Why so many complaints about DLP

[Rincelex]

We are going to DLP in September and this will be our first visit, we have been to California Disney (1992 - great holiday and first ever trip to USA) and Florida (2003- even better than the first time), we now have a child who is only two and want to wait until he is at least 7 before we take him to WDW, we also can't afford to take him to the USA at the moment so we thought we would take him for a short break to DLP.

Having looked at this website, read several trip reports and other websites reviewing restaurants and hotels, is it me or is everybody complaining about something.

Predominantly all I have read is the food is too cold/spicy/overpriced, the hotels need decorating, the staff need more people skills, everybody is pushy and rude, restaurant staff are slow and rude and ignore you. I have read some nice things but the bad seem to outway the good.

Most businesses run like this would not survive because word would get round and nobody would go there/use them so why is it still going after 15 years and why does everybody seem to go back. I was very excited about going but all these comments have taken the edge of that. Maybe its just that its human nature to find fault and those that really have a good time don't write anything on these boards. Thousands of people must go every year and I am sure that the negative comments I see are only a small percentage of people that go.

Please make me feel happy about going again.

Thanks

Tracy

[buddicle]

I went twice last year, once in october and again in dec, in my honest opinion i could'nt complain about anything! I think its down to personal opinion, i have a DD11 who loved it. I think some people have complained cos they have donw wdw and compare the two!

[Scotsmomma]

Tracy don't let anything put you off your trip to DLP....I think the main problem that you read about on here is that people go comparing DLP to Florida...obviously size wise alone...there's no comparison...I think it's a great place to go for a short break....your wee boy will love it...
I just wish it wasn't so expensive to go...yes it has it's faults...for me mainly the smoking in the parks...but all in all...it's still a great place to go...and will be a fantastic intro for your son into all the Disney magic

[MrLazy]

I think the problem is people wont take it for what it is - it is DLP not WDW.

As for complaints etc well you know the usual rule of thumb - if something good happens we tell 2 people, if something bad happens we tell 20 people.

I am sure you will have a great time. :)

[MattF]

As has been said - the biggest problem is that people expect it to be WDW. It is not as good as Florida because of the weather, less parks, service isn't as good, is more expensive HOWEVER it is much better than any park over here eg Thorpe park, Alton Towers etc. If you go to DLP with an open mind you will love it. Some rides are much better than their WDW counterparts. We loved our trip (see link to reports below) and are hoping to go back agin in October to see the new rides etc that are part of the 15th Birthday Celebrations.

Hope this helps

[John]

Most businesses run like this would not survive because word would get round and nobody would go there/use them so why is it still going after 15 years and why does everybody seem to go back.

Not quite true, look at TCD. Up until last year this 'airline' had one of the worst reputations going yet people still used them despite all the documented cases. It comes down to cost, people are prepared to take a chance to save a few quid.

[Tiggernut]

I think it survives because it is the closest Disney Park to most people in Europe - so people, like you say yourself, do it because it's a 'cheap' alternative to the USA!

Personally I didn't like it one bit but we did go in April and it rained the whole time! The smoking in the lines, the pushy and rude other guests and the 'couldn't care less' attitude of the staff put me off for good!

With regards to waiting until your son is 7 before going to WDW - my advice is DON'T! Seriously, we waited until our DD was 4 and we wished we took her earlier. Although at 7 your son will probably be able to ride most of the rides, WDW isn't just about rides - it's the MAGIC. My DD at 4 was completely immersed in the whole Disney magic thing - she saw the characters as just that (not as people dressed up), cried with joy at the parade and when she met Mickey and she remembers whole sections of that holiday that even I've forgotten (she's 6.5 now). I understand if money is the reason but if it's so that he can 'remember' it, there really is no need to wait that long imho!

[lainey5565]

oooh Tracy I am so jealous.....
DLP has got loads of GOOD points aswell....The Disney hotels are right on the doorstep, you can have a lovely walk around the lake to reach the parks entrances.
There are loads of restaurants to choose from, The Blue Lagoon within POTC is brilliant.
As of my last visit in March, I couldn't complain about a single cast member:grin: you do get the odd arrogant person in the parks, but this can happen anywhere at all.
The one thing I will mention is the character greets are not as organised as WDW, so we tend to avoid them, and meet the characters at meal times.
But I love Sleeping Beautys castle (DLP) its much better than Cinderellas (WDW) and the park's layout in DLP is better IMHO, DH doesnt agree with me though:o:
Disney STudios will be up and running with its new rides after June this year so there has never been a better time to travel.
Elaine

[Rincelex]

Thank you, you have all made me feel better already.

Tracy

[jentill]

I have been to DLP twice now and my family loved it. We had a great time and regularly talk about the parades or the hotel (Cheyenne). My nephew came with me both times and he was 5 and then 6 years at the time - there are many things he cant remember such as birthdays, but he clearly remembers these holidays. The rides were great, theming fantastic, character interaction magical. I would say go for it. As said DLP if far far more impressive than any other park here.

[Happy Hammer]

i would never go there again,but i hope you have a good time.

[sarahc]

We took DD just before she was two and she had a ball! It was a great way of introducing her to Disney and she has now been there 4 times. She's now 4 and we're off to WDW in May but I know we'll be going back to DLP again, possibly this Xmas.
You'll have a wonderful time!

[Disneymania]

Hi Tracy. Although our first experience of Disney was WDW our family LOVE DLP. Our only gripe is the character meet and greets where everyone does push and shove, but all in all this is only a tiny bit of what will be I'm sure a fantastic holiday. Remember everyone's experiences are different and holidays, like life, are what you make of them. We always go to have fun and that's just what we do!!
Hope you do too
Susan

[Vabeth]

We went in 2005 and really enjoyed the parks themselves - infact we all agreed that the rides were better than the older versions in WDW! We stayed onsite and couldn't fault the hotel, the theming ect was fantastic!
The only thing we didn't like were the rude, pushy obnoxious guests and the way the CM's did absolutely naff all to stop the queue jumping and pushing and shoving that went on whenever a character appeared! Me, DD and her friend were all punched and kicked by children and adults when trying to get character autographs while CM's just stood there looking bored! :nonono: This apsect of our stay really spoiled the trip for us. Having said all that we will go back again at some point as it is the quickest way to get a Disney fix! But next time round we will be better equipped to deal with the rudeness of others and won't let it spoil our trip again! :wave:

[tinkerella]

hi tracy

we done dlp first and although the kids loved it, we only went for 3 days and yes we did feel it was pricey that was in 2000 so went to usa in 2001 and initially the cost was only a few hundred quid more than it cost to go to dlp which is why we go to usa only now my only real complaint was like most the meet and greet characters yes there was a lot of pushing and shoving but other than that the kids had a great time

[ahmed9322]

I have been to DLP 3 times in the last six years with my two DS's and they have had a ball. One year it was rainy but it did not spoil our enjoyment I mean we're Britsh aren't we used to it? I have always been surprised by how patient and efficient the staff where. Meals well yes I generally found them boring but the kids loved it burger & chips, chips & burgers and coke with everything.

[Sue]

I must admit that as two adults DLP has never appealed so have read the comments here with interest.
As a quick Disney fix, it must be great surely?
I priced it up once and it was not much cheaper than going to the US for 2 weeks to do DLP for a long weekend!!!! Unless you drive there, how do people keep the price down?

[Vabeth]

I priced it up once and it was not much cheaper than going to the US for 2 weeks to do DLP for a long weekend!!!! Unless you drive there, how do people keep the price down?
We booked when they were offering 4 nights for the price of 3 and kids went free so we got it for a very good price!
A Colleague at work was recently thinking about going but it was going to cost well over £1000 for a 3 night break! :omg:

[susieb]

I went when my DD was two. I wouldnt NOT take a two year old to WDW (mainly cos of the flight) and it was great for a little ones first disney. I stayed at teh pink hotel which was wonderful for its location alone - you just walk out straight into the park.

Its not WDW but it is Disney - pick your time right (avoid school hols if you can) and it will be wonderful.

[buzzlightbeer]

I'm one of the guilty ones who compare DLP with WDW which is probably not fair, but also inevitable.

I personally don't think much of DLP but it's Ok for a top up fix from time to time. However some of the rides are actually better at DLP.. for instance Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.

I hope you have a great time

Cheers
Pete

[obizzymad]

We went a couple of months ago, staying in the Newport Bay, which was fine, was put in a smoking room by accident but they quickly resolved it for us. I found the Staff very very Friendly i was expecting them to be rude due to reports but they were fine. The first day was a huge dissapointment as neally all the rides were closed, however this was due to high wind and rain so was for health and safety reasons. Even Disney cannot control the weather.

We did find some of the visitors very rude however, i mainly remember it being the spanish. No regard what so ever and push you out the way when trying to get a photo with characters etc. Again Disney cannot control the manners of its guests. However a better queuing system like florida would be an improvement. They did have some more organised lines in Studios though.

Did notice a little more litter hanging around but saying that never bothered us and is much better than the area we live in the UK.

The food was ok, didnt have anything out of this world but was still good enough. Yes it was expensive but its France not the USA so we expected that.

We had a good time, we wouldnt go back for a couple of years and would go back around May to get a different expeience. To us you can never compare DLP with WDW. To us WDW is much more that Disney its driving on the I4, going under the Signs for the first time, the over friendly Americans, outlet shopping etc. We just found that we had a nice break, would of been better if the weather wasnt so extreme. Plus the kids got to see Mickey without a 9hr plane journey.

[paul_sheps]

We have be twice to DLP, but won't be going again after going to Florida. It just isn't a patch plus the weather is bad. As for it being a cheaper alternative! well nothing is cheap once your there unlike Florida which is great value for money. Then there's the French! save your money and go to Florida.

[Rincelex]

Thank you some very encouraging comments, we are going in September two weeks after the kids go back to school so hopefully won't have this problem. Although my friend is trying to go at the beginning of July and can't get the hotel she wants as its full up and the travel agent told her that everyone it taking their kids out of school to go this year as its free for them.

As for the price, we went to WDW when it was just the two of us and the travel, accommodation and car hire set us back £2000 for two weeks, this is costing us £500 for 1 week so for me WDW is not an option and especially as we now have a child as well. This is one holiday that we shall be saving up for.

Thanks again

Tracy

[Leanne1977]

Thank you some very encouraging comments, we are going in September two weeks after the kids go back to school so hopefully won't have this problem. Although my friend is trying to go at the beginning of July and can't get the hotel she wants as its full up and the travel agent told her that everyone it taking their kids out of school to go this year as its free for them.

As for the price, we went to WDW when it was just the two of us and the travel, accommodation and car hire set us back £2000 for two weeks, this is costing us £500 for 1 week so for me WDW is not an option and especially as we now have a child as well. This is one holiday that we shall be saving up for.

Thanks again

Tracy

September is a fab time to visit DLP. Weather is usually great and the crowds are low except for the weekends but that is the same all year round.

We have had 2 magical trips to DLP and we love to go in between our WDW visits. Please don't let negative comments spoil your enjoyment and planning. Go with a postive frame of mind. You are now aware that there is smoking around the parks so don't let it bother you. You also now know that the character meets can be a free for all, so avoid them and book a character tea party or join one of the organised lines to meet the characters outside the castle.

As for weather, if it does rain, do what we did. Jump on Big Thunder Mountain and have the time of your lives. We got absolutely soaked but it was so much fun and thats what we go for.:spin:

I sometimes think people go looking for things they can complain about. We were aware of the negatives before we went so we just didnt get bothered by it.

Have a fantastic and magical time, we always do.:wave:

[Mulan]

september is a lovely time to go crowd wise and you can still get lovely weather. Also a great year to go with the celebrations & new attractions.

I love DLRP and its unique european charm.:grin:

[feistyblue]

I've now been to each of WDW and DLP twice. DLP was my first experience of Disney holidays back in 1995 and the same things that bothered me then bothered me on my repeat visit last year. Mainly the smoking everywhere which was just horrid, the rudeness and pushiness of the guests and the CM's just weren't magical in any way. Our character interactions were limited to a character dinner and Mickey being in the hotel as we arrived - both were great.

Loved the rides, parades, fireworks, theming and the hotels though. I don't compare DLP to WDW - how could I when DLP was our first experience, those are just my honest thoughts about the place on both occassions.

I don't know whether we'd return - possible but doubtful unless we were really desperate for a Disney fix in between WDW visits. The rudeness, bad CM's and smoking really, really put me off though.

[flossycandy]

We went about 4 years ago and we had a great time but I did find it quite stressful around the park. DD was 3 at the time and was constantly being knocked over by adults and when she got knocked over coming out of the loo (the woman looked at her like it was her fault, said something in French, that I'm sure I was glad I couldn't undertstand) I had really had enough. The hotel itself was lovely though and the food was a bit pricey but ok. All in all we had a great time. Make sure you do Buffalo Bills as my kids really loved it!

[MattF]

We had a great time in DLP in February. It is not WDW but as long as you don't try to compare you will have agreat time. So much better than any park over here

[ariel2006]

We stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch over New Years last year (2006-07) and had read reports much the same as you. Unfortunately our cabin was one of the older ones and was rather in read of repair and a good clean. Much of the ranch was also the same. Well on our return my step-dad sent a letter explaining the problems we had with the cabin and the head of DLP accomadations has since phoned him apologising profusely about the state of the ranch and cabins and has since been given a rather large grant from Disney head-office (California) to do up the whole place and rectify any problems.

Luckily the problems with the ranch did not affect our holiday greatly and we love DLP (we have been there 6 times). The Studios dont compare at all to MGM but the park itself has many better aspects and rides. We are all food lovers and were not dissapointed with the food...except the Blue Lagoon (probably partly cause we have wanted to eat there for around 8 years so had high expectations). Billy Bobs buffet is very good, as is Anettes Diner and Planet Hollywood.

Keep looking forward to your visit...i am sure you will enjoy it.

[BONZO]

We had some concerns about DLP prior to going recently but this is our summary: -

Highs

Proximity of parks to onsite hotels - we stayed in the Newport Bay Club and it was a very pleasant walk to the parks and Disney Village.

Parks weren't nearly as busy as we'd thought they would be - we didn't queue for much at all, we picked and chose our rides fairly carefully!

FastPass system - It was great being able to hold fastpasses for more than one ride at a time. In DLP you can hold fastpasses for all the FP rides at the same time (although they are only valid for 30 mins).

Food - every meal we had was excellent. They weren't cheap but very high quality. Our best overall was at Cafe Mickey with 8 characters in attendance!!

Travelling by Eurostar - this was really good for us. 15 mins walk to our local station, 30 mins into Waterloo, then 3 hours on Eurostar and we were right in the magic! Very smooth!

Walt Disney Studios - we'd read that this was a very disappointing park, but we loved it!

Weather - Fantastic! Shorts and T-shirts all the way.

Lows

There were only a couple of proper lows, the rest were more niggles than anything (will list those separately).

The scrums to get to the characters - this was a nightmare! Our 2 DDs had autograph books and wanted photos with the characters, but there were no queues, just a mad push and scrum.

Smokers around the parks - this wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but you did tend to find yourself walking through clouds of smoke at regular intervals. We were told by a CM in Disney Village that the smoking regulations would be changing soon.


Minor niggles

No pool towels at the hotel - you had to pay 2 euros to borrow a towel each time you went to the pool.

No salty popcorn on sale - it's all sugared! (Although we did find it in the cinema eventually)

No food court in hotel, it wasn't easy to grab a coffee to take back to the room.

Some attractions (also shown at WDW) were in English, dubbed into French, and then we listened in English in the headphones - LOL!

Rock n Roller Coaster - our favourite ride in WDW is also in DLP, but the pre show is really disappointing! A 20 second glimpse of the band with a model of a roller coaster track. We love the WDW version!