Never been to Paris. Please help.

[greenkai3000]

My family and I are thinking about visiting Paris for the first time, and would love the idea of being able to visit DLP too.

We have quite a few questions for all of you DLP Veterans, if you don't mind...
1) When is cheaper to visit both Paris and DLP?
2) Does cheap mean a slow season as well?
3) Can we do both parks in 2 days, or are they as big as the parks in the US that you need at least 3 days to truly experience everything?
4) Are the parks open year round, even during inclement weather like heavy rain and snow?
5) Is it cheaper or more feasible to stay on property? We are not familiar with how accessible the Resort is from Downtown Paris.
6) Are DL hotel and tickets recommended over booking everything separately?

Sorry if all of this has been discussed before so please feel free to move this post if necessary. Thanks in advance.

 

[thepreciouspea]

Hello,
I'm an American living in Germany, so I can add some American Perspective.

I have been to Paris 2 times this year, in March and June and didn't notice a big price difference either time. I would just avoid July and August as those are the high months of travel throughout Europe, especially August.

I haven't been to DLP yet, but going in a couple of weeks. From what I have heard DLP is much smaller than either American Park. I booked through the UK site during a 40% off promotion. You can book through another countries site, just leave that country when entering your address. Your confirmations are e-mailed so it doesn't affect anything. You can book through the American site but the deals aren't as good, and you usually have to have a longer stay.

Staying on or offsite depends on the deal that you get, when we booked it was much cheaper to stay onsite. If it were me, I would stay at DLP for 2-3 Days and in Paris 3-4 days (or more) depending on what you want to see. I use booking.com or alpharooms.com when making my European hotel reservations. Just look on tripadivsor.com for the reviews also. Most of the hotels will list how far they are from the nearest metro stop. Just something to prepare for.....the rooms are much smaller than standard hotel rooms in the US. We stayed at the Kyriad in Bercy, it was very clean and had comfortable beds; but our room reminded me of what you would find on a cruise ship. I don't know how many people you are traveling with, but it becomes more difficult to find good/inexpensive rooms for more than 3-4 people.

The train drops you off in front of the Gates of DLP and in Paris I believe the stop is near the Arc d'triomph, I think it is a 30-40minute ride. You can take the train (rer) or Metro anywhere you need to go from here. The metro/train in Paris is really easy to navigate and IMO the best way to get around.

If you want more help planning what to do in Paris I can help with that. As far as DLP I will know more in a few weeks after our trip.

 

[loladelorean]

My family and I are thinking about visiting Paris for the first time, and would love the idea of being able to visit DLP too.

We have quite a few questions for all of you DLP Veterans, if you don't mind...
1) When is cheaper to visit both Paris and DLP?
As the other poster said, avoid July and August. Be aware of French and also British school holidays as these will be very busy and more expensive. I went in early June last year, just before the school break and prices, crowds and weather were ideal
2) Does cheap mean a slow season as well?
Yes, usually. Most of the refurbs are done off-peak, as I assume they are in the US. You also only get fireworks and late night opening during peak season (although there are rumours of later openings all next year for the 20th anniversary celebrations) However, because parks are quieter offpeak you can get a lot done in shorter days
3) Can we do both parks in 2 days, or are they as big as the parks in the US that you need at least 3 days to truly experience everything?
Yes, you could do most things in 2 days although I would recommend 3 to really make the most of it especially as its your first time. How long are you thinking of spending in France in total? See my June 2011 trip report where we spent 2 days in the Disney parks for an idea of how much you can do - bearing in mind that as a newbie you might want more time to get used to things
4) Are the parks open year round, even during inclement weather like heavy rain and snow?
Other DISers who visited DLP last winter can be more specific about this, but generally yes the parks are open all year. In really serious snow (like we saw last winter) some attractions and parades had to be cancelled, but the parks are designed to withstand the European weather
5) Is it cheaper or more feasible to stay on property? We are not familiar with how accessible the Resort is from Downtown Paris.
Most of us on here would say you get a better Disney experience staying onsite, all hotels are within easy walking distance of Disney Village and the parks, and its wonderful to be within the Disney bubble. Its an easy 40 min train journey to central Paris but I would strongly suggest staying onsite for the Disney portion of your trip, then transferring to a Paris hotel (again see my June trip report, where we did this)
6) Are DL hotel and tickets recommended over booking everything separately?
Don't book travel through Disney as you can always find it cheaper elsewhere. But Disney do offer the best package prices for onsite - remember when pricing up that park tickets for the duration of your stay are included. And as the other poster said, browse the UK site and Irish site where you are likely to save money

Sorry if all of this has been discussed before so please feel free to move this post if necessary. Thanks in advance.

Hope that helps! others will be able to add more