I went to Disneyland Paris in 2007 whilst they were celebrating 15 years since the park's opening and the amount of stuff to do was brilliant, especially the number of shows and parades on offer.
Fast forward to now: it's my parents' 25th wedding anniversary in 2017 so we've been planning to go back during their 25th celebrations. However, one quick look at the site reveals that the park has gone somewhat downhill since. Where are all the shows and parades?
I only saw six shows and two parades listed on their site compared to the number there were last time.
Here's how I would improve the park in time for the 25th:
1. More shows. A show for each area of Disney's ownership. One show for Walt Disney Animation, one for Pixar, one for Marvel and Jedi Academy can stay for Lucasfilms. For Walt Disney Animation, I would bring back Legend of the Lion King (how could they get rid of that?). The Pixar show could be based on Toy Story because I think Toy Story would lend itself to a stage show for all ages. As for Marvel, how about a Guardians of the Galaxy show?
2. More parades. Bring back the one that used to be going around Walt Disney Studios in 2007 because it added a lot to the Disney experience.
3. Have a Pirates of the Caribbean 4D movie to replace the Sneak Previews at Discovery Theater. I can understand getting rid of Honey I Shrunk The Audience but why not a new 4D adventure?
How would you improve the park?
Those are some good suggestions!
I would also return the character meet and greets in the hotels.
A far better and much more diverse range of merchandise.
I would also like to see more random character encounters AND with queues, so that entire stressful mobbing becomes a thing of the past.
And last, but definitely NOT least: a consistent enforcing of both smoking and selfie stick bans.
Quote from: HildeKitten on September 17, 2015, 02:28:23 PM
Those are some good suggestions!
I would also return the character meet and greets in the hotels.
A far better and much more diverse range of merchandise.
I would also like to see more random character encounters AND with queues, so that entire stressful mobbing becomes a thing of the past.
And last, but definitely NOT least: a consistent enforcing of both smoking and selfie stick bans.
Do people actually walk around the park with selfie sticks?
Blimey, it's like some have no manners. Whenever I go to a public place, I deliberately don't bring any form of tripod for my camera so as not to get in people's way.
Yes, yes they do.
And apparently some even take them on rides.
In the US there was a serious incident (I'm not aware of the details but surely someone on here is) and because of that the use of selfie sticks is now forbidden in all Disney parks, but just like the smoking ban, its not as enforced as it should be in Disneyland Paris.
Quote from: HildeKitten on September 17, 2015, 06:40:13 PM
Yes, yes they do.
And apparently some even take them on rides.
In the US there was a serious incident (I'm not aware of the details but surely someone on here is) and because of that the use of selfie sticks is now forbidden in all Disney parks, but just like the smoking ban, its not as enforced as it should be in Disneyland Paris.
It's crazy that they should have to ban things like that. Some people just have no respect for manners in a public place.
Sadly a LOT of people going to Disneyland Paris act like utter scum in the parks.
And what's even more sad, they often get away with it too.
DLP does really need some expansion to keep it to a standard in line with the other Disney properties around the world. I agree with everything mentioned here, and would also welcome the addition of park-wide WiFi and Magic Bands and Fast Pass Plus (like at WDW). I'd also like to see restaurants like Walt's and Remy's open later, at least until park closing, or even later.
Quote from: dencarter on September 19, 2015, 10:30:27 AMI'd also like to see restaurants like Walt's and Remy's open later, at least until park closing, or even later.
Agreed!
Also, it's really time the main park receives a new E-ticket attraction. It's nice that they are updating the classic rides. But that doesn't give more capacity.
Quote from: dencarter on September 19, 2015, 10:30:27 AM
DLP does really need some expansion to keep it to a standard in line with the other Disney properties around the world. I agree with everything mentioned here, and would also welcome the addition of park-wide WiFi and Magic Bands and Fast Pass Plus (like at WDW). I'd also like to see restaurants like Walt's and Remy's open later, at least until park closing, or even later.
They haven't got Wi-Fi yet?
Wow. Even my local Sainsburys' has free Wi-Fi!
More characters (rare ones) - basically if Stitch, Angel, Duffy, Shellie May would like to turn up, my life would be made and I would never NEED to return to disney again. Also characters in hotels, and older character references (Frozen Summer fun was fine for one year but I'll be avoiding it next year - luckily my mums 50th birthday falls right in Swing into Spring).
Quote from: MickeyAteMyCap on September 22, 2015, 07:37:25 PM
Quote from: dencarter on September 19, 2015, 10:30:27 AM
DLP does really need some expansion to keep it to a standard in line with the other Disney properties around the world. I agree with everything mentioned here, and would also welcome the addition of park-wide WiFi and Magic Bands and Fast Pass Plus (like at WDW). I'd also like to see restaurants like Walt's and Remy's open later, at least until park closing, or even later.
They haven't got Wi-Fi yet?
Wow. Even my local Sainsburys' has free Wi-Fi!
There is free wifi in all the hotels.
When you're in the parks, you should be enjoying the atmosphere and attractions rather than faffing about on the internet... but if you're addicted, there's always the option of getting a French SIM or a roaming data plan from your home network. If you're on 3, roaming in France is completely free.
Quote from: stifle on September 23, 2015, 08:08:41 AM
Quote from: MickeyAteMyCap on September 22, 2015, 07:37:25 PM
Quote from: dencarter on September 19, 2015, 10:30:27 AM
DLP does really need some expansion to keep it to a standard in line with the other Disney properties around the world. I agree with everything mentioned here, and would also welcome the addition of park-wide WiFi and Magic Bands and Fast Pass Plus (like at WDW). I'd also like to see restaurants like Walt's and Remy's open later, at least until park closing, or even later.
They haven't got Wi-Fi yet?
Wow. Even my local Sainsburys' has free Wi-Fi!
There is free wifi in all the hotels.
When you're in the parks, you should be enjoying the atmosphere and attractions rather than faffing about on the internet... but if you're addicted, there's always the option of getting a French SIM or a roaming data plan from your home network. If you're on 3, roaming in France is completely free.
Internet can be useful, though, in certain situations. For example: if you lost the park map, you could access a PDF version by going online.
I thought DLP was rolling out Free WiFi across the park this year after rolling out across the Hotels. I'm sure I remember people commenting that there was Wifi in the parks. I may be remembering incorrectly though.
Quote from: dazzle_v2003 on September 24, 2015, 04:47:13 PM
I thought DLP was rolling out Free WiFi across the park this year after rolling out across the Hotels. I'm sure I remember people commenting that there was Wifi in the parks. I may be remembering incorrectly though.
It would be a good addition.
For instance, I went to Edinburgh Zoo this year and we lost our map. Thanks to the zoo's free WiFi, we were able to get hold of the online PDF.
Meh.. Would be nice as a service if they added it. But I don't see the need.
For the village and hotels i see the added value as it's a place where you'd expect to find WiFi.
Quote from: mickey1980 on September 25, 2015, 12:08:44 AM
Meh.. Would be nice as a service if they added it. But I don't see the need.
For the village and hotels i see the added value as it's a place where you'd expect to find WiFi.
I just pointed out where it would come in useful...
I actually like that they don't have wifi! It's a holiday, turn off the phones and enjoy yourselves. Can you imagine being stuck in a very slow walking crowd around the tower as they all upload pictures to Instagram. Jeeze.
If you lose a map, you can go and get another, surely it's not that big of a deal. You could even download a PDF map to use offine if you're that worried.
I just don't think it's necessary, and feels like traditional Disney to not have wifi. Sort of gives the messages that this is a fun time to get away from it all and I like that.
Quote from: Disneylove on September 25, 2015, 10:04:58 PM
If you lose a map, you can go and get another, surely it's not that big of a deal. You could even download a PDF map to use offine if you're that worried.
You'd have to be in the right area though where you can easily just pick up a new park map. And you don't always think to download the PDF to view offline.
How did people survive before mobile phones? I mean, sure they're useful but people did actually manage to find their way around 20 years ago
Quote from: polar vixen on September 26, 2015, 06:49:33 PM
How did people survive before mobile phones? I mean, sure they're useful but people did actually manage to find their way around 20 years ago
I have to admit I'm lost without my mobile and wifi but when I am in Disney it is turned off! Peace for 5 days plus I don't like to check in or post pics until I am home because then people will know I'm away. The phone will be turned on occasionally when checking in on my elderly grandparents or should i say they checking up on us because they do worry when we go away.
Even if you do lose a map, which is incredibly unlikely, even at the furthest point away in the park you can walk and get a map within 10 minutes.
I went to Disneyland in 2000, didn't have a mobile phone at all, and didn't manage to lose the map, I actually still have it in my possession 15 years later!
I agree with the phone thing I enjoy being in the 'disney bubble'. The only time it comes in handy is when you go get snacks waiting for dreams and then lose your party in the crowds!!! ;)
In DLP I basically have it turned off, as it has very little use while I'm there.
However in WDW I had it turned on constantly, as the MyMagic+ App is your best tool for managing fast passes, reservations and checking waiting times. It helps that there is park wide WiFi. :D
This question about WiFi is probably very individual accordingly to the guest's tastes. WDW guests benefit from the really outstanding My Disney Experience app. Extending this app to DLP would be a real bonus, in which case WiFi would be essential. Other guests help DLP to gain publicity by posting live updates and photos of their journey on social media. This would be quicker and easier on WiFi rather than the somewhat patchy data signal in the parks. I also totally understand why some people would prefer to switch off completely - which would still be an option for many if the park did have WiFi.
Quote from: Disneylove on September 25, 2015, 10:04:58 PM
I actually like that they don't have wifi! It's a holiday, turn off the phones and enjoy yourselves. Can you imagine being stuck in a very slow walking crowd around the tower as they all upload pictures to Instagram. Jeeze.
Quote from: polar vixen on September 26, 2015, 06:49:33 PM
How did people survive before mobile phones? I mean, sure they're useful but people did actually manage to find their way around 20 years ago
Quote from: rebecca20 on September 26, 2015, 11:53:16 PM
I agree with the phone thing I enjoy being in the 'disney bubble'.
I do understand your points, though we live in 2015 and fast moving technology is part of our future. Besides, the free WiFi at Disneyland Paris might be an indication of MyMagic+ style activities in the coming years. And since I've experienced MyMagic+ myself, I can assure you that this even makes your day more enjoyable because you don't have to stand in lines but also don't need to run to get a Fast Pass.
It saves a lot of time which can be better used to relax at the park, visit some stores, get a snack.
And for everyone worried about using their phone to much at the parks, it's not that bad because you only need to open the MyMagic+ app to make or change a reservation.
I have always been wondering why they didn´t establish some sort of fast pass terminals in a central spot. This way you wouldn´t have to run from attraction to attraction to collect fastpasses.
On the other hand I also guess this was part of the concept to keep people busy, but as we learned from the wristbands this isn´t part of the concept anymore.
Quote from: MattR on October 19, 2015, 07:55:04 AM
I have always been wondering why they didn´t establish some sort of fast pass terminals in a central spot. This way you wouldn´t have to run from attraction to attraction to collect fastpasses.
Actually, this is what they did at WDW. Most Fast Pass machines located near the attractions have been removed. New machines were placed at central spots and machines near attractions have been replaced with new ones. At either of these locations you can get a Fast Pass+ for all attractions.
Also did they expand the number of attractions using Fast Pass. Even the smallest attractions now use Fast Pass for better guest flow over the parks.
Flatten it and start again... ;)
Quote from: Remco K. on October 19, 2015, 10:15:37 AM
Also did they expand the number of attractions using Fast Pass. Even the smallest attractions now use Fast Pass for better guest flow over the parks.
And it drives up the stand-by wait times like crazy. Which is really unpleasant.
Something like 70% of the hourly capacity of any given attraction at WDW is given over to Fast pass holders, that is really not very handy. As it makes FP+ mandatory on all but the quietest days for just about anything you want to do.
Totally agree DisneyRon, completely removes the spontaneity of your days, you need a fast pass time for everything.
Quote from: twentythingamabobs on November 14, 2015, 06:47:27 PM
Totally agree DisneyRon, completely removes the spontaneity of your days, you need a fast pass time for everything.
I was lucky to go during a quiet period, so the stand-by waits weren't too terrible, but you still needed to keep a close eye on wait times.