Disneyland Paris Charges British Tourists 'More Than French People' For Tickets

Brits Charged £300 More Than French People At Disneyland Paris
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Disneyland Paris is facing a pricing probe amid claims it charges British tourists more than its French customers, according to a report.

The Financial Times (FT) said the theme park could face action by the European Commission, which has ordered French authorities to look into its pricing policy for visitors from different nations.

An EU assessment found British customers could be charged up to £372 more than French people for premium packages to the park.

They could also be paying up to 15% more for one-day tickets, the paper said.

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Brits could be paying an extra £372 for premium packages

The FT added that for premium packages UK visitors to the park could be paying 1,870 euros (£1,327), compared with 1,346 euros (£955) for French ticketholders and 2,447 euros (£1,736) for German tourists.

EU rules allow for price differences between member countries only in certain conditions such as seasonal demand, and not based on a person's country of residence.

Disneyland Paris said its promotions were based on school holiday periods in local markets and basic packages without promotional discounts were the same across all countries.

The EU assessed prices of other theme parks in Europe and did not find the same variation, according to the newspaper.

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Disneyland is was the only theme park in Europe where the EU assessment found the differences

Elzbieta Bienkowska, EU commissioner for the single market, said there had been a number of complaints which were "very significant, particularly in one or two instances".

She told the FT: "It is time to get to the bottom of this. I am interested in answers and explanations, On the face of it, I struggle to see what objective justification there could be for these practices."

10 Awesome Things For Adults at Disneyland Paris
Ride that rollercoaster(01 of10)
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Disneyland Paris is a total paradise for grown-up adrenaline junkies, and with two parks to choose from (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park) there's something to appeal to everyone. From the dizzying heights of Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril and the Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, to the gravity-defying extreme twister Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, there are non-stop high octane thrills on offer all over the parks. You'll scream yourself silly on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (we won't spoil it for you, but trust us you'll want to go on it again, and again); and on Space Mountain (reopening in July 2015) you'll catapult into space. You can try and beat each other's scores on Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast, and on the Star Wars-themed Star Tours you'll feel the full power of the Force. Big Thunder Railroad and the Phantom Manor are both lots of fun, and the big kid in you will be completely enchanted by Peter Pan's Flight and well-loved classics Pirates of the Caribbean and It's A Small World. The best thing is that all the rides are included in the price of your entry ticket – our top tip is to Fastpass the most popular ones to make the most of the parks. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Entertainment(02 of10)
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With regular shows and parades there's constant entertainment on offer at Disneyland Paris. You'll also enjoy the stunt spectacular Moteurs... Action Stuntshow Spectacular and the Studio Tram Tour at the Walt Disney Studios Park. Head to Disney Village after dark for superb entertainment, including live bands and a movies. And the dazzling nightly fireworks display in the park is absolutely spellbinding; it doesn't matter how old you are, there's something very special about seeing Sleeping Beauty's castle illuminated with fireworks, just like at the start of every Disney movie you grew up with. Magical. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Dine out in style(03 of10)
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As you might expect, being just over half-an-hour from Paris, you can enjoy some excellent gourmet food in the Disneyland Paris parks. The best restauarants for grown-ups are probably the Moroccan-themed Agrabah Café in Adventureland, and French-themed Bistrot Chez Rémy in Walt Disney Studios Park (based of course on the movie Ratatouille); and on Main Street, Victorian-themed Walt's, which has an elegant ambience plus fantastic views of the evening parade along Main Street from about 7.15pm. If you're staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel, then the Manhattan Restaurant at Disney's Hotel New York is superb, offering Italian cuisine in a cosmpolitan, jazz-infused setting, while the California Grill at the Disneyland Hotel is also memorable (reservations recommended). Or if you want a Fifties Americana-style experience complete with waiting staff on rollerskates and booths, albeit with a French twist, then head for Annette's Diner in the Disney Village. It's worth checking out the Disneyland Paris Meal plan for fantastic value - all your meals are taken care of in advance so you can relax. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Take a Disneyland Paris selfie(04 of10)
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Trust us, you're never too old to get excited at meeting your favourite Disney characters - and we guarantee your social media feed will turn green with envy when they see your selfie with Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse or the main guy himself. Want your photo taken with Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana or Belle? How about Buzz Lightyear and Woody? For the ultimate Disneyland Paris selfie, watch out for the Meet 'n' Greet moments with Disney characters at selected locations and restaurants across the Parks. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Stay in a Disney hotel(05 of10)
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Book in to one of the five themed-Disney hotels and not only can you unwind in the swimming pools and spas before dinner but you can also access the Parks up to two hours before opening hours with Extra Magic Hours. Disney hotels are excellent, and adults will be particularly impressed by Disney's Newport Bay Club and Disney's Hotel New York, both of which are conveniently located for Disney Village and the parks, and offer very comfortable four-star accommodation and a relaxed atmosphere with views across the lake - great on a warm evening; for the ultimate luxurious experience, though, book in to the stunning Victorian-themed Disneyland hotel. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Party on!(06 of10)
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There are some gorgeous boutiques at Disneyland Paris, including themed stores at the various lands, plus more shops along Main Street and at Disney Village, selling everything from Christmas decorations and sweets and toys to clothes. Believe us, no one will bat an eye if you want to walk around in a Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears all weekend. Go for it. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Shop 'til you drop(07 of10)
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There are some gorgeous boutiques at Disneyland Paris, including themed stores at the various lands, plus more shops along Main Street and at Disney Village, selling everything from Christmas decorations and sweets and toys to clothes. Believe us, no one will bat an eye if you want to walk around in a Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears all weekend. Go for it. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Get pampered(08 of10)
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The Disneyland Paris experience is all about having fun and doing things you enjoy, and there are lots of opportunities to chill out. At the serene Celestia Spa at the Disneyland Hotel, open from 2pm-9pm every day, you can get pampered in style. From soothing facials to hot stone massages, there's a wide range of treatments on the spa menu to leave you feeling suitably recharged and refreshed, ready to hit the parks again before dinner. You could even indulge in a Royal Escapade for two, which includes facials, treatments and a glass of Champagne. Ooh la la. (credit:Disneyland Paris)
Work out(09 of10)
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As well as the swimming pools at the Disney hotels you'll find state-of-the-art gyms at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hotel New York and Disney's Sequoia Lodge, so you can work up a sweat before cooling off; and if it's warm you enjoy a dip in the pool and relax on the sun loungers in the grounds. (credit:Dave and Les Jacobs via Getty Images)
Disney magic(10 of10)
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Disneyland Paris is absolutely great for mates - but it's also perfect for a romantic break and reconnecting with your loved ones, too; enjoy a stroll round the parks, take a trip through the French countryside in one of the futuristic cars on Autopia, have a leisurely ride on the Thunder Mesa riverboat in the afternoon sunshine, see a show or a movie, have a few cocktails and cuddle up under the stars to watch the fireworks. Seriously, what's not to fall in love with? (credit:Disneyland Paris)