London/UK help/advice...please...

[dreamflight99]

I'm planning a visit to London this Winter, and need some assistance. If anyone could please kindly help me with the following...I'd be so very grateful!

*Where is LGW (London Gatwick) airport with respect to London City and Heathrow? Is it far from Parklane and Buckingham palace?

*Does anyone know if the Park Lane Sheraton is a nice place to stay? It's next to Picadilly square, and seems conveniently located, close to everything.

*How much does it cost to ride the super-huge ferris wheel? (LOL--I know, silly question!).

*How do we travel to Paris from London? I've been told there is an underwater transit train, which is the fastest way to arrive in France. From there...do we take a cab/bus/train to DT Paris? We are planning a couple of days in the Westin in Versailles. Is anyone familiar with this hotel or area?

*Should we rent a car, or merely use public transportation to see the things we need to see, and places we must visit (Oxford, Cambridge and Hertfordshire, Liverpool, etc.). We would love to drive through the "countryside" for a day, any suggestions?

*What's the weather like in November/Dec? Should we pack lots of warm clothes and bring umbrellas?

*What are the sights we should NOT miss?

*Anyone ever flown Delta 777, or Virgin Atlantic in their First class?

ANY/ALL assistance with these queries is GREATLY appreciated. Feel free to PM me with any specific info. I bought ENGLAND for DUMMIES...and a few others from B&N/Borders! I am traveling with DD and looking at Colleges. She desires to study in England. Again, thank you so VERY much for your help with this matter.

Sincerely,

DF99

 

[SplashMtn]

Sorry I can only answer one of the questions! (Living at the other end of the country)- With regard to the bringing of warm clothes and umbrellas I can safely say YES!- if our "summer" is anything to go by there will be (and always is) plenty of rain.

As for the London eye (super-huge ferris wheel lol) I think it is recommended to pre bok your tickets if possible to save on ques though when I went on the eye it was a foggy day and couldnt see all that much which could be a downside to pre booking- not knowing the weather. Even with the fog though the view of the surrounding area was FANTASTIC!

Obviously people who live in or closer to london can advise on the other things, but have a great trip!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Hey DF99

How's my fav Swolphin Guru ??

OK So I've tried to answer some of your questions:


*Where is LGW (London Gatwick) airport with respect to London City and Heathrow? Is it far from Parklane and Buckingham palace?

Gatwick is outside of London and further out of the city than Heathrow. You would either have to have a car booked or take an overground train into Central London - there is a non-stop service that takes you into Victoria Station and not far from Park Lane

*Does anyone know if the Park Lane Sheraton is a nice place to stay? It's next to Picadilly square, and seems conveniently located, close to everything.

Perfect location and a great hotel I've stayed here myself after a company Xmas Party - no worries

*How much does it cost to ride the super-huge ferris wheel? (LOL--I know, silly question!).

OK if you book online at The London Eye adult tickets with 5% online discount is £10.90 (just a little under $20) it's well worth it !!


*How do we travel to Paris from London? I've been told there is an underwater transit train, which is the fastest way to arrive in France. From there...do we take a cab/bus/train to DT Paris? We are planning a couple of days in the Westin in Versailles. Is anyone familiar with this hotel or area?

Yup you want to go with Eurostar door to door it's the quick route

here's the link http://www.eurostar.com/dctm/jsp/index.jsp


*Should we rent a car, or merely use public transportation to see the things we need to see, and places we must visit (Oxford, Cambridge and Hertfordshire, Liverpool, etc.). We would love to drive through the "countryside" for a day, any suggestions?

Totally advise you NOT to rent a car unless you are used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road as you say it. There are many Brits who have driven for years that don't even attempt to drive in central London. Use the underground and buses they're great. To go to the country e.g. Windsor, Oxford etc then take Overground trains.

*What's the weather like in November/Dec? Should we pack lots of warm clothes and bring umbrellas?

OK it doesn't get as cold as up North in the States i.e. we don't get ALL that snow and temperatures well below freezing. But it can still be cold and certainly rainy

*What are the sights we should NOT miss?

There are so many - you need to get yourself a guidebook and then tell us the ones that interest you. I usually take my Stateside friends on walking tours of London taking in Buckingham Palace, St Pauls, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, some of the Parks, Harrods, Picadilly Circus, The Mall, Whitehall etc etc

*Anyone ever flown Delta 777, or Virgin Atlantic in their First class?

Virgin Upper Class is a great way to travel between the UK and States if you can afford it - I've really enjoyed the service the couple of times I've flown in this cabin.

ANY/ALL assistance with these queries is GREATLY appreciated. Feel free to PM me with any specific info. I bought ENGLAND for DUMMIES...and a few others from B&N/Borders! I am traveling with DD and looking at Colleges. She desires to study in England. Again, thank you so VERY much for your help with this matter.

Anything else I can do just let me know. I love living so close to the centre of London. But you mention colleges so maybe the towns of Oxford, Cambridge and not forgetting Bath (so pretty) will be musts for you.

There are so many things to remember and it's so difficult being a stranger in a different country. One BIG tip the UK does not do "free soda refills" many a time my American friends have been caught out on this one.

Hugs for now and so glad that you're able to make this trip

Sam

 

[disneyholic family]

i only have a few answers...

car rental - a bad idea if you're not used to "wrong side" of the road driving....in fact, crossing the street as an american pedestrian can be dangerous if you forget to look the opposite of what you're used to doing in the states....

versailles area - not my favorite....why are you planning on staying there instead of paris?....i much prefer paris....of course it's very different....but i always find the versailles area sort of drabbish....especially at the time of year you're going....but in any case, nothing holds a candle to paris for me......
i love paris....

airline -- why not British Airways? - their business and first class have the best seats....business class has flatbeds and first class is even better....if i remember correctly, you like the best of everything....BA is the best in transatlantic travel....
i've never been on delta's 777, only on continental's....their executive class (no first class on the flight i was on) was nice....but i'm not a continental fan at all.....nor am i a delta fan....their service is right up there with northworst....
i've never been on virgin atlantic so no opinion....

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Hey there -- DD, DW and I are flying to LHR from Toronto on Labour Day @ 7:55 EST -- flying BA out and back.

If I might be so bold -- I'd direct you to Rick Steve's website -- he has lots of information about rail travel in Great Britain and getting to Paris aboard the Eurostar. FYI -- we're taking the Eurostar on Sept. 11 and returning to London on Sept. 16 -- it's costing us $150 US return each with a discount for DD, as she is under 5. These are the passholder rates as we will also be holding BritRail passes -- Rick Steves' website explains practically all you would ever want to know about these, and will even help you decide which railpass is best for you and sell it to you in the process.

I would echo everyone else here -- leave the driving to the Brits. Trains are plentiful and the service is quite regular and put to shame any short of train service that one might find in North America -- however, I've yet to find a Brit who has much good to say about the British train system. You can figure out some train connections and schedules at The Trainline Website . My marriage nearly ended on our British honeymoon on roundabouts in North Wales -- and then was put under even greater stress when we couldn't find our way back to my cousin's place near Liverpool -- all the streets do look the same.,

If you're thinking of staying in Versailles just to take in the palace -- there are regular trains from Paris to Versailles on the C-5 line -- just look for trains with names beginning with "V".

We have booked a London Eye ticket combination with Madame Tussaud's wax museum -- worth the price of admission for the London Experience dark ride at the end. We received the 5% on-line discount for the London Eye ticket, plus a discount for the fast-track ticket into Tussaud's.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Rick Steves' book on London and his book on Paris -- the 2005 editions should be out in September or October. He gives honest opinions on sights to see, places to stay and places to eat -- as well as the most efficient ways to do all of these. (e.g. guided tours of the sites are included in his books).

Enjoy your trip and the trip planning. I've certainly enjoyed planning our 3 weeks in England and Paris -- now to enjoy the trip itself. (it does feel strange to no longer be planning the trip.)

Edited to add: FYI -- our rough itinerary is Bath, York, Paris via London, Versailles, DLP, London, Warwick Castle, Liverpool. (great museums and a gorgeous cathedral in Liverpool.)

 

[disneyholic family]

hey there Neil -- have a great trip to paris/london...
i assume you know about the museum pass in paris....it's well worth it if you plan on visiting more than one....
i highly recommend the garden of the Rodin Museum.....my kids made us go back there 3 times just to walk around the garden....
and of course the Louvre is a must see....as much for the building itself (the old part) as the art....there's another must see museum and it's just slipped my mind the name...

anyway...i'm sure you have this all planned out...
if you're going with teens, the City of Science is very interesting....however, if you don't speak french, forget it.....everything is written in french....i spent the day translating, which was entertaining in that i didn't realize how much french i remembered, but it will be a dead bore if you can't read the exhibit explanations....

a boat ride on the seine is also very nice......we all enjoyed that...

and may i suggest that you stay out of the metro when you're in paris and walk walk walk walk walk walk.....paris is for walking....every now and then you can pop into the metro for the big jumps, but as a matter of course, walking is the way to go....

one word of warning, the metro is pickpocket heaven or hell, depending on your point of view.....keep your bags buried inside other bags, inside other bags....these kids (and most of the pickpockets are kids) are amazingly adept at what they do....
if you are not careful, you WILL be pickpocketed on the metro....it's guaranteed.....

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Thanks for the best wishes Beth.

DD is 4 -- so we're taking her to places such as the Transport Museum in London, DLP (of course!), and on the open top bus rides.

The Paris Museum Pass seems to be an amazing deal -- we'll be getting 3 day passes for 36 euros ea., DD is free. I'd gladly pay that money to not stand in line. They also get us into Versailles -- once again, no waiting.

I've been warned about the pickpockets everywhere -- seems to be a very "European" thing. Fortunately, my pants have some secret inside pockets that close with industrial strength Velcro. Even the outside cargo pockets have that industrial strength velcro built in.

I found online discount coupons for the Vedettes Pont-Neuf Seine cruise. Eager to take that trip -- a Rick Steves recommendation.

My French capabilities extend to some high school Canadian French and trips to Quebec. Now here's the kicker -- the Quebec French accent which we pick up in Canada (think of Pepe Le Pew from Bugs Bunny talking) is considered very backwards in France, yet quite necessary in Quebec. Should be interesting.

 

[vernon]

You've got some great answers already, I would agree with the comments about staying in Versailles as opposed to the centre of Paris itself. There are many great hotels in the centre of Paris and IMHO it would be much easier to explore the city from one of those than being in Versailles. The Eurostar drops you right in the centre of Paris and the London terminal (Waterloo) is also very close to the centre of the city.

I wouldn't rent a car in London, traffic is a nightmare and the subway is by far the quickest and cheapest way to get around. I would strongly recommend a visit to Hampton Court Palace for one day. It's easy to get to by train.

 

[dreamflight99]

I am overwhelmed by the amount of info posted in less than one day!! I checked the post again this am, and am THRILLED to see more than one reply! Thank you SO much!! This will be my first trip to London, and I wish to make the most of my stay. With all your incredible kindness and assistance, I shall!! Thank you, again. Please, keep the help coming...as I am still in a bit of a FOG and need as much guidance and help as you are able to offer.

SAM!!!~~Long time, no see!!! Thanks for the wonderful post, and all the amazing support and info you have provided. I have SO many questions, I need answered. For instance, "Can I bring Pepper Spray to the UK?" And..."Do I need some GBP, or may I simply bring my AMEX and VISA cards? Will my hotels convert USD into GBP? I told you I have infinite queries~! Perhaps you can be our personal London guide? LOL...I'm sure I can not afford your services. BUT, if you will be so kind as to offer your phone number, for emergency assistance, while I'm in London, I would be so pleased. You may PM the info if you are inclined. I will not call/abuse the kindness, unless it's a true emergency. Hopefully, nothing so eventful will occur. Now...as for your answers...

* From LGW...we plan to stay overnight at/near the airport to adjust to the jetlag/time difference. We then plan to visit France...and either PARIS or VERSAILLES. I will follow the advice offered for the train to Paris, and arrive at one of these hotels. Do you have any additional insight to offer on these two properties?

Prince De Gaulles Hotel, Paris:

Trianon Palace, Versailles:

*Park Lane Hotel...I agree! It certainly looks beautiful, and reminds me of the Plaza in NYC and one of our favorite haunts, the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco:

Of course, there are some others recommended for a fine stay:

St. Regis Lanesborough:

The Park Tower (over Hyde Park):

The Belgravia Hotel:

London Eye~I'll follow the link!! Thanks...

London to Paris~I'll also heed this advice, and take the E-rail to the City!

I will NOT rent a car!!

I'll pack some slacks/jeans/cape and umbrella!

I just bought "England for Dummies" and will be reading it from cover to cover!

I will select either BA, VA, or Delta for our travel mode. I love the triple 7 which flies to London (used by Delta), especially first class. The seats are about 22" wide (luxurious leather), and the pitch is more than 60" for laying down!! Ahhh...powered by two massive Rolls Royce engines, it's a fast plane & very comfy.

This looks like a 12-step program!! LOL....

Thanks for the info on the SODA!! I drink lots of H20...so the soda-refill thingie will not bother me so much! Thanks again, Sam...for all your phenomenal assistance with this matter. DD wants to attend school in England, and is setting up appts/tours at Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Hertfordshire, Nottingham, Westminster, UCL, Surrey, Birmingham, central England, York and Middlesex U.

If you have ANY info on these schools (or which to miss...and names of others to consider), I am indebted for your help! Thanks again...I look forward to your reply, and thank you for taking the time to help "little 'ole me" (Swolphin Guru!! LOL).

P.S. I'm currently STUCK in the Swolphin...as the storm passes. We have been here in Florida since the beginning of July! We take SUPER-LONG Holidays, more than two months!! Charley was truly something to see, and this storm also packed a whollup. We were supposed to fly "home" to California yesterday...but have been delayed a bit. No biggie...we just "go with the flow." My DB lives in Melbourne beach, and stayed in his home to RIDE-OUT the storm! It was very tough, and he had some "touch-n-go" moments. He's fine, and called me before posting here. All is well.

disneyholic family~Beth, thanks to your post...I'm changing my mind about the Versailles stay, and may reserve the Prince De Gaulles...which offers VIEWS of the Tower from the premier balconies! Perhaps this is a better way to stay and see the city. It's going to be this...or the Ritz (as the cost is comparable).

BA is one mode of travel I just looked into...and they offer some NICE FC travel! I also checked out the Private Upper class SUITES offered by VA airline. All of these are available to me at a discounted rate of about $3000 per seat. They are all within a couple dollars of one another, so it will come down to schedules and dates of availability. Thanks again, for your input. Yes, you have a great memory...as I definitely like the BEST of everything!! Since I only fly FC...I probably can't go wrong with any airline!

*Thanks for the tip on the Pickpocket, being from NY...sadly, I'm very aware and accustomed to the tactics of such grifters. I'll be on the lookout and take all the necessary precautions. I'm even going to change my wedding ring prior to walking around the Cities, as the 4.96 TCW Tiffany's bauble (w/ 3C center marquis stone) I sport will be like a FLASHING red flag for the unsavory!!

I LOVE the museum pass tip, and will be sure to obtain one of these as well. We already planned a gondola/boat ride on the Seine too, but have not heard of the Vedettes Pont-Neuf Seine Cruise. Do you know where we could pre-purchase tickets for this adventure?

RoyalCanadian~A Fellow Canuck! I have relatives and family in NS (Lunenburg), and much of my family on my DM's side is ENGLISH, living in Canada!! My DM's name is CHARLOTTE...her sister is THEDA, aunt is EVA and mom is VEDA. I believe these are all English names, if not correct.
MY folks reside in NY now...and my mom heralds from Boston! True-Blue, Dyed in the wool...Yankees!

Thanks a million for the link to STEVE'S website!! Also, for the link to the Trainline website! Invaluable information, indeed. How/where did you book the ticket to Tussaud's and the London Eye? I'll pick up Steve's books as soon as the new editions hit the press! I may also do Versailles for an eve to see the Palace...and I take it BATH in London is not to be missed! I also wish to see the following while in Paris:

*Monet's Garden,
*Arc de Triomphe
*Champs Elysees
*Cathedrale Notre Dame
*Le Louvre
And..anything else you may suggest!! Where did you pick up the museum passes?

Je parle Francais...et DD aussi. I took 4-years in HS, (DD too) and continued to speak French with friends in College. BUT...the French have such different dialects/accents/inflections based upon region (like the US), they will immediately detect my school-learned tongue! LOL...as you wrote...it will be INTERESTING (to say the LEAST!!).

Vernon~Thanks for your input. Do you have any links to any information regarding HAMPTON COURT PALACE? As you may see...I'm completely ignorant of most things such as this...and appreciate ALL help associated with our journey.

Since we have spent the past 2+ months here in WDW & the Magic...I think we'll SKIP euro-Disney (Paris) and stick to seeing the sights. We will return (especially if DD attends school in England) and will always have time for such visits.

TTFN...and THANK YOU...to everyone for your guidance.

Always, DF99

 

[vernon]

http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/hampton_home.asp

 

[Hilary]

You've certainly had a lot of great information that I couldn't even attempt to add to!

Juat wanted to say welcome to the UK boards to all our visitors from overseas and I hope you have wonderful trips to the UK

 

[dreamflight99]

As of this morning...We are reserved/confirmed on Virgin Atlantic Non-stop LAX-LHR, Upper class (seats 2/3 A), on the newer Airbus (w/private suites). I'm arranging complimentary transportation via Limo-chauffer (part of the service associated with upper class), from LHR to Park Lane, and back. We are able/invited to use the private club in Heathrow, and also entitled to SO many special things onboard, including a 20-minute spa treatment of our choice, power showers, etc! There is no pre-scheduled meal-time, and we may dine when ever we prefer (selecting from an extensive menu). It all sounds SO wonderful, and we even receive "jammies" to change into if we are so inclined! WOW...it's going to be a great experience, much different than the First Class we fly on Delta from LAX to MCO! It's nice...but doesn't sound anything like this, or include such perks as transportation. On the way in...we arrive at about 3:00 pm. On the way out...we leave at 3:00 pm and arrive in LAX @ 6:50 pm! Perfect timing for us!!

Thank you, to everyone, for the warm welcome and all the links/tips and information! I'll probably be popping-in from time to time with more queries! I hope no one minds.

Enjoy the week!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Oh yeah you gotta love Virgin Upper Class and that's great that you let the limo service.

Out of the hotels you mention for London I'ms till inclined to go with the Park Lane although the St Regis Lanesborough has a mighty fine reputation. I can take or leave the Belgravia but the Park Tower is nice enough they used to have a casino there LOL maybe they still do it's been a while since I've been there. I studied Hotel and Catering Management at Westminster College hence I seem to know a lot about London hotels as most of my friends went to work in a lot of the top London establishments

Oxford, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Hertfordshire, Nottingham, Westminster, UCL, Surrey, Birmingham, central England, York and Middlesex U.

OK Oxford and Cambridge are just wonderul and full of history. From what I remember when I was looking at Universities Liverpool is very metropolitan. Westminster is just fab and very interntional. I could take or leave Middlesex my friend studied engineering there. York is just a dreamy city and one of my favourites in the UK. Another friend of mine studied dance at Surrey it's a very pleasant University City. I don't know the others as well so can't really comment.

I'll PM you my info - I hope I'm not at WDW when you visit.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Fantasia Sam
Oh yeah you gotta love Virgin Upper Class and that's great that you get the limo service.

Out of the hotels you mention for London I'm still inclined to go with the Park Lane although the St Regis Lanesborough has a mighty fine reputation. I can take or leave the Belgravia but the Park Tower is nice enough they used to have a casino there LOL maybe they still do it's been a while since I've been there. I studied Hotel and Catering Management at Westminster College hence I seem to know a lot about London hotels as most of my friends went to work in a lot of the top London establishments

OK Oxford and Cambridge are just wonderul and full of history. From what I remember when I was looking at Universities Liverpool is very metropolitan. Westminster is just fab and very interntional. I could take or leave Middlesex my friend studied engineering there. York is just a dreamy city and one of my favourites in the UK. Another friend of mine studied dance at Surrey it's a very pleasant University City. I don't know the others as well so can't really comment.

I'll PM you my info - I hope I'm not at WDW when you visit.

Hi, Sam!! Thanks again, for your wonderful insight. I'll be there the end of November until the middle of December (close to three weeks!). I'm making Ressies at the Park Lane for the majority of the stay, with a break to stay in the St. Regis in Paris, and perhaps a CASTLE (any suggestions) for a couple of eves!

DD just received info from Westminster College shortly before we left for Florida, and she LOVES Liverpool, York, and Surrey/Bath! There are SO MANY places to study...it'll be difficult to narrow one down. A lovely DISer pm'd me with an offer to assist and answer any questions regarding a college she attended! What a generous and sweet person...(gotta LOVE this forum).

I went on Amazon.com yesterday and purchased several books, including Rick Steve's Great Britain, Rick Steve's London, (both 2004 version) England For Dummies, London for Dummies, Rick Steve's French Phrases, etc.!

Could Anyone recommend a "Don't Miss Eaterie?" I'm not really fond of Kidney Pie or wild game, and DD doesn't eat meat. I read about a noodle (ramen & udon) place in Soho...near the Park Lane. Has anyone ever dined there? What about Pizza shops...are there any around London? Is the Hard Rock close to Park Lane, etc. I'm getting used to the terms..."Tube" (subway), and others! I also heard they have very little crime, other than pick-pockets, etc. No guns...even the bobbies do not carry weapons. Is this still true?

Thank you again, to everyone whom assisted me to date. I am heeding every single bit of info, and taking it all to heart. I'm glad to read Virgin Atlantic is a nice way to travel, especially upper deck in the new suites. Should be an adventure!! I always consider the "air travel" to be a very important part of the "whole" experience, and not merely just a form of transportation.

TTFN...DF99

 

[vernon]

If you want some ideas on castle or Stately home hotels here are a couple.

Amberly Castle is easy to get to from London maybe a 2 hour journey by train, it is near the South coast of England. http://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/main_nav.htm

Cliveden is about an hours journey ( North) from London http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/

The Royal Cresent hotel in Bath isn't quite a castle, but it is one of the most fabulous places to stay http://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/

Here's a link that has a number of similar style hotels http://www.vonessenhotels.co.uk/

There are a number of similar style castle/stately home hotels in the North of England as well.

For eating in London, depending on your budget, there are some FANTASTIC places to eat. But they don't come cheap. Probably the best of the lot is Gordon Ramsey's at Royal Hospital road in Mayfair here's a link to his website that contains all the restaurants in his chain http://www.gordonramsay.com/site/
Another idea if you like top TOP quality food and board is Manoir Quatre Season ( not far from London) http://www.blanc.co.uk/le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons.htm
Or if you like seafood Padstowe in Cornwall is home to http://www.rickstein.com/

Most of these places you are looking at $150+ per person for food ( wine extra :O ) for their "prestige" menus, but most of them also do set lunchtime specials etc from about $60 per person. Rick Stein's is probably the best choice as far as value goes.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Oh no DF99 I am in WDW and cruising from Thanksgiving until 15th December - can you believe that

Most restaurants do veggie options:

Hard Rock Cafe is right near the Park Lane Hotel - yayyy

There are some great noodle bars in London the popular and good qaulity at inexpensive prices is Wagamama but if you want to splash out on the corner of Park Lane and Picadilly is Nobu

You would also not be far from Langans the food here is wonderful and I personally believe it is quite reasonable for one of the most popular restaurants in town. Michael Caine has an interest in this restaurant and supposedly it's quite popular with the rich and famous but I personally have never seen anyone there, I go for the great food.

Pizza places are very common - we have Pizza Hut but I prefer the Pizzas at Pizza Express and there are some lovely Italian restaurants in Soho that serve some realy authentic pizzas another chain that I know of is Pizza Paridiso they have one for sure in Covent Garden.

Something to warn you about - I would definitely NOT eat in an Aberdeen Angus Steak House - these are tourist trap restaurants that sell poor quality food IMHO.

Other restaurants that IMO are good and worthy of a visit:

The Bank (modern)
JJ Sheekeys (fish)
Le Palais de Jardin (french/fish)
Joe Allens (American)
Christophers (American)
Smollenskys (American and there is one off Picadilly)
Sofra (Mediterranean chain very suitable for a vegetarian)

LOL I know more but these are just some that popped into my head.

London is also littered with KFC's, MacDonalds, Buger Kings, Starbucks etc

I'm gutted that I probably won't be here when you are visiting but I'm still happy to help.

 

[disneyholic family]

RoyalCanadian - as a native detroiter i am most assuredly familier with the french canadian accent.....we spent a lot of time in ontario and quebec when i was growing up....
when i was in high school, my french class took a trip to montreal...our teacher was french....french french....from paris....with stunningly gorgeous french.....charles de gaulle type french....beatiful...
well....everywhere we went in montreal, people would say to her, "your french is pretty good for an american, but your accent is horrible"....

it was pretty funny....

dreamflight99 -- your trip sounds wonderful...maybe you'd like a mascot to come with you?....i'll even dress up as mickey....

 

[dreamflight99]

You guys are the best!! (Bloody BRILLIANT!! ) ~I can not thank you enough for the information you have generously provided. I am such a VIRGIN when it comes to European travel, therefore I have MANY, MANY more queries!!

*Where do I P/U the train to travel to Paris, and how long is it from the train to Paris?

*Once in France, how far to Paris from the train station? Is there another train into the city?

*The PARK LANE shall be "home base" in London, and will store our excess baggage during our outings to Paris, and the CASTLE! Now...WHICH CASTLE is most HIGHLY RECOMMENDED?! (Please, nothing TOO haunted!!)

*Should I bring a cellphone/laptop? OR...a calling card, motorola radios and use the business office of the resorts, etc. to use the net?

*Should I buy a "special" holder for my $$$, CC and Passports (to avoid theft from pick-pockets), other than the old standby bustier?

Vernon~What wonderful information and links!! Thank you so much for your time and effort!! BUT...you MUST help me decide!! WHICH CASTLE do you prefer/recommend?

As for the restaurants...we enjoy dining, and do not mind the expense. After all, you only LIVE once...and such culinary delights/extravagances do not come CHEAPLY!! We regularly pay such tabs at wonderful locations, and enjoy the memorable experiences we share immensely. I will be sure to try out some of your recommendations.

SAM!!!~Oh NO!! That's about the SAME EXACT time we will be traveling! Will you have access to the net, or be on here at all? If so...perhaps we'll connect in that manner! (LOL). Just goes to prove, adventurous...and nomadic minds think alike!!

I've heard of the Wagamama, and will visit there for sure. The HARD ROCK is a must, as DD has shirts from every one but the original!!
(==Mission accomplished, collection complete!). Starbucks?!? Did you write STARBUCKS?

(Sings song:"Heaven, I'm in HEAVEN...and my heart beats so that I can hardly SPEAK!!") Oh happy day!! I'm the espresso queen, and love a good cup of joe! Thanks for making my day. I'm easy, eh? One of my most beloved possessions...is my Jura Capresso S9 coffee center sitting atop my kitchen counter. She was a loving gift from my DD & DH last Holiday season, and provides a source of infinite joy in each perfect cup!! *(Check it out @ www.capresso.com). It's MAGNIFICENT! I too...wish you were going to be there (UK) when I visit!! You better stay put next time...I'll be going back the end of 2005 summer (more than likely).

Thanks for the "Tourist trap" warning (for the steakhouse). Any more of these type of businesses I should be aware of? Thanks again. I know you'll have a lovely time on your trip/cruise!

disneyholic family~YES, YOU are welcome to come too!! And, dressed like MICKEY...or any character, you will be treated like family! I am attracted to wild~looking FURRY CREATURES, as this photo proves.
This mate and I could be FAMILY..with the same Green eyes, and pearly white CHOMPERS! (LOL)...

Thanks so much again, for all your continued assistance in making this trip memorable, magical and RELAXING!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[Fantasia Sam]

*Where do I P/U the train to travel to Paris, and how long is it from the train to Paris?

From Waterloo Station - get a cab there from your hotel - it's 3 hours

*Once in France, how far to Paris from the train station? Is there another train into the city?

The train station is almost in the centre of Paris so again you could just get a taxi but the metro (their subway) is quite easy to follow

*Should I bring a cellphone/laptop? OR...a calling card, motorola radios and use the business office of the resorts, etc. to use the net?

I'm not sure about this because I am unsure how inexpensive it is to log on in our hotels never usually doing it - hopefully someone else will know or perhaps try doing a post about it on the US Community Board for American business travellers that stay in London frequently to give their opinion

*Should I buy a "special" holder for my $$$, CC and Passports (to avoid theft from pick-pockets), other than the old standby bustier?

Your hotel should have a safe either in the room or at the hotel and I would leave your passport in there rather than take it around with you same with extra cash that you have. I tend to just carry my money and cc's in a purse in my handbag around town and my hubby has his in his wallet in his back pocket - we both walk around London frequently and have never had stuff stolen. I think it's all about common sense as in any city - just be vigilant and keep your belongings in pockets that can't be got at and keep all bags zipped up and closed.


I know it sucks that we'll miss each other - so typical but the way we travel is quite similar LOL I did a month in WDW in December and then another in May for our wedding - Paul my hubby still doesn't know that I am away for 3 weeks in December - LOL it started as just 12 nights and then grew and grew - I'm gonna break it to him gently but my only promise to him this year was that we would be home for Xmas and that I will be.

I'm glad that you will be coming back next year and if you can give me good warning I'll try and fit my travel arrangements around yours. I will be online for sure whilst cruising and at Disney so you can still get me should you need to.

So glad I made you happy with Starbucks

I'll keep thinking of stuff for you, in the meantime.

 

[Sian]

I live in York and work at one of the two universities here. PM if you think I can help at all. I went to university in Liverpool myself but that was probably too long ago to be of much use to your daughter.