Questions from a First Timer!

Queenie122

Mouseketeer
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
437
Hey all~ It's my first post over here in this section of boards! :banana:

Due to some very fortunate circumstances (BF is being sent and paid for by his University for a conference and they will pay for additional hotel for him for a week!!), I will be visiting Paris for a week in August. I'm from New York, and I've been to WDW maybe 50 times - I have relatives who live in Orlando so I would be lucky enough to stay with them and get in for free. My daughter also chose to have her Make a Wish trip in DW - "to dance with the Princesses." I've visited DL once for one day and now I'll have ONE DAY to visit DLP (yes, it took some convincing but luckily he's a big Disney fan too!!). Anyhoo, I feel so lucky!

But of course, one day isn't much time. I have the Unofficial Guide to DLP and feel like I've gotten a lot of answers but it also leaves more questions. I've combed though this section of the board and found a lot more answers - and questions!! I'm going to concentrate on doing the stuff we don't have over here and then of course, our favorites (I can't believe there is no Splash Mountain!! But I get to go on the old Star Tours and never thought I would again!!! :yay:).

My trip is August 5th - August 13th. I was thinking Thursday that week but read in the book Wednesday and Friday are good too. What do you think?

What time would you guess the fireworks would be? I don't want to miss them. Actually, what time does the sun set over there?

Re: the smoking. Is it really that bad? It's got me worried now. I'm extremely allergic to smoke like that. I will have my inhaler with me but if people are constantly blowing smoke in my face, it could put me in the hospital for breathing treatments. I haven't had a problem in the parks here in the States but it sounds like it's much worse over there. This has actually been a worry on mine for the whole of Paris.

The book says the average high is 79F. Is that correct? Right now we're having 90F+ weather so that would seem downright cool and comfortable!! What about chances of rain?

After reading over the many reviews here and in the book, I believe I would like to try the Cafe Agrabah for dinner. I've been to the Blue Lagoon in CA and I'll be eating French food all week in Paris so this seems like something different! The inside looks really fun and intimate too. It seems to have gotten good reviews, though it's not entirely clear what specific kind of food there. I'm not overly concerned about that but I am wondering, do I need a reservation there? How far in advance should I make it? I admit, I'm a little gunshy about calling France to do it! Also, it's really weird, but it's not listed on DLP website. Is that a sign??

I think that's probably enough for now but I'm sure I will think of more as I count down. Only 25 days until Paris!!!
 
Hey all~ It's my first post over here in this section of boards! :banana:

Due to some very fortunate circumstances (BF is being sent and paid for by his University for a conference and they will pay for additional hotel for him for a week!!), I will be visiting Paris for a week in August. I'm from New York, and I've been to WDW maybe 50 times - I have relatives who live in Orlando so I would be lucky enough to stay with them and get in for free. My daughter also chose to have her Make a Wish trip in DW - "to dance with the Princesses." I've visited DL once for one day and now I'll have ONE DAY to visit DLP (yes, it took some convincing but luckily he's a big Disney fan too!!). Anyhoo, I feel so lucky!

But of course, one day isn't much time. I have the Unofficial Guide to DLP and feel like I've gotten a lot of answers but it also leaves more questions. I've combed though this section of the board and found a lot more answers - and questions!! I'm going to concentrate on doing the stuff we don't have over here and then of course, our favorites (I can't believe there is no Splash Mountain!! But I get to go on the old Star Tours and never thought I would again!!! :yay:).

My trip is August 5th - August 13th. I was thinking Thursday that week but read in the book Wednesday and Friday are good too. What do you think?

What time would you guess the fireworks would be? I don't want to miss them. Actually, what time does the sun set over there?

Re: the smoking. Is it really that bad? It's got me worried now. I'm extremely allergic to smoke like that. I will have my inhaler with me but if people are constantly blowing smoke in my face, it could put me in the hospital for breathing treatments. I haven't had a problem in the parks here in the States but it sounds like it's much worse over there. This has actually been a worry on mine for the whole of Paris.

After reading over the many reviews here and in the book, I believe I would like to try the Cafe Agrabah for dinner. I've been to the Blue Lagoon in CA and I'll be eating French food all week in Paris so this seems like something different! The inside looks really fun and intimate too. It seems to have gotten good reviews, though it's not entirely clear what specific kind of food there. I'm not overly concerned about that but I am wondering, do I need a reservation there? How far in advance should I make it? I admit, I'm a little gunshy about calling France to do it! Also, it's really weird, but it's not listed on DLP website. Is that a sign??

I think that's probably enough for now but I'm sure I will think of more as I count down. Only 25 days until Paris!!

I think any week day is fine, I would still go on Thursday, it shouldn't be a problem.
I would have said the fireworks start around 9:30-10:00 ish

Re: smoking:
I don't think they blow it in your face so to speak, theres just more people smoking compared to most places as in France, your allowed to smoke in restaurants so it bothers people sometimes. I'd recommend sittingoutside or near a window.


Weather wise, Hmm well it is Europe after all but I would say they weather should be fine by then, a little cool so maybe a cardigan but I don't think any rain.

Have you read the reviews on this website for the Agraba cafe? Sometimes, they mention the actual food they serve. :goodvibes
 
The Cafe Agrabah is an excellent choice :thumbsup2

http://international.entertainment....ants-and-bars/restaurants/agrabah-cafe.xhtml#

It will be busy in August, so worth phoning ahead (day before perhaps?) to make a reservation.

You will see people smoking in the park (you're in Europe :cool1:), but IMO it's totally over-hyped. We've been going to DLP for years, and rarely notice any queue smoking these days.

I hope you have a fantastic time :goodvibes
 
Hey all~ It's my first post over here in this section of boards! :banana:

Due to some very fortunate circumstances (BF is being sent and paid for by his University for a conference and they will pay for additional hotel for him for a week!!), I will be visiting Paris for a week in August. I'm from New York, and I've been to WDW maybe 50 times - I have relatives who live in Orlando so I would be lucky enough to stay with them and get in for free. My daughter also chose to have her Make a Wish trip in DW - "to dance with the Princesses." I've visited DL once for one day and now I'll have ONE DAY to visit DLP (yes, it took some convincing but luckily he's a big Disney fan too!!). Anyhoo, I feel so lucky!

But of course, one day isn't much time. I have the Unofficial Guide to DLP and feel like I've gotten a lot of answers but it also leaves more questions. I've combed though this section of the board and found a lot more answers - and questions!! I'm going to concentrate on doing the stuff we don't have over here and then of course, our favorites (I can't believe there is no Splash Mountain!! But I get to go on the old Star Tours and never thought I would again!!! :yay:).

I think the reason there's no Splash Mountain is because it's only really in the summer that it's warm - I don't think there would me much call for it in the snow..

My trip is August 5th - August 13th. I was thinking Thursday that week but read in the book Wednesday and Friday are good too. What do you think?

Anytime mid-week is less busy, but it is the peak summer season so will most likely be busy most days.

What time would you guess the fireworks would be? I don't want to miss them. Actually, what time does the sun set over there?

Fireworks are normally late in the evening, about 10:30ish (someone will correct me if i'm wrong)

Re: the smoking. Is it really that bad? It's got me worried now. I'm extremely allergic to smoke like that. I will have my inhaler with me but if people are constantly blowing smoke in my face, it could put me in the hospital for breathing treatments. I haven't had a problem in the parks here in the States but it sounds like it's much worse over there. This has actually been a worry on mine for the whole of Paris.

There is smoking, but not to the extent it will be blown directly in your face - I normally just look ahead. To be honest i've not noticed it that much, but it will happen.

The book says the average high is 79F. Is that correct? Right now we're having 90F+ weather so that would seem downright cool and comfortable!! What about chances of rain?

The weather is most likely to be sunny, however is very changeable and in August last year there were some downpours - so be prepared.

After reading over the many reviews here and in the book, I believe I would like to try the Cafe Agrabah for dinner. I've been to the Blue Lagoon in CA and I'll be eating French food all week in Paris so this seems like something different! The inside looks really fun and intimate too. It seems to have gotten good reviews, though it's not entirely clear what specific kind of food there. I'm not overly concerned about that but I am wondering, do I need a reservation there? How far in advance should I make it? I admit, I'm a little gunshy about calling France to do it! Also, it's really weird, but it's not listed on DLP website. Is that a sign??

I think the Agrabah Cafe is a buffett restauarant. Not sure if you can book, however if you do, don't worry about calling the booking line. The CMs are all very pleasant.

I think that's probably enough for now but I'm sure I will think of more as I count down. Only 25 days until Paris!!!

Sounds like a packed day for you!

Try to make good use of the arcardes either side of Main St - these will save you time going between lands. For example for Frontierland, use Liberty Arcade to the left of Main St, and turn left immediately after you exit it - this will lead to straight into Frontierland without needing to manouver round the crowds in Main St.

However - don't miss out on seeing the castle. It is beautiful, and you can visit inside which is really lovely :love:

Hope you have a great day :goodvibes
 

Hello :goodvibes

I'll try answering what I know

Concerning your dates - Everyday will be busy as all of Europe are on school holidays. Avoid the weekends so Fri-Mon as they will be busier than the other days but there will be a lot of people.
You will have longer hours though so with a bit of planning and taking in shows and sitting down for dinner you'll be ok

Fireworks are after Fantillusion so around 11.00 pm. Sunset will be around 9.00-9.15pm in August

Smoking is a tricky one...I'm used to people smoking everywhere, I live here and even though there are bans people don't always respect them like they should and in the park is no exception.
Saying that I've never had people blowing smoke in my face and if I find myself in a back smoke wind I move sharply.
Be prepared for people smoking on cafe/restaurant terraces whilst you are in Paris as with the ban everyone now sits outside.

The temperature quoted in your book is erring on the low side. Already in June/July we've had over 92° and it could be over a 100 easily in August. Rain is possible but it's normally violent thunderstorms but just crashes and lightening as opposed to torrential downpours. I don't know what humidity is like with you as I know that can play a large part in how you are going to be with the heat. :)

Agrabah is a "oriental" buffet, it's middle eastern/oriental in style but tamed down for European tastes. It's actually not bad and the place itself is very well decorated out.
 
Thanks so much for the awesome advice! Especially stuff like cutting through the arcade, that will be super helpful. Since we're two adults we'll be able to move a lot faster than when I go with my daughter and have her stroller and all the bags, etc. And seeing the inside of the castle is on my list, we don't have much to see in either of our castles here.

I don't know what humidity is like with you as I know that can play a large part in how you are going to be with the heat. :)

It's very humid here for sure. We're having a horrible heat wave, today was record breaking 108F with heat index 128F. Crazy heat. And horrible humidity. I've been checking Paris and it's much more reasonable in the 70's. Now I'm afraid I can't just bring shorts and I should bring more pants and things for rain. I really don't know what to pack!

When you guys say August is busy, what kind of lines should I expect? Busy in WDW can mean 90-120 minute lines! I hope it's not going to be like that. Even using Fastpass we won't get much done.

Another question - does DLP have package pickup in the front of the park? Where you can shop during the day and have them send it somewhere you can pick up at the end of the day?

For those that have been there, if a friend of yours was going for just one day, what would you tell them absolutely not to miss?
 
Thanks so much for the awesome advice! Especially stuff like cutting through the arcade, that will be super helpful. Since we're two adults we'll be able to move a lot faster than when I go with my daughter and have her stroller and all the bags, etc. And seeing the inside of the castle is on my list, we don't have much to see in either of our castles here.



It's very humid here for sure. We're having a horrible heat wave, today was record breaking 108F with heat index 128F. Crazy heat. And horrible humidity. I've been checking Paris and it's much more reasonable in the 70's. Now I'm afraid I can't just bring shorts and I should bring more pants and things for rain. I really don't know what to pack!

When you guys say August is busy, what kind of lines should I expect? Busy in WDW can mean 90-120 minute lines! I hope it's not going to be like that. Even using Fastpass we won't get much done.

Another question - does DLP have package pickup in the front of the park? Where you can shop during the day and have them send it somewhere you can pick up at the end of the day?

For those that have been there, if a friend of yours was going for just one day, what would you tell them absolutely not to miss?

Also, can you bring food and drinks in? I think I read the answer is no but there are times at WDW they don't really care or check. It'd save a ton of money!
 
Yes you can take food and drink in as long as you arent taking full scale picnic hampers/ccolers or glass bottles and knives.

They do check bags at the entrance but arent bothered about food and drink
 












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