Disney Paris in March?

[D23Ry]

So it looks like I am planning a trip to Europe next March. Is this a bad time to go? I read it could snow!? Also, is it too cold to enjoy Europe? Doing a little UK / Paris Trip (and of course Disney Paris for a day or two)

Any suggestions? Should I try to get a different month to work?

 

[cherrymarzipan]

This is so difficult to answer... DLP in March can be freezing (literally or with a biting wind), grey and wet or sunny and warm. Snow is unlikely but not unheard of. You could be really lucky but don't bank on it. If you can leave it a month or two obviously your odds increase on getting warmer sunnier days (and lighter evenings too). The park is also beautifully landscaped and at its best once the Spring foliage and flowers are out.

 

[DLPDreams]

As Cherry says, no one knows what the weather will be like - a few years back we had the the hottest March on record in the UK (so much so, it was hotter than summer!), but we also get snow and icy winds etc in March here in the UK and the coldness is more 'normal'. I'm saying the UK to compare, as our weather is very similar to that area of France, although they tend to slightly warmer summers!

Personally, if I didn't have to go in March, I probably wouldn't. Even a month later should make a difference - April will be warmer and as Cherry says, you may catch 'Swing into Spring'. DLRP is great any time, but I think it's extra special when there is a theme to the parades etc. However, just plan carefully as you don't want to hit school holidays - I think there could possibly be a period of about 3 weeks in April where you can span European holidays with Easter. If you don't have to go in school holidays then I definitely wouldn't recommend. Also, bare in mind it's the 25th Anniversary next year so after 12th April, the new birthday celebrations will take place every day - so something extra nice to see, you'll miss this if you go in March (I think there may be some soft openings before, but guessing most things will start on 12th April?).

Or, failing that, go early May - much warmer (although not hot!), less chance of heavy rain/icy winds etc, and lighter nights. Steer away from very last week in May as that tends to be a UK school holiday, although often the quietest of the school holidays as the rest of Europe are at school!

 

[D23Ry]

I am convinced I will do this next October then. That is the only other time I could go. October sounds better than March weather wise. Should be about the same with the crowds?

 

[DLPDreams]

Do you mean this October 2016?

Just be careful with school holidays as I'm fairly sure the French get nearly 2 weeks off in October - usually the last two weeks I think, and the UK is off usually the last-ish week (seems to be different in different counties this year which is unusual). As a result that time can be very, very busy as it's Halloween on 31 October and so lots and lots flock to DLRP to see the Halloween decs and the villains out and about etc!

Good news is if you can go early October you should be fine crowd wise, won't be really quiet, but won't be super busy, and you'll get the Halloween theming which imo, is one of the best times to go to DLRP!

 

[D23Ry]

Thanks for the info. I am thinking next October. Didn't know the French get 2 weeks off in October. Maybe the end of September - early October then. Do you know when the Halloween decorations go up?

 

[DLPDreams]

Hi

Ah next October 2017, will be good as you'll get 25th celebrations as well! I think the French get around 2 weeks off, may be a little less, it tends to fall with our UK half term but then seems to be the week before as well. There is a site where you can check school holidays - but I can't remember it! Having said that, end Sept/early Oct will be perfect - we went back in 2008 then (before my children were in school!) and the Halloween decs started to go up towards the end of Sept. You will find by early Oct they will be all up and ready for Halloween. The weather we had, albeit it was 2008, was very good too, and usually is at that time of year - it won't be cold, and hopefully not much rain - don't think we had any, maybe one afternoon.

They sometimes train new 'characters' at this time of year too as it tends to be quieter - we got to see some great, random characters! I definitely think you have picked a great time to visit.

Just onto the planning now .

 

[C3PO]

We usually go in late September, early October, and it's ideal. All the rides are virtually walk-ons. There are usually a few decorations when we arrive, with the rest going up on October 1st.

 

[JolandaK]

I would go for October then too instead of March. Weatherwise it is a better option. I wouldn't mind the cold so much, just put on an extra jacket It is the rain you should worry about hehe. Although sept-oct usually are just fine. This year from september 22nd till 25th there is the first Disneyland Paris Half Marathon which attracts a large crowd. It might return next year around the same time, might be worth considering booking after 25th for lesser crowds (or if you are a runner this might be an extra reason to plan your trip).

 

[@MinnieFan2016]

Whats the crowds generally like early march? thats when we are booked..i watched a vlog on youtube and it looked so quiet.. xx

 

[JolandaK]

First week of march is a schoolholiday for The Netherlands and part of France so might be a bit more crowded than usual. Weekends are always busier than weekdays but March isn't as crowded as say July/August. I haven't been there in March yet so maybe someone who has been can give you a more detailed answer.