First trip to DLP

[stevechase]

Hi all

On Saturday we start our journey to DLP, staying overnight in London to catch the Eurostar, via Lille to DLP on Sunday morning.

We went to WDW in sunny Florida last year for 3 weeks staying at the ASM. I cant help but think it is not going to be quite as good, but I am still really looking forward to it.

So, what is recommended and what are the hotels like. We are staying at the Cheyenne for 4 nights.

Thanks
Steve

 

[richard3330]

Hi Steve

Where to start!

Firstly, have a great trip - DLP is great.

To avoid the major morning queues, get to the park for opening if you can. Most people pour in around 10.30/11am so if you head straight for the most popular attractions when the park opens you should avoid some of the queue's.

Also, make sure you book your breakfast with the concierge as soon as you arrive, as the breakfast rush can be quite hectic in DLP on-site hotels! Also, if you want to have any table service meals (like at a DLP resort hotel or Walts, Auberge, Blue Lagoon etc.) then make sure you make a reservation with the concierge for that as well.

The castle at Disneyland Park is really very nice - the best out of all the disney castles on Earth. Underneath is a dragons lair which many visitors miss.

I can't really think of much else but if you have any specific questions please ask!

Richard.

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

My best advice is not to try to compare DLP with WDW. There are many similarities, but also many differences. I think that the Disneyland park at Paris knocks the socks of the Magic Kingdom at Orlando, but I know many people think otherwise. Best to go with an open mind...

A few random tips:

Like Richard says, getting to the parks at 9am is a great idea. This is the best way to avoid the queues at this time of year. Also, eat an early lunch (we often pop into Disney Village and eat at Anette'sd Diner) as the restaurant queues can get bad.

Peter Pan often gives out all its FastPass tickets by midday, so make sure you pick up yours before then. Of the E-ticket attractions, Pirates and Indy have the shortest queues during the afternoon (often less than 30 minutes, when oher big rides are 60+).

Make sure you see the Stunt Show in the walt Disney Studios. It's amazing! Start queuing at least 30 minutes before the start time or you might not get a seat.

Visit the Disneyland Hotel for a mid-afternoon break. There's a nice cafe/tea shop on the first floor, and you do not need to be hotel residents to use it.

Have a great trip.

Regards

Rob

 

[GO2209]

I was in DLP for Christmas 2000... I went with rather low expectations. I couldn't imagine Disney a la Francais.

However, it was fantastic! It is so different to the Magic Kingdom. Technology wise its way ahead - similar attractions, but decades later in design. The staff at the hotel were exceptional - I stayed in the Disneyland Hotel (Castle Club - I should have it paid off soon!)

Disney Village is much smaller. The food was excellent (although the queues can be huge), but the shopping was poor.

I expect you will come away with no preference for WDW v DLP, you will see them as being very different experiences. I think you will have a wonderful time.

 

[stevechase]

Hi all

Thanks to you all for your help and advice. It sounds great and we are all really looking forward to it. Although my wife being 5 months pregnant is hoping there are plenty places to rest, all together Aaaahhhhh!

Thanks again
Steve

 

[iain harrison]

Been to DLP 6 or 7 times, including first week it opened. Top tips:-

Cheyenne is a nice hotel, old western theme, no swimming pool, close to parks good bus service.

Try a breakfast in the park, you will be first in, usually in Frotierland but limited rides until park opens. Then they will lift the tape and you could bne first to Fantasyland, Peter Pan always has que.

Different rides to WDW - try Casey Junior and Alice of wonderlands maze.

The parades are just as good, if not better. Electric light parade is a must. Also, they have a good 'winnie the Pooh' show, just to the right of the castle, get there early for a good seat, it's worth it.

Just as good as WDW but not as many theme parks.

Enjoy !!!!