That’s it, Disneyland Paris has officially reopened its doors this Wednesday, July 15! But here is, in front of the sanitary measures, choices were made by the Park: for the moment, no show, no parade, no hug with the characters,… Is it worth it in this case to go back right now? Our editors are wondering.
Two editors, two opinions: Make your choice!
Yes, it is worth it! by Alice
We are finally there!
After 4 long months of waiting, the park has finally reopened its doors this Monday, July 13, first for the annual passes, then, from Wednesday, for everyone.
The limited capacity of 25,000 people offers a number of advantages right from the entrance: there is almost no waiting at the security checkpoints or to enter the park. From a distance, the lines can seem impressive but in the end, since the social distances are respected, it goes very fast! For me, as an Annual Pass holder, the reservation system is linked to the pass, so all the Cast Member has to do at the entrance is scan the QR code to verify that you have reserved your admission.
Once through the gates, we are back in the world of magic that we have missed so much! And if you’re worried that the sanitary measures will distort this magical kingdom, they won’t! Everything has been thought of to integrate the decorations perfectly. The carpets on the floor to help respect the right distance, the plexiglass signs in the queues, the disinfectant gel dispensers present everywhere. Of course, we can’t give Mickey a big hug anymore, but seeing him waving at us when we pass under the Main Street station is so magical!
Once you’ve crossed the station, you’ve rarely seen Main Street so empty!!! And it is far from being unpleasant if you want to take a nice picture of the castle!
The same goes for the attractions: even with the limited capacity, the waiting time rarely exceeded 30 minutes, even for attractions as popular as Big Thunder Mountain or Crush’s Coaster!
The restaurants have also adapted very well to the situation! The fast food restaurants offer the same menus as usual, but to take away. To fully enjoy your meal, even more tables are spread out all over the park. And what could be more magical than enjoying your pizza or burger with a view of It’s a Small World? As for the buffets, they offer the same dishes, but with table service. So, if you don’t like to get up every two minutes and leave your friends at the table, like me, you will be delighted!
The permanent wearing of masks remains a measure that is not easy to accept for everyone, but isn’t it a good pretext to settle down and drink a good Milkshake at Victorias to be able to take it off during the break?
All in all, with the reduced attraction wait times, much less crowded aisles, and full compliance with sanitary measures, returning to Disneyland Paris this summer is clearly a great idea!!! Especially if your vacation has been cancelled!
No thanks, I’ll wait a bit… by Sandra
“Is going to Disneyland Paris without a show, a parade, or a real meeting with the characters worth it? “My answer is no.
Well, this is a “no” that needs to be tempered a bit … In my opinion, it all depends on which visitor you are: a yearly pass holder living nearby and coming regularly or an occasional visitor? A lover of rides and attractions or waiting for the magic made in Disney?
If you’re used to Disney’s magic kingdom, you can still expect some significant changes! You’ll have to adapt to the new rules, in restaurants, attractions, stores and even in the aisles. Cast members will gently remind you of the rules if you don’t follow them (which is perfectly normal). Waiting for your turn to enter a store, seeing the attractions running half full, not approaching the characters for a hug, not being able to choose your plate from the all-you-can-eat “services”… All this is not usual and is still rather constraining!
On the other hand, if you are a visitor in search of magic, the magic that we expect from Disney and that we can see for example in the old commercials, you may be disappointed! No show, no parade, no classic meeting with the characters, no closing show … The park loses its appeal!
What makes the interest of Disneyland Paris, it is precisely these things that are missing from now on… And even if they put the effort in magical shots (which are very successful I must admit) and selfies with characters sometimes rarer (Thor and Loki to mention only them), all this remains quite cold… The frustration can be very important for those who wait for the park in the old way and for whom, sometimes, the stay represents several months or even years of preparation.
I won’t even mention the management of the children. We all know, me first, that days at the park are exhausting for them and that even the most calm characters end up cracking with fatigue and excitement… Here, they will also have to take into account the new sanitary measures. Children usually adapt very quickly to change. However, respecting the distances in the lines at all times is not so easy, especially for the youngest children. As for not being able to hug Mickey or Winnie, it might really disappoint them!
Finally, the last aspect which is a real negative point for me: the wearing of the mask! This one is mandatory in all circumstances, whether it is in the attractions, in the queues, in the aisles … And if all this is perfectly normal and justified (that’s not the question), it remains a real obstacle. The heat, the feeling of always breathing the same air … Although necessary, it is really very unpleasant!
As an annual pass holder, I might come back to Disneyland Paris despite all this because I know what to expect, except in case of very hot weather: wearing a mask must be even more difficult! Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the measures put in place: I feel safe in the park and the compensation offered by Disney is very nice. But all this, only because I am a regular… I really miss the parade, the fireworks!
For the first time in my life, I will not recommend anyone to visit the parks right now, not to people who are not used to it. Too much frustration, too many constraints!!!