by Dawn Ilsley

Created on: September 15, 2010   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

Comparing Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World Florida is something many families will do before they book their family vacation.  This is particularly true of European families, especially the British who have easy access to Paris but can also travel to Florida.

Walt Disney World in Florida opened in 1971 and has gradually expanded over the years and now consists of four Theme Parks, Two water parks, 24 Disney hotels and a campsite, a sports complex and a shopping and entertainment centre.  Disneyland Paris opened far more recently in 1992 and was known originally as Eurodisney.  This resort consists of only two theme parks, a shopping complex and 7 on site Disney Hotels.

Ticket prices for Disney attractions do vary with relation to special offers and extra feature but for 2010 for a British adult a 5 day park hopper pass to Paris is £165 and a 5 day Orlando pass is £238, however a 7 day pass is £240 and a 21 day pass is only £279.

Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park are equivalent parks and have very similar attractions and so offer a very similar experience for visitors in terms attractions.  The Disneyland Park in Paris is larger than its Florida equivalent which means that the park has more quiet areas; however it does make for a lot more walking if you are hoping to explore every inch of the park.  Both parks offer stroller rental but the strollers in Florida are attractive colourful affairs that may be a little large but can squeeze two infants inside as opposed to the ugly black contraptions that are rented out in Paris, they may be easier to control but children don’t seem to be keen on the ride.  The parades and shows at both parks are brilliant but I think the fireworks in Florida and much better. 

Both parks have variable opening times but the Paris Park only has late night opening for special events and in the height of the summer season.  Florida has more chance of late nights at weekends, this is important because the fireworks and the light parades are really magical and an important part of the Disney experience.  Also your tickets cost the same whether you are only able to be in the park from 10 until 5 or from 9 until midnight.

Paris and Florida both offer Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park (formerly Disney-MGM in Orlando).  These parks are strikingly different and really the similarity stops at the name.  There are a few favourite rides that appear at

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