Marrying at WDW and Honeymooning in Paris

[weich1001]

Has anyone gotten married in WDW and gone to Disneyland Paris for their Honeymoon? Your thoughts!

 

[Skylarr29]

Sound like a wonderful idea. We got engaged in Paris and married at Disney! Paris was wonderful and so romantic! You can check out my wedding trip report for some photos. Congrats!

 

[gemmybear83]

I've been to Disneyland Paris a few times and its wonderful there is a disneyland paris baord on the DIS too. Just remember its far smaller than WDW - with only two parks

 

[SandraVB79]

DLP resort is smaller than WDW resort, it has 2 parks (park-with-castle and Walt Disney Studios), a Disney Village (comparable to DTD) and 6 hotels (+ one resort with cabins, but you need a car for that one).

The Disneyland Park (the one with the castle) is actually the largest of the parks-with-castle; it's very pretty, very detailed and has some unique features (like the dragon)
Walt Disney Studios is nice... that's the best word I can come up with

 

[RachaelA]

If you do honeymoon there make sure you take time to check out the city of Paris.

I was talking to DF about going to London and Paris next year and visiting Disneyland Paris for a few days as well.

 

[Disney845]

I remember reading about JaxTeach

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1670298

This was the wedding report with only day 1 of the honeymoon. I thought I remembered reading more, but do not see it. hmmm Maybe she started a new thread for the honeymoon...?

This is currently what SO and I are considering so I would love to hear other's experiences as well (we had a bit of a heated discussion sitting in a drive through last night about Euro exchange rates and the differences based on where you convert ).

I have been doing a TON of research on France and DLRP. As another poster said, check out the DLRP board here on the DIS (there is a sticky at the top with a good bit of useful info, food guides, hotel info, etc). Also when travel planning I check out the Fodors/Frommers/Thorn Tree and Trip Advisor (Marne-la-Vallee) forums, just for general knowledge (be forewarned...these forums tend to not be warm and fuzzy about Disney in general). Magical Kingdoms also has a good DLRP section.

 

[Calleigh]

I have a annual pass in Disneyland Paris, so I visit the parks many times in the year...
If you have questions, I could probably help you

 

[weich1001]

I have a annual pass in Disneyland Paris, so I visit the parks many times in the year...
If you have questions, I could probably help you

Is there a book you can reccomend or can you reccomend things to see and do in Paris or countries that surround France? Just highlights--we are only planning 1 to 2 weeks for our honeymoon.

Thanks!

 

[princesswendy720]

Is there a book you can reccomend or can you reccomend things to see and do in Paris or countries that surround France? Just highlights--we are only planning 1 to 2 weeks for our honeymoon.

Thanks!

I studied abroad in Paris and there is plenty to do to spend 1-2 weeks there alone! We took a 1 day trip to DLRP, which I thought was enough (and I'm a Disney freak!) but I could see spending 2 days there if you wanted a longer experience. Definitely pick up a travel guide for Paris. Good day trips from Paris (but still in France) are Monet's house and gardens in Givenchy and the palace at Versailles. Public transportation in Paris is great (the Metro is very clean and efficient) and there are regional lines that can take you to DLRP and Versailles.

Just some "can't miss" tourist spots in Paris, off the top of my head are, the Eiffel tower, the Louvre, the Pompidou Center (it's a modern art museum but I lived near it so it's close to my heart), the great parks and gardens throughout Paris, the arc de triomphe, the catacombs, Sacre Coeur, the Garnier Opera (the architecture is beautiful but I saw a ballet there and it was a great experience to be inside), Notre Dame, and so much more! The restaurants are spectacular.

 

[SandraVB79]

I kind of disagree that one day of DLP is enough.
Two days are needed to do the main park + an additional day for the Studios.


There are the typical spots to visit IN Paris, then there is also Versailles, the champagne-region that isn't too far, Provins which is a wonderful medieval village (day trip), and many castles around (I like the Chantilly one it also has a equestrial cmuseum, those stables are almost prettier than the chateau itself!), Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte.

A little further away is Normandie (known for its WWII history, but also many other things to visit) and there is Bretagne (Mont-St-Michel is a very touristy place, I haven't been there yet bu love to go there).

What else? Near the Somme (Peronne, Albert) is a lot of WWI history.
There is the Loire with all its chateaux.

From Paris, you can take the Eurostar to London, or the Thalys/ TGV to Brussels. Brussels is nice (what else could I say, I live here already almost 30 years!), but there are also Bruges (Venice from the North) and Ghent; both two wonderful cities. IMO, they are nicer for tourists, because everything is together, and you can walk everything, whereas in Brussels (and Antwerp) everything is more spread out.

There are also Thalys-trains going to the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and Germany.

 

[JaxTeach]

Hi there! DH and I were married at WDW in December 2007 and honeymooned in Paris right after our wedding for a week. It was fantastic! I lived overseas when I was younger and had gone to Paris in the past, but there are a lot of great resources for first time visitors. When traveling in Europe, I always read the Rick Steves book for that city or country. In fact, we brought the Rick Steves Paris guidebook along with us on our honeymoon. It was very helpful, especially since we were there for Christmas.

Oh and we went to DLP for 2 days. We stayed in the city and took the train over to DLP on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Two days are sufficient to tour both the Disney theme parks. Staying in Paris and taking the train to Disney is very easy. There is a train that stops right at the DLP entrance. Parisians are extremely helpful when you ask them how to get around, at least that's been my experience.

If you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them. You'll have a wonderful trip!

ETA: I never found a guide book specifically for DLP. Maybe one has come out since 07, though!

 

[weich1001]

Thanks for all the help!!!!!

We just went last night and bought a Fodors Paris 2009, Eyewitness Travel Europe, Frommers Paris Day by Day (22 smart ways to see the city), Paris for Dummies, Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Paris and of course a CD by Berlitz-French for your Trip (as neither of us speak French-had it in High School, but didn't have too great of grades). So we are hoping these will help us with seeing other things in France. Glenn hasn't put them down since we returned last night...I've never seen him so into planning...from the Wedding to the Honeymoon! He has said a hundred times over, he wants this to be OUR DAY and for it to be sooooo special for me (even though it will be a second time for each of us). It's great, I love it!

We know (okay, we think we know) we want to spend 2-3 days in the 2 Disney Parks and we will be using our DVC Points to stay at DLRP for at least part of the trip. Based on what people are saying on these boards we think 2-3 days will be plenty in the parks.

Then spend the rest of the time in and around Paris, possible Brussels, Amsterdam, Luxemborg, the Alps, or Italy... not sure where or how much time we'll allot to all or any of these. Hopefully between these boards and all the books and travel agent...we'll be able to nail down an itinerary.

If the grandparents are okay watching the kids, we'll definately do 2 full weeks. If not our plans may need to be scaled back and we'll just do DLRP and a few highlights of the city.

We did find round trip tickets fron Philadelphia, PA for $415 and we thought that was really good, considering Delta wanted almost $1200 per ticket!

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

I went to DLRP for Thanksgiving and that was NOT the time to go. It was so cold, it made the whole experience pretty miserable. I think you're in Sep, though, so that should be great.

I have only ever been to WDW, so I was disappointed with the hotels and the food. I just didn't think they had the same Disney flair. We stayed at the Sequoia and I expected it to be like the Wilderness Lodge. It was just a big, conference hotel. I think the Disneyland Hotel would be much better. I also love to eat at Disney, and only really enjoyed the restaurant in the Pirates of the Carribean ride (that was COOL!)

The parks are nice and easier to get around, because of the size, so you'll enjoy noting the differences!

I highly recommend Paris. That was where DH and I had our first date, and we ate at a cafe right next to Notre Dame. I think you can build some great memories there. For a fun experience that is kind of different (and spooky), go to the catacombs. We thought that was really interesting! Plus, there's the church with the Rose line (as in the Da Vinci Code). Of course, the Louvre, but don't miss the Orsay, as that is where the impressionists are.

 

[OceanGdss]

We were just married at WDW in December and returned yesterday from a honeymoon in Paris. (5 days, wednesday-monday) It was our second time to Paris and just as lovely as the first trip. While there we headed out to DLP (also our second time to that location). Honestly, both times we've been to DLP we found 1 day more than enough for both parks and the Village. The parks are pretty small and now have Fastpass, making your time even more manageable. The parks are also extremely close together, and the Fastpasses not connected (much like DL California) so you can hop between the two parks a lot. Also, again like DL, the fastpasses are good from the time they start through the rest of the day, so if you're late for your 'window' its ok, they'll still let you use them. Our DLP day runs kind of like this: Grab the A train out of Paris and get to DLP for rope drop (trip takes approx 30-40 min). Head directly to Space Mountain, grab fast pass, ride once in stand by line before wait time builds up. Go over to Pirates, then Phantom Manor, grab fastpass for Thunder Mountain. Ride Space Mountain w/ fastpass, head over to Studios. Grab fastpass for ToT, get in line for RR. While waiting for fastpass time for ToT check out Armegeddon, Stitch! Live, Crush's Coaster, and any other small attractions. Ride ToT w/ fastpass, go back to DLP, ride Thunder mt w/ fastpass, check out the castle (Dont miss the dragon underneath!!!), head out to walk the Village, grab the A train back to Paris around 7pm. Everything accomplished! And in 1 day!

As for Paris, there are SO many things to do there. The Fommer's guide (walking tours) is an awesome guide to some great sights. We used the 'Top 10' guide on our first trip, then the Fommer's guide this trip and found it much more helpful. Some MUST sees:

• The Eiffel Tower at night, when its sparkling.
• Notre Dame, of course
• The inside of St. Chapelle!!!! Its on the Ile de Citie, can be hard to find the entrance, just follow the crowds. Go upstairs...be prepared to have your breath taken away!
• Pere Lachaise Cemetery, where Jim Morrison is buried...though don't go to see him, his grave is a letdown...but Delacroix is buried here!!
• While you're on that Metro line ride over to the Moulin Rouge to take a picture infront of the famed windmill
• At that location there is also a neat vent just outside the Metro stop, right in the middle of the sidewalk, a perfect place to do your best Marilyn Monroe impression!! Don't worry...other tourists will be doing it too lol
• The Metro...an attraction unto itself!! Perfectly safe and reliable. Very easy to navigate. Just be aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing. Try to blend in..you'll be less likely to be targeted on the trip in general. (ie, dont walk around being obviously American)
• the Great Hall of the Louvre
• Musee de l'Orangerie, not as crowded with some amazing Monet pieces!
• Chocolate Crepes!
• Champs Elysees at night!

As for not knowing the language, its amazing how easy it is to get by with just a few phrases,

• Good Day/Hello
• Good Evening
• Goodbye
• Thank You
• Please
• Where is...?
• Which way....?
• Toilet/WC
• And all basic food names (chicken, beef, fish, fries, potatoes, veggies, and of course...wine!!)
• Also, water...as in tap or bottle, sparkling or still
• oh...and ice...they don't use ice, so you have to request it

You'll have an amazing time in Paris for your honeymoon....we're already planning our next trip!!

 

[Sweetsus]

I'm a member of the shareholders club of DLRP and go regularly. I tend to go for 5 days - 1 week. You need at least 2 days for the magic kingdom and one for the studios. If you go at a busy time you won't get through the Magic Kingdom in a day. I usually spend a day in paris and maybe a half day in Val d'Europe next door to Disney as well. It can be bitterly cold in winter but the park looks great when it snows - very magical

I usually have a copy of the Brits Guide to DLRP lying around somewhere. I've found it to be helpful especially when bringing newbies. You should be able to get it on Amazon. Its done from a British tourist perspective but most of the information is relevant to anyone who goes.

Don't worry about a language barrier. All cast members are supposed to know French, English and at least one other European language (I think ) If you do venture outside the resort, it would be helpful to learn some basic terms. As someone mentioned previously stuff like hello, thank you, where is etc can get you very far!

Enjoy your honeymoon!

 

[weich1001]

Has anyone eaten at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant---the very high end one? I've read it's incredibly romantic....and incredibly expensive, but totally worth it, if you can get reservations.

 

[disneymeg]

I spent a week in Paris when I studied abroad in college. It was AMAZING!! I loved every second of it. The Eiffel Tower at night is gorgeous - Notre Dame is beautiful and Heidi - yes the catacombs are spooky (I love the guards at the end with the pile of bones that people tried to steal - they have to check everyones bags to make sure that you didn't steal the bones and take them home with you - people def tried to cause they had one big pile of bones!!!!)

On a wierd note, I had some of the best bar b q chicken and ham and cheese sandwich in Paris. I couldn't believe how good it was - i was in Paris about 5 years ago and I STILL talk about how good the food was (even though it was american food - I watched the Beverly Hills 90210 episode where Donna and Brenda go to Paris and mistakenly eat brains so I got a little nervous to eat authentic french food).

Anywho - Paris is amazing - im sure you'll love it if you decide to go!

I'm sure what ever you decide to do will be amazing. good luck!

 

[SandraVB79]

We were just married at WDW in December and returned yesterday from a honeymoon in Paris. (5 days, wednesday-monday) It was our second time to Paris and just as lovely as the first trip. While there we headed out to DLP (also our second time to that location). Honestly, both times we've been to DLP we found 1 day more than enough for both parks and the Village. The parks are pretty small and now have Fastpass, making your time even more manageable. The parks are also extremely close together, and the Fastpasses not connected (much like DL California) so you can hop between the two parks a lot. Also, again like DL, the fastpasses are good from the time they start through the rest of the day, so if you're late for your 'window' its ok, they'll still let you use them. Our DLP day runs kind of like this: Grab the A train out of Paris and get to DLP for rope drop (trip takes approx 30-40 min). Head directly to Space Mountain, grab fast pass, ride once in stand by line before wait time builds up. Go over to Pirates, then Phantom Manor, grab fastpass for Thunder Mountain. Ride Space Mountain w/ fastpass, head over to Studios. Grab fastpass for ToT, get in line for RR. While waiting for fastpass time for ToT check out Armegeddon, Stitch! Live, Crush's Coaster, and any other small attractions. Ride ToT w/ fastpass, go back to DLP, ride Thunder mt w/ fastpass, check out the castle (Dont miss the dragon underneath!!!), head out to walk the Village, grab the A train back to Paris around 7pm. Everything accomplished! And in 1 day!

Quite honestly, that is kind of insulting. There is way more to DLP than just the E-rides.

Storybookland canal boats: all the dioramas are so pretty
iasw: rather different from WDW/ DL
All the neat little details all over the park that you can't see when you rush from one E-ride to another.
Alice's maze: unique Disney-attraction
Crush: wait time is usually 2 hours
there are shows, parades, ...

 

[OceanGdss]

Quite honestly, that is kind of insulting. There is way more to DLP than just the E-rides.

never meant to be insulting lol. Just a sample itinerary of our day at the parks. Just trying to show that it IS possible to do if you only HAVE 1 day. Sure...would be lovely to spend 2,3 or 4 days lounging around the parks soaking it all in, but for us, we were only in Paris for 3 1/2 days, only 1 available for DLP, so we did what we did. And yes, we hit 90% of all the rides, INCLUDING the non FP rides. I think everyone on this board realizes there are more to all Disney parks than E rides. Would you like me to re-write my itinerary with every potty and food stop too? Sorry to sound sarcastic, just trying to defend my post and make a point.

 

[torsie24]

Eeee, scared of busting in on a row but I loooooove DLRP and need to put in my tips!!

I don't know when you went OceanGdss but now DLRP are very strict on FP times and wont let you back afterwards.

I loooove DLRP and was engaged there.

The Disneyland Hotel is absolutely stunning (and ON main street) and was absolutely the best trip I've ever had!! Would make a wonderful honeymoon to go and stay there in a Theme Park view room! This was the view from our engagement night dinner:

We go for 3 nights/4 days and I'm always very sad to come home.
But Paris is also an amazing city so definitely don't miss it!

We stay at hotel Eduoard VII which is gorgeous and in a great location!!