Have you ever been somewhere that mildly resembles somewhere else? Like some sort of magical déjà vu that is not quite right yet not quite. . . wrong? If you enjoy this odd feeling AND enjoy all things Disney then have we got the place for you!
Disneyland Paris.
The Disneyland that time forgot.
The Disneyland that was perhaps co-opted out to another Theme Park operator.
The Disneyland that has no rides? (More on that later).
Walking into the park was a little underwhelming, but the suspense of what lies ahead kept us positive!
We quickly discovered that while there are many ‘experiences’, there not so many rides. Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin (or as we hoped it translated to a magic carpet ride!?) is really just a tunnel with some Aladdin stuff. Trust me I sprinted past several people in hopes that something more lay at the exit. The same was true for Les Mystères du Nautilus (an updated version of 20,000 leagues under the sea), not much to sea there either. whomp whomp.
Phantom Manor (or Haunted Mansion stateside), well that was a hoot . . . why is there an old west section featuring ghosts from some old California mining town? We may never know.
We were excited to ride the Pirates de Caraibes (bet you can guess that one); however, the ride broke down before we could complete our journey. We had never been escorted off a ride before, so that was actually kind of cool! A Disney #silverlinging if you will.
The winner here is Hyperspace Mountain – have your organs reorganized and realize that when Paris Disney actually does a ride They. Are. Not. Kidding. Two out of four of us ended up with brain scramble. Intense and fun, but not sure we could have gone more than once.
There were several closed restaurants and other ‘experiences’ which we just don’t think would in Disneyland or at Disney World. We realized that if the kids visiting Disneyland Paris ever made it to Disneyland California (or if we ever make it to Disneyland Tokyo!) their little Disney minds would burst with joy.
So Disneyland Paris was an adventure, but was it worth it? Final Thoughts:
Jess: Do not Waste your money. No wait, have lower expectations? It is a fun thing for kids and their families to do in Paris, and it was pretty affordable. Didn’t stop us from spending hundreds on Disneyland Paris Merch from the gift shop!
Mar: THERE IS NO RATTITOULLIE IN THE PARK. THAT IS A SEPARATE PLACE CALLED HOLLYWOOD LAND OR SOMETHING. What the heck!?!? Also, the Matterhorn has a different name. Which makes no sense because that is like IN FRANCE, RIGHT?! If you decide to go, get a hopper or read about the ‘experiences’ in advance, on the chance that you too want to see Remy the Rat.
p.s JaM would like to clarify that the Matterhorn is in Switzerland. Pshh whatever closer to France than CA, right? #thankspublicschools
JaM Does Life 