We lived in Germany for 2 years from 1999-2001. We went to
Disneyland Paris over Memorial Day weekend in 2001 thinking it wouldn't be too crowded. It was crowded, though, because other countries had holidays that weekend as well.
We stayed at the Sequoia which was in the middle price range but very nice. Hotel rooms in Europe are quite small so I was surprised how large our room was. However, it is hard for me to remember the exact size compared to the typical American hotel room. My perception may have been skewed by the two years in Europe.
The pool was indoors and small but themed with a small waterslide.
We knew very little French, used a little language translation book, but were able to get around fine. I agree, they really do appreciate you at least trying to speak a little of their language.
We took an overnight train from Germany with a sleeper car which I highly recommend. People have told me you can get cheaper fares in the U.S. prior to your trip than you can get once over there. That may only apply to the Eurail passes though. The train takes you to Paris and then you take another train to Disney. Once in Paris, go to the info desk and say Disneyland Paris or Eurodisney and they will hand you a sheet of paper in English with the procedure of securing you tickets in the machine and where to board.
We always used the ATMs to exchange money. We never exchanged at the airport or any other exchange except our local bank unless we were in a bind. We found the exchange rates were so much better at the ATMs whether we were in Germany, France, Austria, Britain, or the Czeck Republic. I don't know if this has changed with the implementation of the Euro but I doubt it. Most of the ATMS are PLUS or other major types. Never had a problem and we weren't charged any excess fees except what we would have been if were in the States and at another bank's ATM. All our visitors from the States did this as well. Check with your bank to be sure.
Munich and Bavaria are incredible as well. Have a wonderful time. I'm jealous.
P.S. Rick Steve's writes great down to earth travel guides for both Germany and France ( I highly recommend the Paris one!).
Alright, we're heading to Germany after purchasing some dog gone cheap tickets ($183 pp/rt from Charlotte to Munich). We plan to go to Eurodisney, but don't know what to expect nor which facility to stay at. Our trip is planned for April 19-29 only some of which will be at the resort. Anyone with experience here? We're long time OKW owners and probably prefer something unique (but roomy if that's not an oxymoron).
