I am planning an European trip in October '07....

[Man_Of_Leisure]

and I need some advice. It will be our tenth anniversary and we would like to stay in London at the Royal Gardens Hotel for 3 days, Disneyland Paris for 4 days and Italy for a week at a resort from the World Passport Collection. Our DS who will be 9 will also be going (he wants to see the Eiffel Tower).

Venice would be wonderful; however, we really would like to see Rome. Anyone do a longer European vacation using Disney points only? Are we traveling too much? Should we just plan for a city a week or are our plans reasonable? Any recommendations on which resort to stay in Italy?

Man of Leisure

 

[twoprincesses]

Your plans are very reasonable! My family went for three weeks and squeezed in England, Austria, Holland, Germany, Italy, and France. If you do not mind just seeing the big attractions then you'll be fine! However, if you are there just to relax, this may be too rushed. It will be fast paced, but is Europe a regular vacation for you? If you are like me, then no... I tried to soak up everything in as much time as I could and it was great! Do not miss Madame Tussaud's in England, i think ur 9 yr old will love it and it's a major attraction there. And yes, Venice is wonderful, this is one of my favorite places in the world! And did u see on Good Morning America when they did the report on how it is disappearing? It will later vanish underneath its water that makes it so popular, so it is a must to see!

 

[Sammie]

Certainly the more time you can spend, the more you see with more rest in between. Transfers can be very time consuming especially in Europe. We, Americans are used to getting from point A to point B fairly quickly and that is not always the case there.

Also just in case you are not aware Disneyland Paris is a good ways from Paris so you might want to schedule at least an overnight stay in Paris to be able to enjoy it.

Never been to Italy so can't help you there, but is sounds like great fun.

 

[CarolA]

I was going to say that I would save the points and pay for a hotel in Paris. Paris is a wonderful city and I would not want to commute an hour each way!

Also, I think that several of the Italy resorts are "golf" type resorts so you may need a car.

 

[vernon]

London's workable, it's a great hotel and well situated.
Places I'd suggest not missing are Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, London Eye, depending on your son's disposition they do a great "ghostie" tour around the city of London as well as a Jack the Ripper tour. Some 9 Y old's love the ideas of ghosts and blood and gore, some are'nt ready for that, you know your son's level of ability better than anyone.

Travelling from London to Paris I'd strongly recommend using the Eurostar train service, it's much quicker, more comfortable than flying and it's a unique experience to say you went under an ocean in a train.

Paris depends a little on how much time you want to spend in DLP and/or Paris city itself. The points deal at DLP is pretty good if you're 3 or more in the room as you get tix and breakfast. The other advantage is the style of room you'll get is pretty close to what you'd be used to getting in the US.
They run a pretty good day tour from DLP that takes you round a number of the "must do" attractions in Paris (Eiffel tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and a Seine river cruise). It's an excellent way to cover the bare minimum of Parisian sights. The train service from DLP to Central Paris is excellent, as well as there are direct trains from London Waterloo to DLP.

IMHO Rome is just the most incredable place in the world to visit, if you're on limited time ( and a week is limited) I would plan to base yourself in central Rome ( I think most of the DVC offerings are not in the city itself) and cover all the wonderful sights of Rome. The only time outside of Rome you could try a coach trip from Rome that covers Naples, the Amalphi coast and gives you 3-4 hours in Pompeii. I did this trip a few years back, it certainly was a long day, 6:00 Am pick up and didn't get back to the hotel until after midnight, but Pompeii is just one of the most amazing things you will ever see anywhere.
The resorts in the countryside are spectacular, but if the point of the trip is to try and cover a good portion of the amazing history of Rome you may be better served by taking a resort in the city and not lose time in transit. Traffic in Italy can be a major challange, but most of the main sights are in walking distance of the city center.

 

[Man_Of_Leisure]

This is the kind of information I am looking for. Keep it coming. I'm also looking for recommendations for specific tours or companies.

Thanks,
Man Of Leisure

 

[mark&sue]

I would suggest doing Sequoia Lodge (like Wilderness Lodge) on points rather than the more expensive ones. It is walking distance from the parks and a lot better value for points. (The vodka is cheaper per shot in this hotel too!)

I have recently come back from DLP with DVC points after staying at Hotel New York and wished I had saved points and stayed at Sequoia Lodge.

If staying in DLP resort you can get train easily to Paris centre to see Eifel tower etc. Even found Hard Rock Cafe to add to our glasses collection.
There is a Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe on site (RFC does not take safari membership though). There is a Disneyland Paris forum on DIS which would recommend for other questions.

Drove by the Royal Garden hotel last week and it looked very nice and would be a good base for London. Fairly close to Hard Rock Cafe London too.

As others have said don't bother with passport collection for Venice or Italy as it does not appear they have any touristy options available. Venice is great as very different but is expensive both for accommodation and prices of food etc. Rome has a Hard Rock Cafe too.

You must let us know how your planning goes.

 

[twoprincesses]

We used Trafalgar tours... I think that's how u spell it. We traveled by bus everywhere, but the hotels and food each day were excellent

 

[nickglover]

We are going to London and Paris in April, 2006. I will report back on the Royal Garden in London. We are flying in from Tampa direct, staying 4 nights at the Royal Garden using cc points, and then we are taking the Eurostar to Paris and will stay in Paris (not arranged yet) for 4 nights and then take the Eurostar back to London for one night and then fly direct back to Tampa.

We are not planning on DL Paris but might sneak out there one night.

Didn't plan it this way, but we will be in London for Palm Sunday and Paris for Easter. Anyone know what will be open and what will be closed in Paris on Easter Monday? (I understand it is a national holiday).

 

[Pootle]

I love Rome and Venice too but have a suggestion for the latter only. I have a favourite hotel by Lake Garda - payment not points though , with balconies overlooking the lake and good food. They will pick guests up, and return to Verona airport (direct BA flight from London Gatwick). From the hotel you can get around on the lake easily but they also organise bus tours to Verona and Venice. Alas Rome is too far to do in a day from there and it sounds like that would be your first choice of things to do.

Should you be interested in this option though, please send me a PM and I will send you more details.