Disneyland Paris, previously dubbed Euro Disney, has been a mecca for many European families since it opened in the mid 90's. Disney had a well established reputation in Florida and California so it was with great anticipation that the new park should be announced to open in France. Albeit the park suffered some setbacks for the first few years, Disneyland Paris has now secured its future as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe.
The opening of the park was more exciting for us Brits, as Disney epitomised the Western culture by which we had a closer relationship with than our European neighbours. With the completion of the Channel Tunnel, getting to France was easier than ever, but that's not to say we weren't already very efficient at crossing that moat. With ferries and the golden age of the hovercraft, families could visit France for a long weekend and return the next day with a boot full of wine and cheese.
Now, I've crossed the Channel many times, growing up alongside my brother, set on another family trip around the French countryside. We travelled by various methods each time either by ferry, air or train, but the one method of travel which stuck in my mind the most was the hovercraft. Seeing that awesome feat of engineering speed across the water and mount the concrete right in front of the car was something to behold. The sound of the propellers and the size of the vessel were huge and I wish it were still around today.
In a way I felt like the hovercraft was superseded by the Catamaran. At the time this vessel was a futuristic, tri-bowed ferry which seemed like a sleeker and quieted alternative to the hovercraft, almost more civilised in its character. The SeaCat was a popular company to travel with and the awe struck me as a child just as the hovercraft did.
The procedure for boarding was the same; park up and wait to drive onto the vessel. The only thing which was different was how the catamaran opened its hull seamlessly from the front as if it was its own party piece. The ride was a lot more comfortable as well with an open deck, an arcade and a café to keep us entertained.
This was all part of the fun in getting to France and for a few times it was how we got to visit Disneyland Paris. Of course you can still go for this option with the countless ferries that cross the Channel every day and you will be able to relax on board before disembarking for the drive to the park. However, an element of that childlike awe has vanished with the disappearance of the hovercraft and, to a lesser extent, the catamaran.
Now the most popular method of transport is by train through the tunnel. As with all old leisurely vehicle's, new faster and sleeker innovations make them obsolete as people prefer to save time and money rather than treating the journey as part of the trip. I travelled on the tunnel as part of a trip with the school to Disneyland Paris and although there is not much to see and do, this is obscured by the fact that it is a very quick way to get there, practically dropping you off at the parks entrance.
In a way, we could look at the Channel Tunnel as being the saviour of Disneyland Paris whilst it rode those first few turbulent years after it opened. Would the huge number of visitors be willing to travel there if there wasn't this sort of transport? The Channel Tunnel was a monumental feat of engineering when it was conceived, but now it is almost a way of life, with people practically commuting to France for their short stays.
The opening of the park was more exciting for us Brits, as Disney epitomised the Western culture by which we had a closer relationship with than our European neighbours. With the completion of the Channel Tunnel, getting to France was easier than ever, but that's not to say we weren't already very efficient at crossing that moat. With ferries and the golden age of the hovercraft, families could visit France for a long weekend and return the next day with a boot full of wine and cheese.
Now, I've crossed the Channel many times, growing up alongside my brother, set on another family trip around the French countryside. We travelled by various methods each time either by ferry, air or train, but the one method of travel which stuck in my mind the most was the hovercraft. Seeing that awesome feat of engineering speed across the water and mount the concrete right in front of the car was something to behold. The sound of the propellers and the size of the vessel were huge and I wish it were still around today.
In a way I felt like the hovercraft was superseded by the Catamaran. At the time this vessel was a futuristic, tri-bowed ferry which seemed like a sleeker and quieted alternative to the hovercraft, almost more civilised in its character. The SeaCat was a popular company to travel with and the awe struck me as a child just as the hovercraft did.
The procedure for boarding was the same; park up and wait to drive onto the vessel. The only thing which was different was how the catamaran opened its hull seamlessly from the front as if it was its own party piece. The ride was a lot more comfortable as well with an open deck, an arcade and a café to keep us entertained.
This was all part of the fun in getting to France and for a few times it was how we got to visit Disneyland Paris. Of course you can still go for this option with the countless ferries that cross the Channel every day and you will be able to relax on board before disembarking for the drive to the park. However, an element of that childlike awe has vanished with the disappearance of the hovercraft and, to a lesser extent, the catamaran.
Now the most popular method of transport is by train through the tunnel. As with all old leisurely vehicle's, new faster and sleeker innovations make them obsolete as people prefer to save time and money rather than treating the journey as part of the trip. I travelled on the tunnel as part of a trip with the school to Disneyland Paris and although there is not much to see and do, this is obscured by the fact that it is a very quick way to get there, practically dropping you off at the parks entrance.
In a way, we could look at the Channel Tunnel as being the saviour of Disneyland Paris whilst it rode those first few turbulent years after it opened. Would the huge number of visitors be willing to travel there if there wasn't this sort of transport? The Channel Tunnel was a monumental feat of engineering when it was conceived, but now it is almost a way of life, with people practically commuting to France for their short stays.
Richard Skidmore - Online Marketing Manager
Attractiontix.co.uk - AttractionTix is the UKs leading supplier of tickets to attractions and theme parks from around the world including Disneyland Paris tickets, Siam Park tickets, Loro Parque and PortAventura tickets.
Attractiontix.co.uk - AttractionTix is the UKs leading supplier of tickets to attractions and theme parks from around the world including Disneyland Paris tickets, Siam Park tickets, Loro Parque and PortAventura tickets.
沒有留言:
張貼留言