First Trip to DLP - Help Create the Trip of a Lifetime

[Donalyn]

My DH and I are planning our two DDs' first trip to Europe, with a side trip to DLP. It will likely be the only time DH and I will ever get to DLP, so we are thinking of it as a trip of a lifetime. We are WDW and DL vets, but at a little loss for planning a DLP trip. I'd appreciate any thoughts you can share.

A few particulars on the trip. DDs will be 12 and 9 when we get there. Trip planned for very late March/very early April of 2016. We will be at DLP for 2.5 days (that is all we can swing). Don't have to do everything, but want to do things that are unique to DLP (or at least that we can't do in the US parks).

Curious about where to stay, where to eat, what to do, what not to miss, etc.?

thanks

 

[torsie24]

Here are my tips for getting the most from your stay:

• Stay in the Disneyland Hotel (Castle Club if you can afford it)
• Avoid Fri-Sunday
• Extra Magic Hours are a great way to get Fantasyland done and take awesome photos.

Then things not to miss that are different to the U.S. parks:

• Disney Dreams
• You can go inside the castle.
• Dragon under the Castle
• Space Mountain (but if you're going this April it's shut for refurb)
• Pirates of the Caribbean is way better.
• Ratatouille
• Animagique and Cinemagique

If I weren't going with a toddler this year then we'd eat at:

• Walt's
• Bistrot Chez Remy
• Blue Lagoon (inside Pirates ride)

If your girls like Princesses then there's a princess meal in Auberge de Cendrillion.

We are having a character meal at Inventions in the DLH which is lovely food.

Lots of choice for you! Have a great trip. Would love to hear about the rest of your plans.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Definitely agree with torsie24!

A couple of thoughts from another WDW vet - table service at DLRP IMO the way to eat. Counter service options are well not as satisfying and expensive and sometimes are just closed - even at times you might expect them to be open. To be able to suit everyone I find the buffets a good option. They are quick and the food is good and plentiful. Because Disney hotels include breakfast, I find a late lunch at a table service or buffet a very enjoyable way to experience dining at DLP. Just a lesson learned my first trip because I was used to eating at counter service restaurants at WDW.

If your budget doesn't include a stay at the Disneyland Hotel, I'd try the Sequoia Lodge, Newport Bay or Hotel New York - the Hotel New York offers hot items for breakfast - the Sequoia Lodge and Newport Bay Club are continental. I like the pool at the Newport Bay Club. They also have a sauna and steam room. I like the ambiance at the Sequoia Lodge - they have a nice bar with a roaring fire. From a US Disney Resort Hotel mindset I find the hotels to be different than what you might be used to - just go with an open mind and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Also the distances are very near - everything is walkable. Park hopping is actually very fun at DLP! Many attractions are top notch - Big Thunder Mountain RR, Pirates, It's a Small World, R&R . . .Plus the details in the design are very beautiful IMO!

Have a great trip!

 

[Joyce_Belle]

Coming from the perspective of a DLP vet, I agree with above posts!

I would definitely recommend to stay in a Disney hotel. They are all good, even the "lowest" Hotel Cheyenne and Santa Fe. If you have budget for the Disneyland Hotel, you should do that. Ofcourse it's a matter of what theme appeals to you.

For food:

• Best table service: Bistro Chez Rémy (Walt Disney studios), Annette's (Disney Village), Silver Spur Steakhouse (Disneyland Park)
• Best buffet: Inventions (Disneyland Hotel, with characters), Plaza Gardens (Disneyland Park)
• Best quick service for a hot meal: Hakuna Matata (Disneyland Park), Toad Hall (Disneyland Park), Fuente del Oro (Disneyland Park)
• Best quick service for a cold meal/sandwich: Earl of Sandwich (Disney Village), Market House Deli (Disneyland Park)
• Best character restaurants: Inventions (Disneyland Hotel, buffet), Auberge de Cendrillon (Disneyland Park)

This website provides lots of info on menu's, locations, prices, etc.
http://www.dlpguide.com/planning/dining/restaurant-menus/

Not to miss attractions (taking into account the ages of your kids):

• Disneyland Park: Peter Pan’s Flight, Le Pays des Contes de Fées, “it’s a small world”, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Autopia, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor
• Walt Disney Studios: Animagique, Ratatouille: The Adventure, Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic, Cinemagique, Stitch Live!

If they like thrills, definitely do all the coasters.

When you are going to DLP it will be Swing into Spring festival. The atmosphere will be great and there will be shows and meet & greets. Make sure to do those!

I suggest seeing Disney Dreams the first day if you can, so you could go see it again if you want to (because it's great!). The show is at park closing time. Also make sure to see the parade.

Enjoy planning and have fun!
If you have any questions, please ask.

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

Hi there! We brought our kids to DLP during a Europe trip last summer and had a lot of the same goals. I focused on things we could not do at the US parks. If you are interested, have a look at my trip report on my blog and it should give you a pretty good idea of what to focus on! We had a wonderful time and loved Paris and DLP. Are you going to any other countries or just France? We made this trip part of a DCL trip out of Venice and came down from England to Paris, so if you have any questions about the logistics of getting around, I would be happy to help! I know it can be overwhelming planning a trip to Europe with kids! Totally worth it though

Here is a link to my posts with only Disneyland Paris; they show up backward for some reason, so just scroll to find Day 1: http://thefairygodblogger.blogspot.com/search/label/Disneyland Paris

 

[OldSchoolReasons]

Hey,

I'd definitely check out Crush's Coaster and the new Ratatouille ride as they're exclusives. I also prefer the Big Thunder Mountain and Rock n Roll Roller Coaster at DLP, there's a few theme differences but not enough to feel completely different. Pirates is longer, has an extra drop and no Jack Sparrow. Check out Phantom Manor as it's fairly different to the Haunted Mansion (no Grim Grinning Ghosts there!). I also like the Indiana Jones coaster even though it's just a basic loop, it's tucked at the back of the park and I've never seen a long queue for it.

Food-wise I love the Blue Lagoon, which is similar to the Bayou in DL.

Also, don't expect the "Have a Magical Day!" type greetings, the parks aren't unfriendly by any stretch, but that kind of obsessively positive attitude just isn't the way.