Eurodisney Paris, as Disneyland Paris Resort was known when it opened in 1992, seemed destined to failure.
The French thought it was an awful idea, Americans saw no reason for it, and the general consensus was that it was just plain stupid. Most critics predicted that it would fold in no time. But Disney fans failed to get the memo, and Disneyland Paris is France’s most popular tourist attraction. Fifty million people pass through the gates each year – 40% of whom are French.
If you love Disneyland in Anaheim or Disneyworld in Orlando, you’ll love the Paris park, which at 5,000 acres is much bigger than the California original. It has some attractions from Florida, some attractions from California, and some that are exclusive to Eurodisney, as many people still call the park.
 Disney Euro Disney Opening Day Passport Ticket Mint W Envelope  US $39.99
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 EURO DISNEY Grand Opening TICKET 1992 LE Commemorative Passport Ticket Paris US $78.00
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Although it’s located in France, Americans will feel quite comfortable there. Most signs and displays are in both English and French, and with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland, the layout will seem familiar.
So will Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, and Big Thunder Mountain. But unique to Eurodisney is an entertainment complex called Disney Village and Walt Disney Studios – a motion picture studio that’s worth a day on its own.
Disney characters wander around the park, and there are plenty of parades and stage shows. It’s a good idea to come up with a plan of action before you arrive so you don’t get overwhelmed.
New attractions including Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Disney Stars and Cars, and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop are constantly being added. And the Michael Jackson film Captain EO is a recent hit.
The park is located about 40 minutes from Paris and it’s easily reached by train or motorcoach. There are seven hotels operated by Disney inside the park, and many others – which are less expensive – near the property. And dozens of restaurants, ranging from formal restaurants with French food and service to Tex-Mex buffets, keep travelers from getting hungry.
Although admission isn’t cheap, you can save money by buying multi-day or park-hopper passes.
Adults who don’t want to spend the day with Mickey and his friends can do some outlet shopping at the outlet mall adjacent to Eurodisney. It’s also walking distance from the train station.
