Hey there!
On other discussion boards on the internet I often hear many people critisising the Disney themeparks for being too childish, expensive, fake... and so on. Many people don't think that the Disney parks are their cup of tea and prefer their local themepark over Disney. Ofcourse everyone has the right to have his/her own opinion, but it made me think why I prefer a Disney park over any other themepark.
It also made me curious about your opinions. Thats why I would like to know from you guys, what aspect of Disneyland Resort Paris (or just the Disney themeparks in general) do you like the most? What makes Disney stand out above your local themepark or any other themepark for that matter? Is it the theming, characters, atmopshere, entertainment, an attraction in particular, the Disney hotels... or something else?
I'll start; the first reason why I prefer a Disney park is because of its theming. No other themepark in the world has reached the level of theming that can be found at certain Disney parks. Besides that, I always enjoy the atmosphere (because of this theming and the area loops). Another reason why I enjoy Disney is because their parks aren't just stand-alone parks; they are entire resorts with multiple themeparks, hotels and an entertainment district. I simply love the massive scale... it gives a certain international, American and above all quality kind of feel, like everything was materplanned from day one. 8)
So whats your opinion?
Please, don't use this topic to bash other themeparks. Lets keep it friendly! :)
Well, I basically get the feeling that unlike other themeparks, Disney is not in it to make big bucks (and if you see the results of EuroDisney, they aren't indeed ;) )
Whenever I go to a park in Belgium for instance, I always feel they are just trying to make cheap money, opening late, closing soon, and putting nothing but rude personnel at rides.
I don't know how to express it but even though Disney is more expensive than another themepark in the local area, I never feel as ripped off as I often feel with local parks.
That said, the atmosphere is nothing that can be compared to anything other parks have done so far! If you just want some thrills without great theming, and are looking for a one day quick getaway, a local park is great... Disney on the other hand, just adds so much more to that...
I guess it's difficult to explain. What I can say however is that I often find people with prejudices regarding Disney as being to childish, while they have never been there. Once I can convince them to join me on another trip, I often see their reactions as if Disney wasn't at all what they expected, and is so much more than just a place for 6-year olds...
I think with Disney it isn't just about big thrill rides, it's about living your dreams. Whether that's meeting Mickey, taking a trip through hyperspace, raiding temples or following head over heels for an enchanting princess, there's something for everyone.
I think the theming is far and above anything you see in other parks, and it offers a real immersive experience. Just think about things like Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, Phantom Manor and Space Mountain.
You don't get the same level of interaction with guests either at other parks, where else can you see characters wandering around, who actually come up to guests and hug them or dance with them?
And there's just that little bit of Disney magic in all of us, if we let it in, and Disneyland is a place where we can all let that inner child out and not feel silly, because everyone else is being just as silly!
Oh, and Belle lives there! :lol:
Great thread.
For me, I love that Disney transports me to another place and time. It brings out the best in people. It instills hope, sparks a sense of wonder and breathes magic to life.
It is a place where I have seen disabled people speak for the first time. Where shy people come out of their shell. Where the old feel young, and the young can drive cars.
Disney brings together the family, not just my blood family, but the extended family of humanity.
Disney tries to bring the best quality out (or at least they used to!).
disney makes the best for me, because when you enter a disneypark you leave today and enter a world of yesterday, fantasy and tomorrow. no other themepark is able to create such a feeling when you see the castle from main street usa. you are transported in a different world, where you don't think about the world outside.
i know disney is a theme park but i dont see it as that, other theme parks liek the ones in britain are of no interest to me what so ever, but disney is just so special, its the themeing, the shows, the parades. even the rides are different to other theme parks, at your average park in britain its just a car on a track but at disney its soemthing more, its all built up around it, its not like your just on a track. :P
I love Disney because it really is full of magic! Ever since my first visit, I have kept wanting to go back. I can't get enough of it! :lol:
I'm not sure what it is. I know that I absolutely love the atmosphere - That's always something I point out when talking about the good things of DLRP. The rides are great - They don't look out of place and are not too big or too small. And also the theming! How could anyone forget the theming! The best in the world in my opinion :wink:
I can understand why people think Disney is a bit childish (I would never point out that I'm a Disney fan in school :(), but for me it's not really. I think it's the characters that make people think this way, although I love them!
Lots of people seem to care more about the size of a park and it's rides rather than the quality :(
But Disney will always be #1 for me :D :mickey2:
Disney for me is becuase I can be a kid again. Who cares i I skip down Main Street? Apart from my teenage daughter.
For my kids to see the look on their faces when they see a favourite characters and ride those unbelievable rides.
Theming of the rides. I hate riding roller coasters elsewhere cos I feel I am going to fall, but with Disney theres something to take my nind off whats around the next bend.
And yes it costs a pretty penny to get to and to stay in the hotels, but the quality is so much better. For us to go for a long weekend at a British holiday place like centreparks would cost just a little less.
i have to say the reason i love disney is just because i spent time with family there and it is an exciting, safe and a magical heaven away from home
:P [/end cheese]
I love disney it doesn't feel like a theme park it's more than that! I mean anyone can go. It just makes me happy no matter how upset i am I'm smiling by the time I enter! It's better than christmas!
fab topic, i loved reading everyone elses reasons.
i love the disney parks because it takes me away from normal life and i can be a kid again!! tubbsy said about nobody careing if your skipping down mainstreet. its that sort of thing that makes it so special for me. you can dance and sing in the streets and people dont give you funny looks - they join in! :D
the atmosphere is unbelivable, i dont think anyone could beat it. I love how all the cast members are so happy and friendly and they actualy want to help you, not just because its their job but because they enjoy doing it! the way that they get into it is amazing, the interaction between guests and cast members is unforgettable! (phantom mannor CM's are my favorite :D)
its also the wide range of attractions there and the theming to it all. where else could you ride a run away train, then get on a carosel, then a steam train, and then a haunted house, then fly over london in a boat?!
also i have always been a huge disney fan, as are the rest of my family. one of my favorite memories is meeting mickey mouse for the first time and seeing the rides that i saw on the adverts on my old disney videos for myself. it was like all my dreams had come true all at once!
for me disneyland isnt just a themepark, its a whole other world!
EDIT:
Quote from: "disney_donutter"Me and Leota were always promised a trip to disney when we were kids and it never happened, so we go twice a year now to make up for it.
damn our father and his pointless promises!! :lol: thats another reason why i love it so much!
I love disney because I can be a kid and not feel silly about it.
The great thing is.. you look more of a mooer if you don't have silly ears or a big Alien protruding from the top of your head than if you do.
Everyone joins in with everybody, they Dance and sing and everyone is everybody elses friend.
It is so much fun.. I would quite happily live in disneyland lol.
Not alot of people I know get the whole disney craze, and they always ask me if I get bored.. well that is a stupid question, I wouldn't go if I did.
Me and Leota were always promised a trip to disney when we were kids and it never happened, so we go twice a year now to make up for it.
I love DLP simply because it is Disney. I mean the animation movies of Disney are purely magic. And so it is with the parks. When you enter a Disney park it's just like leaving the real world and entering a world full of magic. And that's because everything is so detailed. Everything's fit to the other things. Everything is just perfect, because the people of Disney work on every aspect till perfection. And no other park or company can beat this. Disney is for sure the No. 1 for family entertainment. A Disney park really is more than just a place to have fun. It's a dream come true, where things happen, that you never had thought of to happen.
Disneyland is for me a little bit like the Shire from Lord of the Rings, it could be the end of the world, but it doesn`t matter cause I`m at Disneyland.
It`s the perfect place, if you want to escape from your everyday life.
:D
Quote from: "Krollok"Disneyland is for me a little bit like the Shire from Lord of the Rings, it could be the end of the world, but it doesn`t matter cause I`m at Disneyland.
It`s the perfect place, if you want to escape from your everyday life.
:D
This is true. We were there on 9/11 and the aftermath with the silences and everything. It managed to take some of the pain away. I think I would have been a real mess if I were home, but being in DLP made it all the more bearable, and it reminded us of all that is good with humanity.
Don't think I'd have wanted to be there that day to be honest. Very strange day, looking back on it, seems almost unreal now. :(
To be honest i think they put something in the air! Must be the music (or the pixie dust! :tink: ) bcos i find myself desperately wanting to buy giant plush toys (baloo is a major weakness) and embroidered disney jumpers and jackets which i wouldn't dream of wearing out and about with friends at home, but there it just feels right. Can't explain it. I guess its that you totally let go and just enjoy yourself, whereas at home everyone is more reserved, and cares what people think about them. :?
At disney everyone is free to be as mad as they like! :donald:
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i go really childish at Disneyland, rush to all the characters, get excited to see the castle..
I've read all of your replies, and I agree with everything! I don't think I have anything different to add....
It's all about the theming, the atmosphere and the general happiness about it that makes it so magical to me.
As far as other non-Disney themeparks go, there's only one I've seen that lives up to the theming and such a bit, and that's the Efteling here in the Netherlands. But I'm a complete Disneyaholic, so the Disney parks will always be my number 1. :wink:
Now, the Disneyland Paris Sleeping Beauty castle has very special significance to me... I don't feel the need to elaborate except for saying that it reminds me there is beauty in the world, when times are rough. So, whenever I walk onto Main Street and see that castle, my heart just fills with joy.
I feel like a little child when I stay in DLRP. The Magic in the Air, the Music and nice Attractions. I love Disney and their parcs so much.
If I stay in another park I feel sad and think: It´s not Disneyland :(
Alexandra
Disneyland gives me a chance to escape from everyday stress in my life, i love walking own main street listening to children laughing and people singing along to disney songs. I would love to work at disneyland, it has always been one of my ambitions in life.
disneyland is the greatest place to be
:cheshire_bounce: :stitch_bounce: :cheshire_bounce: :stitch_bounce: :cheshire_bounce:
For me its all the little details and the atmosphere of Disney that makes it so special. I love how there are so many little areas that many people miss out and every part of the park has something going on. I cant remember who, but tsomeone has a picture of the old bag storage area lit up at night in their sig, this just sums up the atmosphere of disney for me, its weird but hey!
:hello:
I just get goose bumps everytime I walk through those gates at DLRP ( Or any DL/MK ) and see the Castle gleaming down at me.
It's just the greatest feeling...........and believe me I'm no spring chicken. =D>
Everytime, just fantastic :cheshire_bounce:
Epcot_Boy :peter:
Everytime we drive down the A4 with our and "sortie 14" comes nearer, we get more and more excited. Taking the exit and seeing the landscape changing into this perfect Disney-Style... NPBC at the horizon makes me feel like: I´m home
So many people ask me, why I like Disneyland so much.
For me it is a place, where all your problems disappear, where the music leads you to a world outside this "cold world" in which we live every day.
Every time I enter the gates, seeing the castle, hearing the wonderful music, the sounds of the vehicles and the trains makes my heart jumping and I´am so happy.
But... does anyone of you has this little problem, too?
Sometimes, during my stay, I get a bit sad when I think, I have to leave this place again, soon.
:cry:
For me it's the atmosphere. I mean, the first time I've been there as an 6 year old boy. And nowadays everytime I come back, I still feel like an 6-10 year old boy. Of course, I don't need to get autographs from the characters. I hope you know what I mean.
Furthermore I don't know a park which is that detailed than dlrp. Love it just to walk around and searching for more details. I remember about 5 years ago spending over an hour checking out the pictures of the right arcadia in Main Street..... and talkin about it with my father.
I also don't want to miss the atmosphere at SM short before the park closes, where just a few mostly young people run around and try to get as much rides as possible. Where everybody is clapping when they come back from the ride to station. ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!!
These are just a few things what makes DLRP that great for me....
I hope you can feel with me!
Quote from: "SkySurfer"Everytime we drive down the A4 with our and "sortie 14" comes nearer, we get more and more excited. Taking the exit and seeing the landscape changing into this perfect Disney-Style... NPBC at the horizon makes me feel like: I´m home
So many people ask me, why I like Disneyland so much.
For me it is a place, where all your problems disappear, where the music leads you to a world outside this "cold world" in which we live every day.
Every time I enter the gates, seeing the castle, hearing the wonderful music, the sounds of the vehicles and the trains makes my heart jumping and I´am so happy.
But... does anyone of you has this little problem, too?
Sometimes, during my stay, I get a bit sad when I think, I have to leave this place again, soon.
:cry:
I couldn't have said it better.... especially that last part... :roll:
Don't you just love it when you see that first road sign with Mickey Mouse on it and you know your journey is almost over and the magic's about to begin!
8)
Quote from: "Dark_Prince"Don't you just love it when you see that first road sign with Mickey Mouse on it and you know your journey is almost over and the magic's about to begin!
8)
Yeah, I always get excited when I see them on my way there :)
Quote from: "Dark_Prince"Don't you just love it when you see that first road sign with Mickey Mouse
These signs should start at 100 km distance, not at 22 km (as it's now ) ! :lol:
Quote from: "Parkfisch"Quote from: "Dark_Prince"Don't you just love it when you see that first road sign with Mickey Mouse
These signs should start at 100 km distance, not at 22 km (as it's now ) ! :lol:
100 km!!! the torture!!!
When im in Disney it feels like im in another world that i would only be able to dream of. I go hyper like ive just had loads of red bull or sugar because im so excited im in disneyland. Im 14 and i still run to the characters and love going on the fantasyland rides :P. Its a place where no one cares what age you are aslong as its magical for you.
Quote from: "Parkfisch"Quote from: "Dark_Prince"Don't you just love it when you see that first road sign with Mickey Mouse
These signs should start at 100 km distance, not at 22 km (as it's now ) ! :lol:
I also love it when I get in the car at home and know about 10 hours later I'm in dlrp. My trip starts at home and i really enjoy the ride.
In 1995 I think the signs started a few 100 km before the exit right???
Quote from: "Hommi16"Quote from: "Parkfisch"These signs should start at 100 km distance, not at 22 km (as it's now ) ! :lol:
In 1995 I think the signs started a few 100 km before the exit right???
Well, that depends from which direction you arrive. If you arrive from the direction CDG coming from Belgium (which is Northeast) you can spot the first signs shortly after Parc Asterix which is approx. 40 miles away from the resort.
When I am in Disneyland its just the whole atmosphere that is fascinating me. I forget all my problems and I am just happy. Its not because the have the best rides or something like that....Its just the complete package.The great rides, the nice music, the Disney characters and the love to details.
And by the way Owain, I am 18 and I also love the characters and the rides in Fantasyland. :wink: But as you said...The age doesnt count. :D
Im 25 years olad and married. The stress and starins of life in the jobs that me and my wife have our left behind the second we leave the house to go to Disneyland.
We always drive down as we never know how much stuff we'll be bringing back and we dont have to worry about weight limitations. The drive from Calais-DLP is good and we really get caught up in the spirit of Disney.
By the time we get there, bags get thrown into the hotel room and we head straight for the magic kingdom to enjoy ourselves.
We get some funny looks when we tell people that we are going to DLP on holiday for a week, but who cares, I love it.
Quote from: "Hommi16"In 1995 I think the signs started a few 100 km before the exit right???
Maybe that's true for the connection from Strasbourg. When we travel by car, we always use the route from Saarbrücken ( Sarebrouk in french ? ), because it's cheaper and easier to drive.
I think the thing I like about Disneyland is that, although it is reletively expensive, it is an experience, it is a THEMEpark. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE theme parks, but disney is true engineering.....sorry I mean Imagineering, using the technology of theme parks but with the extremely detailed elements of anything disney.
Expensive relative to what? Apart from anything else it is unique so can't really be compared to any other experince but we are going over Christmas becuase I was amazed to discover that it is much, much cheaper than any other holiday I can find over Christmas.
Even if we want to spend 2 days in a coach going to Austria or Switzerland for a few days we still end up paying over £400 each and the kids would hate it. If we stayed in a hotel in England for 3 nights over Christmas it would be even more. We can spend 3 nights at Disney including our meals, ferry and petrol for much less (staying in Cheyenne - I admit some hotels are more expensive but we like Cheyenne).
Anyway, back on topic - What makes it special for me is that we all feel the magic all the time we're there. Even my son who is an honourary teenager most of the time (he is one for real next April) turns back into a little boy once he gets to Disney and is as delighted as the rest of us. There are no arguements or bad tempers even when we're tired.
Quote from: "ynwa19"Im 25 years olad and married. The stress and starins of life in the jobs that me and my wife have our left behind the second we leave the house to go to Disneyland.
We get some funny looks when we tell people that we are going to DLP on holiday for a week, but who cares, I love it.
You're lucky like your wife likes Disneyland just as much as you, when I get married one day, my husband has got to be able to deal with my Disneyland addiction :lol:
Anyays why Disneyland, there's so much more to Disneyland than just a theme park, words can't explain
I just love the place, no matter what is going on in the outside world as soon as I step off that Eurostar its forgotten. How many other holidays give you that. Also love that Disney is more than just a ride, every ride is a story and I always spot something new.
Quote from: "Grumpphil"Expensive relative to what? Apart from anything else it is unique so can't really be compared to any other experince but we are going over Christmas becuase I was amazed to discover that it is much, much cheaper than any other holiday I can find over Christmas.
Even if we want to spend 2 days in a coach going to Austria or Switzerland for a few days we still end up paying over £400 each and the kids would hate it. If we stayed in a hotel in England for 3 nights over Christmas it would be even more. We can spend 3 nights at Disney including our meals, ferry and petrol for much less (staying in Cheyenne - I admit some hotels are more expensive but we like Cheyenne).
Sorry, I guess I call it relitiverly expensive since this year I am attempting to save up to visit next summer, and as a student with no job and the only money I receive is "pocket money" from my parents, it seemed expensive to me although, the way you have presented it there, doesn't make it seem so expensive.
I am 45 so not a young girl anymore but the Magic Pixie Dust just gets me.
It's not just being into a Theme Park, it's living the Magic and a special atmosphere. I was not afraid to queue for a picture with Mickey or Minnie, i was not afraid to have a breakfast with characters even if we were the only table of just adults.
And i think the Pixie Dust got my 21 years old son because he told his 14 years old brother to be more interactive with characters lol
It's expensive there but Theme Parks in Italy are too and believe me they cant compare with just a small part of DLP.
What a brillant thread.
The magic of Disneyland is that no matter what your age or nationality, for the time you are at Disneyland you become a child again with no cares or worries apart from what fantastic ride or parade or show you are going to do next.
No other theme park can create that magic feeling as you walk through the gates and see the castle and Main St. It doesn't matter if it's your first visit or your hundredth, nothing beats that moment.
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Stitch bounce
After my trip a couple of weeks ago, I have to say that it's the castmembers who make Disney so magical.
I really had special treatment, and whether it's from the castmembers in City Hall or those who monitor the parade, to the hotel staff or the characters like the Princesses, they really pull out all the stops to make it a magical experience.
I was in a very difficult place emotionally when I was there, and they pulled together and made it a magical day for me and got me back on track so I could carry on and get through the rest of the week.
I'll never forget what DLRP castmembers did for me on 19th September, and I can never thank them enough. They went above and beyond the call of duty and made my dreams come true.
I love the fact that you can go to a Disney resort and spend 3/4/5 (whatever) days there and not go on any of the big thrill rides yet not feel ripped off.
Any of my local theme parks are all rides, rides, rides. and if you spend £40 on getting in and then don't go on any rides you leave thinking "what did I spend that money on?"
Plus, Disney brings out your inner child! :D :D/
I love the fact that no matter what age you are you're never too old for Disney! There is such an amazing atmosphere that made my friends and I feel carefree and we spent our 4 days there smiling away.
It was my 1st ever visit in Sept this year and although I love Disney I have never had the money to go before and never really looked in to the resorts. I was expecting it to be like a normal theme park, rides, characters and not much else.
So I was blown away by the detail of the parks surroundings, everything was so beautiful. That made it extra magical for me - I felt as though I was in a different world an wish I could have stayed there in that little happy bubble! :D
Ever since my first visit on wich at 29 i actually had tears in my eyes going through the gates for actually getting there the resort does bring out very different emotions and definatley brings out the child out in every body.
i was actually advised not to go to DLRP as it was rubbish compared to WDW but i really have to disagree the whole resort is just dreamy i still get goose bumps thinking of my first visit as me and my fiancee love the place so much we are comming next year for our honymoon.
we love everything about the resort and you forget everything for the duration of your stay, you live and breath the magic and come away with the felling of happiness and joy
I like the Walt Disney parcs becouse they do anything to make your stay, the most magical, adventures, romantic dream that you have ever had. They make WISHES come true, indeed