A visit to Downtown Disney in Paris

Yes, there is a Downtown Disney in Paris, and like California, it is located conveniently outside the gates of the two theme parks. This visit is from February, 2020 before the whole COVID-19 stuff hit.

But it’s not really between the two parks. Instead, it serves as a buffer zone between the railroad station that serves Paris and France, and the hotels located at the resort.

The Disneyland Hotel is just outside the gates to the Magic Kingdom in Paris. To get to the gates you walk under the hotel.

The Legends Statue at Downtown Disney has the names of significant people who made major contributions to the Resort, either during construction or otherwise.

Of course, one of the first shops seen when going to Downtown Disney from the theme parks is the World of Disney. It is also very large and does seem to have a Disney style to the architecture.

Generally, the theming of Downtown Disney in Paris is, well, more outdoor mall, and not really all that great. But that seems to be true for all the Downtown Disney’s. But here, well judge for yourself.

That Earl of Sandwich sure gets around. They have outdoor seating, but as this was winter – no thanks. Lots of open glass in this building’s design. But inside it’s still just an Earl of Sandwich. I’d rather eat in Paris.

McDonald’s is here at Downtown Disney too. Offering a more economical selection for the budget conscious traveler. A bigger budget? Visit “The Steakhouse” next door. Not a very French name.

The prices of The Steakhouse are more in line with a higher end steak restaurant. The saloon looked interesting, but I did not have much time to visit and did not go inside.

This side of Downtown Disney features a series of interconnected shops (good during the winter and other times of inclement weather), but it’s rather plain looking. But lots of windows from which to window shop.

Pretty easy to window shop, but the window displays were, frankly, uninspiring. Disney needs to make Downtown Disney more interesting. I know inclement weather in the late fall through early spring means stuff needs to be inside, but it could have been designed better to attract people inside and to wander the whole area.

We stayed at the Sequoia Lodge on property while visiting Disneyland Paris Resort, but just for two nights. (Really just one and a half daytime hours.) I did not have any time to get outdoor photos. But I did take two detail shots in our room.

The room was nice enough, but this was a moderate price hotel. I did get down to the bar and while the bartenders were nice and friendly, I had to teach them how to make a Manhattan!

I would have liked about four days to really see the place, but on a family budget (all five of my kids, wife and three significant others plus a grandson meant no.) it was not possible.

Ah well.

You can read about Part 1 of my visit to the Walt Disney Studios in Paris at this link.

Part 2 of my visit to the Walt Disney Studios in Paris is at this link.

Here’s a look at Main Street at the Disneyland Park aka the Magic Kingdom.