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A review by Rob Easterby September 1998 Updated 2nd Feb 99 |
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| Getting there | I've done several day trips and a stopover in one of the park's themed hotels. Day trips are not too bad when driving from the Gatwick area. It takes about an hour to the Channel Tunnel, crossing via "Le Shuttle" is quick and easy. In France, the drive is under 3 hours, and is all on motorways so there's not too much traffic hassle - but watch out for French signposts which don't give much warning. The motorway has a toll, at last count it was FF105, just over £10 each way - but worth it for the convenience. With a 5am start, we arrived at the park just before 11am local time (an hour ahead of the UK). We left the park at around 6:30, which allowed some time for shopping at Cité Europe, next to the tunnel terminal. Arrived home at 11pm UK time. | |||||||||
| For a day trip, the park entrance per adult is currently FF210 for the high season. The passes can be bought at Disney stores in the UK, which is currently marginally cheaper than in France, since the charge is £21. A day trip ticket on Le Shuttle always varies according to the various special deals on offer, but it was £39 for my last trip. Remember the fuel costs - it's about 580 miles for the whole round trip from Gatwick, assuming no detours due to loss of direction! Car parking at the resort is FF40. | Costs |
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Eating |
There is an amazing variety of eating possibilities at the park, from hot dog stalls through fast food to proper restaurants. All eating places are themed in some way, and frequently have entertainment. If you're on a day trip, you'll probably end up in one of the fast food places. We had pizzas on the last trip - whilst there isn't a great deal of choice in toppings, the quality is good and at FF46 there's no need to complain about prices. Generally prices in the park for drinks and snacks are quite fair. | |||||||||
What's There |
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| An enormous variety of entertainment. The park has high speed coaster
rides (3), a motion simulator ride, and various rides based on Disney film themes,
suitable for all ages. The bad news is that there is a tendency for things to be in
French, though this does not detract too much from the enjoyment. But why the French name
for Goofy is "Dingo", I'll never understand! There's a parade every day at 3,
and depending on season, a nighttime Electric Parade. Both are well worth watching. The park is divided into four themed areas: Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. At the centre of the park is Sleeping Beauty's Castle, and leading from the main entrance to the Castle is Main Street USA. There's loads to do and see. With all my visits so far, I can still think of lots of things that I just haven't had time to do. There are always special activities, shows and so on - so plenty to keep the interest. And just one or two shops to separate you from your money. The best bet for this is credit cards, since the exchange rate seems to be better that way. |
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FRONTIERLAND |
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As you should guess from the title, this area is themed around the American Old West. Central to the area is Big Thunder Mountain, around which runs the Big Thunder Railroad. This is the slowest(!) of the coaster rides, and has a minimum height of 1.2m. Great fun, and - like all the Disney rides - the attention to detail on the ride and looking from outside means plenty of interest for riders and onlookers. |
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Visit the haunted house for some weird experiences - then take a ride on a river Steamboat, and keep a look out for the hot water geysers. |
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ADVENTURELAND |
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The "big" ride in this area is Indiana Jones and The Temple Of Doom - some little "mine carts" run around and through some kind of ancient ruin. In the process the carts include a 360 degree loop, and feel somewhat precarious. In true Disney style, there is lots to see whilst queuing for the ride, with Indy's camp on show. The other major ride - on a boat and "safe" but one of the best examples of Disney magic - is Pirates Of The Carribean. The animatronics and effects on this ride are extremely good and well worth a second - or third - look. There's an "Aladdin" themed area, the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, and Adventure Isle which includes caves, secret tunnels and a Pirate's Ship. |
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FANTASYLAND |
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This is the area for the youngsters, with the themed rides - Pinocchio, Snow White, Peter Pan and "It's A Small World". The latter ride allows you to float round an animated version of all the world's cultures, with an annoyingly catchy song being sung in all languages as you go. Peter Pan has you soaring over London, the best of the "little" rides. |
Click for the music! |
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DISCOVERYLAND |
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The biggest ride in the park - Space Mountain - awaits you here. A ride in the dark, it includes corkscrew and 360 degree loops - and is more exciting than the American version, which is a much tamer and smaller coaster altogether. The interesting bit is the start, where you're inside the simulation of being shot from a cannon - up the right-hand side of the cone in the picture. None of your slow wind up starts here - the acceleration from a standing start is very impressive! |
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The other major ride in this area is Star Tours - a motion simulator ride based on Star Wars where your transport gets involved in interstellar dogfights and a bit of Deathstar destruction. Typical of Disney, there's a whole lot to see on the way in, with a robot workshop in operation, and familiar characters such as C3PO and R2D2 on hand. At least R2D2 doesn't speak French! |
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MAIN STREET AND PARADE |
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Main Street USA, with Castle converted for the 5 year celebrations in 1997 |
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In 1997 the parade was based on "Hunchback of Notre Dame" |
Cinderella's coach |
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Always colourful and worth watching, even when it rains. This is the "Lion King" float. |
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The electric parade - starring Mickey of course! |
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ODDS AND ENDS |
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You didn't think there could be Christmas without snow? So Disney arranged some. |
You have to make sure the children get a souvenir. Balloons are the cheaper ones - but you can get an entire Disney wardrobe if you want! |
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And there are usually some Disney characters about somewhere for meeting and photographic poses. |
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