Eurostar Direct vs Indirect

[Pique77]

We are going to DLP in April and as we booked later than we should have we are having to take the indirect route via Lille. What are the differences between the direct and indirect services? I know you don't have the Disney express option on the indirect but do the kids get the goody bags and the character welcome etc on the Eurostar train to Lille?

Thanks

Pique

 

[Cyrano]

Hi Pique77 and welcome to DLP DIS board
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Hopefully someone who has travelled on Eurostar can help with your query

 

[Ware Bears]

Hi Pique, welcome to the DIS!

We've only ever caught the direct Eurostar but several posters here have caught the indirect one, sometimes out of choice as they are able to choose to travel earlier that way thus getting more time in the parks! I think it is quite straightforward changing at Lille.

Which hotel are you staying in? We have never used the Disney Express luggage service either, we just catch the shuttle bus from immediately outside the train station to our hotel, often you are lucky enough to be able to check in early if your room is ready, if not they will have a left luggage room.

There won't be any goody bags on the indirect service but to be honest these only consist of a Disney comic and feltpens ~ you could always make these up yourselves and as for a character welcome, I am still waiting for mine so you won't be missing out there!

Any more questions, please ask away.

 

[jillrobinson]

I wondered where/when the "character welcome" bit came in too and how come we've missed it twice !

 

[Pique77]

Thanks guys, I am conscience of the fact that I am probably paying the same price (I think!!!) for the indirect service that:

a) takes longer
b) has no goody bags/cast members on board (the brochure talks about cast members on board to plan your stay etc, is this just brochure talk then?)
c) has no access to the Disney Express service.

I just wanted to make sure my kids in particular weren't missing out on any part of their disney experience.

We are staying at the Santa Fe due to the fact we really only see the hotel as a place to sleep and wash so not overly fussed but wanted to stay 'on-site'.

This is actually my second visit, first made one in 1996 and I bet the place has changed beyond recognition. The reason for this trip is my 30th birthday (ssshhhhhhh) on 13th April, mine and my wifes 10th wedding anniversary in July (we got engaged in Paris in 1996 using a Mickey Mouse ring bought from our visit at DLRP the day before) and my sons are at that 'good age' to go. I am really looking forward to it and my wife is already at that can't sleep stage and it's only January

Thanks again for your thoughts, any further advice/guidance would be welcomely received.

Pique

 

[jillrobinson]

(we got engaged in Paris in 1996 using a Mickey Mouse ring bought from our visit at DLRP the day before)
Pique

That is so romantic

If you want goody bags from the Eurostar, I might even have a couple here, I think my 2 were so engrossed in gameboys last time I don't think they even opened them, your kids aren't going to miss getting called down to collect them because your train will be leaving at a different time.

The Disney Express service is very handy, but not essential, you'll be able to jump on the SF shuttle bus and take your luggage to the hotel yourself without any problems. As for the cast members helping plan your stay, as far as I've seen they've always been far too busy with the online check-ins to spend very much time chatting and incidently even the online check ins don't always go to plan - there were no documents on board the train for us last time, apparently it just happens sometimes.


We've stayed at the SF and whilst it's not my favourite hotel, there's nothing actually wrong with it. It was clean and the beds were comfortable and the shuttle buses were frequent , if somewhat busy. If like us you leave the hotel after breakfast and don't return until late evening all you want is somewhere to wash and to lay your head.
BTW We did venture down to the hotel bar one night and had a really fun time, the entertainer even had my DH up singing Elvis songs - in the 25 years we've been together he's never done that at home
Must've been the Disney magic

 

[Pique77]

Thanks for the info Jill, I did wonder whether most of it was 'brochure talk' or not. It's certainly put my mind at rest so thank you for that.

I intend to get to the park early and leave very late as you say so, for a change, the hotel is the lowest priority for us on holiday this time. It looks ok in the brochures, perhaps not as themed as the Cheyenne but I think my boys will have more than enough to amuse themselves without worrying about the theming of our hotel

Thanks for the advice, off to some other threads now to research eating out and which rides to queue for when

Pique

 

[Cyrano]

This is actually my second visit, first made one in 1996 and I bet the place has changed beyond recognition. The reason for this trip is my 30th birthday (ssshhhhhhh) on 13th April, mine and my wifes 10th wedding anniversary in July (we got engaged in Paris in 1996 using a Mickey Mouse ring bought from our visit at DLRP the day before) and my sons are at that 'good age' to go. I am really looking forward to it and my wife is already at that can't sleep stage and it's only January

Sounds like you have lots of Disney magic before you even get there.
Don't forget the Santa Fe is excellently placed with the Esso garage beside it. Lovely for cheaper bottles of beer, wine, water and snacks