Looking for assistance planning DLRP trip from Germany

[bavaria]

Happy Boxing Day! I am finally planning on heading to DLRP after 100+ visits to DL and WDW over the past several years.

I currently live/work in North America, but am from Germany and plan to encorporate a trip to DLRP with a return home in 2006. Since you all seem to be such a friendly group over here, I was hoping that you could help me with some questions....

Note that things have changed significantly in the years since I left Germany - travel, currency, etc so I feel a little uneducated! I do travel for a living, and consider myself a WDW expert, but am looking for any assistance!

1) time of year: I am looking at September and/or March - any input? I plan to visit weekdays at the parks. I know that I need to avoid French and UK school holidays, but do German holidays have impact?

2) travel from Munich to DLRP: since airfare is now so much cheaper, I am looking at a flight from MUC to CDG and taking a shuttle to the hotel. Does anyone have any input as to other suggestions? I don't think that train travel is great value anymore at 12+ hours travel time each way.

3) travel from London to DLRP: if we plan it right, my sister may come from the UK. I think that she is leaning towards train travel - any pros/cons? She is not a seasoned air traveller, other than her yearly flights to the UK, and it seems that train travel is quick and economical from the UK

4) Hotel/package: while I own DVC points, I think that it looks most economical to book a package with Disney hotel and admission (especially the 4 for 3 offers etc during low season). Any thoughts? Are the budget Disney hotels that bad - how do they compare to the 'value' resorts at WDW?

Thanks in advance for any assistance that you can offer!!!!

Best regards,
Bavaria

 

[Cyrano]

Hi bavaria and welcome to the DLP DIS board
Can't help with a comparison of WDW unfortunately.
Both times should be relatively quiet.
You could consider driving, but I agree flight is probably best option.
From London Eurostar is probably one of the best options as you can go right to the park
The DLP budget hotels are very nice. We can recommend Hotel Cheyenne which is 15/20 minutes walk from the park.

 

[bavaria]

Thanks for the quick reply! If I'm by myself, I'll probably end up going with the Cheyenne (I am lucky enough to stay in deluxe hotels most of the year while travelling, so don't need it every time I vacation!)

Eurostar sounds like it's the way to go for my sister, as she won't need to navigate much and get frazzled...

 

[diberry]

Happy Boxing Day! I am finally planning on heading to DLRP after 100+ visits to DL and WDW over the past several years.

I currently live/work in North America, but am from Germany and plan to encorporate a trip to DLRP with a return home in 2006. Since you all seem to be such a friendly group over here, I was hoping that you could help me with some questions....

Note that things have changed significantly in the years since I left Germany - travel, currency, etc so I feel a little uneducated! I do travel for a living, and consider myself a WDW expert, but am looking for any assistance!

1) time of year: I am looking at September and/or March - any input? I plan to visit weekdays at the parks. I know that I need to avoid French and UK school holidays, but do German holidays have impact?

I don't know the answer to this I'm afraid and I imagine German holidays would make a difference but can't find any statistics. I think September would be a good bet as far as crowds are concerned and the weather should be nice. Easter holidays seem to vary enormously throughout March and April although early to mid-March should be quieter.

2) travel from Munich to DLRP: since airfare is now so much cheaper, I am looking at a flight from MUC to CDG and taking a shuttle to the hotel. Does anyone have any input as to other suggestions?

I haven't got any stats again on travel from Germany but there are a couple of Germans who post on this board and I'm sure they'll help you when they log in. However from UK a lot of people fly to CDG and get a shuttle which is very quick I believe.

3) travel from London to DLRP: if we plan it right, my sister may come from the UK. I think that she is leaning towards train travel - any pros/cons? She is not a seasoned air traveller, other than her yearly flights to the UK, and it seems that train travel is quick and economical from the UK

We always go by train. From London Waterloo or Ashford in Kent it's a very quick journey to Marne-la-Vallee and has the advantage of arriving immediately outside the gates of the park!!!

4) Hotel/package: while I own DVC points, I think that it looks most economical to book a package with Disney hotel and admission (especially the 4 for 3 offers etc during low season). Any thoughts? Are the budget Disney hotels that bad - how do they compare to the 'value' resorts at WDW?

We have stayed in 2 of the cheaper onsite hotels, Santa Fe and Cheyenne as well as value resorts in WDW - All Star and Pop Century. We found them all perfectly adequate. The DLP ones are much smaller than the ones at WDW but that's not necessarily a bad thing! There are also quite a few off site but very close hotels which people generally say are very good value for money and convenient.

Thanks in advance for any assistance that you can offer!!!!

Best regards,
Bavaria

 

[Bexx]

Hello bavaria!

1) time of year: I am looking at September and/or March - any input? I plan to visit weekdays at the parks. I know that I need to avoid French and UK school holidays, but do German holidays have impact?

I would choose September - for the better weather and less likelihood of crowds.

2) travel from Munich to DLRP: since airfare is now so much cheaper, I am looking at a flight from MUC to CDG and taking a shuttle to the hotel. Does anyone have any input as to other suggestions? I don't think that train travel is great value anymore at 12+ hours travel time each way.

Don't forget you can also fly from Munich to Paris Orly, where you can also take the VEA shuttle to DLP. And this is quite a useful site for working out when the prices are cheapest!!

4) Hotel/package: while I own DVC points, I think that it looks most economical to book a package with Disney hotel and admission (especially the 4 for 3 offers etc during low season). Any thoughts? Are the budget Disney hotels that bad - how do they compare to the 'value' resorts at WDW?

Definitely don't use your DVC points to book - they just want too many of them!!! Anyway you can't book the Santa Fe or the Cheyenne with them, if that's where you were thinking of staying. As for the comparison between them and the WDW value resorts, I can't really say as I haven't stayed at any of them!!!! But from what I've seen, they look pretty similar, except the DLP rooms will probably be a little bit smaller again. And unlike even the WDW resorts, they don't have a swimming pool.

 

[bavaria]

Thanks everyone for your speedy responses! I feel honoured to have some of the DLRP board veterans helping me out...

A few more questions if you don't mind... (I also found Mar's thread (idratherbeinwdw) prior to her November trip, which was very helpful for first timers to DLRP).

1) Hotel Cheyenne - I don't see an FAQ in the hotel FAQ thread, and didn't find too much information doing a forum search. I did see the virtual tour on the DLRP website, and it looks fine if I am by myself (if I go with my sister, we plan to upgrade to a different hotel). Any comments/thoughts/opinions? I realize that everyone has his/her own taste, but just looking for feedback

2) Fantasyland breakfast - this sounds like a great way to get into the parks early. Can one do this each morning of the stay? or is it limited? I assume that it is an alternative to continental breakfast at the hotel, and at no extra charge, correct?

3) reserving a hotel room - the DLRP site offers discounts if one logs in as from the UK, but not as German or Canadian. Does anyone book directly through the call centre? if so, have you been able to receive the same discounts? (three for two, etc)

I appreciate all of your input. Reading a number of threads, it sounds as if DLRP is something to enjoy for the theming rather than the number of thrill rides. This appeals to me, as I enjoy all the details of the original DL. I sense that some visitors may struggle with the CM attitude as they expect American hospitality vs European hospitality. (Both have their merits, they are just very different) I chuckle every time I visit the German pavilion in Epcot, as the CMs there are usually much more reserved than their American counterparts, and that is what I grew up with!

I take it that language won't be an issue, much, as I am fluent in English and German, and studied French through university.

Thanks again!

 

[diberry]

Thanks everyone for your speedy responses! I feel honoured to have some of the DLRP board veterans helping me out...

A few more questions if you don't mind... (I also found Mar's thread (idratherbeinwdw) prior to her November trip, which was very helpful for first timers to DLRP).

1) Hotel Cheyenne - I don't see an FAQ in the hotel FAQ thread, and didn't find too much information doing a forum search. I did see the virtual tour on the DLRP website, and it looks fine if I am by myself (if I go with my sister, we plan to upgrade to a different hotel). Any comments/thoughts/opinions? I realize that everyone has his/her own taste, but just looking for feedback.

You're right we need to get Cheyenne in the hotel FAQ - a job for the New Year, I think!! We've stayed there and found it very good. The Wild West theming is very good and we really enjoyed it there.

2) Fantasyland breakfast - this sounds like a great way to get into the parks early. Can one do this each morning of the stay? or is it limited? I assume that it is an alternative to continental breakfast at the hotel, and at no extra charge, correct?

All of that is true. We really love it - you get to walk up Main Street when it's very quiet, you can walk through the castle to the restaurant in Fantasyland by showing your voucher and all the other people have to wait by the rope!! The breakfast is good in my opinion and you can get on some rides in Fantasyland earlier than otherwise. You can do it every day - best to book when you book your hotel as sometimes the vouchers run out.

3) reserving a hotel room - the DLRP site offers discounts if one logs in as from the UK, but not as German or Canadian. Does anyone book directly through the call centre? if so, have you been able to receive the same discounts? (three for two, etc)

I think you can but you have to ask - they generally don't offer the information.We usually book direct by phone and if you ask for the discount you'll get it.

I appreciate all of your input. Reading a number of threads, it sounds as if DLRP is something to enjoy for the theming rather than the number of thrill rides. This appeals to me, as I enjoy all the details of the original DL. I sense that some visitors may struggle with the CM attitude as they expect American hospitality vs European hospitality. (Both have their merits, they are just very different) I chuckle every time I visit the German pavilion in Epcot, as the CMs there are usually much more reserved than their American counterparts, and that is what I grew up with!

I take it that language won't be an issue, much, as I am fluent in English and German, and studied French through university.

Thanks again!

 

[Cyrano]

1) Hotel Cheyenne - I don't see an FAQ in the hotel FAQ thread, and didn't find too much information doing a forum search. I did see the virtual tour on the DLRP website, and it looks fine if I am by myself (if I go with my sister, we plan to upgrade to a different hotel). Any comments/thoughts/opinions? I realize that everyone has his/her own taste, but just looking for feedback

I think I was originally down for FAQ and then swapped, but agree with Di that we should progress this in 2006
I can happily recommend this hotel

3) reserving a hotel room - the DLRP site offers discounts if one logs in as from the UK, but not as German or Canadian. Does anyone book directly through the call centre? if so, have you been able to receive the same discounts? (three for two, etc)

Often discounts are country of origin related. Best to ask when you phone. Have a look at Renates home page as she operates a travel agency from Germany that might be of help.

 

[cannp123165]

We stayed in the Cheyenne in October and it was great!!!! Most of our trips are spent in the parks so for us for a short trip it was not worth paying the extra for another hotel. We have stayed in the Sequoia Lodge before and only went swimming once. The theming is brilliant at the Cheyenne. It is very well themed, and it is great looking at the detail of the room.

 

[bavaria]

Often discounts are country of origin related. Best to ask when you phone. Have a look at Renates home page as she operates a travel agency from Germany that might be of help.

Thank you for the advice - Renate and I had been in touch in the past and I have browsed her website many times, but of course forgot to check there for discounts!

She does list the discounts ie 4 for 3 as available to Germans, and makes mention that they are not listed in the brochure.

It may be time for me to converse with Renate again!!

 

[Cyrano]

It may be time for me to converse with Renate again!!

Hopefully it will prove fruitful

 

[Father_and_Son]

First of all sorry to all Englishspeaking Persons here in the Forum (98%) but this time I take the chance to answer in german.

------------------------------------------------------​

Hallo Bavaria,

jetzt nutze ich doch mal die Chance hier einen Post in Deutsch zu schreiben und Dir ein paar Fragen zu beantworten.

Deutsche Ferien haben in der Regel keine grosse Auswirkungen auf die Frequenz im Park, es sei denn sie fallen mit Ferien in anderen Ländern zusammen.

Das Cheyenne ist wirklich ein tolles Hotel, vor allen wenn man mit Kindern unterwegs ist, da liegt aber auch ein klein wenig das Problem. Durch die vielen Kinder (und ich mag Kinder über alles) ist es zu den Essenszeiten wirklich sehr laut und unruhig. Das Sequoia Lodge ist in den deutschen Katalogen nur wenig teurer und bietet für allein reisende Erwachsene glaube ich das schönere Ambiente.

Die benachbarten Hotels wie das Holiday Inn und das Mövenpick Dream Castle Hotel sind ebenfalls sehr schön und in der Regel nicht so überfüllt wie die Disneyhotels. Allerdings gelten ab der Sommersaison erstmals die 3 = 2 und 4 = 3 Angebote dort nicht mehr und das Guten Morgen Fantasialand Frühstück ist nicht buchbar.

Renate ist auf jeden Fall ein heisser Tip um bei einem echten Disney-Spezialisten eine Reise zu buchen. Auch sehr gut um vielleicht vorweg schon einmal die Preise zu vergleichen ist die Internetseite von 2000-Reisen.

Das Fantasyland-Frühstück ist eine super Sache, vor allen wenn man das Santa Fe der das Cheyenne gebucht hat. Denn dann stellt es auch noch in der Frühstücksqualität ein Upgrade da. Das Fantasyland-Frühstück entspricht nämlich dem Standard des Sequoia. Darüberhinaus ist es natürlich aussergewöhnlich schön die Mainstreet morgens fast für sich alleine zu haben. Man kann das GMFL-Frühstück bei Verfügbarkeit jeden morgen buchen nur nicht am Anreisetag.

Viele Grüsse und viel Spass in Disneyland
Stefan

 

[diberry]

Aber ich finde es eigentlich besser das GMFL-Frühstück vor der Reise zu buchen, um sicher zu sein, dass sie für die erwünschten Tage noch verfügbar sind. Try to book the GMF breakfast before travelling to make sure to get the dates and times you want.
Father and Son said that the German holidays do not have a great impact on the crowds unless they coincide with French holidays. The Hotel Cheyenne is beautifully themed but mealtimes can be noisy as there are often a lot of children there - SL is quieter for adults without children.
Holiday Inn and Mövenpick Dream Castle Hotel do not have the same special offers as the Disneyhotels and you cannot get the Good Morning Fantasyland breakfast which is good quality (equivalent to SL) .

 

[Cyrano]

Can I suggest if your message is not for everyone then it is probably best to send a PM, otherwise nobody else can join in on the conversation

 

[Father_and_Son]

I am sorry for that, it wasn´t what I wanted and I promise to never do it again.

It was just laziness from my site because it is, as you can suggest, much simpler to answer many questions in your motherlanguage.

From now on I will stay strictly in English.

 

[Cyrano]

I am sorry for that, it wasn´t what I wanted and I promise to never do it again.

It was just laziness from my site because it is, as you can suggest, much simpler to answer many questions in your motherlanguage.

From now on I will stay strictly in English.

No harm, I was just being nosey

 

[bavaria]

Deutsche Ferien haben in der Regel keine grosse Auswirkungen auf die Frequenz im Park, es sei denn sie fallen mit Ferien in anderen Ländern zusammen.

German holidays as a rule don't have a big impact on the park occupancy as they fall together with other countries' holidays

Das Cheyenne ist wirklich ein tolles Hotel, vor allen wenn man mit Kindern unterwegs ist, da liegt aber auch ein klein wenig das Problem. Durch die vielen Kinder (und ich mag Kinder über alles) ist es zu den Essenszeiten wirklich sehr laut und unruhig. Das Sequoia Lodge ist in den deutschen Katalogen nur wenig teurer und bietet für allein reisende Erwachsene glaube ich das schönere Ambiente.

The Cheyenne is a great hotel, especially when travelling with children, but therein also lies the fault. Due to the high number of children (and I like kids above all else) mealtimes are very loud. The Sequoia Lodge is not much more expensive in the German brochures and offers adults without children a nicer athmosphere.

Die benachbarten Hotels wie das Holiday Inn und das Mövenpick Dream Castle Hotel sind ebenfalls sehr schön und in der Regel nicht so überfüllt wie die Disneyhotels. Allerdings gelten ab der Sommersaison erstmals die 3 = 2 und 4 = 3 Angebote dort nicht mehr und das Guten Morgen Fantasialand Frühstück ist nicht buchbar.

The neighbour hotels like the Holiday Inn and the Movenpick Dream Castle Hotel are very nice and as a rule not so heavily occupied as the Disney hotels. Also as of the summer season the 3=2 and 4=3 specials are not offered, and the Fantasyland breakfast is not bookable.

Renate ist auf jeden Fall ein heisser Tip um bei einem echten Disney-Spezialisten eine Reise zu buchen. Auch sehr gut um vielleicht vorweg schon einmal die Preise zu vergleichen ist die Internetseite von 2000-Reisen.

Renate is definitely a hot tip if one is looking for a real Disney specialist to book a trip. Also worth a look is the website 2000-Reisen.

Das Fantasyland-Frühstück ist eine super Sache, vor allen wenn man das Santa Fe der das Cheyenne gebucht hat. Denn dann stellt es auch noch in der Frühstücksqualität ein Upgrade da. Das Fantasyland-Frühstück entspricht nämlich dem Standard des Sequoia. Darüberhinaus ist es natürlich aussergewöhnlich schön die Mainstreet morgens fast für sich alleine zu haben. Man kann das GMFL-Frühstück bei Verfügbarkeit jeden morgen buchen nur nicht am Anreisetag.

The Fantasyland breakfast is a great thing, especially when one has booked the Santa Fe or the Cheyenne. In that case, the breakfast is an upgrade. The Fantasyland breakfast is the standard of the Sequoia. And naturally it's especially nice to be almost alone on Mainstreet in the morning. If available, one can book the breakfast each day with the exception of day of arrival.

 

[bavaria]

Stefan, thanks so much for your input and observations! Cyrano, hopefully I have translated everything correctly to satisfy your curiousity... I know that I have made some idiomatic errors but was thinking in German while typing!

I really appreciate everyone's help and thoughts, as things really are so different between Europe and North America.

I have been reading a lot of trip reports here, from a European perspective. You all seem to have a wonderful time when you visit DLRP, and it gets me excited to visit. When I read trip reports elsewhere, it appears that those who are disappointed don't understand the many differences between the two continents. (ie size of hotel room, perception of friendliness, etc)

Thank you again to everyone for all of your assistance!!!

 

[Renate_do]

Hi,

sorry for not aswering earlier, but we were of to DLRP for the holidays

I would go mid to end September as then almost all holidays are over.
March might be full as there are often special offers for CM of France Telecom and you have the time where kids are free.

AFAIK you can only got to Sequioa Lodge and up with your points....but SL is a really great hotel room size is comparable with the values at WDE

From Munich to DLRP is no question to go by plane a it will be at least a 8-9 hour trip.

Dont know if they offer 4=3 with DVC points as they dont do it for room only or shareholders :-(

4=3 and 3=2 dates are from 09/01 - 09/07 and 09/29-10/19 (Halloween Saison)

Dont hesitate to PM me.

Greets Renate

Greets Renate

 

[bavaria]

Renate, Frohe Weihnachten and thank you!!! I had suspected that you were away in your favourite place....

I think that based on everyone's input I am now looking at September. Will definitely contact you regarding some possible booking.

I am still looking at the Cheyenne at this point (I practically live in hotels most of the year so don't need the absolute luxury).

Thanks everyone for the good advice!!!