Disneyland Paris

[Louise-Montreal]

Have a sister in law in England who just invited my daughter and me to London. Want to squeeze in a one night trip to DLP and checked the points. Has anyone stayed on points? What was it like? Is there one hotel which is better? How far are the hotels from DLP? Should I do DLP first ie arrive in Paris or do it at the end ie leave from Paris? And finally should we do the park and sleep that evening or sleep at the hotel and do the park? Any and all help appreciated!

Louise

 

[Caskbill]

We've stayed on points there. One great thing is that it also includes admission into the park.

The best hotel is the Disneyland Hotel, but the points cost (39/night) reflects that. We stayed at the Sequoia which was nice, and OK for us as we didn't spend that much time in the hotel itself. Sequoia rooms are along the lines of Wilderness Lodge rooms at WDW.

The Disneyland hotel is close to the entrance. The others are about a city block away. You walk through a shopping/entertainment area along the lines of Downtown Disney, or more like CityWalk by Universal Studios in Orlando.

Remember that this is not actually in Paris itself, but about 20 - 30 miles outside the city. If you're only going for one day, you won't be able to see both DLP and Paris itself.

Assuming you're taking the train, there's a station right at DLP.

If I were you I'd do at least two nights. Even taking the train through the Chunnel from London to Paris, it's going to take you several hours to get to DLP and get checked in. Then spend that evening enjoying the activities there that are outside the park. We enjoyed going to Buffalo Bill's show.

Do the park the next day and stay again that night.

Check-out in the morning and take the train into Paris. You could probably get a good half-day there before taking the train back to London.

Of course you'd need to check out train schedules to get your timing right.

Have a great trip.

 

[vernon]

I answered most of your questions on the UK DVC board. You didn't say where your sister lives though, that will make a difference as to how effective the train journey is.

The train time from London To DLP is 3 hours. If the price isn't too much more I would suggest going 1st class as , on busy weekends, the "coach class" can get pretty noisy with lots of excited kids.

for information on the train http://www.eurostar.co.uk

 

[richard3330]

I totaly agree with Vernon, on busy days economy class is horrible. We went in first class and it was a great start and end to our vacation. If you have an American Express card (AMEX) you can upgrade to 'castle class' free of charge, 'castle class' is seating in 1st class seats, but with none of the first class bonuses like a free meal, champagne, dedicated check-in.

 

[richard3330]

The upgrade prices are:

CASTLE CLASS (FREE WITH AMEX) OR £21 PER ADULT
£8 PER CHILD

FIRST CLASS: £53 PER ADULT
£40 PER CHILD

 

[Mouse Ears]

I don't have much advice about all the travel stuff, but just wanted to say the DLP is a beautiful park. The castle is unique and very beautiful. We spent one day there after a week long visit to Paris while we were living in northern Europe in 2000. This was easily the highlight for all of us, especially my 2 girls (3 and 1 1/2 at the time). Even though I had been to WDW a couple of times before, it was the contrast of DLP to the dirty, rude Parisian streets that got me hooked on Disney magic. I wish we would have stayed on sight and spent more time there.

Enjoy your trip! I hope you figure it all out.

M.E.

PS. Don't get me wrong: Paris is charming, but is a tough place to drag little kids around and the people there were not too patient with us 'dumb tourists'. I have been to Paris twice and will not return until I can enjoy it without small kids in tow.

 

[Jemima]

Louise - We spent 2 nights in DLP last August during a week long trip to Paris. I would highly recommend the DL Hotel if you have the points to spare. The location is amazing, its almost like you are staying within the theme park, and it is also a very beautiful hotel - somewhat a cross between the BW and the GF.

The Magic Kingdom theme park was wonderful and we did it easily in one day but now since the opening of Disney Studios you might want to spend a day in each park plus some time at their DD area.

My only complaint was some of the service by the CM's, its just no where near as good as in WDW in Orlando.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!!

Jemima

 

[CarolA]

OK. Have you ever been to Europe before? I loved DLP. However, if this was a once in a lifetime trip I would not try and do this. I would either see more of England or even do a day trip to Paris. (I have NEVER found Parisians rude and the streets are not any dirtier than any other major city in the world! Just watch out for dog pooh!)

I know I will be trashed for saying this, but while the park is nice it is "american". The thing I love about Europe is that it is not "american".