Newbie questions

[Wills Mom]

Hi all, we have been to WDW seven times but have never been to DLRP so I am a complete novice. We have two small boys (currently 25 months and almost 2 months) and we were planning a WDW trip with them but we have decided to hold on for another year, maybe two, before going back to Florida. I still need my Mouse fix before then so have found great flight prices and times in September but before booking them I wanted to see what you guys would recommend for a first timers.
What are September crowds like generally? Would you recommend a different time of year instead?
So accommodation wise I was looking at either Newport Bay or Sequoia Lodge. I saw somewhere though that Newport Bays pool is closed then? Is there truth in that? Are either of these hotels worth the money or would you say go value or deluxe rather than a mod?
The deal that is on is Half Board. This doesnt include all restaurants but does it include a wide variety of CS and TS? Would we be better off waiting on another deal with a higher % off the hotel and no dining included? Or if we book now is it worthwhile upgrading to Full Board?
The perks of staying in a Disney hotel are EMH and FP - are they worth it? Is FP like the old FP process at WDW? And are EMH every day or weekly or only at peak season?
Also do they or will they have Anna and Elsa from Frozen? DS1 loves it, he calls every castle he sees 'Annas castle' even a Cathedral in town haha! Mild obsession could well be my own doing!
I'm sorry for all the questions. I've tried get time to read through the forum but with the two kids being so small its especially hard. Mum of the year here after bribing DS1 with crisps and Frozen so he will remain calm long enough for me to do this!!

 

[harveylolamumma]

From what I've heard there is currently no meet and greet for Anna and Elsa.. Although you can see them in the parade. My daughter is frozen mad and I'm hoping that they will have a M&G by the time we go. We are going end of September, I've heard that the crowds aren't too busy then but I'm not sure as only ever been in August and December before

 

[Muppetnation]

We've been to DLRP twice in September with our son and we found the crowds were not bad at all. Very rarely waiting more than about 30 minutes for anything and the weather was great.

We've stayed in the Newport Bay and also the Hotel New York. The Newport Bay is ok, however it is a bit of a trek to the parks. Also, dependent on the room you get it can take about 10 minutes just to get to reception (we found the lifts a nightmare there). We're going back next month and we're staying in the Sequoia lodge this time as it is that much closer.

We've tried half board and no dining plan and preferred the no dining plan option. We've eaten in The Earl of Sandwich quite a bit and save money for a character meal at Inventions which our son absolutely loved.

Not sure about the Frozen characters or not I'm afraid.

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi all, we have been to WDW seven times but have never been to DLRP so I am a complete novice. We have two small boys (currently 25 months and almost 2 months) and we were planning a WDW trip with them but we have decided to hold on for another year, maybe two, before going back to Florida. I still need my Mouse fix before then so have found great flight prices and times in September but before booking them I wanted to see what you guys would recommend for a first timers.
What are September crowds like generally? Would you recommend a different time of year instead?

september, midweek, is a lovely time to visit DLP - usually very nice late summer weather and low crowds.

So accommodation wise I was looking at either Newport Bay or Sequoia Lodge. I saw somewhere though that Newport Bays pool is closed then? Is there truth in that? Are either of these hotels worth the money or would you say go value or deluxe rather than a mod?

newport bay club is going through a major refurb all of this year, so i wouldn't book it this year. i like the budget hotels at DLP, but the Sequoia Lodge is lovely, and recently refurbed .


The deal that is on is Half Board. This doesnt include all restaurants but does it include a wide variety of CS and TS? Would we be better off waiting on another deal with a higher % off the hotel and no dining included? Or if we book now is it worthwhile upgrading to Full Board?

its definitely not worth paying for a full board meal plan at DLP - its completely different to WDW meal plans, the ones at DLP are more restrictive and if you pay for them, may not actually save you any money. If the current offer you are seeing is giving you 30% off your price plus free half board, then its worth it. If you're not getting that deal, I'd say wait for another offer.

The perks
of staying in a Disney hotel are EMH and FP - are they worth it? Is FP like the old FP process at WDW? And are EMH every day or weekly or only at peak season?

FP isn't restricted to hotel guests at DLP - anyone through the turnstiles at DLP parks can use FP. EMH in September will more than likely be every day - and it is worth doing EMH if you have very young children, as the rides which are open in EMH are more for younger guests.


Also do they or will they have Anna and Elsa from Frozen? DS1 loves it, he calls every castle he sees 'Annas castle' even a Cathedral in town haha! Mild obsession could well be my own doing!
I'm sorry for all the questions. I've tried get time to read through the forum but with the two kids being so small its especially hard. Mum of the year here after bribing DS1 with crisps and Frozen so he will remain calm long enough for me to do this!!

No, Anna and Elsa are not at DLP for meet n greets.

Welcome to the DISboards !

 

[Suzanne1979]

Small addition: I went for 1 day in September last year, the last Saturday of September and this was the last week end of the summer season with longer opening times, parades shows etcetera.

Unfortunately enough, it seemed as if every Parisien wanted to take advantage of this last chance, it was very very busy. The 4 times before I went in August, but was always less busy than last year - probably because we went mid week then.

So I agree with DLP Daft: September is great, but go mid week if you can.

Enjoy

 

[helenhowarth]

if Anna and Elsa are key then maybe you should look at Disneyland in California - they are available there, tho with long waits... we were there in March and I think you'd find the park very achievable with little ones - is smaller than WDW, like DLP and easy walking distance from the hotels (with non resort hotels literally across the street and a nice walk through downtown disney fron the resort hotels - we stayed in Paradise Pier - less than 10 mins walk and upgraded for a park view then watched world of color from our room each night - magical!) - and looking at the attractions listed for DLP, DL seems to have much more packed in - and I'm sure your son would go wild for Carsland in Disney California Adventure (the second park there)

also if you are looking as FP as a perk for staying onsite as far as I can tell it's available to everyone, one ride at a time regardless of where they are staying - is included with park tickets, the only potential hotel perk being VIP FP (unlimited) if you stay in the top levels of rooms/suites in some hotels; equally if you are going for more than 3 days annual passes may be worthwhile and some of these offer EMH regardless of where you stay

 

[Wills Mom]

Thanks for the feedback! California is definitely out for us, the reason we are waiting to go back to Florida is down to the length of the flight! DH was willing to do it with DS1 on his own but two smallies (who would be 2.5 and 7/8 months) is not appealing to him. We're currently waiting on a new offer to be released. Does anyone know if there might be another offer with % off hotels onsite? The current one is really bad so hoping another one comes up or it will be off site for us (which wouldnt be bad but prob easier stay onsite with the kids so small) We are looking at first week of Sept (midweek, like Mon-Fri if possible)

 

[tennisfan]

Thanks for the feedback! California is definitely out for us, the reason we are waiting to go back to Florida is down to the length of the flight! DH was willing to do it with DS1 on his own but two smallies (who would be 2.5 and 7/8 months) is not appealing to him. We're currently waiting on a new offer to be released. Does anyone know if there might be another offer with % off hotels onsite? The current one is really bad so hoping another one comes up or it will be off site for us (which wouldnt be bad but prob easier stay onsite with the kids so small) We are looking at first week of Sept (midweek, like Mon-Fri if possible)

Go Here, it has upto 50% discount at the moment, for dates in September. Its on the French site and its free to register

 

[Wills Mom]

Just seen it, I've never heard of them before. Is it ok to book through? My French isn't the greatest lol but I'm fairly sure there is breakfast and park tickets (hopper ones?) included with accommodation. There wouldn't be a better offer booking directly through DLP own site right?
One other question, what are the rooms onsite like? Would they be on the small side? Is it just two queen beds per room? DS1 is a great sleeper but DS2 is currently still waking at night and may still be then (if we are really unfortunate) and would hate him to wake our eldest.

 

[tennisfan]

Just seen it, I've never heard of them before. Is it ok to book through? My French isn't the greatest lol but I'm fairly sure there is breakfast and park tickets (hopper ones?) included with accommodation. There wouldn't be a better offer booking directly through DLP own site right?
One other question, what are the rooms onsite like? Would they be on the small side? Is it just two queen beds per room? DS1 is a great sleeper but DS2 is currently still waking at night and may still be then (if we are really unfortunate) and would hate him to wake our eldest.

If you use Google chrome it will translate but yes you get hopper tickets and breakfast for the duration of the stay. They have been around a while and others from this site have booked without any problems.

Disney sometimes have Flash sales of up to 50% so not sure if one will come up but you won't get better then 50% off.

I find the hotel rooms to be ok on size depends on what hotel your looking at staying in but most have 2 Queen beds. If your little one is 2 or under then you can have a cot in the room which is a travel cot. I stayed in the Sequoia Lodge with a travel cot and it didn't take up much space as we put it against the wall by the tv unit.

 

[Wills Mom]

Sorry for all the questions but I've translated most of what I need to know and one thing has me cautious. It says that standard rooms are for 2 adults and one infant and any more people in the room including extra infants mean they cannot guarantee the room. We would need a room with two queen beds and a travel cot, looking at SL ideally.

As a matter of interest what are the differences between say SL and the values?

Now I'm here trying to figure out would flying be best or how would we manage on the eurostar as DS1 is train obsessed. If anyine has any advice on the differences and pros/cons I'd really appreciate it!

On another note, I am SO excited about this! I was tinkering around with prices etc online earlier and just said aloud (to myself, as you do!) that I couldn't wait to go on holidays with the boys! My eldest Will jumped up onto my lap and started shouting "Dumbo Dumbo Will come on holidays to Dumbo!" I hadn't mentioned anything about Disney but he remembers parts of our trip from last year especially Dumbo and the pool in particular lol so now that hes bigger it'll mean even more to him!

 

[DLPdaft]

Don't worry about the wording of the room description - all rooms onsite (even those sold by Voyage Prive or other agents) come as a standard format - 2 double beds in a room at all hotels except the Cheyenne, with room for a cot as well. So the maximum guests in a room are 4 plus an infant (aged under 3) .

 

[dhidra]

Don't worry about the wording of the room description - all rooms onsite (even those sold by Voyage Prive or other agents) come as a standard format - 2 double beds in a room at all hotels except the Cheyenne, with room for a cot as well. So the maximum guests in a room are 4 plus an infant (aged under 3) .

I've definitely read about some rooms only having one double bed.

 

[Aschenputtel]

I've definitely read about some rooms only having one double bed.

I think you would have to request a kingsize bed (at least we had to), so I wouldn't worry. But if you want to make sure, you should be able to call them and request one with two queens.

 

[DLPdaft]

I've definitely read about some rooms only having one double bed.

thats true - but if your booking is for 3 people, you're going to get a standard room with 2 double beds in it (and the vast majority of the time you'll get a standard room for 4 when you book for a party of 2, as thats usually us ).

OP Voyage Prive don't allocate the rooms for the onsite hotels, DLP does that, so don't worry.

 

[Wills Mom]

Thanks for that. So if I book with them will I get my details and be able to liaise with DLP myself to make any alterations or special requests? We are in two minds now about onsite vs offsite. The pros of onsite are obviously "the magic", EMH, proximity to the parks. The pros of offsitr being able to book an apartment (was looking at Hi Park Serris Val d'Europe if anyone knows anything about it good or bad) which would be handy with the two kids, being able to get food in the supermarket like fresh produce especially for the kids and food in general not costing an arm and a leg. I honestly don't know what to do now! I know that if we don't book while the offer on V.P is on that DH will definitely push for offsite so I really need to make up my mind!

 

[DLPdaft]

Thanks for that. So if I book with them will I get my details and be able to liaise with DLP myself to make any alterations or special requests?

no you won't be able to make amendments (ie the price you pay for whatever you pay for will be the final price, you won't be able to upgrade or change your package), but you will be able to contact DLP a few days before your trip to make room requests etc.


We are in two minds now about onsite vs offsite. The pros of onsite are obviously "the magic", EMH, proximity to the parks. The pros of offsitr being able to book an apartment (was looking at Hi Park Serris Val d'Europe if anyone knows anything about it good or bad) which would be handy with the two kids, being able to get food in the supermarket like fresh produce especially for the kids and food in general not costing an arm and a leg. I honestly don't know what to do now! I know that if we don't book while the offer on V.P is on that DH will definitely push for offsite so I really need to make up my mind!

hope this helps - if the price difference is a lot, I'd go offsite but nearby personally.

 

[jessicacavalier]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Wills Mom]

Thanks so much for all the help. We had two sick kids at the weekend and booking the deal ended up bottom of my To Do list so unless there is a flash sale it will be off site! It might be handier to have the extra space with two small ones with us. Thanks again!