Helping Newbies

[jothp]

I have some friends who have asked me to write down some pointers for them mainly about when to go, where to stay, how long to stay, when to book at the moment. They will ideally need to go during school holidays but could possibly go w/b 11th June also and they are thinking of driving. What advice would you give?

 

[MummyMinnie]

Travel wise if they are driving and that week I would advise to book the ferry / tunnel asap. I know it's not the school holiday or bank holiday that week but we are travelling the week before and since I've been looking at prices the tunnel has gone up 3 times already! The ferry is remaining constant at the moment though.
Also the indirect Eurostar prices go on sale for that bank holiday week this weekend so I'm wondering if the tunnel / ferry will go up again alongside.?

We also always have to travel in the school holidays and try (whenever possible) to book the transport first to get the best rates.

 

[donna307]

I would say definitely book it now if possible with the sale on. And quickly so as to get the best discount!

Where to stay...this is a totally personal thing and its a good idea for those going to look at the hotels to try and decide. I would say for first timers, its definitely worth staying on site. It really adds to the magic.

If they have small kids (or even if its just adults!) the Cheynne is a great hotel! It totally depends on what they want to get out of it?? How long...... hmmmmmm. you could technically do it all in a few days but I would say about 5 nights is perfect for first timers (just my opinion though)

 

[DLPDreams]

If they can go w/c 11th June then I would strongly advise them to go for then, it will be quieter as us lot will have left by then .

Where to stay depends on their budget - if they can afford it the DLH, if not, another onsite hotel to suit their budget. I would recommend onsite for at least a first visit, as someone else said, it adds to the magic, plus it can be a bit daunting sorting out tickets/APs for the first visit

When to book - now with the 40% off offer if going in June (think the current offer includes 11th June, but doesn't include half term!). Not sure there will be anything better now that comes up for June now

If they can go later on, they could hang on to book hotel....

How long to stay, again depends on number of party/children/ages etc. I would say 4 nights for the first trip as an average.

HTH, not sure of their budget or their party makeup so can't be more specific .

 

[jothp]

Thanks guys for all your advice, I should have given you more info.

this is the advice I passed on: to book travel and hotel etc separately, to book travel as soon as they know dates (I think they are planning to drive), never to book disney package at full price and that the current offer is on until 30/04 but bigger discounts can sell out, to go week 11th June if possible but if not June half term is likely to be the quietest school holiday, to avoid weekends if possible, to price lots of options as with a bigger discount better hotels or longer stays can sometimes work out cheaper and to stay as long as they can afford