Calling all DLP experts...

[shushh]

I'm one frustrated woman at present...It annoys me to no end that we are penalised for living in Australia. Add to that the fact that info on DLP seems hard to get. Prices for the dates that I want are available on the french and UK site but not any other ones. You can call a local number if you are in the UK, US or France but of course everyone else has to make an international phone call.

OK moving on! In short, cheapskate that I am, I'm trying to stay onsite for the cheapest possible price. I'm looking at buying 1 annual pass (The Dream) for 1 adult as it gets us 35% off the Disney Hotels with no blockout dates. I managed to find 30Euro tickets for 1 day or 54Euro for consecutive days which I was planning to use for the rest of the family. But do you think I could quotes online for room only...NO!!!!

To makes things worse, only 2 hotels can fit all 5 of us in a room. We'd need 2 rooms in all the other Disney hotels. But of course the stupid site doesn't have to capacity to do "dummy" bookings for 2 rooms (unless I'm doing something wrong!). You have to make a reservation for 1 room, make the second reservation and then "link" them. How is one supposed to complete the anal research that is required if information is so hard to come by!!!!

Also found a special for an annual pass for 99Euro and a child under 7 gets a free annual pass. Unfortunately, you can't use it on day 2 and 3 of your pass. This is to stop people buying this instead of a 3 day park pass. Sigh...

So I think I'll have to wait until the deals come out for December, see if I can a deal let's a child "eat and play" free, book a room for one adult and one child. And then add on the rest of the family for "room only" and get the cheap park tickets. Alternatively if the annual pass works out to be cheaper, i'll go that way. Might work out better as we will then also get discounts on food and merchandise.

So in short, for those who've been (particularly any families of five) just wondering how you booked and who you booked with and if you got your tickets as part of your hotel package.

Many thanks!

 

[Kangarucci]

If you buy a certain type of French train card, I think that you get 20% off the entrance price at DLP. We did this in 2010 in Paris but I cannot remember all the details.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

- following this thread closely since this will all be relevant to me for our April trip.

Shushh - so great that you will get to do all the hard work in advance for me

 

[queenie82]

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pardp-marriotts-village-dlle-de-france/

AWESOME villas


Seriously...


If you aren't staying on site and want space...this is it.

The villas are a 2 bedroom attached to a studio. We were actually in a 3 bedroom...so had both parts...
They are two storey for the two bedroom...it goes "over" the studio.

We had a car...and you can park near your villa (think Old Key West....sort of....)
They have a shuttle...but we drove and parked at the NY Resort carpark every day
But they may be more watchful depending on how busy it is when you are there etc etc...

ETA - I gave my thoughts on staying on site in my TR linked below...so I haven't gone into it.
My DBF being a pom did the whole booking etc...and got the package with tickets and "continental breakfast".
But when I went with family and we were staying a week at the mentioned offsite villas we got the annual passes.

 

[Toy Story]

Ohh - thanks for this thread, when we return from the US, my mind will be focussed on potential travel plans to Europe for December 2013.

 

[aussietravellers]

We stayed at Hotel New York. We had two queen room and there was plenty of room between the bed and the windows so a roll-a-way would fit (if they do that, we didn't have 5 people so I'm not sure if that was one of the rooms that fits 5 ).

A little OT... We had the dining plan. Loved it. It's different to WDW, you get breakfast at the hotel included (well we did), then we had paper vouchers for the rest of the time. We would just present the vouchers to pay for dinner. But the vouchers we had often didn't add up to the total of the meal, so I wouldn't have to use DS's child voucher. At the end of the trip I had 3 kids vouchers left, so I found a family with 3 kids and gave them to them (as they didn't have our names or anything on them). They were so excited as they were TS meals so were going to use the for the buffet at the Disneyland Hotel character meal

I booked direct, over the phone Golly gosh that was a challenge, they spoke English and were SO friendly (and that french accent is Oh Manu, a little MKR dreaming there), but there was the odd language problem (I had to call a couple of times) and everything was great with our reservation . But gosh I know what you mean about the UK getting better prices . It was so annoying that there was such a huge price difference for exactly the same thing! Next time I would contact a friend, I'd book online and use their address to book. When we checked in, they didn't ask for anything with our address so I thought I could have used my friends address in the UK.

Another annoying thing, was they have a luggage and check in service on the Eurostar! When you book, you add this service to the booking. I couldn't add this service to my booking! I couldn't check my luggage and have it delivered straight to my hotel room, I couldn't use the on train check in. As we sat on the train and watched the Disney staff doing check in for people on the train and we couldn't use it. Why? Because it's only available to residents of the UK! Anyway our room was ready when we got to the hotel anyway and it was no drama walking from the train to the hotel, it was a very easy walk.

Anyway I'm don't have any AP info, or 5 people in the room info. But I'm excited to read about your trip!

 

[shushh]

If you buy a certain type of French train card, I think that you get 20% off the entrance price at DLP. We did this in 2010 in Paris but I cannot remember all the details.

Thanks for reminding me of that. Need to check it out and then do more maths when the time comes!

- following this thread closely since this will all be relevant to me for our April trip.

Shushh - so great that you will get to do all the hard work in advance for me

Sigh...you're so lucky. Next time you go first!!!!

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pardp-marriotts-village-dlle-de-france/

AWESOME villas


Seriously...


If you aren't staying on site and want space...this is it.

The villas are a 2 bedroom attached to a studio. We were actually in a 3 bedroom...so had both parts...
They are two storey for the two bedroom...it goes "over" the studio.

We had a car...and you can park near your villa (think Old Key West....sort of....)
They have a shuttle...but we drove and parked at the NY Resort carpark every day
But they may be more watchful depending on how busy it is when you are there etc etc...

ETA - I gave my thoughts on staying on site in my TR linked below...so I haven't gone into it.
My DBF being a pom did the whole booking etc...and got the package with tickets and "continental breakfast".
But when I went with family and we were staying a week at the mentioned offsite villas we got the annual passes.

I've read your TR again We were actually considering the Marriott as we get reduced family and friends rates. I kinda had my heart set on staying onsite as we are unlikely to visit again in the near future but that isn't set in stone. Let's see what I can wrangle...will definitely report back once I make some sort of booking!

Ohh - thanks for this thread, when we return from the US, my mind will be focussed on potential travel plans to Europe for December 2013.

hehehe...always glad to be of service!

We stayed at Hotel New York. We had two queen room and there was plenty of room between the bed and the windows so a roll-a-way would fit (if they do that, we didn't have 5 people so I'm not sure if that was one of the rooms that fits 5 ).

A little OT... We had the dining plan. Loved it. It's different to WDW, you get breakfast at the hotel included (well we did), then we had paper vouchers for the rest of the time. We would just present the vouchers to pay for dinner. But the vouchers we had often didn't add up to the total of the meal, so I wouldn't have to use DS's child voucher. At the end of the trip I had 3 kids vouchers left, so I found a family with 3 kids and gave them to them (as they didn't have our names or anything on them). They were so excited as they were TS meals so were going to use the for the buffet at the Disneyland Hotel character meal

I booked direct, over the phone Golly gosh that was a challenge, they spoke English and were SO friendly (and that french accent is Oh Manu, a little MKR dreaming there), but there was the odd language problem (I had to call a couple of times) and everything was great with our reservation . But gosh I know what you mean about the UK getting better prices . It was so annoying that there was such a huge price difference for exactly the same thing! Next time I would contact a friend, I'd book online and use their address to book. When we checked in, they didn't ask for anything with our address so I thought I could have used my friends address in the UK.

Another annoying thing, was they have a luggage and check in service on the Eurostar! When you book, you add this service to the booking. I couldn't add this service to my booking! I couldn't check my luggage and have it delivered straight to my hotel room, I couldn't use the on train check in. As we sat on the train and watched the Disney staff doing check in for people on the train and we couldn't use it. Why? Because it's only available to residents of the UK! Anyway our room was ready when we got to the hotel anyway and it was no drama walking from the train to the hotel, it was a very easy walk.

Anyway I'm don't have any AP info, or 5 people in the room info. But I'm excited to read about your trip!

Yes don't get me started on what the french and brits get...thanks for the info. Its always handy hearing it from Australians because I think in general Americans and brits do travel differently and have different expectations/taste compared to Aussies. Was a there a particular reason why you chose to ring? (other than the fact that we probably know more than Aussie TAs...)

 

[aussietravellers]

Was a there a particular reason why you chose to ring? (other than the fact that we probably know more than Aussie TAs...)

I had to think for a minute there Hit 40 and my memory is vanishing

The reason I called to book was because I wanted to book Empire State Club (like concierge level) (I wanted the unlimited fastpasses that came with the room ). You couldn't book it online so the late night phone call happened. Then I wanted to book the tea party at lucky nugget restaurant and the Christmas Party (which was amazing by the way), so had to call to book those.

I seem to be on their emailing list now and often get specials. If I get one I'll let you know. Just looked at the one I got the other day, it's only up to November 7th though.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

ooooh did someone say unlimited fastpasses !!!!

Tell me more tell me more

 

[Carrie_Cat]

You can book on any site be it France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands who ever has the best deals.

You don't get anything sent to you by the post (it's all email) so they don't care or rather don't have to know where you live - you just put France down as your country

If you want rooms without tickets you are better off looking on Expedia for example as they sell them no pb.

You can also buy a package for 1 adult and the free children pay the difference for a family room (as you are going to be 5) and then add on the other people at check in and just pay the room tax which is a couple of €s pp and purchase AP's for them

The AP room discount is rarely worth it as you are getting discounted from rack rate.

Come and see us ^^ loads of people to help you get the best deals

 

[Royal Consort]

You can book on any site be it France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands who ever has the best deals.

You don't get anything sent to you by the post (it's all email) so they don't care or rather don't have to know where you live - you just put France down as your country

That's what we did. Although we used my partner's family's address in the UK. Worked out much easier and cheaper. We were also able to buy our package much earlier. Carrie_Cat is right. They won't post you anything and communicate via email. However, if you need to call them to amend/change anything they will want you to confirm your address so just be mindful of that.

 

[shushh]

That's what we did. Although we used my partner's family's address in the UK. Worked out much easier and cheaper. We were also able to buy our package much earlier. Carrie_Cat is right. They won't post you anything and communicate via email. However, if you need to call them to amend/change anything they will want you to confirm your address so just be mindful of that.

Thanks, that's handy to know. Did you just use an Australian credit card?

I had to think for a minute there Hit 40 and my memory is vanishing

The reason I called to book was because I wanted to book Empire State Club (like concierge level) (I wanted the unlimited fastpasses that came with the room ). You couldn't book it online so the late night phone call happened. Then I wanted to book the tea party at lucky nugget restaurant and the Christmas Party (which was amazing by the way), so had to call to book those.

I seem to be on their emailing list now and often get specials. If I get one I'll let you know. Just looked at the one I got the other day, it's only up to November 7th though.

I'll see if I can convince DH to part with some more money...

You can book on any site be it France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands who ever has the best deals.

You don't get anything sent to you by the post (it's all email) so they don't care or rather don't have to know where you live - you just put France down as your country

If you want rooms without tickets you are better off looking on Expedia for example as they sell them no pb.

You can also buy a package for 1 adult and the free children pay the difference for a family room (as you are going to be 5) and then add on the other people at check in and just pay the room tax which is a couple of €s pp and purchase AP's for them

The AP room discount is rarely worth it as you are getting discounted from rack rate.

Come and see us ^^ loads of people to help you get the best deals

Thanks for dropping in! I've been doing a lot of reading on the DLP subforum and been learning heaps! Its just frustrating that if I didn't about the DISboards I would be paying more just because I live in Australia. It also frustrating for example to know about the AP and have difficulty finding out the rates for room only which makes it hard for us to work out estimate budgets. Thanks for suggesting expedia. Can't believe I didn't think of it!

If I buy a package for 1 adult and the free child, do I have to tell them in advance that I want it to be a family room? Just out of the interest, where would be a good place to find out how much the difference is that I have to pay to put the rest of the family in the room (other than the room tax).

 

[aussietravellers]

ooooh did someone say unlimited fastpasses !!!!

Tell me more tell me more

They have a few unlimited fastpasses at DLP. Everyone at DLH get a fastpass (for a ride) at check in.

Then for all suites at DLH, HNY and two of the other hotels and all DLH Castle Club rooms (concierge) and all HNY Empire State Club rooms (concierge), every guest gets a VIP fastpass for the length of their stay. So it's basically an unlimited fastpass, you just show it at the fastpass line (keep the pass) and join the fastpass queue, all day, anytime It was awesome!

You can now buy an unlimited day fastpass. It's something like 60 Euro, per person for a day. So for a family of four that's 240 Euro for a day (it would probably be cheaper to be in a Empire State Club room).

 

[queenie82]

Speaking of the 'concierge level'
I don't know of the perks...
But DBF really liked the Concierge level at Newport. He stayed in that previously. Of course it is the furthest away (of the good properties )


The only ride with EXCEPTIONAL waits was the Crush's Coaster. And Big Thunder....because it broke down twice. Of course I don't know its status since it's second derailment?? Better look that up sometime...

Anyways...
I do NOT think fastpasses are a big deal unless you're there during peak season

The kids rides in Toy story land are slow loaders but if you've survived WDW and DL....it was no worse than that.....even using fastpasses there.

 

[shushh]

Queenie I meant to ask you, which days of the week were you there? I could reread your TR but thought it might be easier to ask you directly

 

[queenie82]

Queenie I meant to ask you, which days of the week were you there? I could reread your TR but thought it might be easier to ask you directly

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday...

Not ideal....

But we got it to work.

HIGHLY recommend Monday's

 

[Royal Consort]

Thanks, that's handy to know. Did you just use an Australian credit card?

Yep, all they want is a valid credit card number. They don't care where it comes from.

 

[shushh]

We have booked ourselves a stay at the Disneyland Hotel! I am so excited! I can now plan my dining reservation.

There is currently a pay for 2 and get 2 nights free offer on the UK site for our dates and with the dollar doing well against the pound, we booked last night. This offer is for arrivals until 31 Mar if I'm not mistaken.

Was just sharing this with Ms Shuttergirl but thought the information may be handy for those who plan on visiting DLP. If you call the French line and tell them the special that is on another site that is not the international site, they will honour it and let you book it even if you do not reside in that country. I called last night and was able to take advantage of the UK offer with no problems even though bookings for the rest of the world have not opened yet. I gave them my Australian address. It cost me all of $1 in skype costs. The CM I spoke to was so friendly and sweet, in fact I couldn't stop him talking...was on the phone for about 35 minutes!

So we'll be there from Wed Dec 12 and checking out on Sunday Dec 16. Queenie, I've just read your TR, and you didn't recommend the RER? We were planning on taking the RER A from Paris on the Wednesday morning...

 

[australiankaren]

I know nothing about DLP but thought I'd poke the ol' head in and take a sticky!

typical!

 

[aussietravellers]

We have booked ourselves a stay at the Disneyland Hotel! I am so excited! I can now plan my dining reservation.

There is currently a pay for 2 and get 2 nights free offer on the UK site for our dates and with the dollar doing well against the pound, we booked last night. This offer is for arrivals until 31 Mar if I'm not mistaken.

Was just sharing this with Ms Shuttergirl but thought the information may be handy for those who plan on visiting DLP. If you call the French line and tell them the special that is on another site that is not the international site, they will honour it and let you book it even if you do not reside in that country. I called last night and was able to take advantage of the UK offer with no problems even though bookings for the rest of the world have not opened yet. I gave them my Australian address. It cost me all of $1 in skype costs. The CM I spoke to was so friendly and sweet, in fact I couldn't stop him talking...was on the phone for about 35 minutes!

So we'll be there from Wed Dec 12 and checking out on Sunday Dec 16. Queenie, I've just read your TR, and you didn't recommend the RER? We were planning on taking the RER A from Paris on the Wednesday morning...

Congrats on booking We were there mid Dec when we went for 8 nights. DS and I took the RER into Paris and back and didn't have a problem, didn't find anything wrong with it It's not a nice clean train like the Eurostar or TGV, but it was just a normal suburban train, a little grotty and there are beggars, but they were not annoying or offensive like the gypsys that are around Paris. They just board the train, go along and place a card beside everyone (which we didn't touch, but I did lean and have a read). Then they walk back, pick the card up and jump off the train at the next stop (and I assume start the process again on the next train as it comes along ). But we found it easy to navigate around Paris, easy to get into Paris and back again. I can't see that you'll have any problems

It really was FREEZING when we went, like absolutely FREEZING! I don't remember ever feeling as cold. We went to Zermatt from there and it was -15 and it didn't feel as cold as DLP, LOL. We actually took the train in to the big shopping centre just a stop or two (on the RER) from Disneyland to the sports store to buy balaclavas as at night we were just so bitterly cold and it was sleeting and it hurt your face. But it was still amazing, wonderful, magical and just beautiful at Christmas time. There are Christmas markets between DTD and DLH which are cute and very christmasy (if that's a word). You will love it!