Inside Scoop on Disneyland Paris
Other need to know things: Eurodisney or Disneyland Paris? Technically, both are correct, with the legal entity being Euro Disney, and the park itself called Disneyland Paris. The names kept overlapping and getting jumbled, so you'll only see Euro Disney in the fine print now. If you have any souvenirs from the early years with the Euro Disney imprint, send them to me and I'll take good care of them (no, really, please do).
Disneyland is cheaper off-season, which starts in November and ends in mid-March, with a short break during the Holidays. Kids get in free from January until March when parents stay at the Disneyland Resort (see the website: http://www.disneylandparis.com). Food itself isn't too expensive; you have a huge selection to choose from for all budgets. I personally liked the little pizzas shaped like Mickey ears.
Disney Village is just across the street next to the Disney Lake and Disney Resort hotels. There are bars, restaurants, live music and clubs that stay open all night long. There's a huge movie theatre and an even bigger set of Golden Arches in front of McDonald's. There's no entrance fee, and the shops carry pretty much exactly what you'll find inside, so you don't have to waste valuable rollercoaster time looking for souvenirs. Speaking of which, try to find the items that are exclusive to Disneyland Paris. The CD "Une Journée à Disneyland Paris" has some reworked classics in English and French. They've just started pin trading, so bring along any you may want to trade and look for the signs.
The Fastpass works pretty well to keep you from standing in long lines, and doesn't cost a thing. I only waited five minutes when I tested it on Peter Pan's Flight, with 45-minutes being the posted time. I don't know why everyone doesn't use it. Another thing to ponder: how do they get Palm Trees to grown in Paris? I get it in Florida, Japan and California, but Paris is cold and wet. Maybe they replant new ones every three months. I'll keep you posted.
Finally, just next to Disneyland Paris is the new Disney Studios, a new theme park scheduled to open in spring 2002. Again, see the website for more info on this. I like the Disneyland Paris website. It's fun, like Disney itself, and answers all of your questions, gives you contest info and special offers. If you'd like some
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