Welcome to the first in a series of looking at the differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Paris. The two resorts are very different, but also have many similarities which we’ll explore over the coming weeks.

The major differences which first spring to mind are the size of the resorts, the weather and language.

Walt Disney World Resort covers an area of 30,000 acres, only 7,100 of which have been developed. Seeming tiny in comparison, Disneyland Resort Paris covers a mere 4,801 acres, with just 2,223 developed. DLRP is much more compact with most parks and hotels within walking distance of each other. One can quite easily take a leisurely stroll from Disneyland Park to Hotel Santa Fe. Try walking from Magic Kingdom to All-Star Music Resort at WDW! The only parts not within walking distance at DLRP are Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch and Golf Disneyland which require a car or shuttle journey.

Visitors to Walt Disney World will be spoilt for choice with four main theme parks, two water parks, an entertainment & shopping district, five golf courses, two mini golf courses and a host of recreation activities to choose from. With Disneyland Resort Paris still in its relative infancy, having only opened in 1992, it obviously has some catching up to do. Disneyland Park is its equivalent of Magic Kingdom at WDW, and in 2002 Walt Disney Studios opened to cater to the growing number of visitors and try to keep guests staying there for longer than a couple of days. Disney Village is a somewhat smaller version of Downtown Disney, and golfers may be disappointed to find only one golf course in the Paris resort.

While Florida enjoys almost year-round warm temperatures, Paris isn’t quite so lucky. WDW guests can expect to enjoy an average of 62°F (17°C) in December, those guests visiting DLRP will be shivering at 41°F (5°C). DLRP also sees more rain than it’s Florida counterpart, which is why Imagineers built 80% of the attractions at Disneyland Park and most of the attractions at Walt Disney Studios undercover, meaning the weather can’t always spoil the enjoyment of guests.

Many first-time visitors to DLRP worry about the language difference, yet they needn’t worry as most Cast Members speak even a small amount of English. And even if you’re unlucky enough to be dealing with one that doesn’t, there’s usually someone nearby who will understand you. Most menus in the restaurants and cafes, and written notices feature English translations.

Of course, language isn’t the only thing to differ in France. The French culture isn’t quite the same as British or American, and can take some getting used to. One big complaint from people having visited DLRP is the queue-jumping and lack of organisation at character meet and greets, often ending in a free-for-all. Sure, this can happen at the Disney parks in America, but not quite so much at Paris. If you or your kids are set on meeting characters on a visit to DLRP I’d highly recommend booking a character meal, or be prepared for the scrum at “organised” meet and greets! Much to the annoyance of non-smokers, the French seem oblivious to the smoking ban in force in the DLRP theme parks, with guests lighting up whilst wandering around the parks and even in queue areas. I’d say to people to bear these things in mind when visiting and try not to let it spoil your trip.

The parks of Disneyland Resort Paris are much newer than those in Walt Disney World, and in my opinion, on the whole, have better theming. They share many of the same attractions, but also each have unique rides and shows. In future articles, we’ll explore each park’s land, looking at the attractions and how they compare from park to park.

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