This one spawned Holler-it.com...

Specifically, Disneyland, Paris.

I hate to criticise this place because this year - 2010 - was our 8th visit, and up until now I found the entire experience exactly what it says in the blurb...magical!

But, just recently...

I put it down to a cost-cutting exercise. But, magical, it was not! However, for those who have never been to the place before and do not know what it was like, maybe it was. And is!

The train that circles the park, with stations that let you off at the various "Lands"
This time most of the stations were closed. I do not have a clue why. It seemed totally arbitrary, not to mention inconvenient. In fact it was damned annoying!

The Parades
Where before there was the magnificent "Electrical Parade" around closing time (A breath-taking treat for any age group) plus at least two other, huge and interesting parades, this year there was one "parade" with 2 or 3 floats. I've seen similar at local carnivals!

Prices
The prices this year were mind-boggling. Handfuls of cash for a tiny 3inch lollipop was the norm. We used to bring back loads of gifts for people. Not this year.

Shows
There were none! Unless you count the effort at the end of the aforementioned 3-float thing. And I don't! All the theatres were dark. Venues that used to put on highly professional shows that would not have been out of place in the "West End" were just not there anymore.

There was a running-down feeling to the place.

Maybe we were just unlucky to catch it at the wrong time. A temporary aberration. I mightily hope so. But whatever the reason, Disneyland Paris is off of our list of places to visit in the future.

I'm no-one's idea of a businessman, but if it was a cost-cutting exercise, then the future looks bleak for them. Even those who never witnessed the place as it was are hardly likely to pay all that money and travel all that distance to do something they could do better staying in their own countries.