Disneyland Paris has two theme parks sat next door to each one of which is the iconic Main Park the other being the controversial Walt Disney Studios Park. I say controversial purely due to the mixture of opinions it often acquires from guests, particularly Disney fans. However, let’s discuss which is the better park & why.
For the record, if you are heading to Disneyland Paris for your first visit you definitely have to head into both parks without a doubt. They are relatively contrasting to one another and both need to be checked out regardless of which is better in my opinion. Don’t skip either.
Main Park:
When you think of a Disney theme park it’s hard to not visualise this beauty. You walk through onto Main Street to be welcomed by the absolutely spectacular Sleeping Beauty castle. The iconic sounds and smells of Main Street before heading into each classic-like themed area to be greeted by those rides you long to ride like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain & Space Mountain. This is that thorough Disney park. You often will wander past one of your much adored characters and you’ll notice pretty touches throughout your trip.
Every night there’s an evening spectacular to catch and every day there’s a parade to watch. It truly is the most magical place on earth in my opinion. Nowhere hits quite the same as this park. If you craving that thorough Disney magic then here’s where you need to head first.
Studios:
This park is about to become an alien memory of what it once was. Some guests may say that’s for the better others perhaps oppose it. For me, I’m sitting on the fence between the changes that have happened so far and continuing to happen. Walt Disney Studios is of course still Disney-themed however it’s more reliant on the other franchises such as Pixar & Marvel. Areas such as Toy Story Playland & Avengers Campus demonstrate the approach for both of those outer sources. Yet that being said we’re about to see the opening of the brand new area dedicated to Disney’s own Frozen movie. This park has some truly outstanding additions like Tower of Terror, Crush’s Coaster & Ratatouille.
It has this really nice quirky vibe whenever you’re visiting. Yet you still have that glimmer of Disney magic even though it’s not as strong as the Main Park it’s still there in the air. You don’t feel as if you’re not at Disney but it doesn’t feel identical to the other parks in my opinion it’s quite difficult to explain. There’s something quite warming about the sight of the Tower in the distance and the smells around Ratatouille. Of course, it’s undergoing construction work left right and centre at the minute but to see the park expanding in the way it is without a doubt is wonderful and although some areas no doubt look like an eyesore for the time being it’s 100% worth a visit.
Which Is Better?
Currently my favourite out of the two is of course Main Park I love that inner soul-warming experience of the comforts of that usual Disney theme park. I love the assortment of classic rides and characters. Yet I do think in a few year’s time with the expansion work completed over at Studios this will end up wearing the crown. Main Park hasn’t seen anything new in such a prolonged period of time that it’s difficult to not feel as if it’s on the back burner and reliant on those classics to keep it afloat. Something fresh into Main Park is the dream. But for now, the focus is of course on the second gate and that’s completely understandable as they are revising the park to allow it to be more appealing and current. Both parks are iconic in their own right and shine through beautifully. Each is different to one another as are the atmospheres of them too but that’s what makes it exciting to visit both. Either way, you have to explore them both to have the full and authentic Disneyland Paris experience.
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Which do you prefer?