Best Guidebook for DLP?

[Music Mole]

We are (hopefully) having our first DLP trip soon. I love the resources available on the web, but I'd like to have a guidebook as well, for times when I can't be on the computer and to take with. Does anyone have any recommendations? I was sort of expecting at least something like the Birnbaum's to be available, but am not finding anything. The Unofficial Guide (which I've always thought was great for Florida and California) got slammed on Amazon in the reviews. Can anyone recommend a book they were happy with. Mainly want a reference for overview type stuff (esp. height requirements for children on rides, etc.).

Thanks!

 

[dlpSteve]

Without a doubt it's A Brit's Guide to Disneyland Resort Paris by Simon Veness. He covers everything including what rides are good for kids. It also includes some input from people on this very forum - no idea who that could be though For get the 'Brits' part - it's a great book for anyone from anywhere with all kinds of great information.

 

[marcus.ka]

If you are from the German part of Switzerland I can recommend these two books:

Disneyland Resort Paris. Entdecken Sie mit uns das Königreich der Maus

(very very good pictures and many details about every ride and restaurant and hotel!!!)

or this one:

Der Park-Planer für das Disneyland Resort Paris mit dem Walt Disney Studios Park

(no pictures at all but many details! But not up to date anymore! 2002)

 

[littlelizzie]

I can also recomend the Brits guide, really well written, loads of information we found it really handly.
It also has a 20% voucher for planet hollywood at disney village on the back cover.

 

[Music Mole]

Great suggestions! Thanks. I will look for the Brit guide - unfortunately Marcus I've only had about 8 German lessons so far so I can't sit and read a book in German yet. (My husband could, but I'm the official planner in the family and I'd probably make him crazy asking him to translate bits of the books for me ).

Thanks again
{still wishing for Pixie Dust that this is the trip that doesn't get cancelled)

 

[marcus.ka]

Why did you have to cancel a trip (or even trips) in the past?

I'm sure this will become a perfect trip for you!

 

[Music Mole]

Why did you have to cancel a trip (or even trips) in the past?

I'm sure this will become a perfect trip for you!

Thanks for the good wishes! We've had to cancel planned trips in the past due to everything from work issues from my husband's job, to household moves. Now we seem settled enough that we're trying again. We had 3 trips over the past 2 years that have gotten cancelled or, as I prefer to think of it, postponed . But DH and I are both feeling an extreme need for a Disney fix, and can't wait to see DD in a park for the first time, so we are trying for DLP in May and WDW in September.

ETA: you seem like an expert on the hotels - what would you recommend for first-timers at DLP?

 

[marcus.ka]

Thank you, and yes it is true I am kind of a hotel expert. I have stayed at all 6 Disney Hotels.
But your question which hotel is good for first timers is very hard.
I would not suggest Santa Fee and Cheyenne as they are not my favourites and they are a little more fare away from the parks than the other hotels.
As you have a little child I would

1st suggest the Disneyland Hotel (if you can afford it)
It is perfect if you want to return to your room for a rest (and your child will need one) or if you want to drink something of your own cheap drinks. Because the hotel is the entrance of the Disneyland Park. And from the restaurants (for breakfast) you have a wonderful view to the park. And the DLH is by far the most magical one.

2nd would be the Newport Bay Club. I just love this hotel. Great atmosphere. But you have to walk 12 minutes from the parks.

3rd would be Sequoia Lodge. I love the nature feeling. You feel like in an US National Park. It is great to wake up there in the morning and to hear the birds and smell the fresh air! You also need 12 minutes to walk to the parks.

4th would be Hotel New York. This is a great hotel but I personally think this is more for grown ups. (I know many here on the board don’t think so) But I think it is perfect for adults or for businessmen or for quests who love the New York theme! But not for little children. But you only need 6 minutes to walk to the parks!

And another thing I have to mention: Some Disney Fans say: We don’t spent money for an expensive Disney Hotels because you are only in your room to sleep and to have breakfast. But I can’t sign that. The Disney hotels add so much to your perfect Disney holiday. The atmosphere is great in every Disney hotel! And we return to the hotel for at least one break every day and then it is great to return to a perfect Disney room. And if you wake up and you are right IN the magic is a must for me! And the pools in the Disney hotels are also unique! And only in the Disney hotels you can meet the characters.

And I would suggest also, if you are staying in NPBC, HNY or SL to pay the upgrade for a lake view room.

You can see some pictures in my album with the view which we had when we stayed in the HNY! It was worth it every penny!

http://pp.mousekingdom.com/thumbnails.php?album=230