DL-Paris

[canda]

Is DL-Paris close enough to the city that you could make a DL hotel your base on points and then see the city. (after 2 days at DL to break it up.)

or is it too expensive in points to do so and not worth it.

 

[beachblanket]

The DL Paris properties are very expensive point-wise (generally 50+ a night, which is the worst of any of the resorts in the "Disney Collection"). Also, everything available for use with DVC points is "standard view."

Paris is 30 km (19 miles) away by toll road. Warning: renting a car/driving in France isn't like it is in North America; if you think gas is expensive here, just wait till you fill up there. Also, the highway systems aren't as user-friendly.

Bottom line: all those issues stated, if you want to spend the points, DL Paris is still an interesting variation on the Disney experience, and Paris is accessible from it. The best bet on the latter is to use the train from the Marne-la-Vallée station outside the park. RER A trains run from there directly into center city Paris, the trip takes about 40 minutes. More info (in english) on the transit system into and around Paris can be found here

 

[Bexx]

Yes the train is your best bet if you wanted to visit Paris from DLP - you can also have a look here to find some more info on the RER.

If you have any more questions, please come over and see us on the DLP Board

 

[marcybear]

We just got back from a week at DLP at the Disneyland Hotel about 3 weeks ago. We used our points for this trip and thought it was worth it. Since DLP is not as huge as WDW, you will have plenty of time to go into Paris by train. We spent one entire day from 8:00 AM to 10PM in the city and we also took the Paris night tour from DLP one evening. It was a great experience--although the prices of everything considering the exchange rates are incredibly expensive. If you have the points I'd go for it!!!

 

[pouncingpluto]

I would tend to spend two or three nights at DLP and then get a hotel in the city for another few nights. In particular because DLP hotels are so expensive (even points-expensive), and since park tickets are included, it seems a waste to spend a few days exploring the city and not using the park tickets.

 

[dan and scott]

Use the RER to go into the city for the day--very easy to navigate their subway system. We felt really secure doing this knowing we had home base camp set up at the DLP hotel. The subway was safe and clean except watch your wallet and purses for pick pocketers-I ran shotgun for our friend when we got off the train some weirdo had her I on her totebag and as soon as he saw me on to him he didn't try anything. I know it might seem a waste of points to go into the city for a day or 2 but at least you feel good going back to Disney property if you are a jet set novice. As far as Disneyland goes it is probably the BEST version of the Magic Kingdoms--The Magic Kingdom is our least favorite park-DLP is sort of a hybrid park. LOTS of detail Disney did not do this one on the cheap!--as for the Studios thats another story. We spent a week there and really visited the studio once except a couple of times we went over to the gift shops.
Also if you need groceries go down to the next RER stop after DLP and there is a Disney's mall with Auchands grocery store to pick up some eats for your hotel--french bread yummyy!!!--It is inside the mall on 2 levels
Scott

 

[beachblanket]

Canda, if you decide to pursue this, definitely research the DL Paris hotel properties in detail before you make a choice. The short form summary:

- public area interiors (lobbies, restaurant, lounges) are up to the Disney standard, but because of the climate, all pools are indoors, which changes the feel of things.

The Paris variations on a "value" resort are the Santa Fe and the Cheyenne. Both are rather basic, the former not getting particularly good reviews from vistors.

The Sequia Lodge -- a step up from the value level -- is similar to (but a pale shadow of) the Wilderness Lodge at WDW or the Grand Californian at DL.

Newport Bay is a copy of the WDW Beach/Yacht club, sans SAB. Rooms are O.K. but not as nice as the U.S. original.

New York is one of the two only real premium resorts at DL Paris. Best analogy to a WDW property is the Swan/Dolphin (has same "corporate meetingplace" feel).

The Disneyland Hotel. Inarguably the choice property on site -- and the most expensive (point cost per night starts at about 70 and approaches 100 during peak seasons)). Many argue the standard of service here exceeds any American Disney resort, and I have to admit the general atmosphere (characters roaming the lobby and halls day and night, as well as the close to park location) really does take you into the "magic" stratosphere. Only downside is a rather small and dull pool.