Is Disneyland Paris just like the one in California or Disney World in Florida?

Answer 1

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About a half hour train ride outside of Paris is Disneyland Paris. Although the architecture and style of the parks make them easily identifiable to any Disney fan, the parks themselves are slightly different than their American counterparts. Frequent visitors to Walt Disney World, in particular, in the United States will begin to recognize the unmistakable architecture of the Disney resorts scattered about the French countryside when the train is still about ten minutes from the parks. The Metro Station for Disneyland Paris is literally right outside the entrance. Once disembarking from the train, one needs only follow the signs, which are in several languages, to the ticket center.

Disneyland Paris is actually two parks and a somewhat scaled down version of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. As one would expect, Disney Studios is very similar to and offers many of the same attractions as its American counterpart. Disneyland Paris is the Parisian version of The Magic Kingdom/The original Disneyland Park.

The primary difference tourists who have visited the American versions will notice is in size and scale. By contrast, the Parisian parks are rather scaled down and are less intense. Still, schedule permitting, most fans of the American Disney parks will find a visit to Disneyland Paris amusing and worthwhile. In particular, the Parisian version of The Pirates of the Caribbean sticks out as the one attraction that is superior to that of its American counterparts. Also of note is the Haunted Mansion. Besides having a bit more of a mature and serious tone than either of the American Haunted Mansions, Disney fans will notice the Parisian Haunted Mansion has a wild west ghost town in the place of the infamous graveyards found in the American versions--a scene that would probably amuse any American.

Expect to pay about $50 American for a one day, one park admission to Disneyland Paris or about $65 American for a one day, two park ticket. Multi-day passes are also available in various combinations for between $110-$150 American. Hours of Operation vary but the parks usually open about 8:00 a.m. and closing times fluctuate between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., depending on the time of year. Of note, it's possible to see both parks in one day, stamina permitting. Each park takes approximately a half day to see.

Answer

Many of the attractions are similar, but with a European flair. Visitors report that the Pirates of the Carribean, in particular, is more fun than the stateside attractions.

If you're expecting the usual Disney service and attention to detail at the California and Florida parks, you will be disappointed. The Paris parks are not maintained as well, i.e: trash in the water features, the water itself sometimes green with algae, some serious painting and repairs are in order. Many gift shops but they all sell the same stuff! I wouldn't bother with these parks, with Paris and so many other authentic attractions nearby. The train from Paris drops you in a small town 5 miles away and you have to wait up to 30 minutes for another train to continue the trip! The prices (Sept. 2009) are much higher than previously quoted, $70 for one day typical, and most meals inside the park are at a minimum $20.