Hello, I'm new and planning a big 2012 trip!

[Magic Seeker]

Hello, I'm so pleased I found this site as from the threads I've read so far I can see everyone is really helpful which is just what I need!

I'm planning a special trip for me and my family for November 2012 (I know it's ages off, but I should be well organised by then!). I have been to DLP once before - August 1992 - so it will be nice to go there during the 20th celebrations, we will also be celebrating our wedding anniversary and our daughter's birthday so lots of special things to pack in.

I won't bombard you all with questions all in one go, but for starters we are thinking of driving to DLP and using the Eurotunnel - can anyone tell me whether or not this is a good idea and what the drive in France is like - and is it well signposted?!

Thank you

 

[tennisfan]

I have used all methods to get to Disney & personally find driving the best as it means no luggage restrictions, you can bring snacks & drinks easily saving a bit of money by not buying loads in the parks.

It takes roughly 3 hours with a stop on the way.

The roads are much better in France then over here, I wouldn't say it is well sign posted until you get closer to the parks but the routes are very easy to follow. The best routes are the toll roads which are currently €20,20 each way.

The only major things you need to remember in France are you drive on the right, if you are caught speeding by a mobile speed camera its an on the spot fine & depending on how fast you are going they can confiscate your car. You need a high vis jacket for the driver which needs to be kept in the car not boot, we have one for each occupant in case you break down. Also you will need headlight deflecters to stop the headlights glaring the wrong way as you are driving on the other side of the road

 

[Carrie_Cat]

The only major things you need to remember in France are you drive on the right, if you are caught speeding by a mobile speed camera its an on the spot fine & depending on how fast you are going they can confiscate your car. You need a high vis jacket for the driver which needs to be kept in the car not boot, we have one for each occupant in case you break down. Also you will need headlight deflecters to stop the headlights glaring the wrong way as you are driving on the other side of the road

This plus don't forget the triangle that you must have along with the high vis in the car.
If you don't have one and get spot checked you will be fined. Same thing if you breakdown and don't put the triangle at a distance behind your car.

They are also taking out the signs that warn(ed) of the fixed speed cameras so watch out for the 110/130 km signs as you can be flashed from front and or behind depending on the radar camera.

 

[zinderella]

Just to add my experiences..I was very nervous of driving, and it turned out to be excellent, as others have said the roads are really very good and it was great being able to take more clothes than we needed!

 

[Magic Seeker]

Thank you so much for your advice, I definitely think that driving will be our best option. I like the idea of being able to take as much as I can physically fit in the car!

I think we will stay overnight in hotels at Folkestone/Calais to break the drive up a bit and give us as much time in the Parks as possible.

We will be staying at a Disney Hotel (probably Sequoia Lodge as it looks lovely!), is there parking at the hotel or do you have to park in a central place?

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi Magic Seeker,

Welcome to the Disneyland Paris Trip Planning & Community 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,
DIS posting guidelines can be found here
http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm

All the onsite hotels have their own car parks.

 

[Brummig]

We have used the Suite Hotel/ Etap at Coquelles - they did a family room and had a fridge and microwave. I think we got the best rate on Laterooms.com.

We always do the tunnel, using Tesco vouchers. We've never had a problem with it - generally you can just go on the next available train whenever you are booked.

There are car parks at all the hotels and you get a ticket to park on at the main park if you want - although it's generally more hastle than its worth as you have to drive all the way round, and you don't really save much walking. There are free shuttle buses from all Disney hotels that run all day which are really good - although its very busy at peak times.

 

[kizzabel]

Im no use as regards driving but just wanted to say hi and welcome. youre in the right place for planning

 

[Magic Seeker]

Thank you Brummig for your tips about the hotel and using Tesco Clubcard points for the Chunnel - much appreciated. Really pleased parking is at the hotel as unfortunately I don't travel light!

And thank you for the lovely welcome posts, look forward to getting to know you all and sharing tips!