Michael B.
Yelp
Disneyland Paris was built in 1992, and unfortunately, it's really starting to show its age -- the structures, paint, and theming all feel tired. Speaking of theming, the transitions between lands are poorly done. It's a small detail, but it really affects the overall experience.
Bathrooms are few and far between. In Fantasyland, you might as well need a Fast Pass just to use the restroom. When I checked the park map, I was shocked at how spread out the bathrooms were -- definitely not enough for the crowds they pull.
Operations are slow. At many food stands, one worker is expected to do the job of two -- taking your order, getting your food, and then handling the payment. As a result, even the food cart lines take forever.
Another interesting observation: very few people wear Disney gear here. It's a totally different vibe from the U.S. parks.
Wait times? A complete lie. Whatever is posted, add 20-30 minutes, easy. Line management is also poor -- if you're a group of three, good luck. They constantly pull groups of two from behind you to fill seats, which makes boarding frustratingly slow for others. It's more a design and operations problem than anything.
Don't expect Disneyland Anaheim or Orlando nostalgia here. Honestly, it felt more like early 2000s Knott's Berry Farm in February... but with sold-out crowds and none of the charm.
Snack game is weak too. Forget about grabbing churros or decent popcorn. The corn dogs are straight from the freezer and taste air-fried. I figured with France's high food standards, this would be better -- but no. Even the beignets are very different. Also, no real confectionery shops -- just some candy stands.
If you're visiting Paris and considering a trip here, think twice. I had free tickets but still had to upgrade to the Premier Access pass (€160 per person) just to avoid 70-minute wait times. It helped a lot, but it was a very expensive solution.
Highlights:
* Space Mountain was fun if you like going upside down (though the theming makes no sense).
* Phantom Manor was excellent -- definitely one of the best experiences there.
* Pirates of the Caribbean was a neat reverse-version of Anaheim's.
* Hollywood Studios Paris is pretty ugly overall, but Avengers Campus, Ratatouille, and Crush's Coaster were fantastic -- just expect very long lines without paid access.