Should we go to DLP?

[Bondy007]

Originally Posted by lpd222

Thank you for the helpful comments folks. I think we will give it a try - it’d be rude not to 😂

I think we just need to not be expecting Disney World - it’ll be Disney but not as we know it 😍

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You will love it, it’s Disney and is much much better than it used to be (in my opinion), and improving all the time.
As for cast members, they’re good, but not quite WDW good 😉
I like to try out my GCSE French when we’re there knowing full well that they speak better English than some English people... 🤣
Get your planning started...

[BevS97]

We have been in the cold. In some ways the cold can add to the experience, especially if the Xmas decorations are up. But definitely wrap up warm and I’d be tempted to book lunch inside for most days so you know you have a warm lunch preplanned.

On the food, I have to agree the quick service and snacks are disappointing but we enjoyed the buffet restaurants and Chez Remy was superb.

I’d also like to go back to Walts. It’s years since we ate there but I loved the location right on Main Street.

We have stayed at the Cheyenne twice and the Holiday Inn Circus hotel. (I think it may have changed brands).
They were all good. The Circus is arguably a better hotel but I preferred the Cheyenne as it’s a lovely walk along the river to get to the parks.

For me, the only part I am less keen on is Disney Village which needs a facelift. There are some nice shops and restaurants there but it’s lacking in atmosphere.

[Gill H]

One thing to bear in mind is that the castle is under refurb until next year. That is a real shame as it is the most beautiful castle in any Disney park - and unlike the rest it is actually made of stone, so it is a big job. That also means you can’t visit the dragon underneath or see the magical Sleeping Beauty walkthrough upstairs.

Also, no fireworks or parades currently and no idea when they will be back. So once the park closes (which can be quite early) there is very little to do. This is where I like to take advantage of the restaurants in the hotels and the Village. The French don’t rush food - you could be there a couple of hours if having the standard 3 course meal. But that is how we relax!

You need to take into account that French culture is very different from American culture. You won’t get “be my best friend” vibes from the CMs because that is regarded as fake and tacky. But engage a CM in conversation in French (even if the limit of your French is ‘bonjour’ and ‘merci’) and they will blossom! You need to make the first move, or they will assume you want to be left alone to enjoy your holiday.

Likewise, think like the French when it comes to food. They don’t really snack or do fast food. Most French people regard the 2-hour 3-course lunch break as their God-given right! So the best food is to be found in the table service restaurants - which can be pricy if you go without a dining plan.

Do your research, there are lots of YouTube guides to watch. And don’t expect American service in a French park. But if you go expecting it to be an utterly different experience, you might just fall in love.

[Fraggle35]

Being honest, the first time I went I was disappointed, underwhelmed, unsure.. but by the second day I was skipping merrily into the parks with the enthusiasm of a child. It felt a bit like a normal theme park with added disney details and I missed the feeling and smells that WDW gives me. But now 3 years after that first visit I absolutely love it and have bought an annual pass so I can go several times each year. Agree the onsite food offerings can be a bit meeehhh but as I stay offsite I have discovered lots of little restaurants and cafés which are Brill. It's not Florida but I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Orlando Fan]

Hi there,

We have been fortunate to visit Disney World, Orlando / Universal 20 times, and DLP five times, over the last 25 years or so, (and always, except for one trip, staying on site.)

Length of stay varying from a long weekend in Paris, to our most recent trips which have been DVC for 4 weeks, enabling switching resorts 4 or 5 times each trip.

We have "worked" and prepared well at making each trip different, and success, (or not) is really imho what you and probably your family actually want to make of it. Being in the right frame of mind is also key, as over the years we have seen many families who for whatever reasons seem hell-bent in NOT enjoying their trips.

So, although it may be stating the obvious, just think about your upcoming trip, Paris will be cold in January, its winter, so should not be a real shock. Orlando it will not be, nor will the facilities, food or rides.

Even if the summer the weather can pretty awful, or next day be just magically brilliant! Its just very different to across the pond. If you don't like it, USA or France... don't go back. We all loved it, as you may have gathered!
Enjoy,

Paul

[aj2703]

I'd go 2nd - 5th Jan as the Christmas decorations will still be up...

[Gill H]

Having said that - I have sweltered in 30 degree heat at DLP (with very little air con) and worn thick winter coats at WDW (minus 2C in Dec 2010). As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing!

[lisa12000___]

We were fortunate to get over last July and were but with 32 degrees heat haha - and you know what me and my OH said it was one of the best few days we had ever had at a disney park - we had an absolute blast. Obviously it was quieter, we got on every ride we wanted to multiple times, the parks just felt beautiful and we had some decent food. We stopped at the Cheyenne which we absolutely loved - and would stay there again in a heartbeat