We just returned from a 2 night stay at Newport Bay Club. We stayed here after staying in the north of England, London and Paris. DLP was the cherry on top of our multi city adventure. All of the hotels we stayed in were lovely, especially Paris. All cost less money, after deducting park tickets and half board, than the Newport Bay. Our Paris hotel was very upscale, clean and had nice AC. It wasn’t super cold like the US, but our room was at perfect room temperature at all times. My point is, that to blame the French culture, isn’t really a valid point. We paid almost 200 Euros more a night at DLP, but had a lower standard of room than in Paris...both French.
I was very disappointed in our room. We were on the 6th floor in a standard room. It was clean enough, but so outdated. I know it’s a hotel, not a resort like WDW, but that is not an excuse when paying resort prices. Our room was very worn. Gauges in the doors and walls. A rather musty smell. Smallish beds. Poor AC. Weak and cumbersome shower. Faucet would not stay positioned, so forced to use as s hand held. One bottle of shampoo and one bottle of conditioner. No hand soap or body lotion. Lacked any Disney Magic...Mickey towels, etc. Bottles, glasses and cups, etc left for pick up outside various rooms, but still there a day later. The common areas were very worn. Dirty rug at entry from park. Very dusty steps down to lower level. They even had blocked the steps one afternoon with a sign saying closed due to cleaning. When we returned a few hours later, they were in the same condition.
Maybe had you never stayed at WDW you would not know any better. Innocence is bliss. It’s actually an insult to the French to blame their culture on charging high prices for sub-standard facilities. They deserve the Disney Magic, too. Disney has a reputation to protect and this is shameful.
As far as service goes, all of the CMs we interacted with were very helpful. Definitely, more reserved than the US CMs, but that is their way and ok. The front desk and concierge were pleasant. Baggage hold was efficient (although bell hops to help with bags does not exist), gift shop CMs were very kind, too.
We didn’t go through security when we arrived. Not sure why. We just hopped out of taxi and went straight to check In. Makes me wonder just how secure is it.
The Parks are beautiful and rides are awesome. Lots of lines, but the early morning entry and fast passes were helpful. It was over 90 degrees while we were there. The heat was hard to avoid. Not much shade. Little AC areas. Cold drinks are rare. I think I saw only one misting area. I imagine it is just gorgeous when the heat is gone. The park really is wonderful.
Yes, lots of smoking everywhere, but that is cultural. I don’t like it, but it’s not my country, so have to suck it up. We witnessed no line cutting and most were friendly, but again reserved.
I get we don’t visit other countries and expect it to be like the US. The differences are part of the reason to travel. However, some things are cross cultural, like cleanliness and comfort. Disney is an American company. Even when abiding by French governance, there is a customer service standard that is Disney and is expected of Disney.