DLP in late June/early July

[California Jenn]

We are excited about our upcoming visit to DLP for two days at the end of June (Tuesday 30th of June and Wednesday 1st of July) staying at the Explorers Hotel. We have 1 one park/one day pass and 1 one day/two parks pass. We have two small kids (4 and 6) who like the Fantasy Land rides and smaller roller coasters (like BTM) that they've been on at WDW and Disneyland in California.

At Disneyland, we are interested in riding BTM, the Fantasyland rides, PotC and generally experiencing the park. At Hollywood Studios, we would like to ride Crush’s coaster and Ratatouille and see the Anamagique show and the Toy Story Playland area. Because our kids are young, we will likely go to the parks at opening and leave early for swim time at the hotel so will miss the fireworks.


We will be taking a 6pm Eurostar train back to London on Wednesday.

A couple questions.

1. Should we use our 2 day pass the first day to see both parks, or focus just on Disneyland that day knowing that On-Site Hotel Guests have early entry at Disneyland and go to both parks the second day?

2. What are options for luggage on our last day? Do we have to leave it at the hotel and go back for it at the end of our time at the parks?

3. Will it likely be very crowded during this time?

4. Any attractions we are missing?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Chevy]

I have only been to DLP once, so I am a novice. But we'll actually be there the same week as you and our kids are about the same age.

I don't think it will be extremely crowded as French schools are in session through July 3. However, some other countries are already on summer break, so it will be starting to pick up.

For Disneyland I'd recommend walking through the castle and seeing the dragon underneath. I've also heard good things about Alice's Curious Labyrinth. Frozen Summer Fun will also be going on while you're there and they do have English shows.

At Studios, we're still debating whether to do Crush's coaster. Our youngest will just have turned 5, and is only 1.07 m (42") if she has on her tennis shoes. I've heard it's quite fast and the dark parts can be scary. I love the concept of traveling the East Atlantic Current, but we might have to save that one for next time.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[California Jenn]

Thanks for the recommendations! I appreciate the input on Crush's coaster -- I had mistakenly assumed it wouldn't be that frightening. We'll probably start at Disneyland and see how things go, then play it by ear the next day whether we ride Crush or not. My 4 year old is very similar to your youngest - almost 5 and just barely 1.07 m standing really tall!

I hope you also have a great trip and that your kids enjoy the experience.

 

[Anemone]

1. Should we use our 2 day pass the first day to see both parks, or focus just on Disneyland that day knowing that On-Site Hotel Guests have early entry at Disneyland and go to both parks the second day?

The Paris parks are much more like DL Ca than WDW and park hopping is really easy. EMH doesn't make any difference to crowd levels as unlike Ca early opening is in the main park every day in Paris and there are people who are waiting at the entrance to the Studios park to get to Crush and Ratatouille as soon as it opens. So choose whichever day suits you best but make sure you start at the studios that day as you will have the other full day to do the main park.

2. What are options for luggage on our last day? Do we have to leave it at the hotel and go back for it at the end of our time at the parks?

Staying at Disney hotels you can opt for Disney Express for your return journey. I think I've read it's 11 euro per room and they collect the bags from your hotel and take them to the station where you collect them before boarding train. Not sure whether this is also aailable at the partner hotels though.

Alternatively you can leave luggage at guest relations in the park or in lockers in the train station for a fee. No idea of cost.

3. Will it likely be very crowded during this time?

It will be crowded. School holidays in Spain start around 23/24 June and crowd levels rise from then on. Last June we were there the week before that and the parks were heaving - but from the Thursday on. You are avoiding weekends which is good. Tuesday might be slightly less crowded than Wednesday but there won't be much in it.

4. Any attractions we are missing?

You've covered most of them. My sister mainly wants character M&Gs so we don't do many rides. The Sleeping Beauty exhibit upstairs in the castle is very good and unique to DLP as is the dragon under the castle.