Asterix Park vs Disneyland in Paris
Welcome to the battle of the theme parks – Asterix Park vs Disneyland Paris!
Both parks are considered the top destinations in Paris, but which one is better?
First, let’s talk about the theme. Asterix Park is based on the famous French comic book series, “Asterix and Obelix.”
The park is designed to take you back in time to ancient Gaul, complete with Roman soldiers, druids, and of course, Asterix and Obelix themselves.
This park offers a unique cultural experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
In contrast, Disneyland Paris is based on the American Disney brand.
While it is a fantastic park, it lacks the cultural authenticity and charm that Asterix Park brings.
When you enter Asterix Park, you are immediately transported into the world of Asterix and Obelix.
You can see the intricate details the designers have put into every aspect of the park.
From the architecture to the costumes, everything has been created to give visitors an actual Gaulish experience.
Even the food is themed, with snacks like “Gaulish sausages” and “Roman pizzas.”
This attention to detail sets Asterix Park apart from Disneyland Paris, where the theme is more generic.
Another advantage of Asterix Park is the lack of crowds.
Disneyland Paris draws large crowds year-round, which means long wait times for rides and difficulty finding an excellent spot to watch the shows.
At Asterix Park, you can enjoy your favorite attractions without the stress of long lines and large crowds.
This means more time to enjoy the park and less time waiting in lines.
Now let’s talk about the rides. Asterix Park offers an impressive selection of thrill rides, including the Tonnerre de Zeus, the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe.
This coaster is not for the faint of heart, with speeds of up to 80km/h and a drop of 30 meters.
The park also has an array of family-friendly attractions that cater to all age groups.
Disneyland Paris has a similar selection of rides, but they lack the unique cultural identity that Asterix Park provides.
One of the most exciting attractions at Asterix Park is the “Discobélix.”
This ride takes you on a spinning journey through Asterix and Obelix while blasting music that will get your heart racing.
The “Menhir Express” is another fan favorite, where you board a log flume ride that takes you on a journey through the park’s waterways.
These rides are designed to make you feel like you are a part of the world of Asterix and Obelix.
Apart from the rides, Asterix Park has a fantastic selection of shows and entertainment.
You can watch the Gaulish Village show, where the village’s inhabitants show off their skills, or the Roman Empire show, where you can see the Roman army in action.
The park also has various parades throughout the day, featuring Asterix, Obelix, and other beloved characters from the comic book series.
Another advantage of Asterix Park is its affordability.
While Disneyland Paris can be pretty expensive, with high ticket prices and expensive food, Asterix Park offers a more affordable experience.
You can enjoy a day at the park without breaking the bank.
In addition to the fantastic features that make Asterix Park a superior choice over Disneyland Paris, the park also has some special events and attractions that are exclusive to this park.
One of the most exciting events is the Halloween celebration.
During the Halloween season, the park is transformed into a spooky wonderland.
It has creepy decorations, costumed characters, and special Halloween-themed shows and activities.
Another unique aspect of Asterix Park is its location.
The park is situated in Plailly, a small town just outside of Paris.
This allows visitors to explore the surrounding area and experience a different side of France that may not be as accessible when visiting Disneyland Paris.
Additionally, the park is conveniently located near Charles de Gaulle Airport, making it an easy stop for those with layovers or short stays in Paris.
One final advantage of Asterix Park over Disneyland Paris is the park’s dedication to sustainability and the environment.
The park has implemented eco-friendly practices, such as recycling and water conservation, to reduce its carbon footprint.
This commitment to sustainability is a testament to the park’s values and sets it apart from other theme parks that may not prioritize environmental responsibility.
Overall, Asterix Park provides a unique, immersive, and affordable experience that cannot be found at Disneyland Paris.
From the park’s attention to cultural authenticity, lack of crowds, thrilling rides, and exciting shows to its exclusive events and eco-friendly practices, there are countless reasons to choose Asterix Park over its competitors.
So why not book your tickets today and experience the magic of Asterix and Obelix for yourself?
Size
Size-wise, Asterix Park is a large park, spanning around 40 hectares.
On the other hand, Disneyland Paris is twice as big, with two parks covering a total of 81 hectares.
| Parc Asterix | Disneyland Paris |
| Size – 40Ha | Size – 81Ha |
| Yearly Visitors – 1.7M | Yearly Visitors – 16M |
| 42 – Rides | 54 – Rides |
| Parc Asterix entry ticket | Disneyland Paris entry ticket |
| Get Directions | Get Directions |
Visitor Numbers
When it comes to visitors, Asterix Park welcomes approximately 1.7 million people each year, with the majority being French visitors—only 20% are from other countries.
In contrast, Disneyland Paris is a massive tourist magnet, drawing in about 16 million visitors annually.
Surprisingly, 60% of them come from foreign countries, making it the largest tourist attraction in Europe.
The Rides
Certainly! Disneyland Paris is a clear winner when it comes to creativity, featuring the imaginative thrills of attractions like Space Mountain and the enchanting magic of the Peter Pan ride.
Asterix Park, however, holds its own with exciting rides, including the high-octane “Tonnerre de Zeus” and a captivating village experience for fans across its 6 themed worlds.
Ease of Access
Asterix Park is convenient with clear signs and a spacious parking area near the entrance if you have a car.
Even without a car, there’s a reliable transport system making it easily accessible.
From Charles de Gaulle airport, you can take the RER train to central Paris and then the shuttle to the park.
Keep in mind the shuttle schedule, with 12 trips daily between 8.45 am and 6:30 pm, starting from the Louvre Museum.
The cost is €20, and kids under three travel for free.
In terms of public transport, Disneyland Paris has superior links, as an RER train practically takes you to the main gate.
Additionally, various shuttle options run by different package companies and airlines provide convenient alternatives.
On the flip side, driving to Disneyland can be less convenient, requiring an additional walk from the car park.
Moreover, be prepared for a substantial volume of traffic heading into Disneyland.
Accommodation and Food
When it comes to accommodation, Disneyland offers fantastic options, especially if you stay in one of the larger hotels near the park.
Although these can be pricey, they provide facilities up to U.S. standards.
However, the high volume of people might make the experience feel more like a factory than a fun destination, especially in the less expensive hotels.
Both parks offer excellent food, but Asterix Park stands out for providing better value, especially in its park eateries.
While Asterix Park doesn’t have as many hotel options as Disneyland (only 100 rooms compared to Disneyland’s 5,800), its main hotel, Hotel des 3 Hiboux, offers a delightful stay.
This timber structure is nestled in a small forest, just a short walk from the main gates.
Charm factor
In terms of charm, Asterix Park takes the lead. It embodies a distinct French atmosphere, providing a theme park experience that feels authentically French.
On the contrary, Disneyland, while sophisticated, gives off a nondescript Americana vibe, and the sheer volume of people, along with the efficiency of its massive operation.
It might make visitors feel a bit like they’re part of a streamlined crowd.
Annoyances
When it comes to annoyances, Asterix Park is good but not exceptional, mainly catering to a French audience.
The enjoyment might be diminished if you’re not a fan of Astérix.
Disneyland, being a more sophisticated operation, faces the downside of inviting a large number of visitors, resulting in extensive queues during high season or weekends.
This can limit the ability to experience numerous attractions in a single day.
Overall Experience
Considering the overall experience, the preference leans slightly toward Asterix Park.
It offers an enjoyable day or two with a variety of fun rides and experiences.
In contrast, Disneyland’s vastness can sometimes feel like an overwhelming dose of forced cheerfulness, where the brilliance of the rides and shows is almost counterbalanced by long queues.
How to reach?
Featured Image: Parcasterix.fr, Disneylandparis.com