A ton of questions

[Metsoskil]

My wife, myself and our 2 kids (6 and 9) be spending the last 3 days of our 21 day Europe trip this August at DLP. From what I understand, there's no problem with us as Americans booking through the UK site to take advantage of discounted packages.

Because of the travel we're doing, we'll be travelling pretty light - 3 carry-on size backpacks and two school bookbags.

Here are a few questions I still have, and I was wondering if I could get advice from all you DLP experts:

1. Our flight on the last day is at 10:50. Would catching the 8:52 TGV that gets to the airport at 9:02 give me enough time to catch our flight to NYC if we aren't checking bags? How about if we decide to check one for our flight home?

2. Since DLP 3 night hotel packages include 4 days worth of tix, and we can only use 3, is it worth booking a 2 day package and getting a room only reservation for the last night? Are there any hotels that are close enough to the TGV station to make it worthwhile? How easy would it be to switch hotels on the last day?

3. As you can see in my signature, we've been to WDW in Florida many times. What differences should I expect? I know the size of the resort is smaller, and I've read about the differences in rides between the two resorts. What I really want to know is the differences in operations, procedures, and how the park runs. Is the Fastpass system the same, what do I need to know about park opening, child swap, queuing procedures, etc. Reading the other thread makes character meets sound like mosh pits.

4. How much is stroller/pushchair rental, and what are they like? Hard plastic like in FL?

5. We're looking at eating at Walt's, the Blue Lagoon, and maybe one other sit-down restaurant. From the menus, the Agrabah Cafe looks interesting. Any reviews? Other suggestions? We're not really interested in character meals, since we've done them at WDW and we've got limited time.

6. It seems like a subject that's debated pretty frequently, but anyone want to weigh in on Newport Bay v. Sequoia Lodge in August? We were leaning toward SL, but DW told me that she's read reviews that the Air Conditioning is lousy there.

Thanks for any help, and any other advice you want to give.

 

[Ms Poppins]

HI, I'll try and help with your questions:

1. Our flight on the last day is at 10:50. Would catching the 8:52 TGV that gets to the airport at 9:02 give me enough time to catch our flight to NYC if we aren't checking bags? How about if we decide to check one for our flight home? I think this will depend on how early you are required to check in for the flight. I've heard that CDG is very big and depending on the terminal you leave from, you might need to take a shuttle bus or train from the TGV to the terminal. Another option is to arrange a private taxi tranfer - this can work out just as cheap as the TGV. Ezyshuttle gets great reviews on here - http://www.ezyshuttle.com/

2. Since DLP 3 night hotel packages include 4 days worth of tix, and we can only use 3, is it worth booking a 2 day package and getting a room only reservation for the last night? Are there any hotels that are close enough to the TGV station to make it worthwhile? How easy would it be to switch hotels on the last day? We will be doing this. There are several 'Disney associated' hotels nearby which have free shuttle buses. The bus terminus for all the hotels, Disney ones included, is directly beside the train station, so it would be very easy to change over. The Kyriad gets very good reviews and can be booked room only via their website here

3. As you can see in my signature, we've been to WDW in Florida many times. What differences should I expect? I know the size of the resort is smaller, and I've read about the differences in rides between the two resorts. What I really want to know is the differences in operations, procedures, and how the park runs. Is the Fastpass system the same, what do I need to know about park opening, child swap, queuing procedures, etc. Reading the other thread makes character meets sound like mosh pits. Sorry, can't help with this - never been to WDW but I agree that the character meets in the park are a complete free for all. Save time by meeting in the resort hotels during breakfast hours, 7am - 11am. Each hotel will have characters in the lobby and you can pop in and out as you please - especially try the Disneyland Hotel, the restaurant is on the first floor.

4. How much is stroller/pushchair rental, and what are they like? Hard plastic like in FL? - sorry, don't know

5. We're looking at eating at Walt's, the Blue Lagoon, and maybe one other sit-down restaurant. From the menus, the Agrabah Cafe looks interesting. Any reviews? Other suggestions? We're not really interested in character meals, since we've done them at WDW and we've got limited time. Buffet in the Hotel New York is nice.

6. It seems like a subject that's debated pretty frequently, but anyone want to weigh in on Newport Bay v. Sequoia Lodge in August? We were leaning toward SL, but DW told me that she's read reviews that the Air Conditioning is lousy there. Newport Bay doesn't seem to get great reviews, mainly because it is a very, very big hotel. Depending on where your room is, you may have a 15-20 min hike to reception. I think the general opinion is to go for Admirals Floor if you choose NBC as it's more centrally located. However, SL has recently been refurbished in parts and Montana rooms do have air con I think.

Thanks for any help, and any other advice you want to give.

 

[Isila]

No, you definitely need more time for the airport. It's big and it's confusing and they like to switch gates. And queues are big, so I'd recommend arriving earlier.

I asked about stroller rental too. I think people said it was 6 or 7 Eur, plus a deposit if you want to take it outside the park (like to switch parks from studios to disneyland or go to your hotel). Strollers are big, metal and it is said very uncomfortable and not easy to use. I just saw those, never used, but read reviews.

I booked Kyriad via booking.com, but I booked only room for overnight stay.

 

[Bastia]

Stroller is 7,50e, if tou stay in the park

 

[markpsych]

Here's a link for the strollers, which suggests they are €8.85 per day

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/practicalities/pushchair-wheelchair-rental/

Hold onto your receipt though, as it's not uncommon for them to disappear whilst you're on a ride. Accidentally I'm sure

 

[Carrie_Cat]

You need more time than that for a transatlantic flight regardless of wether you have bags or not

The absolute minimum is 2 hrs before, many carriers state 3 hrs before.

Who are you flying with ? There are major security checks that are part of the Federal Aviation Administrations requirements for all flights operated by a US airline for example

Then you have to clear French passport control and screening and after find your gate

CDG is notorious for it's delays, strikes and general mayhem. It's also spreadout and depending on which terminal you are departing from going from the Tgv to it can take a while

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Here's a link for the strollers, which suggests they are €8.85 per day

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/practicalities/pushchair-wheelchair-rental/

Hold onto your receipt though, as it's not uncommon for them to disappear whilst you're on a ride. Accidentally I'm sure

I think that is the latest price There's also a 70€ (at least) deposit for them if you want to go from one park to the other or go into Disney Village or your hotel with them

 

[Pluto_fan]

We are Americans and have successfully booked on the UK site, so I can re-confirm that.

I would suggest planning more time at CDG. You just never know, and it would be such a hassle to be late, or stressed about time.

Differences from WDW...
Fastpass return window is SHORTER (30 mins, vs an hour at WDW, as I recall) and ENFORCED. You can't show up four hours after your time slot opens, or even 45 minutes, and expect to be allowed through the Fastpass line.
Child swap is offered, but in our experience it seems to be much less formalized at DLP. At Crush's Coaster (a don't-miss with no Fastpass and long, slow-moving line), we just had to wait at the external exit of the ride for the rest of our party to come out, and then I was allowed in through the exit. If I wasn't there when they came out, I would have had to start over in the regular line. At Rock n' Roller Coaster, as I recall, the CM at the Fastpass return line hand-wrote a child swap ticket on the back of some Fastpass machine paper. Also, at DLP only TWO people were allowed to ride with the child swap ticket. Since we have two older kids and one little one, we are used to having both boys be able to ride twice at WDW...at DLP, they would only allow the second parent and one boy to go for the second ride. Since you only have two children this won't affect you, but it caused difficulties for us, as you can imagine. Just be prepared to be flexible!

We haven't stayed at either hotel, but keep in mind that the vast majority of (indoor) Europe is not air conditioned, and the Europeans seem to survive just fine. It certainly can get hot in August, but it won't necessarily be hot.

Hope you have a fabulous trip! It sounds wonderful...where else are you going?

 

[Bastia]

5. We're looking at eating at Walt's, the Blue Lagoon, and maybe one other sit-down restaurant. From the menus, the Agrabah Cafe looks interesting. Any reviews? Other suggestions? We're not really interested in character meals, since we've done them at WDW and we've got limited time.

I like the Steak House in the DV, and the SSS in Frontierland.

 

[Metsoskil]

Thank you all for the great tips. After hearing about the strollers, I'm wishing it were feasible to bring the MacLaren that we use for WDW with us, but it seems ridiculous to schlep it through Europe just to have it for 3 days at DLP. 6 yo. DS will be walking everywhere else. He'll just have to walk at DLP also. We're flying into Venice, then flying to Naples and spending time in Sorrento, staying in Rome for a few nights, taking the sleeper train to Munich, and then spending 3 nights in Paris before arriving at DLP.

We're flying home on Delta, and with all that's been suggested we'll definitely take the earlier TGV to CDG. I think there's one that runs just before 8 and arrives at the airport at 8AM.

Thank you, Pluto_fan for the heads up on FASTPASS and child swap. Those FASTPASS rules are significantly different and will make a big difference in planning. I guess there will be no collecting of FP early in the day to use when the park gets crowded.

I'm thinking we're going to skip most of the character meets unless there is little line (mob). Thank you Ms Poppins for the tip about going to the resorts to meet characters.

Another question - are you allowed to bring water and snacks into the park in your bags?

Any other answers, comments, or differences between WDW and DLP are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Isila]

you are allowed to bring some water and some snacks,.

 

[torsie24]

Hiya My replies are in purple

My wife, myself and our 2 kids (6 and 9) be spending the last 3 days of our 21 day Europe trip this August at DLP. From what I understand, there's no problem with us as Americans booking through the UK site to take advantage of discounted packages.

Because of the travel we're doing, we'll be travelling pretty light - 3 carry-on size backpacks and two school bookbags.

Here are a few questions I still have, and I was wondering if I could get advice from all you DLP experts:

1. Our flight on the last day is at 10:50. Would catching the 8:52 TGV that gets to the airport at 9:02 give me enough time to catch our flight to NYC if we aren't checking bags? How about if we decide to check one for our flight home? International flights you need to be at the airport 3 hours before departure - so 7.50am. I'd suggest going the night before.

2. Since DLP 3 night hotel packages include 4 days worth of tix, and we can only use 3, is it worth booking a 2 day package and getting a room only reservation for the last night? Are there any hotels that are close enough to the TGV station to make it worthwhile? How easy would it be to switch hotels on the last day? I'd go for a 2 nights package and then maybe find a cheap airport hotel to crash in late that night. Will be a lot cheaper than the Disney resorts and you won't have to worry about travelling before your flight.

3. As you can see in my signature, we've been to WDW in Florida many times. What differences should I expect? I know the size of the resort is smaller, and I've read about the differences in rides between the two resorts. What I really want to know is the differences in operations, procedures, and how the park runs. Is the Fastpass system the same, what do I need to know about park opening, child swap, queuing procedures, etc. Reading the other thread makes character meets sound like mosh pits.


There are quite a few noticable differences:

-FastPass - you can't turn up late You HAVE to be in your hour window.

- Park opening - EMH especially is AMAZING! The europeans just don't seem to care for early mornings. We have on 2 occasions been the only 2 guests in the whole park! I also think the park opening crowds are a lot lower than at any of the WDW rope drops.

- Child swap - not used this yet at any park i'm afraid.

- Queueing procedure - I warn you now, it's not as nice as WDW. Also lots of people seem happy to smoke in the lines. Nothing bad's ever happened to us, but you can just tell it's not WDW.

- Yes the characeter meet and greets can be manic. I really suggest character meals. They are a lot better organised as each character comes round.



4. How much is stroller/pushchair rental, and what are they like? Hard plastic like in FL?

Dn;t know I'm afraid.

5. We're looking at eating at Walt's, the Blue Lagoon, and maybe one other sit-down restaurant. From the menus, the Agrabah Cafe looks interesting. Any reviews? Other suggestions? We're not really interested in character meals, since we've done them at WDW and we've got limited time.

Either of the two in the DLH - Californai Grill is wonderful! As is the Inventions buffet.

6. It seems like a subject that's debated pretty frequently, but anyone want to weigh in on Newport Bay v. Sequoia Lodge in August? We were leaning toward SL, but DW told me that she's read reviews that the Air Conditioning is lousy there.

SL all the way. Breakfast is a lot more laid back. it;s less of a walk to the parks, and it's cheaper. Also....you probably won;t need your A/C!

Thanks for any help, and any other advice you want to give.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Having to be there early doesn't mean you have to spend a night at the airport

The TGV from DLP starts running at 7.49 and takes 10 minutes. It arrives in Terminal 2. Delta leaves from Terminal 2E. It's a short walk from the train platform to 2E (6-10 minutes )

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/airport_maps/paris.jsp

Delta says on their site they recommend 3hrs before for CDG, they obviously have a better procedure going on than AA who require 3hrs

The earliest you get there the better it is though so 3 hrs is not excessive, gain time by checking in on line if you can

Check with Delta to see if this checking in time change

If you really wanted to be there at 7.30 say and start queing up or the TGv is coming up costly etc book one of the shuttle services that you see in the sticky

 

[kizzabel]

Just adding my two cents!

Stroller rental > yes there is a €70 cash deposit or they can scan your card (and then take the money upon non return of the stroller)
My DD is 6 and we brought her stroller once and rented one in DLP once. Our own was much easier to use as the rental ones are awkward but tbh on our last trip in November DD had just turned 6 and was well able to manage all the walking with no complaints about being tired.

I would also get the earlier TGV but you will find it alot easier to get to your gate as you dont have to change terminals.

I would also be inclined to book the Kyriad or one of the other associated hotels to save money for your last night. The shuttle buses run from early morning and you merely need to dissembark when you get to DLP and enter the big grey train station. Its all very close together.

You can bring food/drinks into the park no problem.

We loved Walts and also quite liked the buffet at the Cheyenne.

I much rather SL then the NPB. We have just stayed in one of the refurbed rooms and they are so nice and fresh. The pool in the SL was also nicer and its a quicker walk to the parks then the NPB. Saying that I would love to return to the NPB as I did like the nautical theme.

I would also price up the Irish website to see if that gives you a better reduction on the holiday package

Happy planning!

 

[Princess Clayre]

I think most of your question have been answered well already, so I will just comment on a couple of differences I personally notice.

The standard of hotels in DL is different to WDW. The theming is still lovely but except to see paint work that needs doing and paving that needs repairing. Paris just don't have the budget that WDW does. I don't want this to put you off just as it's still great but if you're prepared for it it's better.

On the plus side the fact the layout is smaller is fantastic. It's wonderful to be able to switch from one park to another in a few minutes walk rather than 30 mins drive. It's also great to be able to pop back to your hotel quickly.

With regards to fasspasses, we went end of July last year and found the queues to get the fast passes crazy (think TSM). On some rides it seemed quicker just to queue for the ride.

Also just to pre-warn you that Phantom Manor is scarier than Haunted Mansion, in case your 6 year old wants to ride. And Space Mountain is completely different. Don't miss the dragon under the castle (my 7 year old loved this) and crushes coaster if you like thrill rides (my son loved this too!). Also we found Autopia much more fun than it's florida equivalent.

Have fun. You've got some great cities in your itinerary. If you've not been to them before, enjoy how great their Epcot mock ups are

 

[Ms Poppins]

Just to agree with OP - the proximity of the parks, village, bus/trains and hotels is fantastic. Minutes walk between each - you really won't need to leave the Disney Bubble Most WDW visitors are pleasantly surprised at this.

Also with baby switch - this varies with each ride. With Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain the CM's usually ask you to come in via the exit to swap when your other half comes off the ride. I've never noticed it too busy and never had a problem with this.

In the Studios - for Rock n Roller Aeorsmith and Crush, we were given tickets to permit 2 people. The first person goes in the normal queue - tell the CM at the entrance that you want baby switch and they will give you the ticket. It leaves the other person free to go for a wander and them come back. The CM's will keep you right

Hopefully we've all been of some help - feel free to ask away if you think of anything else

 

[ness1996]

We are Americans and have successfully booked on the UK site, so I can re-confirm that.

I am from the US and I have just started researching prices for an upcoming DLP trip and I was wondering about this. There is quite a difference in the price. How do you put in your address? Don't they mail any documents to you? Thanks!

 

[Pluto_fan]

No, they don't send anything at all in the mail. You just receive an email confirmation. I just typed in the address as usual, but left country as UK. Happy planning!

 

[Isila]

I booked via Irish site, put my real address in, but left country as Ireland. No problems.

 

[Metsoskil]

I booked via Irish site, put my real address in, but left country as Ireland. No problems.

I just checked our trip in August on the UK and Irish sites, and the Irish site is about $100 cheaper when the Euros and Pounds are converted to USD. Color me Irish!

(There's also a package on the Danish site that includes Full Board, but the numbers don't work for us when I figure what we're going to spend on food.)