I just saw a Travel Channel special on Disneyland Paris and I have a couple of questions perhaps some of you DP veterans can answer for me:

(1) On Space Mt at DLP, do the coaster trains slow down at the top of the cannon before diving down into the mountain? On the TV special, it looked like the trains slowed down at the top and then went down into the Space Mt. structure ....... At IOA in Orlando, one of the bigger thrills on the Incredible Hulk coaster is that immediately at the top of the launch incline the coaster trains to a barrel roll towards the ground (what a rush!) and I thought that DPs Space Mt. did the same until I saw the show .....

(2) Does the Indian Jones Temple of Peril ever go inside the "temple" structure? It looks like it just kind of winds around the outside .......... The style of Indy looks a lot like a defunct coaster called the Windjammer which they had at Knott's Berry Farm - there was a lot of head-banging on the padded shoulder bars and generally the ride was not very smooth or even pleasurable - is Indy relatively smooth or does it do the same kind of thing?

(1) On Space Mt at DLP, do the coaster trains slow down at the top of the cannon before diving down into the mountain? On the TV special, it looked like the trains slowed down at the top and then went down into the Space Mt. structure ....... At IOA in Orlando, one of the bigger thrills on the Incredible Hulk coaster is that immediately at the top of the launch incline the coaster trains to a barrel roll towards the ground (what a rush!) and I thought that DPs Space Mt. did the same until I saw the show .....

On Space Mt, the trains go part way up the outside cannoon, stop, then are launched upward to the top where you enter the mountain. I didn't notice any memorable slowing, but, like BTM or Screaming in CA, the center of gravity has to pass the center point for the train to speed up.

(2) Does the Indian Jones Temple of Peril ever go inside the "temple" structure? It looks like it just kind of winds around the outside

No, there is no "inside temple structure". The coaster track goes around the temple complex. The attraction is completly different from the Indy in CA.

(2) .......... The style of Indy looks a lot like a defunct coaster called the Windjammer which they had at Knott's Berry Farm - there was a lot of head-banging on the padded shoulder bars and generally the ride was not very smooth or even pleasurable - is Indy relatively smooth or does it do the same kind of thing?

Head-banging is a great way of describibg this ride. In fact, I only rode it once during our trip (as opposed to 3-4 times for some others). My ears were severly boxed by the roughness of the ride. It was not plesant, and the backwards thrill did not outweigh the pain.

Not Afraid described both the rides well.

Except, I felt both rides banged your head...terribly.
:(

I was sooo excited to go onto Space Mountain after seeing the Travel Channel's show on DLParis...and asthetically...it's great. But...to ride it was another thing. It was awful. It banged my head so hard, I had a headache for an hour or so afterwards. I was so disappointed...because I had expected to be on that ride several times. Once...and only once, was enough.

Same goes for Indiana Jones...head banging....and it's just a roller coaster that goes backwards. If it has a long line...skip it....:rolleyes:

Originally posted by mad4mky
Not Afraid described both the rides well.

Except, I felt both rides banged your head...terribly.
:(


I agree with Mad4mky that SM is not a smooth and gentle ride. I got bashed around quite a bit myself. The diference for me was the overall theming of the ride. IJ was nothing but a head-banging experience on a boring coaster. Once was enough. SM was also pretty painful but at least there was an "experience" that was great.

I had a fleeting thought of bringing and wearing my travel pillow on these rides but never did. I wonder if that would help at all? What you really need for comfort is some sort of padded headgear - especially for your ears. Hockey Goalie comes to mind. Then poeple could laugh at you!:D

Originally posted by Not Afraid


I wonder if that would help at all? What you really need for comfort is some sort of padded headgear - especially for your ears. Hockey Goalie comes to mind. Then poeple could laugh at you!:D

Yes...protection for the ears! Gosh mine hurt after these rides.
You know how they hand out 3-D glassess for the "Honey" and "Bug" shows as you go in...they should hand out "ear cushions" for these two rides...might make the rides somewhat more enjoyable.:rolleyes: . Because, as it stands at now...they're not...enjoyable that is.:)

well, as a matter of fact... Space Mountain does indeed slow down at the top before entering the structure... it's quite noticable.
It wasn't always a rough ride...I found it in fact quite smooth, but through the years, it became rougher and rougher..(probably the wheels are in need of replacement?)

have a look at http://spacemountain.dlpfan.org/rumours.htm there's a section about 'rough rides'

I found the Indiana Jones coaster much rougher. This one's a really hurts if you don't keep your head against the padding.
But since they redesigned it to go backwards..it has slightly improved.

DLP persons: So how about Big Thunder Mountain?

I have heard that the tunnels going under the river make that ride much better and that in some places it is faster and better than BTM at WDW (which is bigger and faster than the one at DL although the "Coyote Canyon" effect found only at DL is pretty nice)

Comments?

Well, I rode BTM at DL and at WDW and I think the one at Disneyland Paris is the best. The fact that you go under the river gives it that little extra. Especially when the ride is almost done and you return to the station, you go back under the river through a very dark tunnel and at this point the trains have the most speed.... (it really gives you that 'out-of-control'-feeling).
I also think DLP version is a much smoother ride than the others.

I also enjoyed Big Thunder RR at DLP...of the 3 parks I have been to, this one is the best. Going under the River is a nice touch...you get a long spell of darkness...kind of the "unknown" factor it in.
You see some different scenes also...like geysers a la "old Faithful" as you go about the mountain.
And the themeing of the que is absolutley one of the best. It's funny to see the "old west" in Paris...but the way they built the queing area was very western...and very elaborate, along with all the great old time songs....it just made me more excited to get on the ride...which did not disappoint (like Indiana Jones and Space Mountain).

Although it should be clear from previous posts, the Indiana Jones ride is NOTHING like the ride at Disneyland. Its just a coaster that goes backwards and really shakes you around quite a bit. Maybe coaster fans enjoy this one. I like the way these people (http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/trip.rpt/report_files/dlparis.rpt/perkis02mr.htm) describe it in their trip report. ;)

On the other hand, Big Thunder is a great ride and while I don't consider it either better or worse than the Disneyland version, it was one of my favorite rides in the park.

EandC----you are a sly, self-promoting, so....and so. (kiss kiss:) ) Maybe one day we'll write a trip report too.

In my book, nothing can replace BTM at DL - especially at night. That ride continues to thrill even after 100 rides or so.

BTM at DLP was wonderful. I was not disappointed in the least. For me, it was only a very close second to DL's BTM. I didn't notice either one being a smoother than the other, each has some rough patches but nothing like DLP's Indy (ouch). The under water start is thrilling and different, although I wouldn't really have know I was underwater unless I was clued-in in advance.

I think I need to investigate DLP again to give a more complete comparison. Now, how to I manage another Paris trip?:confused:

I have been to D-land Paris 2x and I have a bit of a different take

SM: The Paris verison is wonderful - a little shaky but the music and themeing is excellent. I rode this 6-7 times in one day. It is the only SM that has a loop inside - you dodge asteroids while zooming around in the dark. Think rock and roller coaster only better.

Indiana - a totally different ride. Think of the most painful roller coaster you've been on x10. I don't think going backwards helps either as you can't see ahead and thus your body can't anticipate the jerks and turns and the awful awful loop. The loop is so small (the coasters are only 2 cars) that the pressure is just too much.

Thunder Mountain - faster, smoother, longer - until the 100 million space opened in 1995 - this was THE premire ride at D-land Paris. It is awesome. They took the weak points of the DL (wimpy ending) and made it much better and dramatic.

Too bad they don't put in a "real" Indy over at DLP - one would think that they would want to show off some of their best technology at DLP

In regards to another big ride to open at d-land paris - I just don't see this happening anytime soon. With the slim electrical parade and toned down fantasy in the sky fireworks - i just don't see them justifing the expense.

They don't have nearly the competetion we have in southern california - when I was there the guys i was staying with in Paris were suprised the fireworks were 'everynight'.

With low or no expecations - they won't spend big $$ on extras like Believe. I don't think you'll ever see something like the current d-land anaheim Fantasmic! at d-land paris