I too can understand why perhaps your friends weren't too impressed. I think unless you are a Disney fan or you've got children it's not really the same.

I love the parks but I must admit I wasn't too impressed with the customer service. I actually had a sercurity guard rip me to peices as we were going through the ticket barriers because I told my DD off for sulking. I didn't even raise my voice to her I just told her to behave herself or we were going home, I was not going to put up with her mood. To her credit she put on the smile and got over it but in the mean time this security guard shouted at me and told me that I was not welcome as Disney was a happy place and it no place to reprimand a child. My DH was shocked at the over reaction from the guy and started to laugh at him, I just told him to mind his own business and when I wanted his opinion on how to bring up my child I would ask for it. He just stormed off, I could understand if I'd been shouting and screaming at Megan but it was all very calm.

Another instance was in Down Town Disney. I wanted to pay for an item in the Disney Store the two staff were busy having a chat and when they stopped and finally served me the young gentleman looked me up and down and said "yes"? with an attitude. I paid for my item and instead of him putting the change in my open hand he dropped it on the counter beside it. It was almost like he was fed up because I interupted their conversation. As someone who has run customer service training courses I was fuming. I did respond to him with the following comment "did you sue them"? his reply "sue who"? me "the customer service and charm school you went to as it didn't work".

I also found the life guards at Blizzard Beach were rude too, the way they spoke to people was disgusting, they seemed to be on a power trip. If I had caught any of my lifeguards at my old club speaking to customers like that they would have been in my office for a long chat about how to treat people.

To be honest I found Disneyland Paris staff far superior to Florida, they were friendly, helpful and the french lady in the shop at Davey Crocket remembered us everytime we went in and made a real effort to get to know us. Nothing was too much trouble and she was great at teaching the children french.

Yes the parks are expensive as is the food and merchandise, but then again it's the same here if you go to Alton Towers, Warwick Castle etc.

I still love Disney despite the price and staff. I don't expect great service from the staff and so I don't feel disappointed by them, we don't let them or the cost spoil our fun.