FACING increasing competition from other European theme
parks, Disneyland Resort Paris has got to keep its eye on the game
to maintain its loyal fan base in the UK.
In the past year it has introduced new rides, and last
year’s football camp was a resounding success.
But despite all that, Disneyland Resort Paris needs repeat
business. Its biggest client base comes from the UK and visitors
need added incentives if they are to revisit a park whose business
is now threatened by Spain’s hugely popular PortAventura. Not
only does PortAventura boast a beachside location, it also has a
sunny climate and is close enough to Barcelona for visitors to take
a break from the rides and enjoy some serious culture and
shopping.
There’s not much Disneyland Resort Paris can do about the
weather, but with families now extending their visits to more than
a couple of days, it’s worth introducing them to what’s
on offer outside the park gates.
Dertour, whose parent company is German DER Travel Services, has
cast its net outside the EuroDisney campus and now owns 50% of the
splendid Mövenpick Dream Castle Hotel, a four-star hotel which
bears similarities to a French château. Opened last summer,
the hotel has 400 rooms and is just 10 minutes from Disneyland
Resort Paris and the railway station. The hotel also offers
excursions to local attractions, with the aim of encourage visitors
to stay longer.
Dertour Travel Service national sales manager Nigel Ham said:
“Mövenpick Dream Castle is a fantastic four-star hotel
offering something for all the family. It’s also ideal for
couples who want to relax and enjoy full leisure facilities of the
pool, sauna and whirlpool, with Disneyland Resort Paris and
designer shops nearby.”
Also worth drawing your clients’ attention to is La
Vallée Village, a chic outlet shopping centre just five
minutes from the park that should appeal to rollercoaster-weary
parents and those looking for cover on colder days. A sister
company of the Bicester Village outlet centre near Oxford, UK
shoppers will feel right at home at La Vallée.
While the rest of the family enjoys the thrills and spills of a
second day inside the theme park, those in need of a change of pace
can enjoy a stroll through this outdoor shopping mall featuring
more than 70 brands, including a number of top names in fashion and
homeware. Shops are designed in the style of small houses, typical
of the architecture of the Ile-de-France region.
There are outdoor cafés including the wonderful Café
Bert, which has a truly atmospheric French flavour. Just across the
car park, a large indoor shopping mall offers more high-street
shops and typical French eateries.
For clients who first visited the park a few years ago the Walt
Disney Studios may be new. The emphasis is on getting behind the
scenes at the movies, and the Studio Tram Tour does just that
– with nerve-shattering effect. One of the park’s best
rollercoaster rides is also here. Rock ‘n’ Roller
Coaster, starring rock band Aerosmith, is the ultimate
white-knuckle ride and set to an ear-splitting sound track. And if
that’s too energetic, the enchanting film at Cinemagique
offers a nostalgic look at the movies, with great special
effects.
In the main Disneyland Park the favourites are still there, from
gentle Peter Pan, to the thrilling Thunder Mountain. And, whatever
the weather, the daily Disney Parade in Main Street is unmissable
for kids.
Perhaps with the inclement weather in mind, Disneyland Resort
Paris pulls out all the stops with live entertainment. There are a
variety of shows throughout the day, and clients should plan ahead
to make sure they don’t miss a trick.
The convenience and comfort of Eurostar is now a big factor in
how UK visitors plan their trip. With the train station disgorging
visitors right into the park, the temptation may be to stick to all
things Disney. But its proximity to Paris and trips on offer to
local attractions (see box below) should encourage more clients to
extend their stay and spend some time discovering a little bit of
France.
Superbreak Mini-Holidays sales director Ian Mounser said:
“We feature accommodation-only options both in the park
itself and locations nearby. Hotels outside the park are ideal for
those who want to stay a little longer and combine the full Disney
experience with exploring other areas close by.”
