DLP Trip: Gimme Do's and Don't's!

[giggling_gargoyles]

We're planning a trip to DLP (we live in orlando, go figure) and I want to know your Do's and Don't's and any helpful tips you have in planning and going to the parks.

I also have a few questions:

1. Are the parades and attractions billingual/english? (yes, I know, Stupid American: Party of one)

2. How crowded is it during the Christmas holidays?

3. Is there anything that is more trouble than it's worth or should be avoided (besides the French locals that know that we aren't really Canadian)?

Thanks!

[pussnboots]

1. Some are, some are not. Most things are bilingual, some are entirely in English, and rides like Pirates and Phantom Manor have French narration for the most part. However, vital information is always given in at least two languages (English of course being one of those), and French is a beautiful language (the French agree). No worries there.

2. Pretty crowded. But DLP pulls off a very good Christmas season.

3. Haha! The polite phrase "parlez-vous anglais?" usually puts you in the "non-threatening American" category. Just don't start yelling at them in English.

For things to avoid etc., see this.

[nathan detroit]

If you are staying completely within the confines of the resort, you need not utter one non-English word your whole stay.
Venturing into Paris or at least out of Disney's comforting bosum? Then take a Berlitz class and a phrase book.

[Olivier]

Originally Posted by giggling_gargoyles

We're planning a trip to DLP (we live in orlando, go figure) and I want to know your Do's and Don't's and any helpful tips you have in planning and going to the parks.

I also have a few questions:

1. Are the parades and attractions billingual/english? (yes, I know, Stupid American: Party of one)

2. How crowded is it during the Christmas holidays?

3. Is there anything that is more trouble than it's worth or should be avoided (besides the French locals that know that we aren't really Canadian)?

Thanks!

Hi giggling_gargoyles,

1 - I think DLRP try to do its best to provide a multilingual experience, so I think there'll be no problem. There's always people that will complain there's too much french, or too much english, or too much salt in the chips...

2 - Most euro school breaks start from december 20 until January 5. Both park are usually very crowded during Christmas Holidays. Visit DLRP before if possible.

3 - It is a scientifically known fact that the French usually have an insufficient knowledge in most foreign languages, however, we have some good red wine Nobody is perfect !!! Just have fun and bienvenue à Disneyland Paris !

[La Rouquine]

Originally Posted by Olivier

3 - It is a scientifically known fact that the French usually have an insufficient knowledge in most foreign languages

Well, I wander hom many people in both Great Britain and U.S.A. do speak another language than English...

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by La Rouquine

Well, I wander hom many people in both Great Britain and U.S.A. do speak another language than English...

Quite a few of us I imagine - I speak German, French, some Spanish and Italian. Have also gotten by in Dutch and Arabic.

[nathan detroit]

Originally Posted by davewasbaloo

Quite a few of us I imagine - I speak German, French, some Spanish and Italian. Have also gotten by in Dutch and Arabic.

Yes! And I speak fluent Rubbish.

[pussnboots]

Originally Posted by La Rouquine

Well, I wander hom many people in both Great Britain and U.S.A. do speak another language than English...

I see where you're going, and you're completely right obviously, but the thing with English is that pretty much everyone understands it at least a little -- especially in Europe. French, not so much. It's not fair at all, but it has created a world in which the native English speaker can afford to be lazy.

Don't get me wrong, I try my best to be respectful on my travels and am therefore forever bestowing my broken French upon you all, haha. But there is a practical element to the whole English-as-a-lingua-franca issue. It isn't all people steamrolling over other people's cultures and all that. At least not purposely.

[happy tappy]

Do's:

• Make sure you see Cinemagique, it's an incredible show that is often over-looked by many.
• Enjoy the many details of the Disneyland parc, it really is beautiful!
• Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours (if staying onsite) The park is empty!
• Ask about a Fantasyland Breakfast (if staying onsite) you get Breakfast in the park at no extra cost!

Don'ts:

• Compare it to the American parks! It's the quickest way to have a bad trip!

Disneyland Paris is a fantastic resort, I'm sure you'll have an awesome time.

[davewasbaloo]

Originally Posted by happy tappy

Don'ts:

• Compare it to the American parks! It's the quickest way to have a bad trip!

Disneyland Paris is a fantastic resort, I'm sure you'll have an awesome time.

funny, I prefer DLP to the Magic Kingdom, and although it does not have as much magic (and as many attractions) as Disneyland, I consider them almost equal.

[geoffa]

Do the Panoramagique - the tethered hot air balloon flight. You'll see over both parks and if the view is good - the light on top of the Eiffel Tower 25 miles away. The balloon is situated on the lake at Disney Village.

A large majority of CMs speak dual languages. we've never had problems. Be aware that some characters also have French names - Tinker Bell - Clochette, Chip n Dale = Tic and Toc, Goofy = Dingu, Captain Hook = Capitain Crochet Be sure to use their name if you want the correct autograph. Food and drink in the retaurants is the best! Even if you're not staying in a resort hotel - go and nosey around. The Disneyland Hotel is delightful and has a Fantasia themed bar.

[nathan detroit]

Originally Posted by geoffa

A large majority of CMs speak dual languages. we've never had problems. Be aware that some characters also have French names - Tinker Bell - Clochette, Chip n Dale = Tic and Toc, Goofy = Dingu, Captain Hook = Capitain Crochet Be sure to use their name if you want the correct autograph.

I thought it was Tic and Tac (isn't Tic Toc the terrible new name given to the crocodile who chases Hook?). Anyway like the CMs, the characters tend to be 'bi-lingual' too. The signature they give entirely depends on the CM playing them and what sort of mood they happen to be in.

[Olivier]

Originally Posted by nathan detroit

I thought it was Tic and Tac (isn't Tic Toc the terrible new name given to the crocodile who chases Hook?). Anyway like the CMs, the characters tend to be 'bi-lingual' too. The signature they give entirely depends on the CM playing them and what sort of mood they happen to be in.

You're right. It is Tic et Tac, also it's not Dingu but Dingo.