Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary: Is It Worth Visiting?
Star Wars dominates the 25th anniversary re-vamp of Disneyland Paris – but there are other reasons to visit Europe's most popular theme park, writes Craig Hindmarsh.
As only the second Disney-themed resort to open outside the USA (the other being in Tokyo), Disneyland Paris is a mecca for European fans of the entertainment firm's many wares.
A quarter of a century has passed since the Paris park opened its gates, presenting a great opportunity for a typical Disney extravaganza.
But what's new? And is a ticket worth the asking price?
I was lucky enough to visit the park just a year after it opened. As a 13 year old, it was impossible not to be impressed by the whole experience (except perhaps by those sickly foot-long hotdogs and vast fizzy drink cups). From the spinning Mad Hatter's Tea Cups to the parades to the flagship Big Thunder Mountain ride, it was two days of almost overwhelming fun – made all the more pleasurable as it formed part of a school trip which included several days in Paris.
Travelling from my small, chilly Scottish town in autumn to the biggest theme park in Europe and one of the world's best-loved cities presented a dazzling contrast.
Star Tours & the Space Mountain Hijack
For me, one of the best rides in 1993 was Star Tours – a simulator that shuttled you around the Star Wars universe at break-neck speed. While visual effects have come a long, long way since then (now it's in proper 3D), I remember it as being enthralling; the kind of ride that makes you re-join the back of the queue immediately.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the park, Star Tours has been completely revamped (although not for the first time in that quarter-century). As this clip suggests, the updated ride, guided by C-3PO himself, looks like a lot of fun. Starspeeders now hurtle to various random Star Wars destinations, while riders get to enjoy scenes from the second most recent franchise film: Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
But now there are two Star Wars-themed rides in the Paris park. Sounds great if you're a big Star Wars fan, but some folks may be disheartened to learn that the second ride is just the old Space Mountain – refurbished.
Inspired by the tales of Jules Verne, Space Mountain was a very popular ride, beautifully designed inside and out, based on Verne's adventurous turn-of-the-century-style world. But it's been hurriedly overhauled with a Star Wars veneer. Some see it as a cash-in on the huge popularity of the Star Wars franchise (now owned by Disney): Dlptoday.com called it a "hasty Space Mountain money-grab."
Other reasons to visit for the anniversary celebrations
Star Wars dominates the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Paris park, but there are other new arrivals to enjoy. The all-new Disney Stars on Parade features a fire-breathing dragon, while the equally new Disney Illuminations is a night-time spectacular, recreating scenes from Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean and the new Beauty and the Beast.
There's also the clunkily-titled Mickey Presents Happy Anniversary Disneyland Paris and The Starlit Princess Waltz, featuring a regal parade of Disney princesses.
Is it worth visiting for the anniversary celebrations?
Tickets for two adults and two children for the two connected parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park) will cost you £276. So it's not cheap. However, there are numerous better-value tickets available, depending on if you buy a 1 or a 2 day pass and whether you visit one or both parks.
And then you have your accommodation to think about: do you book a hotel in the resort, or stay in Paris?
At least transport to the French capital is relatively inexpensive – making the experience cheaper than visiting a State-side Disney park.
A joyous experience for younger visitors
Visiting Disney's vast outpost near Paris is a costly affair – but for younger visitors it rarely disappoints. TripAdvisor reviews are a mixed bag: some adore the experience, while others complain of long queues, big crowds and litter.
But it's important to remember that these reviews are written by adults. The average child – while probably not fond of queues – will consider these issues as very minor compared to the pay-off.
The immersive worlds of Mickey Mouse, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones – and yes, Star Wars – are lovingly brought to life in Disneyland Paris and you're offspring will doubtless thank you for the experience. The added revamps and new events for the 25th anniversary make it all the more compelling.
Cover for you and your family
Whether you're visiting the park with one child or bringing the entire clan, it's important to take out adequate travel insurance before you go. Here at starttravel.co.uk our policies are available as annual or single-trip products, providing cover against injury, illness, cancellations, curtailments, theft, baggage and passport loss – and much else besides.
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