Hotel Advice -- July 2015

[thewelts]

We are planning our first trip to DLP in July 2015. We plan to spend 3 nights (layover on our return from Italy).

Here are a few things you should know about us:

1. Family of 3, 2 adults and son, age 11

2. We are willing to splurge for location, quality and comfort

3. We love to walk (We don't want to spend time on shuttles)

4. We would love an outdoor swimming pool (It will be July)

To be honest all the Disneyland Paris properties have pretty disappointing reviews on TripAdvisor. It made me question whether we should visit DLP at all -- perhaps spend our 3 nights in Paris instead?

We have been to Disneyland CA several times and we like spending 3-4 nights, as we can take our time, and relax by the pool when the parks get too crowded.

I would love to hear your suggestions for hotel choice, recommended length of stay, and the best time to purchase for the best deals.

Thank you!

 

[torsie24]

If you're willing to splurge then I'd recommend DLH every time.

But it doesn't have an outside pool....

The best pool is probably at the Newport Bay. But I know it's undergoing a big refurbishment. That could be all finished by then but someone else will need to confirm/deny that for me.

In all our trips to DLRP we've not used the pool. Been too busy.

Paris is a wonderful city. I love it. It just depends what you'd rather see. DLRP is different to DLR but Paris is 100% unique. Just depends what is more important.

For example if I was in Tokyo for more than 3 days I would have to go to TDR. But if I was only stopping for a day I'd rather see the city itself.

Could you do a split of Paris and DLRP?

 

[thewelts]

I'm just so indecisive about this... It looks like I can book a Disneyland Hotel 4 night package on the U.K. site for about $2500.

We really love basking in the sun during our midday break. I'm really disappointed that there is not an outdoor pool option.

We are currently holding a reservation at Hotel Albe Saint-Michel in Paris for the 3 nights. It is certainly a lot less expensive (270 euros/night).

Not sure what to do

 

[cmpeter]

Great thread...we are looking at going in July 2015 too. Our plan is a few days in Amsterdam, then DLP and then Paris. Trying to figure out which hotel to stay at and how many days to spend at DLP too.

 

[A Small World]

There is an outdoor pool at Sequoia Lodge. There are doors which lead from the indoor to outdoor section which they open and you can swim from one to the other.
I also thought there was an outdoor one at NY Hotel as well but have never been so Im not sure and there is definitely one at Newport Bay as well but as Torsie said the hotel is going through a major refurbishment at the moment so not sure when that is due to finish.

Have you looked at the Hotel sticky on this site for reviews as well. I often find a lot more negative ones on Trip Adviser for any hotel.

The hotels are smaller than those in the American Parks but just as nice and welcoming.
They are all within walking distance of the parks apart from Davy Crocket Ranch which you need a car for as there are no shuttles.
DLH is literally across the entrance to the parks
NY, SL and NPB are set around the lake so a pleasant walk in round the lake and through Disney Village.
Santa Fe and Cheyenne are the budget hotels and so have no pools at all and are a bit further out - along the 'river' and then along the lake and through the village but definitely still walkable.

You said you like basking in the sun during your down time from the parks - remember this is Europe so sun is not guaranteed to bask in.

 

[thewelts]

Great thread...we are looking at going in July 2015 too. Our plan is a few days in Amsterdam, then DLP and then Paris. Trying to figure out which hotel to stay at and how many days to spend at DLP too.

Hi Cindi,
I remember you for the DL forums!
We will be in Paris July 4-7. What about you?

I'll be curious to know what you guys decide to do.
Keep me posted!
Kecia

 

[noodlesmum]

I think you've been given some really good advice already but I would second sequoia lodge. There is a small outside pool with loungers but as has already been mentioned a European summer may not include as much basking in the sun as the states! SQL also offers nice outdoor decks to relax and have a drink too. You can splurge on your room either opting for a golden forest room (which includes 1 free fastpass a day amongst other perks) or a suite for the three of you (which offers a VIP fastpass for unlimited use) suites also have balconies which again may be nice to soak up the sun and relax on they go quickly though so I would enquire shortly about them. Hope that helps a bit

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

We stayed at the Sequoia Lodge this past summer and the pool was great. The beds, not so much It was a great location and we had a nice walk to the parks every day.

As far as deciding between going to DLRP and Paris proper, I would ask if you had been to Paris before? If yes, then I would say try to split your time and possibly just do a day trip out to DLRP. If no, then I would say focus on the city. We did five nights in Paris and then only two in DLRP and it was plenty for us. We were there in June and were able to see everything we wanted to see in that time. The two parks are not very big; they seemed even smaller than DL to us. And if you utilize the morning magic hour, you can get a lot done.

That's my 2 cents!

 

[thewelts]

Becky,
I had fun reading about your 2014 European adventure!
I appreciate your reply/feedback/advice. We spent 3 weeks in Paris in 2008 when my son was 4. It would be nice to spend a few days there again.

In your blog, you mentioned that you loved your Paris hotel. Where did you stay?

We are flying on miles, I am trying to see if we can extend our Paris trip by 1-2 nights so we have time for both places. It sounds like 1-2 night in DLP is enough.

Thanks again!

 

[tennisfan]

There is an outdoor pool at Sequoia Lodge. There are doors which lead from the indoor to outdoor section which they open and you can swim from one to the other.
I also thought there was an outdoor one at NY Hotel as well but have never been so Im not sure and there is definitely one at Newport Bay as well but as Torsie said the hotel is going through a major refurbishment at the moment so not sure when that is due to finish.

Have you looked at the Hotel sticky on this site for reviews as well. I often find a lot more negative ones on Trip Adviser for any hotel.

The hotels are smaller than those in the American Parks but just as nice and welcoming.
They are all within walking distance of the parks apart from Davy Crocket Ranch which you need a car for as there are no shuttles.
DLH is literally across the entrance to the parks
NY, SL and NPB are set around the lake so a pleasant walk in round the lake and through Disney Village.
Santa Fe and Cheyenne are the budget hotels and so have no pools at all and are a bit further out - along the 'river' and then along the lake and through the village but definitely still walkable.

You said you like basking in the sun during your down time from the parks - remember this is Europe so sun is not guaranteed to bask in.

The Hotel New York does have an outdoor pool

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

Becky,
I had fun reading about your 2014 European adventure!
I appreciate your reply/feedback/advice. Thank you for reading my blog! We spent 3 weeks in Paris in 2008 when my son was 4. It would be nice to spend a few days there again.

In your blog, you mentioned that you loved your Paris hotel. Where did you stay?

We are flying on miles, I am trying to see if we can extend our Paris trip by 1-2 nights so we have time for both places. It sounds like 1-2 night in DLP is enough.

Thanks again!

Sorry for the delay...just getting back on after the holiday! We actually rented an apartment in Paris and it was cheaper and in a much better spot than we could have ever afforded in a hotel! It was on Rue Saint Paul and I rented it through VRBO. We have three kids and the kitchen and extra space were invaluable for us. I hope that helps. If you want any more info on that I'm happy to give it to you.

I think extending for both is a great idea. I also think toe nights with one full day is enough. Good luck in the planning!

 

[cmpeter]

Kecia - sorry, things got busy with the holidays and we just now finalized our dates. Our plans are to spend a few days in Amsterdam and then arrive at DLP on July 6...probably late in the day. We'll have the 7-9 in the parks and then go to Paris on the 10th for a few more days.

Do let me know if you end up with some time at DLP, it would be fun to meet another disboard-er while we are there!