Help! TGV conundrum...

[lojo]

Have noticed on previous posts that people say if you miss the train you have booked for, you can just take the next one.

On the TGV europe booking engine they list two prices for the same train: (1) LOISIR - no refunds or changes (2) PRO 2NDE - can be exchanged or refunded up to one after after departure time of booked train, or you can take the previous or next train with no change of ticket.

Has anyone ever booked a LOISIR ticket and been able to get on the next train?

And.....

Why are there two separate trains listed for the same times? I saw a timetable somewhere that showed two trains leaving CDG for Disneyland at the same time, but their other stops were different. Is there any benefit of choosing one of these 'twin' trains over the other?

Would like to stop hyperventilating asap, so put me out of my misery soon please!

 

[lojo]

Anyone?

I wouldn't like to think you weren't answering just to keep me hyperventilating all this time

Surely not.....

 

[madaboutnemo]

Hi
Haven't posted for ages, but do try to follow the threads.

Visited in November and used the TGV. The reason there are two numbers for the train is because the train splits in two, somewhere after Disneyland Paris.

I just picked one and booked it.

I managed to catch the train I was booked on, so sorry can't help with the other bit.

Hope this helps

 

[DLPdaft]

Aw Lucy, no way!

I haven't done the TGV journey to DLRP, only back.
You don't have to buy your tickets in advance - you can buy them at CDG. That way, you won't have to worry that you're too late for the train you are booked on - you'll just buy your ticket before boarding the next train into CDG bound for DLRP.

Elaine

 

[lojo]

Thank you both, breathing has now returned to normal (for a while at least).

Will just book the Pro 2nde (it's only an additional €1.60 anyway) - that way if there's any delay in the flight I won't be worried about taking time to buy tickets.

 

[GlendaONeill]

We did the TGV return trip to DLRP and had to exchange our ticket as the flight was delayed by two hours. I had left a good gap between arrival and going to the train but we missed it by about 10 minutes. We just went to the information desk and they directed us to ticket sales and they changed it. It cost us loads extra as there were only first class left but it was worth it. If you got the exchangable ticket, it was a very good idea due to unforseen circumstances.

 

[lojo]

Yep, Glenda, I went ahead and booked the exchangeable ticket for the outward journey and the ordinary one for the return. It cost €63 return for two, which is pretty reasonable. The extra cost was minimal and your experience makes me extra glad that I made that choice - you must have been so annoyed to not only lose out on a couple of hours of your holiday but effectively 'pay extra' for losing it.

Any idea how fast the train gets up to on the journey between CDG and Chessy (I've read that it reaches speeds of 180 odd mph, but have no idea how fast it accelerates/decelerates)?

Also, any tips you can give on getting to/using the TGV would be gratefully received - it's always extra reassuring to get info from people who have been there done that.

 

[GlendaONeill]

As we arrived into terminal 1 at CDG we just followed the signs to baggage reclaim and then the exit signs. You will see on the infomation boards that you need to get to Terminal 2 for the TGV station. You can get the little light transit train called CDGVAL. I looked up the airport plan for CDG on their website and this gave me an idea of what to do. My kids loved this wee trip. From terminal 1 it is the last stop to terminal 2. They announce it in French then English before the stops. Just look for the signs directing you to the CDGVAL station. They were easy to follow in terminal 1 anyway. When you get to terminal 2 you have to follow the signs for SNCF TGV gare. I think it is on what they call level 4. You have then to go down to your appropriate platform after checking the big timetable board. We went down the wrong one and had to run up the escalator with a buggy, 3 kids and 2 suitcases!
It you arrive in terminal 2 I'm sure it will probably be well signposted too. There is also some kind of bus or tram that can take you around terminal 2. We walked to terminal 2B from the TGV station and it was a bit of a trek with 3 kids under 5. Next time I'll go in the tram thing no matter what DH says. He was panicking I was taking him somewhere stupid even though I had all the DIS knowledge I could find behind me.

I don't know how fast the train gets but it looks really, really fast out the window. It is such a smooth ride you wouldn't notice. You can walk about quite normally on it. I wish we had them trains here! I'd travel that way more often.

I will say the passengers on the train were most helpful when we were trying to get on and off with kids baggage and buggies.

The station at DRLP is about a 2 minute walk from the Disney Village. I had to laugh as DH kept arguing with me it couldn't be that simple!
A ten minute walk to the Sequoia Lodge! Couldn't be! He was going to go back to find a bus for us!

Hopefully this will be of some use to you. If you know what terminal you fly into that's half the battle really.

 

[lojo]

Thanks Glenda

I have been on the airport website and found all the maps and directions I need, but I like to hear from real live breathing people too. I love finding my own way to places, but where timetables are involved I like to be prepared as a 30 second stop to check a map or directions can be the difference between getting or missing a train/bus/boat.

Good to know that the airport directions are clear. The last time we were in CDG we had my mum with us, who uses a wheelchair, and therefore sped through it following the official airport wheelchair pusher without a second to take in anything.