The Background…
When, under Michael Eisner, the Disney
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CEO and miracle worker who is generally credited with having turned Disney
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around in the early 80s, Disney
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was looking for a European site the choice was between Spain and France. Spain had everything going for it - established tourist industry, the weather, sympathetic government, the weather, good air links, and the weather...
So?
Paris, however, had two major points in its favour, an extremely good position- almost in the centre of Europe and a large expanse of flat, featureless land. Disney
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has never wanted people to be drawn away from its parks by beautiful countryside neither has it wanted anything to interfere with the theme park experience. Also, the French government was willing to 'make it worthwhile' for Disney
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to build in Marne la Valee.
But why should you choose Paris Disney
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Basically, it's a better theme park than the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Disney
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has learnt from Disneyland, WDW's Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland and has created something rather special in Disneyland Resort Paris. Besides being physically the largest Park of the four, it has a number of intimate little paths and hidden corners on much the same lines as those, which imbue the Californian, park with such charm. The rides are, of course, technologically more recent (Pirates of the Caribbean is much superior to its WDW cousin) and, owing to the different safety legislation in France, you don't have the illusion in the 'darker' rides spoilt by seeing little red 'Exit' signs! It's also achieved a European flavour, has fewer controls than the States (probably because the Paris natives don't listen to anyone!) and is a more up to date, intimate park than Florida overall. Besides which, if you hate long flights in economy class, then it's only an hour away!
The most compelling reason, however, has to be the addition of the Walt Disney Studios, making Disneyland Resort Paris the first Disney theme park in the World (outside of the States) to have a second theme Park (unfortunately, Disneyland in Anaheim beat Paris by seven months, but their second park isn't in the same league as the new Studios). The WD Studios is fairly small at the moment, but plans are afoot to bring some of the world's greatest attractions to the Studios in the near future. One ride many have wanted to see there is the Tower of Terror, the astonishingly designed freefall lift (or elevator for the Americans) ride which currently features as the biggest draw in Florida's theme parks, The other excellent reason has to be the Val d’ Europe shopping complex.
The Disney System and how to Survive it!
Beating the System
From the outset, you need to be aware that Disney
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is very much about control. From the moment you get up in your hotel to the
The Cast
All Disney
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Cast members have to be trained in and adhere to a four point system Safety, Courtesy, Efficiency and Show. Everything they do is governed by the order of those points. If you know how the system works, then you have some hope of using it to your advantage. For instance, be assured that if something infringes the safety of another guest (or even your own!) everything else comes second - including the legendary courtesy. However, if it's not endangering someone, then the courtesy element is their next point and you can often achieve your aim. However, they do not control people with the same degree of firmness as in the States The Parades are a typical example.
The Hotels
Very important:
Disney
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sometimes operates an early entry policy for its hotel guests. Any advantage you might gain by following this guide will be destroyed if the hotel guests have early entry privileges on the day you visit so be sure to telephone the park the day before you plan to come to ascertain which days, if any, Disney Hotel guests have that privilege and avoid those days like the plague!!
On the other hand, if you're actually staying at a Disney Hotel (by far the best idea, anyway) you will be given a hotel ID card. This unprepossessing little card is very important. Besides being able to charge absolutely anything you buy back to your hotel room one exceptionally useful function of the card is to allow you to enter the Disneyland hotel grounds early in the morning while they're still shut to the day-trippers (these grounds act as the entrance to the park as well as the hotel grounds). Disney makes the day-trippers and non-hotel guests line up at these imposing gates. You can walk through simply by brandishing your ID card and shouting, "Excuse me" or something equally inane.
Why Stay on Site?
Because you're more part of the magic than if you commute in. And Disney hotels take some beating, especially if you're a child aged between 7 and 92. Watch out for the incredible attention to detail Disney lavish on absolutely everything. If you think Disneyland is only for kids and rides, think again. When you enter Disneyland Park, you take a break from reality and enter a world of detailed fantasy, a living, breathing work of art where billions of pounds have been spent in order to place you at the centre of a dream. Is it fantastic? Yes, it is, and no matter how much of a hard-bitten cynic you may think yourself, be prepared to have your preconceptions routed.
The Parades
Disney
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parades are not just parades; they are experiences and you should ensure you see at least one daytime parade and one night time parade, usually the outstanding Main Street Electrical Parade, or its replacement, the amazing Fantillusions. Check times but they're usually at 3.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. A good place to see them whilst sitting down used to be from the balcony on the Railway station at Main Street but they've now moved the benches. Otherwise simply sit down on the pavement in the centre of Main Street. I know it seems a waste of good riding time but believe me, you'll never forgive yourself if you don't see at least one of these astonishing parades. Main Street's sound system is so sophisticated that the experience is almost overwhelming. One other point, you can watch from anywhere behind a rope barrier so don't be put off if there's no one else there. Traditionally, the town square is the last place to fill up and you can usually get a good speck there about ten minutes before.
Our Holidays
Background & History
Disney.co.uk
