Our Plans

[Me!Thatswho]

Hi all,

After weeks to playing with dates, we think we finally have a tentative plan sketched out.

We're a family of 4 (Me, DW, DS(13), & DD(11)) from Massachusetts. We'll be flying from Boston - arriving Tuesday 7/15 at around 8:30am. After debating whether to take the VEA shuttle or the train, we've decided that it would be easiest for us to take the shuttle.

We're thinking of staying the New York Hotel from Tuesday through Saturday 7/19, and adding the Half-Board meal plan. As veteran park-commandos, we figured that, even with the higher crowds, we could easily enjoy everything DLP has to offer with 4 1/2 park days.

Then, we figured we could take the train to Paris and enjoy two days of sightseeing (re: buying a 2-day city pass) before leaving on Tuesday 7/22.

Now the fun part - questions!

Has anyone ever done similar? More than likely this will be a once in a life-time trip for us. If you did the same, did you feel that such a combo trip (re: parks & Paris) was worth it or was it too little to truly experience the parks and the city?

Are we crazy for taking the shuttle, or should we take the train?

Is DLP similar to DL in that, even during the summer, the crowds are slightly smaller during the week? Or is it like WDW, where it really doesn't matter what day you go during week because it's crowded every day through the summer?

How is the half-board meal plan? Is it worth it? FYI: we stopped buying the meal plan in WDW a few years back because it was too much food and we felt as if we weren't actually saving any money. DLP's seems more reasonable considering it is just one meal & a snack. Is it a good value?

Speaking of meals, are there enough options to eat a different sit-down for 5 days? Is it possible to walk-up to most of the sit-downs? Or do we have to make reservations? And, if reservations are required, do we have to book them months in advance?

And finally, we were thinking of leaving in the afternoon after a few last hours in the park. How crazy will the train be on Saturday?

Any insights on one or all of my questions would definitely be appreciated!

 

[Dobbycog]

I can't help with a lot of your questions!!
But regarding the half board, we have used it on our last trip- it was free so even better!!
We looked through lots of reviews and used it for hunters grill (sequoia lodge), walts, cafe Mickey and enjoyed all except walts. All restaurants were booked before our trip following advice here- thank goodness!! (We went many yrs ago and our first night was room service as we had no reservation...it arrived at midnight!!)
Every reservation we arrived just before and every time there was a queue and we were seated later than reservation. The vouchers in the table service restaurants got you set meals which we felt covered what we liked, good food and we were pleased with it.
You can only phone to make reservations for DLP and you can do that 60days in advance of the date you are booking.
It depends on your voucher, hotel, standard, plus or premium as to the restaurants you get free- but you can pay the extra, just no change if used in a cheaper restaurant

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi all,

After weeks to playing with dates, we think we finally have a tentative plan sketched out.

We're a family of 4 (Me, DW, DS(13), & DD(11)) from Massachusetts. We'll be flying from Boston - arriving Tuesday 7/15 at around 8:30am. After debating whether to take the VEA shuttle or the train, we've decided that it would be easiest for us to take the shuttle.

We're thinking of staying the New York Hotel from Tuesday through Saturday 7/19, and adding the Half-Board meal plan. As veteran park-commandos, we figured that, even with the higher crowds, we could easily enjoy everything DLP has to offer with 4 1/2 park days.

Then, we figured we could take the train to Paris and enjoy two days of sightseeing (re: buying a 2-day city pass) before leaving on Tuesday 7/22.

Now the fun part - questions!

Has anyone ever done similar? More than likely this will be a once in a life-time trip for us. If you did the same, did you feel that such a combo trip (re: parks & Paris) was worth it or was it too little to truly experience the parks and the city?

Are we crazy for taking the shuttle, or should we take the train?


for a party of 4 the easiest, most convenient, and probably the cheapest, way to transfer between the airport and DLP is by pre-booked private or shared shuttle transfer ie rstranports, ezyshuttle.com, interprestige, tioshuttle.


Is DLP similar to DL in that, even during the summer, the crowds are slightly smaller during the week? Or is it like WDW, where it really doesn't matter what day you go during week because it's crowded every day through the summer?

How is the half-board meal plan? Is it worth it? FYI: we stopped buying the meal plan in WDW a few years back because it was too much food and we felt as if we weren't actually saving any money. DLP's seems more reasonable considering it is just one meal & a snack. Is it a good value?

no, I personally don't think if you are having to pay for it, that any of the meal plans are good value at DLP. They are restrictive, and they don't save you much money (and there are a lot of restaurants in the Village where they can't be used at all).


Speaking of meals, are there enough options to eat a different sit-down for 5 days? Is it possible to walk-up to most of the sit-downs? Or do we have to make reservations? And, if reservations are required, do we have to book them months in advance?

you don't have to book them months in advance, but i'd advise booking rather than attempting a walk-up for a party of 4 in July. A couple of weeks in advance should do .


And finally, we were thinking of leaving in the afternoon after a few last hours in the park. How crazy will the train be on Saturday?

Any insights on one or all of my questions would definitely be appreciated!

I couldn't help with all your questions, sorry.

 

[Chlo83]

If you book on the UK site before Monday there is 25% off and free half board. You don't 'save' with the vouchers unless you'd always eat 3 course meals but we really enjoyed having them last time as you didn't feel guilty for enjoying a full meal. We used ours at Walts, Blue Lagoon and Cafe Mickey and all were good

 

[sky13]

I did 4 nights in DLP last year with my parents. It was a very relaxing pace, think we saw everything we wanted to in that time. A few years back we spent 3 days in Paris proper and think we saw most things we wanted to in that time. But it depends on what you want to see and things like how much time you want to spend in museums (Louvre) and all, and if you want to go to places like Versailles (which are further out of the city).

In my experience DLP is DEFINITELY more crowded on weekends than weekdays. Would avoid weekends if at all possible. Not sure what effect summer may have though.

Half-board in DLP isn't really worth it as I think it worked out to quite similar as just paying OOP - have a look at menus at places like DLRPmagic or similar to see what the cost would be paying OOP.

If you want a different sit-down for 5 days - off the top of my head there are 3 sit-downs in Disneyland (Walts, Blue Lagoon and Silver Spur), another one in Hotel New York, and also Rainforest Cafe in Disney Village (though not sure if half board is valid at Rainforest Cafe). Reservations would be useful, especially for Walts and Blue Lagoon, but as DLPdaft said it's definitely not months in advance - think the booking window only opens about 60 days out and they don't book up that quickly. It's not like WDW!

Edit: to add - when you're pricing up rooms, see what the cost would be like if you had one less park entry ticket (?adult) - as it may be worth getting an Annual Pass for the last person so you get merchandise/food discounts. The APs for DLP don't cost that much more than a multiday ticket...

 

[Me!Thatswho]

I can't help with a lot of your questions!!
But regarding the half board, we have used it on our last trip- it was free so even better!!
We looked through lots of reviews and used it for hunters grill (sequoia lodge), walts, cafe Mickey and enjoyed all except walts. All restaurants were booked before our trip following advice here- thank goodness!! (We went many yrs ago and our first night was room service as we had no reservation...it arrived at midnight!!)
Every reservation we arrived just before and every time there was a queue and we were seated later than reservation. The vouchers in the table service restaurants got you set meals which we felt covered what we liked, good food and we were pleased with it.
You can only phone to make reservations for DLP and you can do that 60days in advance of the date you are booking.
It depends on your voucher, hotel, standard, plus or premium as to the restaurants you get free- but you can pay the extra, just no change if used in a cheaper restaurant

Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely will heed your advice, and check out the reviews of the restaurants you suggested.

You mentioned that you were seated later than your reservations. Was it significantly later? And you think arriving say 15-30 minutes before your reservation would have increased the likelihood of being seated at the time you reserved?

Also, thank you for mentioning the reservation window. I was curious as to how early in advance the window will be. Knowing this will definitely give us time to ensure we make the best selections possible.

And, the meal plan sounds very similar to what they use in DL as opposed to WDW. We used it on one of our trips to Walt's park, and weren't impressed. Maybe, based on both yours and DLPdaft's input, we'll simply pay out of pocket.

I appreciate your insights! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Me!Thatswho]

I couldn't help with all your questions, sorry.

Oh no worries. Thank you for those answers that you shared!

for a party of 4 the easiest, most convenient, and probably the cheapest, way to transfer between the airport and DLP is by pre-booked private or shared shuttle transfer ie rstranports, ezyshuttle.com, interprestige, tioshuttle.

When I was playing on the disneylandparis.us sight in order to price things out, I was given an option of scheduling a reservation on a "VEA" shuttle. Have you ever heard of it, or did I, when jotting down my notes, copy it wrong?

no, I personally don't think if you are having to pay for it, that any of the meal plans are good value at DLP. They are restrictive, and they don't save you much money (and there are a lot of restaurants in the Village where they can't be used at all).

Really? As I mentioned above to Dobbycog, the meal plan sounds too much like the one at DL for my tastes. I think we'll pass on it.

you don't have to book them months in advance, but i'd advise booking rather than attempting a walk-up for a party of 4 in July. A couple of weeks in advance should do .

Good to know. Sorry for sounding paranoid. I am used to the ridiculousness of WDW's 180 days in advance for resis. So as to not tempt fate, I'll probably be ready to go at least a month in advance.

Thank you again for the help!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

If you book on the UK site before Monday there is 25% off and free half board. You don't 'save' with the vouchers unless you'd always eat 3 course meals but we really enjoyed having them last time as you didn't feel guilty for enjoying a full meal. We used ours at Walts, Blue Lagoon and Cafe Mickey and all were good

Do you think that I could use the UK site, or would it prevent me from booking because I am just a tad offshore as it were?

When I priced things out on the US site, it gave me a free night and day. We originally were thinking of 3 nights/4 days, but, seeing how it would be the same price, we figured why not. Now, as I am not familiar with the individual prices (re: hotel, park passes, etc.,), would it be a better deal for the free night & day or the free half board with 25%?

And thank you for the suggestions on restaurants. I'll add them to my list to review before booking!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

[Me!Thatswho]

I did 4 nights in DLP last year with my parents. It was a very relaxing pace, think we saw everything we wanted to in that time. A few years back we spent 3 days in Paris proper and think we saw most things we wanted to in that time. But it depends on what you want to see and things like how much time you want to spend in museums (Louvre) and all, and if you want to go to places like Versailles (which are further out of the city).

Thank you. Truth be told, we're viewing this as a once in a life time trip so we want to make sure that we get a good sampling of both. We figured that 4 nights would work. We have visited DL twice, which I know is much closer in size to DLP than WDW, and we easily enjoyed all of the magic that we wanted to in four nights. As for Paris, the must "do's" are: the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Catacombs, and a boat ride on the Seine. We figure that, if we accomplish at least that, our trip will be memorable.

In my experience DLP is DEFINITELY more crowded on weekends than weekdays. Would avoid weekends if at all possible. Not sure what effect summer may have though.

Good to know. I was not sure whether DLP was a destination resort like WDW or a magical place for the locals to spend a day or two like DL. Now I am definite glad that we're going Tues-Sat.

Half-board in DLP isn't really worth it as I think it worked out to quite similar as just paying OOP - have a look at menus at places like DLRPmagic or similar to see what the cost would be paying OOP.

Thanks. Now I am definitely convinced that we'll simply skip it.

If you want a different sit-down for 5 days - off the top of my head there are 3 sit-downs in Disneyland (Walts, Blue Lagoon and Silver Spur), another one in Hotel New York, and also Rainforest Cafe in Disney Village (though not sure if half board is valid at Rainforest Cafe). Reservations would be useful, especially for Walts and Blue Lagoon, but as DLPdaft said it's definitely not months in advance - think the booking window only opens about 60 days out and they don't book up that quickly. It's not like WDW!

Thanks. As I mentioned above, we're conditioned to the 180 days at WDW. The 60 days is how they have it at DL. It will give us ample time to figure things out.

Edit: to add - when you're pricing up rooms, see what the cost would be like if you had one less park entry ticket (?adult) - as it may be worth getting an Annual Pass for the last person so you get merchandise/food discounts. The APs for DLP don't cost that much more than a multiday ticket...

Really! Brilliant. I'll definitely look into this. Out of curiosity, do you know if DLP offers discounts for using Disney Visa? Or is that reserved for the American parks?

Thanks again for you help. All of the advice has been great, and has set my mind at ease.

 

[Dobbycog]

I think the HB plan is good when free, it covers one meal a day- can be used at lots of buffets/table service restaurants for lunch or dinner and the option to pay the difference if you're eating at more expensive place is good. I just don't think if you're paying for it that it saves you money, but then you'vebpaid in advance and not carrying as much cash.... Benefits I guess.
Yes they do have set menus, but I would say there are 3+ options for each course at ones we had at table service and all 4 adults found something they liked. Each menu can be found online.
I think sadly, the table service restaurants just are mega busy and everyone queues to see if there is space, get their table etc together so lines can be slower here than anywhere else!! Probably waited max of 25 minutes for walts past our reservation and keep in mind this was low season!! It's a shame, I just don't think they have the restaurant balance right for the park, timings and capacity wise. I don't think being early would of helped I'm afraid, I think you'd be asked to come back later!
I believe, you can book on any countries site and in the address section you just leave the country as that of the country you've booked in. All documents are sent by email and you get tickets etc at check in. I don't however know how that works if you've booked transport (flights/train) though! But if it's part of a longer trip that may not bother you. I believe the us site is often more expensive than other countries.
We went as 2 adults few years ago, we did 4 days and it was half term in uk. So busy. We got most things done but didn't enjoy the park as much as we wanted. We also weren't well planned and knew very little. We have now returned from a 5 day trip, with a 2yr old, and it was term time, so quiet!! We got most things done, enjoyed the place more and appreciated random paths etc. however a 2 year old must add at least one day for a slower pace!! And repeat rides on iasw!
I know I can be harsh on the place, but honestly I love it!! We booked a return trip in 4 days after returning!!
(I'm also not clever enough to do the quote things so i'm very sorry!!)

 

[DLPdaft]

When I was playing on the disneylandparis.us sight in order to price things out, I was given an option of scheduling a reservation on a "VEA" shuttle. Have you ever heard of it, or did I, when jotting down my notes, copy it wrong?

Thank you again for the help!

Dont book the VEA shuttle - its the slowest, most inconvenient, and can be the most expensive, method of transfer nowadays.

Do you think that I could use the UK site, or would it prevent me from booking because I am just a tad offshore as it were?

When I priced things out on the US site, it gave me a free night and day. We originally were thinking of 3 nights/4 days, but, seeing how it would be the same price, we figured why not. Now, as I am not familiar with the individual prices (re: hotel, park passes, etc.,), would it be a better deal for the free night & day or the free half board with 25%?

And thank you for the suggestions on restaurants. I'll add them to my list to review before booking!

Thanks again for the suggestions!

you can use any country's offer, and book on any country's version of the DLP website. Just leave the country as it is (don't change it to US). Everything is sent by email regarding your confirmation anyway. So have a play on the UK, the French, the Belgian, any site you like really, and just pick which offer suits you best .

 

[Me!Thatswho]

Dont book the VEA shuttle - its the slowest, most inconvenient, and can be the most expensive, method of transfer nowadays.

Really? Good to know.

you can use any country's offer, and book on any country's version of the DLP website. Just leave the country as it is (don't change it to US). Everything is sent by email regarding your confirmation anyway. So have a play on the UK, the French, the Belgian, any site you like really, and just pick which offer suits you best .

Was just playing around and the English offer (free half-board & 20%) is definitely better than the US offer (extra day & night) - by about $200 US. So, just to confirm: DLP does not mail the welcome package like WDW; they only email?

 

[Me!Thatswho]

I believe, you can book on any countries site and in the address section you just leave the country as that of the country you've booked in. All documents are sent by email and you get tickets etc at check in. I don't however know how that works if you've booked transport (flights/train) though! But if it's part of a longer trip that may not bother you. I believe the us site is often more expensive than other countries.

Really? DLP doesn't mail. As DLPdaft stated the same, I'm going to give it a whirl. The current English offer is definitely better, so I guess I'm going to be a citizen of the mother country at least for a day!

What happens when we arrive to check and my passport &/or license don't match up with the address on the reservation? Or, do they just ask for the credit card upon which the resi is held?

 

[addverbaan]

There is also a flash sale on the french DLP site at the moment offering discount upto 50% for dates upto 3 august. Just use google chrome and it will translate it for you. You may also want to try pricing up with one person less and getting a fantasy AP for that person when you arrive. The fantasy AP costs 159 euros and you could then use it for your meals for all of you - it gives a 10 discount in restauarants. You may find that booking for 3 instead of 4 (and adding the last person into the room at check in for the nightly tax of around 1.40) would already cover the cost of buying an AP. Then all the discounts you get with it will be an added bonus

 

[addverbaan]

Really? DLP doesn't mail. As DLPdaft stated the same, I'm going to give it a whirl. The current English offer is definitely better, so I guess I'm going to be a citizen of the mother country at least for a day!

What happens when we arrive to check and my passport &/or license don't match up with the address on the reservation? Or, do they just ask for the credit card upon which the resi is held?

You just need your reservation number, we have booked lots of times via different countries websites and never had a problem. No need at all to be nervous about doing this

 

[addverbaan]

The fantasy AP also give you 10% discount in the stores (the Dream AP gives 20% if you think you are likely to buy a lot)

 

[Me!Thatswho]

There is also a flash sale on the french DLP site at the moment offering discount upto 50% for dates upto 3 august. Just use google chrome and it will translate it for you. You may also want to try pricing up with one person less and getting a fantasy AP for that person when you arrive. The fantasy AP costs 159 euros and you could then use it for your meals for all of you - it gives a 10 discount in restauarants. You may find that booking for 3 instead of 4 (and adding the last person into the room at check in for the nightly tax of around 1.40) would already cover the cost of buying an AP. Then all the discounts you get with it will be an added bonus

I just tried. Unfortunately the max stay is for only 3 days/3 nights and the New York Hotel, where we really want to stay, isn't available. It looks like only the Newport Bay, which based on reviews doesn't sound appealing simply because of the crowds, and the Disneyland Hotel is available. I did price out a split stay 3/4 + 1/2 and 2/3+2/3 at the DLH, but the cheapest option was about $700 US more than what I priced out at the New York with the UK discount. While $700 in the grand scheme of things isn't a deal breaker, I am not sure if the DLH is worth it considering the only advantage that I can see is location & the view. I think we would be better served by putting the $700 to a better hotel in Paris.

Edited - thanks for the clarification on the AP. You answered my question.

 

[Me!Thatswho]

You just need your reservation number, we have booked lots of times via different countries websites and never had a problem. No need at all to be nervous about doing this

Great news! Thank you for understanding my obvious apprehension.

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

We booked via the UK site and live in the US and have had no issues. We actually have two reservations (one for my family and one for my parents) and my dad had to call to make his and they just matched the one I made on the UK site, no problem at all! And all my email confirmations are on the up and up! I was worried, too, but you don't need to!!

We are spending five nights in Paris before heading to DLRP. I don't know when we will be back and I really wanted to be able to see the highlights of Paris. With four and half days, I feel like we are getting just that. We are doing three days at the parks, one day in Epernay from Marne-le-Valle. I think four may actually be too many at the parks!