Can anyone help a 1st timer who doesn't know where to start?

[MaryThorn]

Hi there

Discovered this site after seeing it referred through "Brits Guide to Disneyland Paris" and hoped some of you could give me some fool proof pointers.

We're going to to DLP in 5 weeks time for the first time and want to make it a truly magical experience for my children.

We're not going for long (3 days in total and want to combine a trip into Paris) and don't have a fantastic budget to spend when we're over there, only about £250.

We're going to be staying at the Kyriad hotel and travelling into CDG airport.

I know we can get a transfer bus direct from the airport to Kyriad on the day that we arrive, but we need to be back at CDG for 8.30 in the morning long before the transfer buses start, can anyone suggest the best way to get back to CDG for that time in the morning?

Our kids are 5 & 3, what would be the best attractions to visit in the park to maximise the experience for them? I'm thinking that there is no point in visiting the bigger attractions for older kids and to stick to the attractions that will intrest them most.

What are the best eating places for kids of this age? And the best cost effective places?

I realise I've asked an awful lot of questions for my first visit to the board, so want to say a big thank you in advance.

Oh and any other tips that you think would help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

[Raci]

Hi!
Welcome to DIS!

With kids that age its going to be very special.
If you want to get good character interaction without the crowds then its definatly worth booking a character meal.

They do them at several places (my favourite being Cafe Mickey in Disney Village).
However the cheapest option would be to book a character teaparty at Plaza Gardens restaurant.

Follow this link:

http://www.dlpfoodguide.com/index.php

For an idea of menus and prices at DLRP (although it says they are updating the menus most seem to be done so it should still give you an idea)

Its also definatly worth making time to catch the parades and shows.

I would also get there as soon as possible after opening as it will be busy because of the school holidays.

Do you have boys or girls because that will make a difference to the rides they'd like.
Also are you going midweek or weekend? Mid week will be be less busy than at the weekend.

 

[bigAWL]

My five- and three-year-old girls had some definite favorite rides/attractions:

It's a Small World
Dumbo
Carrousel
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Storybook Boat Ride
Casey Jr
Pater Pan

All of these are in Fantasy Land. There's a counter service place nearby called Bella Notte with pizza and pasta that my girls loved. We could easily spend a whole day without leaving Fantasy Land.

 

[Ware Bears]

Hi MaryThorn, welcome to the DIS!

If you look in the Very Useful Sticky at the top of the page, there is a link to a thread called Travelling to DLP by Plane, which in turn includes links to various private shuttle firms. BS Transports has been used by several DISers.

Apart from Fantasyland, I am sure your kids will love Buzz Lightyear's Laser Blast in Discoveryland. In the Studios, there is Aladdin's Flying Carpets, the new ride Cars, and you must take them to see the show Animagique.

 

[Cyrano]

Hi MaryThorn and welcome to DLP DIS board
We are a friendly bunch here so please join in on any other thread or if you have a number of questions then just start a new thread for each

If you have not had a look yet, DLP posting rules are here, DIS posting guidelines can be found here and details regarding help on signatures here

 

[scald]

We went when my my two were 5 and 3. Fantasyland was obviously the main attraction for them as every ride is very suitable. However, Buzz is also a great thrill as is Orbitron and Autopia in Discoveryland.

There are two great playgrounds in the park, Pocahontas Indian Village in Frontierland and a Pirate one in Adventureland. We found that these were great ways to break up the constant queuing and it allowed them to recharge in a way they are used to. There can be a lot of standing around waiting at DLP and this gives them a great outlet and you a chance to sit for a while and watch them.

The riverboats were in operation when we were there and this proved a relaxing hit with the lads, as did the railroad.

In terms of eating, I would say splash out on at least one character meal. We ate at Cafe Mickey in the village. It's a la carte and not shockingly expensive at all. The kids had huge meals and met 10 characters who interacted really well with them. I would rate this as the best eating experience of the trip.

 

[wendybird7]

hi and welcome to the disboard!!

how exciting for you all - first off - you're going to have a magical time. don't worry about the budget - i have went before with a lot less!

as you may have read/heard, DLP isn't too cheap - it's not as bad as it used to be, but it's not very cheap either. My advice is maybe to take some food into the park with you - if you get breakfast at the Kyriad (not sure if you do?) take some of the rolls and pain au chocolats - they are truly excellent, and are 'real' food when you don't want to spend 6 euros on a burger that just makes you feel more hungry!

or, you can get some food out of relay and the cafes in the train station. again, not VERY cheap, but certainly cheaper than DLP.

I find the kids meals are good for lunch - they're pretty good value and if you have a pain au chocolat after it, you're pretty full without spending lots of money!

Ages 5 and 3 are great ages. As some people have said, Fantasyland is your best friend! However, don't run the risk of not seeing the rest of the park - there is something for everyone in every land.

The top 5 don't misses I would say are

Peter Pan's flight in Fantasyland (but get a fastpass for this in the morning as it gets VERY busy, and not worth a 90minute wait!) - a short ride but a lovely one, appeals to boys and girls
it's a small world in Fantasyland - a classic, the song may be repetitive but it's a must, plus it's usually pretty quiet
star tours - a bit of a thrill ride, but not too bumpy, and i personally loved it when i was young. again, a disneyland classic ride
big thunder mountain - i am pretty sure kids of 3 years can go on this. a brilliant runaway train ride, this is such a fun ride, kids love it. again - go first thing or get a fastpass!
the art of animation in walt disney studios - the short film that's shown at the start gets me everytime, and it goes through every emotion...but it's really the bit afterwards kids like, where they can learn to draw and play around...i love this attraction!

i hope this helps, my biggest tip is just to enjoy every moment, because it goes so fast!

 

[MaryThorn]

Thanks everyone for some fantastic tips.

My kids are both girls so they are going to be in their element in Fantasyland. After reading all your replies I am even more excited about going and counting down the days (even hubby admitted he is a little excited about going).

My girls don't know they are going to DLP so the excitement on their faces will be just like Christmas Day, I can't wait for them to realise where they are going.

Once again, thanks for the tips and the warm welcome to the board.