anaheim, Florida and Paris and I still think Laris is worth going to if you like Disney and theme parks.

I know lots and lots of people who’ve been to the US parks (Orlando and Anaheim) and still really enjoy Disneyland Paris.

I’ve been to both the US Disney’s (WDW in Orlando 10 times now) and we’re going to DLP next May for the first time. DS will be 18mths and can’t wait to introduce him to Disney :)

Agree it's not worth going if you've been to Florida but can still be a fun trip

I went last year with my girls, I wasn't looking forward to it particularly seeing as a holiday for the kids, we got a good deal with free half board at a Disney hotel. We all had a great time, I found the choice of food available really good on our meal plan, the parks were really good, great choice of rides for all ages, hotel we stayed in had been refurbished it was lovely and clean and 5 minutes from the park handy to go back to mid afternoon for a break before the evening parade, we walked a lot, 15-18km a day so it was knackering. I would go again

We are not Disney people. Dh was dreading it and went under sufference. We went in about 2006. I booked it as a package through Cresta. We stayed at an hotel with a ship in it and a nice pool. There was a nautical theme. Quick bus ride to Disney (5 mins).

We arrived at about 3pm, dc went swimming, we went into the village and had a good steak dinner. Spent next day at the park and had a fantastic time. Food was at any theme park. We enjoyed it totally even DH. Had dinner at hotel in the restaurant. Food was ok. DS was so tired I put him to bed at 9pm. When I got back dd had fallen to sleep at the table. DH carried her up and I had a brandy and settled bill.

Next day dc had an early swim and we went to the movie/show bit and drove back to tunnel at about 3pm.

Did it over an inset day for about £350 . Plus spends of course which were probably not far short of same.

We went for the DC and expected it to be hideous. It was bloody marvellous.

I hated it. I've been to the Florida one, and it was amazing. Paris was terrible in comparison.
The smoking put me off massively. People literally smoke everywhere 🤢. People were rude, especially cast members.
I just didn't feel any 'magic' there. It wasn't special, like Disney should be.
I wouldn't go back, even if I won a free holiday. Sorry to be negative, but don't waste your money.

Thank you. DH, DM and me have all been to Florida (although many years ago). DC will be 7 and 4 so quite young still. I like the idea of staying nearby and merging with a Paris trip. As I know DC1 would like to see the Eiffel Tower.
I hadn’t heard of Europa-Park it looks great!

We booked through the Belgian site for an onsite hotel and got a good discount, not sure if you can still do that this was a couple of years ago.

Has anyone tried Efteling?, we are thinking of going there in Oct.

Efteling in Holland is way, way better. Lots of trees, green spaces, reasonably priced food, immaculate, magical fairy tale rides, amazing woodland accommodation, really welcoming staff, shorter queues... I could go on. Just got back from a week there and we all loved it so much.

Me and DH have both been to Florida and still adored Paris, but we didn't queue for the characters, we booked a character breakfast to meet the cast members

The magic time between 8-10 was excellent and we did several rides at this time. Taking DDs in September next year and cannot wait. It's 1/10th of the price of Florida and at least 75% as magical!

Brilliant, sounds great Chloworm. Looking forward to going now.

We’ve been 3 times and are planning another trip before DS decides he’s too old. I think it’s dependent on how you view it, we’re all huge Disney fans, I’m a big kid at heart and DS found the whole thing magical. I’ve been to Florida once as a kid and would love to go again one day but I don’t think they’re comparable really. Paris is very quaint and more understated, Florida is more full-on and there are all the other parks to do like Universal so I think they’re totally different holidays. It’s what you make it, queuing is not fun and the weather is similar to here so often not great but if you’re prepared it can be lovely. It’s bloody exhausting though, you’ll need another holiday afterwards to recover!

DL Paris is fab, we are going for the 6th time October. Have been to Florida too but it's a different holiday. 7 and 4 are brilliant ages to go if they love Disney.

No.

Save up and go to Florida. Paris was a massive let down!

We stayed off site and bought annual passes to get the early entry. Did late August and May/June half term. August queues weren’t too bad, May half term really quiet. We combined with visits to Paris. As we were self catering we took food in with us and bought one meal a day in the parks. Had delicious French goodies for picnics.

Was expecting to hate it but really enjoyed it. Did prefer Efteling in the Netherlands but wouldn’t rule out DLP again. It’s as close as we’ll get to Disney as we couldn’t justify £1,000s for Florida. Luckily my children were really grateful for being taken to Disneyland and appeared to enjoy it.

We have been a few times and loved it. We love France anyway, especially Paris.

Dd went twice with DM when younger. Loved it both times and combined it with day trips around Paris. Obviously Florida is much bigger but also massively more expensive and insanely long flights. DP has done Florida said he loved it but still very pricey/tiring. At your kids ages I'd say 'Disney is Disney' wherever you go. If they were older than the US may hold the bigger thrill.

Southnownorth do try the pancake restaurant! Also if you stay on site you get to go in half hour earlier. Go straight to Symbolica and queue, which should only be about 20 mins. It gets very busy later on. Loved that ride so much, went on 3 times (there are 3 different ways round it, you get to choose!). Droomvlucht was so magical, also enjoyed the many carousels and mini museum. We stayed in Bosrijk, great woodland setting plus nice swimming pool, restaurant and outdoor play areas for kids. Everyone speaks perfect English, although shows are in Dutch. Doesn't matter though, as all attractions visually amazing. Sorry bit of a fan you can probably tell!

Thanks for the tips chloworm, have made a note of them.

We want to stay in the hotel in one of the themed rooms.

I disagree with some of the pps, we’ve been to Florida a few times and we still enjoy DLP , infact I prefer it but then I don’t particularly like hot weather or America .

Disney is great fun of course it is. It definalty needs planning because queuing is boring android you can minimise the the queues. However I do agree with the others, europa Park is supposed to be amazing but my current favorite is efteling in holland.

No one could turn thier nose up at that. Check it out and its cheaper and much much nicer accommodation and feel to it.

Southnownorth

The hotel is in slightly different sight to bosricjk. If I had money to burn I would combine a themed suite and a lake side house in bosricjk. The lake is so beautiful, surrounded by actual lake foliage and in the middle is the sandman castle. Little frogs hoping around, bat's etc. Old lanterns and little cut houses, endless play areas and a cute pool.

Otherwise do lake house or anywhere in bosricjk and visit the hotel instead.
My dc adore efteling, it has an amazing atmosphere. Disney is fun but

Disney is like a giant gaudy circus.

BTW. Disney Paris has just had an anniversary. Its not run down anymore. Its shiny and pristine. I had v low expectations but was pleasantly surprised.