DRAT!!! What did I do?

[minmate]

I just firmed up a last minute trip to the World 4/5-4/12 for my family of 6. I ended up doing some of the confirms through WTC or whatever it's called (can't think clearly right now!) -- well come to find out, my dad had been planning a surprise anniversary trip this April to Paris for just dh and I. It was going to include three days at Disneyland Paris (awww!) and then time to sightsee. I've never been to Paris! This would have been great! Now, while I'm excited to do WDW again, I'm feeling like I lost out on a great opportunity! Drat!!!!

 

[bcarson]

I have to say I think I would find a way to change those plans! Paris would be oh so cool and you would still get to be at Disney. I don't know what can and cannot change but good luck!

 

[minmate]

I don't know... I just took one look at the DLP board here and I'm thoroughly overwhelmed. It just dawned on me, the language barrier, not knowing the ins and outs of hotels, transportation, restaurants, and I don't even have a passport! Yikes! I didn't realize how daunting it can be to go to another country... especially if one were to do it on short notice! I have a new perspective and appreciation for foreigners that travel here.

 

[kpm76]

I would not let the language barrier stop you from visiting Paris....people who are not fluent in French visit all the time I think it would be a very memorable trip for you and DH...I hope you can make it work....good luck!

 

[jlaspoq]

Go to Paris!

 

[rhiansmom]

Go to Paris... I lived in Europe for almost five years... never spoke a word of German, French or Italian and made it home just fine! The language barrier is so minimal especially if you do the typical tourist things!

 

[zurgswife]

Another vote for paris...

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

For sure go with the Paris trip...can you incorporate both in your's and DH's schedules????

 

[Martha7]

Not to be the lone wet blanket here, but check the exchange rates before you go. The dollar is weak right now, and travel to Europe is very expensive as a result! I've been to EuroDisney before and it was fine, but we were living in Germany at the time, so it was the closest thing to DL or WDW to me! Anyway, you need to get to Europe at some point, I'm just not sure that this is the best time financially for it. It will be much less hot and humid at EuroDisney in the summer than a trip to WDW. Weather in Paris right now will probably be cold and rainy. I'm going to the world from 4/2-4/9. It will be terribly busy, I'm afraid. Have you had the chance to book PS's yet? Do you already have a hotel? Anyway, do a bit more research and see what you find out. You'll have a great trip, whichever way you decide!

 

[ely3857]

Hello,

I think you should go for DLP.

I have been 4 times (I live in the Uk and if I drive straight from work on a Thursday evening I can be there 3am On friday for a nice weekend!)

There is NO language barrier at DLP as all the CM's have to speak 3 languages, English, French and 1 other European.

While DLP can't compare with Florida on weather or scale it does have a charm all of it's own and it would be a shame to miss out on a once in a life time trip. If you were to stay onsite you can catch a train (Yeap DLP has it's own station!) to take you into the heart of paris so you can explore with ease. Or of course you could do the train thing the other ay round if you were staying in Paris.

DLP has a Disney Village just near the train station were there is a RainForest cafe, Planet Hollywood, McDonalds, all the stuff for if you got home sick! Plus lots of the usual shops an a lake to walk around and do some people watching.

Eating in Paris is a bit more difficult. If you dont speak any french at all then take a good phrase book as waiters would be reluctant to help you out at busier times and you wouldnt want to take pot luck with what you were eating!

If you do decide on Paris then a tip from me would be to take a bus tour around the capital, that way you can figure out where everything is and when you start walking you wont get lost so easily, Paris is a very simple layout once you've gotten used to it.



Ely3857 (England)

 

[princess aurora]

ummmm ya go for PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cool trip plus your Dad planned it how sweet is that!!!!!!!!

 

[Worfthedog]

Just wanted to say yes to Paris, I'm in total agreement with ely3857 on this.

We love Paris & DLRP, It's just incredible! Very different to WDW yet very familiar too. Most french people are only too happy to help with the language if you make the effort to try (I am fluent in French yet they still insist on speaking English to make it easier since their English is usually so much better than our French).

Paul.

 

[Martha7]

Is the Paris trip for this April? If so, and you decide to go, you can get an expedited passport. At least, you used to be able to before 9/11! For your sake, I hope it's for 2006, since you'll be rushing around like crazy to get ready otherwise! Please let us know what happens!

 

[Martha7]

Hey, Minmate! I said "Tell us what happens!" Don't leave us hanging please!
Are you going to Paris or WDW?

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

Don't go to DLP you will be soooooooooooo diappointed. If you have never been to WDW then its great, but if you have been toWDW very diappointing - cold, overpriced and lacking in US charm and 'have a nice dayness'. I live in the UK by the way and so it is easy for me to get there.

 

[sk!mom]

Go to Paris. I was apprehensive on our first trip to Paris, but it was surprisingly easy to get around. We encountered so many helpful, kind people. We didn't go to Disney Paris- DH wouldn't consider traveling all that way to see something that we could see in the States. I've followed your threads the last few days as you have quickly planned your trip- I would quickly unplan it or better yet do both if you can.

WDW or Paris- no choice for me- Paris hands down!

 

[wildbill]

I'll step up to the plate here.....you should keep the plans you have already made....

and send US to Paris. We promise to take lots and lots of pictures for you

Bill

 

[minmate]

Gee Wildbill, thanks... I bet my dad would be thrilled to send you to Paris in our place! lol...

I suppose it's a bit mean/selfish, but I wouldn't be as worried about the cost of going to Europe... I wouldn't be paying for it!!!! Just Kidding... If I could keep the costs down I would of course! I think my dad thought of having us go right now because he has good friends going to Europe for 3 weeks in April and he was thinking about going to hook up with them for an extended weekend and thought we could fly out together or something... He insists Paris is great in April... I don't know... never been there!

I talked to my dad a bit more and said, "Hey well, our 10 year anniversary is in 2007 you know... and I promise to "forget" about this surprise!" He was like, "Yeah right... NO you won't!" NO, I WON'T! lol... All of you made me feel better about the notion of going at least!

So, anyway, we're going to keep our plans b/c they involve our four kids.

Going to Paris would be difficult to pull off b/c: 1) I am a compulsive vacation planner, 2) Childcare for my kids, 3) No Passports.... My sister just got a new job and my mom's pretty protective of her vacation days and so there would be a lot of difficulty in the logistics of who would watch my kids if we were to go away alone. Although, my dad suggested he could take off work and fly out here to watch him... uh, when we visited him 2 summers ago he was totally befuddled when my ds dropped donut crumbs on the floor under the counter because he didn't have a broom. He did not even know what to do! Gotta love 'em for the sentiment but he wouldn't last two days with 4 kids under 6, not to mention shuttling them btw school and activities! lol....

So, WDW it is... and I guess for us, "we'll always have Paris..." to look forward to, that is... in 2007 (maybe!) -- by which time I will be sure to have done my research!

 

[pezpam]

Paris, definitely. Contrary to what many Americans believe, it's an extremely friendly city and there's no city that makes their subway easier to navigate to get where you're going. Seriously, the first time I went, I was 14 and on a trip where the leader let us have free time away from the group. I had a few words of French and a map of the tsreets and subway and had a BALL. I have been back twice as an adult and wish I could go much more often. The city has its own magical experiences and it's like WDW (and most other places!) in one way - if you treat people well, they'll treat you well. Learn how to say "Hello" and "I don't speak French, do you speak English?" and "Thank you" and even if you mangle it, people will be happy to help you.

BTW, those phrases, in case you decide to go, are

Hello - Bonjour (see, you did know French! <grin>)
Thank you - Merci (even more than you thought!)
I don't speak French - Je ne parle pas francais (Zhe ne parl pah frahn-say)
Do you speak English? - Parlez-vous anglais? (parlay-voo ahn-glay?)

I promise - if you go with an open mind and a happy heart, you'll come back and tell everyone you know what a great place Paris is - even if you never make it to Disney over there.

 

[sters]

Are you crazy? Go to Paris! Reschedule your WDW for another time.