First Time Abroad help

[lycam]

This sounds quite stupid but I have never been abroad so am really unsure of what time to book things. Just looking for a rough guide really. I am planning on getting the TGV to DLP but how long after my flights land do I need to book this? Don't want to book it too early and end up missing it. Travelling is me, DH and 4 kids aged 1,4,5 and 7 plus pushchair and luggage. Also how long before take off do you usually arrive. I want to be early enough to not be worrying but don't want to be sitting for 2 hours if we don't need to be.

Any help appreciated and also any other things/tips you think may be useful for a first trip abroad (never even been as a child so really clueless).

 

[Carrie_Cat]

This sounds quite stupid but I have never been abroad so am really unsure of what time to book things. Just looking for a rough guide really. I am planning on getting the TGV to DLP but how long after my flights land do I need to book this? Don't want to book it too early and end up missing it. Travelling is me, DH and 4 kids aged 1,4,5 and 7 plus pushchair and luggage. Also how long before take off do you usually arrive. I want to be early enough to not be worrying but don't want to be sitting for 2 hours if we don't need to be.

Any help appreciated and also any other things/tips you think may be useful for a first trip abroad (never even been as a child so really clueless).

Hello

Depending on where you are coming from and which terminal you arrive at it can vary how long it all takes from the plane to the terminal, through immigration and baggage claim.

When I come back from the UK via T3 it will take less than 15 minutes but if I'm coming back through T1 it can take 45

How long before your flight you arrive again depends on where you are going to - If I'm going to the UK and I've checked in on line and printed my boarding pass I'll be there 45 mins to an hour before but I know where I'm going and I don't have children with me and just the 1 bag to drop off.

If I'm going to Asia or the US it's supposed to be 3 hours before.

Check with your airline and at least for your first experience I'd respect what they say as you don't want to be stressed out due to traffic delays getting back to the airport etc

hth

 

[DLPdaft]

are you sure you want to do the TGV with such small children and luggage? As there are 6 of you travelling, it might actually work out just as cheap to get a private shuttle.

If you're set on the TGV, give yourselves at least one hour if you have luggage to pick up, between your landing time and the TGV departure time.

Coming back on your return journey, you would be best to leave DLP around 2 hours before your flight departure time if coming back by TGV. If coming back by shuttle, 3 hours before (it can take an hour or so by road between DLP and CDG, depending on traffic conditions).

You won't be hanging around in the airport for long - you have to check in, drop off your luggage, go through security etc. If you're planning on eating at the airport before your flight, do it before you go through security, as there are loads of places in the main terminal buildings, but nothing much at all once you've gone through security.

 

[kizzabel]

I would also go for a shared taxi shuttle. RS Transports are a cheap option but very professional.
We took the TGV last year (2 adults) and i wouldnt do it with kids as there are stairs in the station in DLP and we could find a lift so I imagine it would be a nightmare trying to haul a buggy and a baby and all the luggage.
The shared taxi shuttle pick you up at the airport (they will have a board with your name on) and bring you directly to the hotel youre staying in.
They also give you a collection time and will meet you at the front of your hotel for the return journey.
When you factor in waiting time for the TGV then the shared taxi shuttle is as quick.
The shared shuttle also provides car seats for your little ones at no extra charge.

Arrive at your airport 2 hours before departure to allow for checking baggage and getting thru security.

Hope this helps and we're here if you have anything else you need info or advice on

 

[kizzabel]

As for other tips your youngest (and any child under 3) dines for free at the buffet restaurants in the parks/village/disney hotels.

If staying in a Disney hotel you will have EMH (early magic hours) which allows guests of the Disney hotels access to the Disneyland Paris park for 1/2 hours before the park officially opens. Normally EMH entrance is 8am or 9am with park opening at 10am. There will be a few selected rides open at this time. Normally Space Mountain, Teacups, Peter Pan and a couple of other rides. Its a great way of getting rides done while its quiet.

We normally start our trip by taking a walk around the parks to get our barings and then start doing rides that catch our eye. Its a great way to get a feel for the place.


You could get a park map from ebay or by asking someone visiting soon to post you one and it would give you an idea of what rides/attractions you want to do.

When are you going?

 

[Happy Tappy]

I'd like to echo the other posters and advise you to get a private shuttle. Ezyshuttle and RS Transports both come highly recommended and they will probably cost about the same as the TGV.

As a first time visitor I would not want to have the bother of finding the TGV and then making sure I get the right train. You've then got the bother of transferring from the train station at Disney to your hotel. Not easy with kids and luggage. If you get a private shuttle the taxi driver will be waiting in arrivals for you, will help you with your luggage and will drive you to the door of your hotel.

If you tell them the ages of your children they will make sure they have suitable car seats.

 

[jillrobinson]

Have to agree with everyone else's sentiments and say book a private shuttle. We've used RS Transports several times without any problems although next visit I've booked Ezyshuttle because of the fabulous reviews on here about them. Either way you'll find them waiting for you and the drivers are more than happy to help with your luggage.

I've always left collection time from the hotel to the taxi company, they know what to expect the traffic situation to be like, for 7.00 pm flights we've been collected around 4.00/4.15 pm which means we arrive about 90mins to 2hours before takeoff. Think most checkin desks open 2 hours before and close 40 minutes before take off.

Adding to what Elaine said don't go through security until you're absolutely sure no-one is hungry thirsty or needs a wee, in my opinion the facilities for such a large airport after security are awful, in fact I think in terminal 2 you have to leave the area totally for the loo, so have to go back through security a 2nd time if anyone suddenly needs to go.

The only thing I'd possibly recommend is a buggy board for your 4 & 5 year olds to share, there's an awful lot of walking at DLP.

 

[lycam]

Thanks for all the advice. I'd much rather a stressless shuttle transfer but I get awfully car sick even on short journeys so will probably stick with the TGV just to be sure. Thinking if I book for 2 hours after landing should give us enough time. Does anyone know what happens if you don't make it, can the tickets be used on later train or is it strictly that train only?

Think a buggyboard could be a good idea but might just judge it as we go and hire another pushchair if we need to as we live in the country so kids are used to a lot of walking.

 

[DLPdaft]

if you book flexible tickets (these cost a couple of pounds more than the most inflexible ticket generally) you can change the tickets for a later train.