When Disney in France opened all those years ago, I did wonder whether it might seduce us away from our Florida addiction.
Well all these years down the line, here is my answer (by way of my considered reasoning)
First under consideration was the size:
Well all these years down the line, here is my answer (by way of my considered reasoning)
First under consideration was the size:
France: one large park
Florida Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, two water parks and lots more to do within the Disney area. And consider the three very different and very wonderful fireworks plus shows.
Result: one nil to Florida.
Weather: France, very similar weather to England; that is, unpredictable.
Florida, sun, sun, sun, warm winters, wonderful spring and summer weather and hot hot hot summers.
Result: two nil to Florida.
Magic factor: rather more difficult to define but:
Florida Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, two water parks and lots more to do within the Disney area. And consider the three very different and very wonderful fireworks plus shows.
Result: one nil to Florida.
Weather: France, very similar weather to England; that is, unpredictable.
Florida, sun, sun, sun, warm winters, wonderful spring and summer weather and hot hot hot summers.
Result: two nil to Florida.
Magic factor: rather more difficult to define but:
France does not cut it.
Florida: the cast members are as sunny and smiley as the weather.
Result: three nil to Florida.
Things to do in the area:
France: errrr, a visit to Paris. small kids do not want to in my experience.
Florida: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Legoland, Aquatica. This is just the major parks; hundreds of other attractions plus the beach in just over an hour.
Result: four nil to Florida
Well, we are not doing well for France are we? Finally I thought of travel time from the UK:
France: a short flight
Florida: a long haul flight.
Result: four one to Florida.
And I am not going to allow a few hours on a plane to sway me.
So to sum up, Florida wins hands down. And I have not even mentioned that we speak the same language. The wonderfully cheap restaurants and buffets where the whole family can stoke up on food we all enjoy.
And finally the biggest plus of all: you can rent a wonderful home with a private pool within a short drive to Disney at a remarkable price. This home will accommodate your whole family in considerable style and comfort and not crammed into a hotel room. And just think of a pool that is reserved jut for you and your family.
You may say I am biased but we rented private homes way before we had one of our own and continue to do so when our own is not available.
We will continue to give our custom to Florida for many years yet - how about you?
Florida: the cast members are as sunny and smiley as the weather.
Result: three nil to Florida.
Things to do in the area:
France: errrr, a visit to Paris. small kids do not want to in my experience.
Florida: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Legoland, Aquatica. This is just the major parks; hundreds of other attractions plus the beach in just over an hour.
Result: four nil to Florida
Well, we are not doing well for France are we? Finally I thought of travel time from the UK:
France: a short flight
Florida: a long haul flight.
Result: four one to Florida.
And I am not going to allow a few hours on a plane to sway me.
So to sum up, Florida wins hands down. And I have not even mentioned that we speak the same language. The wonderfully cheap restaurants and buffets where the whole family can stoke up on food we all enjoy.
And finally the biggest plus of all: you can rent a wonderful home with a private pool within a short drive to Disney at a remarkable price. This home will accommodate your whole family in considerable style and comfort and not crammed into a hotel room. And just think of a pool that is reserved jut for you and your family.
You may say I am biased but we rented private homes way before we had one of our own and continue to do so when our own is not available.
We will continue to give our custom to Florida for many years yet - how about you?