First Time Dlp Guest!!!

[DisneyDude10171]

I have been to WDW many times, and I have spent a good deal of time at DLR.

BUT

Never have I been to Disneyland Paris!

So, what can I expect??

I will be staying at the Newport Bay Club (Captain's level) with a friend from June 9 to June 13.

Please give as much details as you like, because I am interested in hearing everything you have to say!

Additionally, can anyone point me to a source which has the schedules of trains between Marne-le-Vallee and CDG as well as Paris. Thanks!

 

[NIK]

I've never been to any of the American parks myself so I have nothing to compare. Judging from what I've read and what others have said, the Paris park is more beautiful than the American ones. I gather Sleeping Beauty's castle had to be more spectacular - I assume that is because we have so many castles and what not in Europe that a castle on it's own really isn't that special.

Definitely go down to the dungeon under the castle - worth the visit on its own for a Dragon fan like me!

The only 'downer' and I do use the term very loosely, is that the rides and attractions have to be multi lingual obviously to reflect the different nationalities visiting the park. It can sometimes seem to slow things down - I did find the stunt show in the studios park a bit long winded as a result of the pauses to translate from French to English or whatever. I'm sure French and German speakers must find it equally irritating though. I did try a bit of my own schoolgirl French when I was there and the castmembers were very patient, even if they did immediately answer me in English! My lumpy accent obviously gave the game away

 

[jodyb]

I too am a WDW veteran - and last year I made my first trip to DLP, repeating it again last month. If you can ask specific questions I would be glad to fill you in on anything I know. It's hard to just jump in and start telling you things, so what interests you most?
In general I will say this -
You asked "what can I expect?".

My answer: EXPECT MAGIC

 

[diberry]

I absolutely adore WDW - it will always be my favourite but we also love DLP. They are, strangely, very different and yet very similar - the layout is similar (minus Epcot and Animal Kingdom of course and a much reduced version of MGM) but I think the atmosphere is very different. Although DLP is supposed to be bigger than the Magic Kingdom I find it more intimate and there are many nooks and crannies which are very individual to DLP. The language situation gives it an added attraction too - you can try out your French or you can always find English speaking Cast Members. I'm sure you'll love it too.
As far as trains are concerned you can get an RER train from Charles de Gaulle airport into central Paris. Trains run every 15 minutes (eight minutes in peak periods) and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Line B runs from the TGV station at Terminal 2 to Gare du Nord with connections to the metro. You can get the TGV train from Paris to DLP. Or you can get the TGV direct from the airport to DLP - very quick. A good general link is http://www.raileurope.co.uk or the French railway website is www.sncf.com
Have a great visit!!

 

[DisneyDude10171]

very helpful - thanks for the train help!

Additionally, I had some logistic questions (not necessarily Disney related)

Is there an age restriction on renting hotel rooms in France? I know that in the States the sometimes give you trouble if you are not 21 years old. Speaking of 21 years old... what is the official drinking age in France (if one really is in place).

US guests (or really informed Europeans): where is the best place to change currency? Should I do this before, in Paris, or in Disneyland -OR- should I just stick with my charge cards?? I have American Express and the Disney Visa.

I am sure I will have more questions as the days roll by!

 

[diberry]

Legal age to drink alcohol is 16 in France.

 

[MinnieYC]

Is there an age restriction on renting hotel rooms in France? I know that in the States the sometimes give you trouble if you are not 21 years old.

It depends where you stay. Are you just talking about Disneyland or Paris? I'm not sure about Disneyland, but you will be able to find a place to stay in Paris. How old are you exactly? If you're over 18, I'm sure it probably won't be a problem, but I'd confirm in advance when you make your reservation. You will be asked to show your passport when you check-in, so they will find out your true age.

US guests (or really informed Europeans): where is the best place to change currency? Should I do this before, in Paris, or in Disneyland -OR- should I just stick with my charge cards?? I have American Express and the Disney Visa.

Use your charge card whenever possible. The American Express probably will not be accepted readily (I think, I may be wrong), but Visa, they're everywhere. You may get a reaction to the fact that it's a Disney Visa when you're in Paris, but if you assure them that it's a regular Visa card, it'll be fine. In Disneyland, you will only need cash if you buy something at a food cart (same as in WDW). Your credit card (or your resort ID, since you're staying on-site) will be accepted in all shops & restaurants.
Try not to change currency if you don't have to. The rates are often very high, and you can lose quite a bit of money. I'd just withdraw cash from an ATM. Even with a 1 euro service charge, it's still the best deal, by far. Check to see if your ATM card will be accepted in France before you leave. If it has a certain logo on it (NYCE, Cirrus and others come to mind), it'll be fine. If you're uncertain, call your bank.
Definitely avoid changing currency at hotels and at tourist centers, as they'll take a huge chunk. If you must exchange currency, try to go to a place such as Thomas Cook, as the rates may not be as bad. Alternatively, you can get traveller's checks, of course, but those have their own set of pros and cons.
I would get some euro in cash before you leave, especially if you need to pay for your transportation from the airport in cash. I recommend a place like Thomas Cook or an American Express travel center.

 

[DisneyDude10171]

How old are you exactly?

I will be 20 at that time, so I don't forsee problems. I will be doing 3 nights at Disney (NBC) and 1 night in Paris (tbd...)

Use your charge card whenever possible.

Do you know off the top of your head if there is a conversion fee involved?

 

[MinnieYC]

I will be 20 at that time, so I don't forsee problems. I will be doing 3 nights at Disney (NBC) and 1 night in Paris (tbd...)
Do you know off the top of your head if there is a conversion fee involved?

Just a suggestion...if you've never been to Paris before, and since you're coming from far away, you might want to consider more time than one night, especially since you get to go to WDW fairly regularly. I love DLP very much, but even having been to Paris several times, I'm spending twice as many days there than I am at DLP on my next trip. Just a suggestion, of course.

When you charge something to your credit card, it's initially processed in the value of the local currency (euro in this case). When it comes time for the actual charging (i.e. when your credit card statement is prepared), the foreign currency value is converted to whatever the actual equivalent US dollar price is. There are no extra costs or fees. If the value of the dollar changes between the time of the purchase and the time your statement is prepared, there will be a difference in the final price, but the value of the dollar won't change drastically enough for it to make a difference. It might be a few pennies, if anything. And anyways, if the dollar should rise in value, it translates into a slightly cheaper total in the long run (unfortunately for us, not likely to happen any time soon...)

This is kind of convoluted, I realize. Lemme know if I can clarify anything!

 

[DisneyDude10171]

Just a suggestion...if you've never been to Paris before, and since you're coming from far away, you might want to consider more time than one night, especially since you get to go to WDW fairly regularly. I love DLP very much, but even having been to Paris several times, I'm spending twice as many days there than I am at DLP on my next trip. Just a suggestion, of course.

well, I am actually spending 3 days in Paris. 1 before I settle into DLP, and 2 more after (one the afternoon/evening of my last day at DLP and the next full day after).

BEFORE all of this, I am doing a 5 credit architecture study abroad in Italy for about a month.

yeah, I understand the lag between purchasing and the processing and its effect on the "final value" of my payment. In which case, I will probably use the credit cards a bit more. BUT sister works at a bank back in the States, so I might change some Euros there.

 

[MinnieYC]

BEFORE all of this, I am doing a 5 credit architecture study abroad in Italy for about a month.

Wow!
I'm jealous!

 

[Renate_do]

I have been to WDW many times, and I have spent a good deal of time at DLR.

Please give as much details as you like, because I am interested in hearing everything you have to say!

Additionally, can anyone point me to a source which has the schedules of trains between Marne-le-Vallee and CDG as well as Paris. Thanks!

Hi we are at DLRP quite often and you will find a lot of pictures from the parks and the hotels at our website www.dlrp.spantig.net

To go to Paris take the RER A that will run from DLRP frequently (guess at least every 20 min) you can stay on to the Arc the Triompf or change to every Metro line at Les Halles. You will get maps and other information at the Tourist kiosk in from of the Station. The day ticket to go all over Paris cost around 13 Euros.
Additional information can be fund here: http://www.ratp.fr

Greets Renate

 

[DisneyDude10171]

Thanks for all the great help so far!

Can anyone give me suggestions on whether or not to do the Admiral's Floor at NPBC?

I've seen the price difference, but I wonder what the actual benefits are. Most sites are semi-foggy about the perks.

Also - what temperatures (Farenheit please ) can I expect in early June? Rain likelihood?

 

[shoes99]

We are taking the Red Eye from NJ to CDG in May. I was going to take the airport bus from CDG to DLP. Our plane arrives in CDG at 7:30AM. We will have cruise luggage so I wasn't sure I would be able to handle train transfers with 2 pieces each.
After DLP we are going to take the Eurostar from DLP to London the night before our cruise on the Golden Princess. We have not booked our room at DLP yet, we will be staying 3 nights mid-week in late May. Still hoping for some specials rates. The website only has specials for April.
Michele

 

[DisneyKrazee]

I have been to WDW once and DLP Three times (going again in May 2005!) and in my opinion DLP is the best one because it seems that instead of people rushing for the rides , or whatever, everyone is more relaxed than in WDW because Parisians have a slower tempo in life and all around the atmosphere is better- more magical . I think that the cooler climate adds to this because Europeans people tend to be happier at a temperature you can walk for hours in and still not sweat , instead of wanting a shower and change of clothes before even starting to walk around the park!
However, I do realise that it is my opinion and as I am from Europe, it will definately differ from those from USA, etc

The temperature in June should be around 62 F (17 Celcius).

Anyway, Have a great time - I know you will love it - and just go with an open mind not expecting anything and come back wanting to go again ....and again ...and again !!!

<center><p style="background:white;"><font face="verdana,arial,sans-serif" size="1" color="black">Counting Down to DLP, Sequoia Lodge, Number 3!!</font><br /><a href="http://daisyPath.com"><img src="http://daisyPath.com/ani/050524/1/0/+0/1" alt="Daisypath Ticker" border="0" /></a></p></center>

 

[Renate_do]

. We have not booked our room at DLP yet, we will be staying 3 nights mid-week in late May. Still hoping for some specials rates. The website only has specials for April.
Michele

Hi,

I dont want to spoil you, but there wont be any special offer at DLRP. There are 3=2 offers different from each country but they are announce when the brochures comes out in December.
Which hotel do you want to stay?

Greets Renate

 

[shoes99]

Hi,

I dont want to spoil you, but there wont be any special offer at DLRP. There are 3=2 offers different from each country but they are announce when the brochures comes out in December.
Which hotel do you want to stay?

Greets Renate

Thanks, Sequoia Lodge or Newport for 3 nights, two adults with tickets. One is a senior.

 

[Renate_do]

@shoes99
Arriving 22. to 26 May a 3 night/4day stay at the SL will be 676€.

@Disneydude 10171

the advantages of the Admirals Club are:
own front desk
luggage service (bell service)
room at the 5th to 8th floor
WIFI Access at the rooms (10€ for 2 hours within 24 hours)
Room Service
hairdryer, coffeemaker

Greets Renate

 

[shoes99]

$676E =$896USD today
These are the quotes I got online today using US$.
May 18th to May 21st, 3 nights, 2 adults(60,59)
Classic Package 3 nights

Holiday Inn $866
Sequoia Montana $878
Newport Bay Standard $892
Newport Bay Admiral $946
New York $980

I am leaning towards the smaller NY, what are the breakfast options at the NY on the Classic Package?

Michele

 

[Renate_do]

Breakfast is included at the packages. You will get a continental breakfast with croissonts , bread, jam, cheese, fruits etc.
You can order a cooked breakfast (scrambeld eggs, bacon, sausages) for a surcharge of 6€.

Breakfast at the Hotel New York

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Greets Renate