Walt Disney Art Classics, WDCC at Collecto-Mania

Disneyland Paris!

Disclaimer: Gerry and I recently traveled in France, and took the opportunity to spend 3 days at Disneyland Paris.
This is a quick, strictly personal glimpse of some of the highlights of our visit in September 2002, which marks the 10th year since the opening of DLP, and only a few months since the debut of Walt Disney Studios, the 2nd park to open on the site. We have done no research. There are other Web sites you may consult for very thorough descriptions of each attraction.
Houston engineering friends of ours helped construct DLP, and I still remember how unpopular the project was with many of the French.
Thanks to my B.A. and M.A. in French, I understand it fairly well, and Gerry is fluent in German, so we were able to chat with many people informally during our 3 days at DLP, including Disney employees. As Disney fans, we were pleased to learn that DLP is the number one attraction in France, having long ago surpassed the Eiffel Tower. Many feel that it is the top tourist destination in Europe.

Please click on pictures for a larger view.

As you enter the park,
you're welcomed by the
Disneyland Hotel, a "lavish
Victorian fantasy," boasting
spacious rooms, a character
breakfast, two restaurants,
a bar, a children's "Minnie Club,"
indoor pool and fitness room.

City Hall View from the Station
down Main Street
toward
Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Sleeping Beauty's Castle
You'll want to tour this castle, from the audioanimatronic dragon
in the dungeon, to the beautifully decorated second floor,
which presents the tale of Sleeping Beauty in brilliant stained glass!

2nd Floor Interior 2nd Floor Figurines 2nd Floor Scene

(more pictures to be added)

The 3 Disney hotels surrounding the lake, about a 10-minute walk from the park, are large (about 1300 rooms each), and were crowded, even though the peak tourist season was over. The rooms are large by European standards, and the buffet breakfast seemed to be a big hit.
As long-time Disney collectors, we were disappointed that there were very few limited items to commemorate either the 10th anniversary of the park or the opening of the Studios. A few pins, a framed opening day ticket, and three small bean-filled items are truly the extent of it!
If you're a Disney fan, and you have the occasion to be near DLP, we think you'd enjoy a visit to the park. As others have pointed out, the buildings are considerably more detailed than those in the U.S. parks, which definitely contributes to the enchanting atmosphere. Most of the narrations are in at least French and English, and some of them have additional language translations.
The stations for the RER and the TGV are extremely well located, about a 5 minute walk from the parks.
The cast members we encountered were all friendly, helpful, multilingual, and just delightful. Many have been with Disney 8-10 years! Those we happened to speak with were from Belgium, Germany, Africa, France, and there were a couple Americans who went to Paris years ago, fell in love with it, and have been there ever since!


City Hall	View from the Station down Main Street toward Sleeping Beauty's Castle