DLP in the Summer

[kim929]

I will be heading to DLP for the first time ever this August 4-9 with my dh and ds14. How busy is it normally during this time? Is it Disney World busy? When planning Disney World there is so much information and I've been so many times it's easy.
I am having such a hard time finding information. I hope I can get some help on where I should be looking..


TIA
Kim

 

[Carrie_Cat]

I will be heading to DLP for the first time ever this August 4-9 with my dh and ds14. How busy is it normally during this time? Is it Disney World busy? When planning Disney World there is so much information and I've been so many times it's easy.
I am having such a hard time finding information. I hope I can get some help on where I should be looking..


TIA
Kim

I have no idea how busy Disney World is in August but for DLP it's the high season as all European countries schools are on holiday. The parc is open till 23.00 everyday and the Studios until 21.00 which helps a bit and as you have 5/6 days you will be able to get everything done and then some.

 

[MPHARJ]

We will also be visiting for our first time ever this August, 4-10 and are in the same position as you. We go to WDW or DL every year and I don't bat an eye when booking. But I can't seem to find any recent/current information for visits to DLP, geared towards Americans visiting.

 

[torsie24]

We will also be visiting for our first time ever this August, 4-10 and are in the same position as you. We go to WDW or DL every year and I don't bat an eye when booking. But I can't seem to find any recent/current information for visits to DLP, geared towards Americans visiting.

Information how?

This board is full of people who have been recently and there are plenty of Trip Reports on the TR board.

Most information will suit Americans as much as it suits anyone......?

 

[A Small World]

As Torsie said there are loads of trip reports on the sub board at the top of the page- some written by Americans who have visited.
Most general information is applicable to everyone from whatever country but to give you a few pointers:

Anyone can book from any country's website - just leave your last line of address as that country as nothing is posted to you - some countries get better deals than others
All packages in the Disney hotels include breakfast and park hopper tickets for the number of days you are there including day of arrival and departure
All Disney hotels are within walking distance of the parks (except Davy Crocket Ranch where you need a car as there is no shuttle service). The furthest hotel is about 15 mins walk but its a pleasant walk through the village and along the lake
The Disney hotels are smaller than the ones at WDW - they are hotels not resorts and not all have swimming pools- but are all perfectly acceptable, well themed, warm and comfortable
The 2 parks are right next to each other - similar to Disney California and Disney Village is next to them both
The Fast pass system is like the system at DC and old system at WDW
You do not need to book FP in advance or make reservations for restaurants months in advance - walk ups are not always possible but you can often book while at the resort and get a table
Meal plans do not offer a significant saving but you can buy any meal plan you wish and can eat at any restaurant and use the voucher at face value
Disney park is considered to be the most beautiful of all the parks - there are lots of areas to explore and some rides are unique to DLP and some are much better than their American counterparts
Counterservice venues do not always represent best value for money but there are some really good ones. Buffets give the best value as offer a huge range of food.

Im sure there are a lot more but the main thing is not to go expecting a carbon copy of the American parks as you will be disappointed. The park is in Europe - the culture there is different and the parks reflect that.
I have been to both American parks and DLP and like them all for different reasons so go with an open mind and enjoy the different experience