And by the way: Why do Americans start to plan their vacation so early? My German friends think that I am crazy because I already start to think about a trip in June 2007!
Well, this American is feeling really like I should have booked things far earlier for our trip in March (I kept waiting for certain details to get worked out first) because now, I'm finding that I can't make some of the bookings I need! FWIW, I first made plans for this trip last April, and other details have been booked in the interim! I feel very late in the game right now.
Also, when it comes to Disney bookings, it's a different ballgame in the States, especially for WDW. There are dates when you can make bookings in advance of your trip. And some of those bookings are *gone* in the blink of an eye if you don't make them promptly. The biggest instance I can think of is the Cinderella Castle breakfast; it usually sells out within *minutes* of its availability (I can't remember if it's 60 or 90 days in advance). I made sure that I got up at 4 am that morning (7 am in Florida), had dialed everything except the last number until the exact minute, and then got through...to the last seating possible that morning! So, part of it is doing your homework and understanding that the early bird gets the worm.
Anyway, off topic.
As an American, I just went through some of what the original poster had questioned, so I will share so you don't hit the snafus I did.
First, get an overseas calling plan. I found PennyTalk, which charges 2 cents/minute to the UK and France.
We are traveling in late March/early April, starting/ending the trip in London, going to/from
Disneyland Paris via Eurostar. I found that DLP will not book Eurostar for you if you are an American (if you are a UK resident, they will do so). At this point, I don't know whether Eurostar direct bookings can include the Disney Express Service for baggage handling. (If anyone else knows, I would love that information!) There is one direct train from Waterloo to DLP (and back) per day, but there are other trains that make connections, so you have some choices.
We have 3 children, so finding a hotel for 5 is tricky. Do some shopping online. For certain dates, I have found the Explorers Hotel (highly recommended elsewhere on the board) to be just what we need for the price. There are also options for 5 people at the DLH (not in the castle club level, though) and at the Newport (on the Admiral's Floor, which is concierge level, but without VIP Fastpasses). Those two options are pricier than Explorers--it's all about what you want out of the experience and your budget.
We originally didn't consider the Davy Crockett Ranch because of the lack of shuttle, but last night, we did some math. For some of our dates, it's actually cheaper for us to rent a car and stay at the DCR than to stay at Explorer's. Some pluses to DCR are the kitchen in the 'cabin', the pool that looks wonderful, and the Davy Crockett Adventure (which thrills one of my kids). For those dates, we have the Kids Free package for two kids, so that's a pretty good deal.
Apparently Hertz has a car rental place right at the train station, so you can get your car easily when you arrive. You can book it online at hertz.com. Parking for DCR guests is free at the parks and at the village after 6 pm. You should check with your insurance company at home regarding driving overseas and if you need supplemental insurance.
At one point, I'd considered staying in Paris and taking the RER to DLP, but again, finding hotel accommodations for all of us was prohibitive. One place I saw that would be really tempting, if I didn't need two rooms, and I read about on another message board is the Ramada Tour Eiffel--it's right by the Eiffel Tower and the views are stunning! You might want to split your time in the parks at DLP and then move camp for your time in Paris. Just a thought and depends on how many there are in your party.
Hope this helps!
