Parisian Mickey

A few weekends ago I caught a plane and headed to Disney Paris for the weekend with my Mother. "But Jacquie," I hear you say, "You are in Europe, and you spend a valuable travel weekend going to what is essentially an American attraction?" Yes, I did, and while I know many of you might be cringing at that, I had an excuse. Back when I was ten, my sister graduated from college (we are twelve years apart), and as a graduation present, my mother took her to Disney Paris. The trip had special meaning to my sister, as her thesis for her International Business major was on Disney Paris, and all the problems that the Disney corporation faced opening its first part outside of the United States. As it was a special present for Nicole, I was not brought on the trip (and I think I was in school). My ten year old self was NOT happy - I mean, how do you do to Disney, and not take the actual child in the family?

Disney Paris is MUCH smaller than Disney World, or even Disneyland - there are only two parks, and the second park is still under construction, making it rather small at this point. Unlike Disney World, Disney Paris is definitely designed to be done in a weekend, not a week+. Still, it has a lovely atmosphere, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, even though I would not recommend Americans flying over to Europe specifically to go to Euro Disney.

Major Differences from the American Parks (At least, the ones that interest me!)

1) Sleeping Beauty's Castle

I may be wrong on this one, but I seem to remember that the castle at the American parks is associated with Cinderella. In constructing the castle, Disney had to be careful since Europeans are used to castles - I'm not entirely sure what this means, as the final result still looks fantastical to me, but I'll take my sister's word on it. You can also go upstairs in the castle, and walk through a display telling the story of Sleeping Beauty. There is not a restaurant in the Castle like in Orlando.




2) Alice's Curious Labyrinth

I LOVE labyrinths. This was a pretty small attraction in the back corner of Fantasyland, but I had a blast running around it. The maze essentially has two parts - Cheshire Cat (statues of various characters, small doors, etc) and Queen of Hearts (card soldiers and the Queen of Hearts, leading to her small castle which you can go up in). This was pretty much my favorite thing that is not at other Disney Parks.








3) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril

Basically a souped up version of a wild mouse coaster, this was unique in that it had a loop. Sort of similar to the Race to Extinction ride at Animal Kingdom in Orlando.



4) Skull Rock etc.

There was a period of time on the last day that I ended up wandering the park alone. Besides getting harassed by the cast member standing at the entrance to the Swiss Family Robbinson Treehouse (He seriously wouldn't let me by for about 5 mins, I have a feeling he'd have a blast working Knotts Scary Farm), I spent a long time just wandering in and out of the caves connected with Skull Rock. I don't remember something like this at the other parks, though I could be wrong. If I am right, I'm not surprised - the network of semi damp caves is just a pile of lawsuits waiting to happen in the U.S. I loved it. I can also see where its nice to have something that might appeal more to boys/tomboys than all the princessesy stuff.

Outside of the complex

Inside Skull Rock!

5) It's A Small World

This was basically what I expected...except for the American room! It was fun to see what Europeans apparently think of our culture. Cowboys/Indians, Hollywood dancing girls, football...always fun.

...look, tulips!

6) Crush's Coaster

Definitely a ride that should be brought to the States! Located in the smaller of the two parks at Disney Paris, this is sort of a cross between Space Mountain and a wild mouse coaster. The train is two cars that seat 4 people facing away from each other, and each car spins freely as the train goes through a dark coaster. The coaster is pretty tame, if it wasn't for the spinning cars - that makes it pretty fun (though unlike space mountain, it doesn't go upside down). There was no fastpass, and because the cars are so small and don't load super fast, there was a pretty long line..but I'm ok waiting at least once for anything that is Finding Nemo themed!

Other Comments

Compared to the American Disney parks, there are very few nice sit down restaurants in the parks. Now if by myself that wouldn't bother me, but when with my mom we obviously are not going to just eat counter service for every meal (Or any meal, if you know my mom). Mom said that when she and Nicole came to Disney Paris after it first opened, there was maybe 1 sit down restaurant in the entire park. That seems to be getting better, though most of the nicer restaurants are in the hotels...and they weren't necessarily open the weekend we were there. Also sort of irritating was that every bar/restaurant in the park had the exact same drink menu. This worked fine for me, but apparently their wines by the glass were not very good.

Overall, Disney Paris is much more understated than its American counterparts. Their version of Downtown Disney is literally just one street with maybe three restaurants and a few stores. Still, it is a pleasant park, and just about the perfect size to accomplish in a weekend.

View from the back balcony of Sleeping Beauty's Castle!