Just beginning planning and already overwhelmed!

[luvgoing2disney]

Our family (wife, son and I) have just decided to travel to UK in 2010 for a 25th wedding anniversary. This will be our first trip to UK and so being the Disney fans we are, just HAD to include a trip to DLP.

The pictures of the park look beautiful and will be a great addition to our trip, but I am already becoming overwhelmed by it. I am concerned about the transfer from London to Paris. None of us speak French so I'm worried that we will have severe communication and/or travel problems. We here in the states do not have the train system that it available there, so that will be a new experience as well. I am planning on three or four days in Paris, so I would like to see some of the city as well, not just Disney. Again, my inability to speak French could be a problem, but I really would like to see Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, etc, if time permitted.

Finally, and I do NOT intend to start an international conflict, I understand that Americans are not overly welcomed to France, especially if they do not speak the language. (I'm going to try to learn some before we go, however.) Has anyone found this or any of the above to be a problem?

Thanks in advance for helping me.

 

[torsie24]

I wouldn'tworry too much about the language thing

Its not any issue in the parks at all.

And when in paris its rarely an issue.

I didnt do french at school, but when in pais i always try my best (bonjour, merci etc) and try to reas the french off the menu to waiters etc. It's alwyas been greeted with a smile and a little french lesson!

You'll have a wonderful time!!

 

[gemmybear83]

Hi, first of all don't worry!! The trains arent too scary and there will be people to help you, plus a lot of brits don't travel on the eurostar frequently (more rather infrequently) so there will be lots of other lost people around (me being one of them when we go).

Again, don't worry about the language issue - a bonjour, merci etc will be enough in the tourist areas to get by, although learning a few sentences can be fun (something I like to do on the plane/train when I am going somewhere).

I wouldn't say Americans (or anyone else for that matter) are targeted by French, I am sure it is just individual experience. European customer service is different to the US, but I don't think it wil be too much of a culture shock for you

 

[torsie24]

Also, if you are staying in london then get thje eurostar to paris or dlp. Its so lovely and easy, the metro system in paris takes a little getting used to, but they are very helpful.

Were you going to get a disney hotel or one in the city? Or both??

 

[torsie24]

Where in the US are you from? I loooove the states!

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Our plans are to get a Disney hotel. We do not know which one yet, but it will be on property.

Is it easy to arrange visits into the city for sightseeing from Disney?

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Where in the US are you from? I loooove the states!

We're from Alabama. About a 10 hour drive from WDW, but we always fly down there.

 

[britchic4]

Alternatively if it makes you more comfortable you could stay ay DLRP and they do organised coach tours from there which incorporate the 2 sights you mention among other things. But truly I'm sure you'll be fine in Paris.

 

[gemmybear83]

It is the company is called Cityrama and day or evening tour depart from the Hotel New York but I would recomend getting on the train and exploring yourself (it takes 30 mins to get to the centre), you can do everything at your on speed and see "real Paris".

 

[torsie24]

Our plans are to get a Disney hotel. We do not know which one yet, but it will be on property.

Is it easy to arrange visits into the city for sightseeing from Disney?

Yeah, they do organised coach tours, but the train only takes like 30 mins if you want to do it yourself

One of the threads at the top of the board is all about the hotels. But our main conversations on here are about the hotels, so all questions will be answered!!

I've not been to Alabama, but would love to go to Mobile!

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Yeah, they do organised coach tours, but the train only takes like 30 mins if you want to do it yourself

One of the threads at the top of the board is all about the hotels. But our main conversations on here are about the hotels, so all questions will be answered!!

I've not been to Alabama, but would love to go to Mobile!

Mobile is really a pretty city. Especially in the spring when all the flowers (especially azaleas are blooming.

 

[robind]

This past May, I was in Europe for a business trip and flew to Paris for a long weekend. I speak very little French - I can ask where the bathrooms are.

I spent one day at DLP and had no problems w/ the lack of French. I then spent a few days in the city itself. I stayed at a Marriott near the Louve, it was a great location. I actually got a 2 day ticket for the hop on/ hop off bus/boat. I was able to go around the city and get commentary as well as transportation plus it included cruising down the Siene. I did have a few language issues w/ the cab drivers I seemed to get ones that did not speak English - most hotels will have a business card with there address, so I usually have one with me - you can give it to the cab drivers and they will get you back 'home'.

I am going back August 30 and just doing DLP - staying at the Sequioa Inn I haven't decided if I'm going to try the train or just buck up and pay for a cab. I'll probably have to take a cab back to the airport Monday morning since my flight is at 7am.

Go for it - you will have a great time. I still have a chunnel ride on my to do list.

 

[newdisneyfan]

Hi there
I really hope you enjoy your trip over to Europe and to DLP. I live in Uk and had never travelled abroad with my two kids before 2007 and believe me the Eurostar trip was sooooo easy. ( All that stress and worry and checking and re-checking, wasn't required.) All the staff we came across on Eurostar, and in fact in the parks spoke English well (there may be the odd few who don't speak English but you won't be far from someone who does) and the hotel staff were also very good and helpful.

I can recommend the Sequoia Lodge because it's nice and pretty and also comfortable, and the Cheyenne was kind of quirky.

As for food and restaurants, the menus are in English too and the staff knew what you wanted it you ordered in English.

Check out the "Brits Guide to Disneyland Paris" book and away you go!

 

[tennisfan]

When in Paris if you just try to use a few basic french words like Bonjour etc it will make a difference They will respect you for trying rather then just speaking you native language.

In DLRP you will be fine speaking english. I always try to greet in french though.

 

[ema74]

I personally have never experienced the rudeness of the French. I don't speak French but the French have always been nice to me... Not sure if it's because I'm not British (no offense to anyone) but the people there have always been very nice and helpful esp on the metro.

We live in London so for us going on the Eurostar is A-Must! The train is great, it's 3 hour ride to DLRP and its wonderful. The Paris metro is a little bit complicated but ou get used to it in no time... I found it a little different and spookier than the tube in London but then again, I never liked the London Underground.

Paris is a lovely city, you should definitely go and see it. You can walk everywhere. It's wonderful!

Don't worry about the language issues, just go and enjoy yourselves...