Help with 1st DLP trip please!

[jacquek95]

We have recently moved to the UK from Florida & are going through our Disneyworld withdrawals (we used to go about 5-6 times a year), so we've decided to try out DLP. I have some questions following & would really appreciate any & all advice/tips any of you might have!

1st, what's the best time of the year to go? We would like to avoid large crowds (I don't know if it gets crowded like it does at Disneyworld, but we would do anything to not go in the high season).

2nd, we're in the Oxford area & are trying to decide whether to drive or fly. Any thoughts? It seems there are very reasonable rates from London to Paris Charles de Guelle. Is transportation from the airport to DLP expensive?

3rd, I was looking at the "off-site" hotels (Movenpick or Explorer) as they seem larger & so much more affordable. We will be travelling as a party of 2 adults, a 3 yr old, & a 4 month old (if we go in March). Are these off-site hotels good for children (I noticed that several said they had indoor playgrounds). Are these sufficient for any days that we might get rained out of the park?

4th, if we decide to fly in, we're thinking of booking a 4 day vacation. We'd spend maybe 2 days in the park & would like to spend the extra time exploring Paris. Is there transporation from the area of these hotels or DLP back into the City of Paris?

5th, if we decide to fly in, is it usually cheaper to book air & the DLP hotels seperately or go through Disney for the entire package?

ANY and ALL extra advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!!!
Jacque'

 

[diberry]

We have recently moved to the UK from Florida & are going through our Disneyworld withdrawals (we used to go about 5-6 times a year),

Are you mad??? Most of us spend all year saving up and looking forward to going to Florida!!!

so we've decided to try out DLP. I have some questions following & would really appreciate any & all advice/tips any of you might have!


1st, what's the best time of the year to go? We would like to avoid large crowds (I don't know if it gets crowded like it does at Disneyworld, but we would do anything to not go in the high season).

School holidays are definitely to be avoided - perfect for you as your children are not yet school-age. Apart from those times it's really quite quiet in the parks. Maybe you should try June as it'll be relatively warm then (though not by Florida standards!!!) and all schools are in session. Bear in mind not only UK schools but also French ones as their holidays do vary quite a bit from ours. I can give you links to school calendar sites for UK & France if you like.

2nd, we're in the Oxford area & are trying to decide whether to drive or fly. Any thoughts? It seems there are very reasonable rates from London to Paris Charles de Guelle. Is transportation from the airport to DLP expensive?

Haven't flown personally but lots of people will be able to give you info about that. I think it's quite cheap. We go by Eurostar train under the Channel from Waterloo station in London (or Ashford in Kent) which go direct to DLP.

3rd, I was looking at the "off-site" hotels (Movenpick or Explorer) as they seem larger & so much more affordable. We will be travelling as a party of 2 adults, a 3 yr old, & a 4 month old (if we go in March). Are these off-site hotels good for children (I noticed that several said they had indoor playgrounds). Are these sufficient for any days that we might get rained out of the park?

Haven't stayed offsite but lots of others will help you with that.

4th, if we decide to fly in, we're thinking of booking a 4 day vacation. We'd spend maybe 2 days in the park & would like to spend the extra time exploring Paris. Is there transporation from the area of these hotels or DLP back into the City of Paris?

Yes, trains (RER) and there are bus tours from DLP too I believe.

5th, if we decide to fly in, is it usually cheaper to book air & the DLP hotels separately or go through Disney for the entire package?

Up to you. We always book accommodation direct with Disney and book travel separately but others book it all through Disney. You'd have to price up the various possibilities.

ANY and ALL extra advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!!!
Jacque'

Welcome to a cold UK!!!

 

[Cyrano]

Best time of year will depend on whether you particulary want a season or when the parks are quietest. Staying away from weekends and French & English school holidays will probably mean quieter park.

It will probably be cheaper to drive with some of the cheap ferry crossings so it will depend on whether your children are better flying or driving travellers?

We have stayed off-site in the Holiday Inn and on Davy Crockett Ranch which is Disney but off-site. we didn't really use the hotel much as even on raining days DLP is well set up to ensure that you are often under cover.

There is trips from Hotel New York to Paris, but given the ages of your children would they want to be stuck in a bus given that they will have spent a reasonable amount of time travelling - there and back

We have always booked seperately. It would be worth checking kids free or 4 for 3 day offers that might make the package more attractive.

 

[Bexx]

1st, what's the best time of the year to go? We would like to avoid large crowds (I don't know if it gets crowded like it does at Disneyworld, but we would do anything to not go in the high season).

Can I just add to Di's answer to avoid weekends if possible.

2nd, we're in the Oxford area & are trying to decide whether to drive or fly. Any thoughts? It seems there are very reasonable rates from London to Paris Charles de Guelle. Is transportation from the airport to DLP expensive?

Depends what you choose. At 14 euro per adult and 11.50 euros for children from age 3 (each way) the VEA shuttle is the cheapest, easy option, though not the quickest - you may have to visit several pick up/drop off points before yours!! And it's not as good if your planning to stay at one of the offsite hotels - the times for those hotels are fairly few and far between, unlike the onsite hotels which are serviced very regularly. But if the times suit, it's a great door to door service.

The TGV is very quick and a similar price to the VEA, but I wouldn't recommend it with young children and (I'm sure) lots of luggage!!!

Otherwise there's the choice of a private shuttle - but from what I've read, prices start at about 90 euros one way!!! But for a hassle free transfer to DLP, it might be worth the extra.

5th, if we decide to fly in, is it usually cheaper to book air & the DLP hotels seperately or go through Disney for the entire package?

Probably separately - if you can get a good flight deal with one of the budget airlines. But I'll just check that one to make sure!!!

 

[tialucy]

We have recently moved to the UK from Florida

They would have had to drag me, kicking and screaming!! But anyway, welcome to the UK and good luck with your trip plans.

 

[IlluminationsUK]

My best advice would be to stick around here, you'll pick up loads of great hints and tips and the locals are very friendly!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

WELCOME to "old" Europe !!!
Maybe you'll want to look for babysitting at your hotel ... and take a GUIDED tour by bus to Paris (adults only): it will be just a short visit ... Paris is so wonderful ... but IMHO it's a good way of visiting it the first time !!!!

Ciao from Italy ,
Laura

 

[jacquek95]

Thanks so much everybody for all the advice/tips/information! Please keep it coming!

So far we have loved the UK (although this cold weather takes a bit getting used to --- last time this year we were at Disney, doing the MVMCP, wearing shorts & sleeveless shirts!). We are so excited to start exploring Europe (although I had a baby 3 1/2 weeks ago, so it's going to take a little time to get going!). I'm sure I'll be spending lots of time on this board!

Thanks again!
Jacque'

 

[Music Mole]

I can give you links to school calendar sites for UK & France if you like.

I would be most interested in this information, if you wouldn't mind posting a link. We just moved from the US to the UK and since my DD is not in school I am hopeless at knowing when the schools are in and out.

Thanks!

 

[Disney owl]

Driving would be cheaper & possibly easier with young children. if you do decide to drive consider Davy crockett Ranch. We love it there & it's ideal for families plus a great pool.

We tend to visit 1st weekin June. Good weather but low crowds. On the down side the parks close early & they may only have fireworks on a weekend.

 

[diberry]

I would be most interested in this information, if you wouldn't mind posting a link. We just moved from the US to the UK and since my DD is not in school I am hopeless at knowing when the schools are in and out.

Thanks!

Sorry, I've only just seen your post for some reason!!
This is the link for French school holidays
http://www.education.gouv.fr/prat/calendrier/calendrier.php
English school holiday dates , like the French ones, vary a bit from region to region. The south of England will be something like this:
Spring Term 2006
4 January 2006 - 31 March 2006
Half Term 13 - 17 February 2006

Summer Term 2006
18 April 2006 - 25 July 2006
Bank Holiday - 1 May 2006
Half Term 29 May - 2 June 2006

Autumn Term 2006
4 September 2006 - 19 December 2006
Half Term 23 - 27 October 2006