Travel » The Disneyland Paris

DISNEYLAND – THE FUN CAPITAL OF FRANCE

Fairy Tales and Fantasies
The younger generation, may prefer the joys of Fantasyland. Frankly, the Sleeping Beauty castle has little to offer except some tapestries and stained glass windows featuring the good fairies, the wicked fairy and the like, apart from a good all-round view of Disneyland. The real action is actually beneath the castle the lair of the evil, red-eyed, fire breathing, foulmouthed dragon that viciously moves its head from side to side and makes all the mandatory hissing, snorting noises to awe the kids.

There is much more action when visiting Snow White and the much-loved Seven Dwarfs. The most joyful part has old Doc playing the piano, while the other dwarfs dance in unison. Then the scenes suddenly change to the evil stepmother, an assortment of witches, dangling skeletons, and the usual creepy crawlies that are inseparable from evil. The Disneyland brochure mildly proclaims that certain scenes may frighten younger children. In the end good triumphs, as usual, over evil. We see the Sleeping Beauty and her Prince Charming bid us goodbye as we ride out of their castle.

There are so man- other scenes in Fantasyland to attract the youngat-heart: Pinocchio and the delightful dance of the marionettes; a night flight over London's landmarks in Captain Hook's sailing ship; the Curious Labyrinth, a cunningly-designed maze that leads to the Queen of Heart's Castle, and the like.

But the gem, without which no Disneyland is complete, is It's a Small World. A tribute to the children of the world, it is the most utterly delightful piece of unadulterated joie well de vivre. India is well represented, with dancers in front of the Taj Mahal, while a benign Bengal tiger looks on approvingly. Elsewhere, there is a musically inclined group of African animals, including a good-humored laughing hyena, that has much to be happy about. Children from all the world display their "native" genius to the background of the catchiest tune in all Disneyland. Several kids around me cheerfully whistled away that irresistable tune. It is vintage Disney.

By contrast, Adventureland is a rather tame affair. Captain Hook's galley is actually a playground for the kids, fully equipped with brass cannon, a foredeck and the mandatory crow's nest. It even has a F&B outlet for those more hungry for popcorn than for adventure.

For those who prefer rides, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril features a roller-coaster in the form of an errant mine train. From the frantic screams of "kids" of all ages, one can make out that it offers chills and thrills galore—perhaps more than some can stomach. We decided to stay away. The Skull Rock, with haunted passageways, is actually a rather tranquil place.

Frontierland has its Thunder Mesa, described as "an authentic town of the Wild West at the time of the gold rush". It is an elaborate effort. By far the most popular item in Frontierland is the Pocahontas Show at the Chaparral Theatre. It features the making of the Disney movie on the love story of the Indian princess Pocahontas and British settler John Smith. On the other hand, Phantom Manor, with its 999 phantoms and witches, does not quite fit into the Disney mould.

Should a floor show be your favorite entertainment, there is a delightful musical comedy on the Fantasy festival stage put on by Disney characters. Their appearance immediately sends the kids into a clapping and cheering frenzy. In the process, they block the view of latecomers like us, septed right at the rear. Their favorites are all there: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, Buggs Bunny and other assorted characters. Not to be left out are what look like two astro squirrels. They dance and joke their way into the audience’s heart.

There area number of rides in every segment of Disneyland. Mad Hatter's Tea Cups—and saucers—take the riders round and round. It can best be explained as the way our earth revolves on its axis, while also rotating around the sun. We tried it out and found it to be quite manageable, despite the all-round continuous screaming. Neither did we see any of the oldies stagger unsteadily after the ride. A safe and altogether delightful experience. It may be best to take such rides after having done full justice to the main attractions.

We, Indians, compulsive shoppers that we are, may not wish to miss the opportunity for some unique acquisitions. The Town Square and Main Street USA have some exquisite turnof-the-century buildings with shops and eateries galore: the Kodak Camera Shop, Boardwalk Candy Palace, Disney Clothiers, emporia loaded to bursting with toys, T-shirts, lollypops, CDs, pens, key chains and other Disney memorabilia. We saw more Indians in these shops than anywhere else in Disneyland.

Should you suddenly feel like having a haircut, you can make a beeline for Dapper Dan's period hair cut saloon. Everything there is turn-of-the century There are many such "bargains." If you still have time, do not miss the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show outside Disneyland park. It is a dinner show featuring "a dazzling performance of skills, chases and stagecoach hold-ups, a 90-minute action-packed event that you watch while enjoying your finger-licking Texan meals." For the duration of the show, you are transported, through space and time, from late 20th century Paris to 19th century America. The show is at 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

As an entertainer, Walt Disney was in a class all his own. Disneyland offers entertainment that is wholesome, gracious and human. It appeals to the child in all of us.

FACT FILE
From wherever you are in Paris, take the Metro to Chatelet-Les Hallea, and then a RER Line A train to Marne-laVallee. RER fare FFr 38 (Rs 231) each way. By car, Motorway A4 Metz-Nancy, exit 14 Parc Disneyland.

As for entrance charges, a one-day passport costs FFr 220 (Rs 1,342) adult, FFr 170 (Rs 1,037) child, three-11 years. Two-day passports cost FFr 425 (Rs 2,592) adult, FFr 330 (Rs 2,013) child, and three-day ones FFr 585 (Rs 3,568} adult, FFr 460 (Rs 2,806) child.

The passport (entrance ticket) gives unlimited access to all the attractions. It is available at the entrance to Disneyland.

Disneyland-Paris has seven hotels, ranging from two-star to four-star categories, to suit all budgets. Children below three years of age stay free with their parents. Most rooms accommodate four guests or more. A wide range of stay packages, including entrance tickets to Disneyland Park, are offered.