If you're like me, visiting Disneyland Paris is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity so planning ahead is daunting yet essential. All Disney parks inherently have a lot in common, which can be comforting- like when you go on vacation but bring your favorite pillow from home. For me, "home" is Disneyland Resort (DLR) in California. Using DLR as a point of reference, let's discover some of the nuanced differences between these parks with attractions that are quite similar.
Overall, I find Disneyland Paris more easy going than Disneyland Resort in California (DLR). There are only 52 attractions in Disneyland Paris (compared to 94 at DLR). Disneyland Paris has adequate space planning: wide walkways, naturally lit queues with high ceilings, and plenty of shady spots with benches. You might notice kids are allowed to stand on trash cans for a better view of fireworks. When loading and unloading rides, there is less urgent hand gesturing and vocal prompting from cast members. In general, cast members aren't super visible or interactive, although they are perfectly helpful when asked.
Sleeping Beauty's Parisian Castle
Many of the attractions we ride over and over again at DLR are also worth experiencing at Disneyland Paris, and it's especially fun to notice the differences.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (formerly Space Mountain: Mission 2 and before that, Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune) was "taken over" by Star Wars at Disneyland Paris in May 2017, with no indication it will switch back any time soon. Before you even enter the building, you'll notice the steampunk theme with a giant columbiad cannon, used to "launch" riders at the start of the ride. In my opinion, it seems kind of a shame to downplay the adventurous and creative steampunk theme by adding adding a Star Wars overlay. Theming aside, in terms of ride experience, it's faster and has inversions. That alone might be reason to try it out.
Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion) has a completely different style house that looks quite run down. The music is more ominous. I initially thought the story focused on our killer bride, as it's clear her groom dies mysteriously on their wedding day. However, in doing a little more research, it seems a phantom is responsible for the groom's demise and the poor bride is left at the altar, waiting for eternity. My interpretation of the Haunted Mansion at DLR is that the ghosts are impish and somewhat jovial, whereas the ghosts at Phantom Manor are far more nefarious.
Pirates of the Caribbean is adjacent to Pirate's Island, complete with a giant Jolly Roger Galleon (Pirate Ship). Once inside the queue, there are winding passages, flickering lanterns, ironwork, canons, barrels, and skeletons. You're fully entrenched in the Pirates theming before you even step on to the ride. The ride experience is quite similar but instead of passing diners at Blue Bayou, you float by Captain Jack’s- Restaurant des Pirates. If I'd had more time, that restaurant would have been high on my list.
A few random tips... Although Disneyland Paris doesn't offer Maxpass, they do have a FASTPASS for Peter Pan's Flight! Plus, if you miss the original The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, visiting Disneyland Paris gives you a chance to experience it again.
Photo credit: Disneyland Paris Website