I was lucky enough to head to Europe this past summer and during our visits to Stockholm, Denmark and Paris, we visited a number of amusement parks. Including Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios, as well as Tivoli in Denmark. Don’t be too jealous until you read more about my impression of the parks.
As you know, I’m a big Disneyland Geek. It’s one of my favorite places to go, and you can find me visiting Disneyland no less than twice a year. So with an opportunity to finally visit Disneyland Paris I couldn’t wait. I was honestly upset that we could only spend one day for the two parks as well, but unfortunately, there just wasn’t time available to get out there twice. I’m now thankful I didn’t spend the money for a second day.
When we first arrived to the Disneyland Resort area it was beyond beautiful. Well appointed hotels and grounds. The entrance area was clean and well kept. We took a lot of pictures outside of the entrances. Such as:
I mean, how does that not scream Disney Magic to you? It did for us as well. Once inside Walt Disney Studios things began to change a bit. There was still some of the Disney feeling, but it really wasn’t the same. I think most of you know what I’m saying. On top of the feeling not quite being the same, there was so many details that just were overlooked it really ruined the whole park for me. For instance, there were the snack carts around the park and the first one I saw had half its sign was ripped off. I just wondered why in the world they didn’t remove the other half of the sticker. Everywhere I went, I saw things that needed painting, or repair. It was truly disappointing to see such disarray.
I don’t want to steer you away from visiting Walt Disney Studios, which forgive me if I accidentally call it Hollywood Studios. The park itself had some amazing rides and shows. My family loved Crush’s Coaster, which is like nothing available in America’s Disney Parks. Additionally, Animagique was a fantastic show. It had a mixture of many of Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s shows mixed in. I saw bits of Philharmagic and more inside the show. It’s definitely worth a view.
Overall, I would recommend a visit to Disneyland Paris Resort with a short visit to Walt Disney Studios and ensure you spend longer within Disneyland itself. I made the mistake of starting in Walt Disney Studios and still regret it.
After my visit I came across a petition requesting Disneyland Paris restore itself to it’s former glory. As it’s been around for 20 years, it’s time for some refurbishment. We will have to see if Euro Disney S.C.A.will respond accordingly. Just so you know, the ownership of Disneyland Paris is 39.78% Walt Disney Company, 10% Saudi Prince Alwaleed, and 50.22% by other shareholders. So Walt Disney Company isn’t the majority owner of the parks and isn’t responsible for the daily operation of the parks.
Tomorrow I review Disneyland Paris Park, so make sure you stop back by for a read.
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