First Time - Oh So Many Q's - HELP!

[DeeDee30]

Hi everyone,

how are we all this late or should I say very early Saturday morning?

My names Dee, I'm 30 am married to a bald but amazing man and we have a 3year old daugther (well 3 on December 29th)

We're going to DLP on the 12th December and returning on the 19th and this is our first official holiday. We won't be staying on the park, we've booked a Marriot villa which is about 3 minutes from the resort itself and we've also booked a hire car to do a little sight seeing with our little girl.
Prior to having our daughter my husband and I travelled a lot but it was more hot beaches and straw huts so this holiday is a new experience for all of us.

Needless to say I'm panicking a little and wanted to get some advice and help from the community here. I have so many questions and I'm sure I'll add to this as time goes on.
Also thank you to anyone who replies and any information that would benefit us would be super helpful.

Ok here goes:

Is it beneficial to have a stroller for our 3 year old? She's 3ft tall and walks pretty much everywhere but we're worried about her being tired. I've heard the ones on the park are a little grubby so is it worth buying on here before we leave or do you not think it'll be needed?

The park tickets, should we purchase them online and is it really worth having the Hopper tickets as we're not sure whether both parks would be enjoyed by our little girl.

We're going to be going for the Christmas period, is there any attraction you'd really recommend? Does anyone know what time the park shuts?

(I'm sounding so dumb!) Once we've purchased our park entrance tickets can we come and go as we please? Also are all the rides inside free?

What clothing would you recommend?

I'm planning on cooking the odd meal while we're out there as our daughter has a special diet so is there a Supermarket nearby that you've used and would rate?

Sorry I know sound pretty <----- but I just want to get everything right and knowledge is power.

Thank you all again,
Dee. xxx

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi DeeDee30,
Elaine, Jackie, Elaine and Reid welcome you to the DLP DIS board

We are a friendly bunch here so please join in on any other thread or if you have a number of questions then just start a new thread for each

If you have not had a look yet, DLP posting rules are here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477038,
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I'm sure you'll get lots of advice and useful answers to any questions you might have here . For a 3-year old, I'd take a buggy - you walk for miles at DLP without even knowing it, so it can get tiring for little legs. I'd certainly go for park hopper tickets, as there is loads to do for little ones there now - Playhouse Disney is there, Stars n Cars parade is a hit with little princesses, Flying Carpets (like Dumbo but always much quieter for queues) and the shows, like Animagique (which will enthrall your little one) Cinemagique and Stitch Live. There are lots of opportunities for character meet n greets in the studios too, if your DD finds she likes collecting autographs or getting big hugs from her favourites .
Once you've bought your park tickets, yes, the rides, shows etc are all free inside the parks.

 

[dlpSteve]

As someone who was there last week with a 2 years and 4 month old little boy I can't recommend Disney Studios enough. The Playhouse Disney Live show is fantastic for little ones and is a sit down show so gives you a rest from lots of walking around. Lucas went to the show 5 times over 3 days and absolutely loved it - with Tigger & Pooh, Handy Manny, Mickey's Clubhouse and Little Einsteins, it was all very recognisable for him.

Then there's the Cars ride, which we managed 9 rides in 2 days!

Studios also tends to be a lot less busy so there's plenty of room for little ones to run around without being lost in a crowd.

Another yes for the pushchair too - if only for nap time! The parks can wear little ones out very quickly!

 

[Tinkjon]

Definitely a buggy - my 6 year old even sat in one sometimes, Disney is exhausting. The ones in the park are fine but I would take your own (assuming you still have one) to save on the cost of hiring one in the park each day. They are also good for putting all your coats and so on in, so you don't have to carry everything around!

 

[mommy2ash]

another yes for the buggy. my dd is nearly four and i am taking one tomorrow. she walks everywhere here too but i know she doesnt last as long over there.

the studios is great for little ones. easier to meet characters and some great shows. you have to do stitch live, playhouse disney and anamagique.

there is a supermarket in val deurope, the auchan i think its called. loads of people on here use that.

all rides are free once you are in there

in december i would reccomend thermals and lots of them. take a look at some december trip reports in the trip report index, they are sorted month by month.

there is lots of stuff going on at christmas. you will have to take your dd to meet santa and send off her letter to him. there is an extra part of the parade to include the christmas theme. extra meet n greets and shows. fantillusion a night time parade which is fantastic. they light up the castle and the giant christmas tree as well. there is tons to do. you will have a fantastic time

 

[wmoon]

Hi

We were there for the first time last month my wee boy had just turned 3 and napped every day in his (something he would never do at home). Think a buggy is a must!!

His favourite things were, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan, Cars, Toy story Playland, Small World, Stitch Live and Animagique. He also loved going to Cafe Mickey for his dinner (we went last night once he got used to the characters).

We are going back 29th November, have you watched the wee clip on disneylandparis website, he is getting all excited by the parades.

Have a great time.

Wendy

 

[Brummig]

Have you thought about annual passes? If you are staying a week it might well be worth it. The cheaper passes have some exclusion dates and you can't use them for 2 days after buying, but if you buy them the day you arrive or the first full day you can use them that day, then spend a couple of days doing other things.

Definately take the buggy - you can spend an hour in the queue to hire one!

 

[karenmoloney]

Hi Dee,

First, in answer to some of your questions :

Yes, I would bring a buggy. Even if your daughter doesn't sit in it a lot, they are great for carrying coats, snacks etc too! I will be lost without one when my youngest gets too big for one! I have always had my own & it's handy to be able to take it out of the park - especially if your daughter has fallen asleep in it.

I would definitely recommend you get annual passes for yourself & your husband. Your daughter will be free as she won't be 3 yet when you are there. Not only are the APs cheaper than a 3 day hopper ticket, you also get a reduction on your food bills & shopping when you produce it (percentage depends on which type of AP you have). Plus you might decide to return again within the year to make the most of your AP!

It will be very cold, especially when the sun goes down, so bring plenty of layers. I dress my daughters in skisuits & ski boots & they have never been cold.

You will love staying at the Marriott. I have stayed there quite a few times now & it is my favourite place to stay. The houses are very well equipped - a real home away from home. There is a great swimming pool (lovely and warm most of the time) and there is also a playroom on site which your daughter will love. There is a large supermarket in the nearby town (5 mins walk from the entrance to the Marriott) of Bailly Romainvilliers which is well stocked. It even has fresh milk which is sometimes hard to find as the French drink a lot of the UHT stuff.

If you have any specific questions about either the houses or the supermarket, I will be happy to answer them.

You can read about our Christmas trip at the Marriott last year (when my youngest daughter was the same age as your daughter at :
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2338247