Any podcast listeners been to Paris?

[guynwdm]

Thanks for all this info. I am traveling with my 77 yo father to see DLP after cruising the Med on the Magic.

I have been trying to figure out the easiest way to get from the airport to the resorts. (We are staying at the sequoia lodge on DVC points) What should we expect for crowds at mid May? How about weather? Rainy? Need a jacket at night? Shorts weather?

We are also looking to do like a greyline city tour of Paris as well. Any recommendations?

 

[Gwendolyn]

Mid may can be really really busy. Since the 13th is a christian holiday, so most europeans get the week off, sometimes even two to include labourday (1st of May) or pentacaust weekend (23rd of May).

The first week of June would be less busy. Maybe thats a better idea?

 

[wishspirit]

Thanks for all this info. I am traveling with my 77 yo father to see DLP after cruising the Med on the Magic.

I have been trying to figure out the easiest way to get from the airport to the resorts. (We are staying at the sequoia lodge on DVC points) What should we expect for crowds at mid May? How about weather? Rainy? Need a jacket at night? Shorts weather?

We are also looking to do like a greyline city tour of Paris as well. Any recommendations?

Weather in this part of Europe in May is at best varied. I would bring as wide a selection as you can, to cover all eventualities. We have been promised a mild spring/summer after out cold winter, but you never know!

Definitely bring a good jacket which is water proof, sweaters and good walking shoes.

Easiest way to get from the airport (I am guessing you are at Charles De Gaullie airport) is to get Disney's own bus. It costs you, and you may need to book in advance, but it will get you there!

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks for all this info. I am traveling with my 77 yo father to see DLP after cruising the Med on the Magic.

I have been trying to figure out the easiest way to get from the airport to the resorts. (We are staying at the sequoia lodge on DVC points) What should we expect for crowds at mid May? How about weather? Rainy? Need a jacket at night? Shorts weather?

We are also looking to do like a greyline city tour of Paris as well. Any recommendations?

Hi Rob,
Since we will be travelling with seniors as well, I am looking into a hop on and hop off bus which is offered in Paris. I have read a lot of good reviews on it. I think there is also a hop on and hop off boat. If interested, I can find a link for you.

 

[alyssa810]

I don't always listen to the podcast, but when I saw the DLP one I had to listen! We went to DLP on our honeymoon, and we're returning in early June, and like PPs, we're staying the Sequoia Lodge too! We're also going back on forth on getting a car vs. taking the train from CDG.

I think it's best not to compare the parks too; I know the first time I went to DL I was surprised at the small size, and how it was like bizarro WDW. You think things are the same, but they're off just a bit. Same thing when we wen to DLP. They all have their own charms and should be loved on their own!

On our honeymoon, split our 2 weeks between France and the UK; we first drove out to Etretat (thanks Impressions de France movie), spent a night at a B&B in the Loire Valley, then hit DLP for 3 days, then did Paris things- Eiffel tower, Versailles, the louvre etc. Then, we flew to London for the rest of the trip to see sights there for the 2nd week. For this trip, we're spending the majority of time at DLP, and then just visiting Paris for 2 days.

 

[aggielawyer]

Hi Rob,
Since we will be travelling with seniors as well, I am looking into a hop on and hop off bus which is offered in Paris. I have read a lot of good reviews on it. I think there is also a hop on and hop off boat. If interested, I can find a link for you.

I've done the bus tours of several cities in England and highly recommend them. I haven't done one in Paris, though if it is similar I'm sure it is good. I've done the Bateaux-Mouches trip down the Seine--it wasn't an on and off type thing, but a great way to see some of the sights. I especially like it as a relaxing way to start a trip on the first night.

I don't remember seeing how long you are planning for this trip, but be aware that London, Paris, DLP, and the south of France are quite a lot to see in one trip. I would plan for that alone to take 3 weeks, not to mention going further to the other places that you mentioned. I'm not opposed to a lot of driving--drove all over England on a 10 day trip, and I'm from a state where you can drive all day and not get to another state--but make sure you are being realistic about the travel.

I also agree about driving in London and Paris--you couldn't pay me to drive in those cities. I would suggest an itinerary where you fly into London, take public transportation there, to Paris, and to DLP, then pick up a car for your drive south.

Have fun!

 

[guynwdm]

Mid may can be really really busy. Since the 13th is a christian holiday, so most europeans get the week off, sometimes even two to include labourday (1st of May) or pentacaust weekend (23rd of May).

The first week of June would be less busy. Maybe thats a better idea?

I am already booked for the May 5-9. Flying into Paris from Barcelona after the cruise and finishing out the week there. Thanks for the info on the holidays. I remembered that May day was big in Europe when I was there in college (of course that was the 80s so who knows now lol)

Great Advice from all of you. I can hardly wait to see it. I am working on the "don't spend all your time comparing it to the american parks" thinking so I can enjoy it for what it is rather than expecting it to be just like here. (I have to do the same thing when I go to DL as well since I am the most used to going to WDW)

 

[Torontogal]

I'm an American currently living in Switzerland with my family and have been to DLP twice this year. One time we drove from Zurich area and stayed offsite at the Dream Castle and the second time we took the fast train into Paris and stayed at the Sequoia Lodge. I did not use DVC points because with a family of four it made more sense to buy a Disney package with tickets then to use DVC points and buy length of stay tickets.

We are driving to the South of France next week for Spring break, so I can let you know how that goes later.

A few thoughts:
1. Disneyland Paris is a beautiful park. I love the park entrance and the arcades on Main Street (indoor walkways with shops and exhibits, not video games) . The castle with a fire breathing dragon in the dungeon is awesome. Pirates of the Caribbean is very cool, though backwards in good way. The Haunted Mansion is much creepier and scarier. And Thunder Mountain has its own island! For the Disney geek, there are so many touches that Disneyland Paris has done just right. And our experience with cast members on both trips was only positive. Still doesn't hold a candle to DL in California, but what could...

2. I think that the Sequoia Lodge may be a disappointment if you are expecting a Grand Californian or Wilderness Lodge kind of experience. Price is similar, but the overall lodge doesn't compare. Not eyes up jaws down lobby. Rooms are a bit run down. Service isn't four star (it is a three star hotel): no bell service, no room service and you have to pay for WIFI. There is a nice breakfast buffet included and the walk to the parks isn't bad. If money were no object, I would hands down try Disneyland Hotel. I haven't yet, but really hope to in the future.

3. Disability parking: I think I read somewhere that there is in fact disability parking in Disneyland Paris. However, I must say that Europe in general (and in Paris the city in particular) is more difficult to navigate when it comes to mobility issues. I would definitely recommend doing homework beforehand.

4. Go for it! We have been exploring Europe this year and really loving it. It takes a bit of work and things are very expensive here, but it is so worth it. Good luck planning your trip. Sounds like you have a spirit for adventure!

Thank you so much for your detailed response!What a help! I would love to hear about your spring break journey when you get back!!

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

Be ready for -

** Beautiful parks esp the castle and flowers, lovely hotels

- - Rude CMs, queue jumpers, no please and thank you, SCRUM around characters while CMs daydream, cool climate, poor and hugely expensive food (take snacks), long lines and inefficient (or absent) fastpass.

You will have a good time if you limit your expectations but in my opinion it doesn't touch Florida.

Oh and take a taxi from the airport (Pre-book and they will meet you with a placard after baggage claim). The disney bus is very slow and takes ages to even leave the airport.

If I sound a bit negative it is because I am. Our first night we were treated to the delights of a CM and a guest shouting and swearing at each other for a queue jumping incident on ... ... ITS A SMALL WORLD!!!

 

[Torontogal]

Be ready for -

** Beautiful parks esp the castle and flowers, lovely hotels

- - Rude CMs, queue jumpers, no please and thank you, SCRUM around characters while CMs daydream, cool climate, poor and hugely expensive food (take snacks), long lines and inefficient (or absent) fastpass.

You will have a good time if you limit your expectations but in my opinion it doesn't touch Florida.

Oh and take a taxi from the airport (Pre-book and they will meet you with a placard after baggage claim). The disney bus is very slow and takes ages to even leave the airport.

If I sound a bit negative it is because I am. Our first night we were treated to the delights of a CM and a guest shouting and swearing at each other for a queue jumping incident on ... ... ITS A SMALL WORLD!!!

You know.that would drive me nuts. I understand that Disneyland Paris is uniquely different from WDW..I get that. But what would really bother me is rude people. I cannot stand that. In my opinion, rude people not waiting in line, etc...would really leave a bad impression on me. Let's face it...people make a place. We are world travellers and that is one of the reasons I would never go back to Hong Kong. Hopefully...we have positive experiences...

 

[aggielawyer]

You know.that would drive me nuts. I understand that Disneyland Paris is uniquely different from WDW..I get that. But what would really bother me is rude people. I cannot stand that. In my opinion, rude people not waiting in line, etc...would really leave a bad impression on me. Let's face it...people make a place. We are world travellers and that is one of the reasons I would never go back to Hong Kong. Hopefully...we have positive experiences...

Well, I think the key is going into the situation knowing that things you consider rude aren't considered rude all over the world...and vice versa. Be willing to go with the flow, make an effort (learn a few basic phrases in the native language), and be willing to laugh at yourself, and I think you'll be fine. I know the French have a reputation for being rude, but in several visits to that country I personally haven't met anyone that was rude...except the pickpocket that got my wallet on the metro.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

IMO the cast members at ToT in DLP were some of the best I have come across, they're really in character and just seem right in the creepy levels.
Have a great trip. I love DLP.

 

[Torontogal]

I personally haven't met anyone that was rude...except the pickpocket that got my wallet on the metro.

 

[wishspirit]

Be ready for -

** Beautiful parks esp the castle and flowers, lovely hotels

- - Rude CMs, queue jumpers, no please and thank you, SCRUM around characters while CMs daydream, cool climate, poor and hugely expensive food (take snacks), long lines and inefficient (or absent) fastpass.

You will have a good time if you limit your expectations but in my opinion it doesn't touch Florida.

Oh and take a taxi from the airport (Pre-book and they will meet you with a placard after baggage claim). The disney bus is very slow and takes ages to even leave the airport.

If I sound a bit negative it is because I am. Our first night we were treated to the delights of a CM and a guest shouting and swearing at each other for a queue jumping incident on ... ... ITS A SMALL WORLD!!!

Add to that, EVERYWHERE outside is a smoking area, they do not stick to the designated areas, which I found intensely irritating. I understand people's right to smoke, but I have the right not to breathe it in!

Scrums for characters are frequent, only the Mickey's, Minnie's and Donald's really get the extra help, the others (including the fabulous bilingual Cap't Jack, who was outstanding in his merging of languages) are just mobbed. Poor Jack was backed into a corner!

However I found the characters at Cafe Mickey (like Chef Mickey's in WDW, but with a lot more characters, located at Disney village) where much better than Chef Mickey's in WDW. I had Hook propose, Tigger loving my watch, kisses from Mickey, the works! Goofy was also hilarious too! Some of the best character interaction I've ever had! Some of the poor children couldn't eat because of all the characters coming round and getting them distracted!

So yes, do not compare this at all the Florida, since you will always find fault, but take it as an entity within itself.