Shushh - what's this I hear about Disneyland Paris in Dec 2012?

[PrincessInOz]

As for staying in the are and doing it properly, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Hence the indecision, which region to go to? Initially I wanted to explore the towns around Carcassone and the Canal du midi. But upon research, discovered that the canal was closed in winter and most of the towns/attractions are closed or have limited visiting hours. This seemed to be the norm for much of Southern France with the exception of the Riviera region. I am quite happy to be proven wrong! But you are right, there are plenty of areas around France that we can visit to maximise our time and experience. Praque is also on the list! Too many places on the list!!!

As for a job, I just received a few phone calls today of job offers. Woohoo! Need to work out what will work with the family. But very happy about it.

Congratulations for the job offers! Hope that you get the one that works best for the family.

Just remember that whilst the tourist attractions might be closed for winter, the locals still go about with day to day life.

Prague is spectacular!

Oh and the parents are interested in Lapland. Mum probably wants to take the opportunity to visit her eldest brother who lives in Holland.

That might just be the determining factor! Think of the places DH and I could go to in the evening if there is free babysitting available...

Are you talking about Lapland or Amsterdam? Because if you're thinking Amsterdam, I'm sitting here imagining you and DH in all those legal 'smoke' shops, a certain coloured district etc

But then that's just me and my gutter.....(and you know I can't resist an opening like that!!)

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Shushh, that is wonderful news about the job offers. It will be easy to choose - pick the one that pays the most but also allows you lots of time off to travel

 

[aussietravellers]

Aussietravellers, I adore those photos. It's picture postcard perfect and the barrel around the St. Bernard's neck, I swooned. Do they truly still wear them. I would adore to see some more pics of your time here. Care to start a new thread and share some more. I am fascinated and want to add some new destinations to my dream list too.

Thanks Ms. Shuttergirl. Yes, the dogs do still wear the barrels around their necks and they are filled with brandy. We asked that guy if there was anything in the barrel. It's gorgeous seeing the dogs around. But what is even more divine about Zermatt, is... animals are kept under the homes, when you go walking around the village, like you see in the Heidi movie. Once we were there in the summer and every morning and every afternoon they would be herding goats up the main street to take them to pastures to graze and they are all wearing their bells, so you look out of your hotel window and see herds of goats walking up the main street! Haven't seen that in winter though, probably too cold for them

 

[shushh]

Ms ShutterGirlYou'll have to tell me what you think of Lapland. Maybe we can have a dismeet there next year? Anychance of convincing to do your EUrope trip in Dec 2012?

Princess
Ah...words of wisdom. I shall be careful to utilise the parental help wisely whilst in Amsterdam. Can't you just see me, the girl who gets drunk on one margarita, being in the news paradinh herself in one of those "window shops"?!?!? Better start practising some Dita VonTeese moves so I can at least look good doing it...

Aussietravellers
So glad to have someone around who's been to that area of Europe many times with family. Will definitely be asking more questions I'm sure! Unfortunately for now, the planning has to stop temporarily. Need to get house stuff done before Christmas, and then actually get this Christmas out of the way, then Bali in January, and THEN let the serious planning begin!

Areweindisneyyet
You're not the first whose mentioned that they've frozen their behinds off at DLP! Might just be the excuse that I need to upgrade my down jacket....

And thanks for the mention of New Year at Holland. I hadn't even thought of that! I guess its because we don't really celebrate New years too much anymore as DH usually has to choose to work on either Christmas or NYE, and we go for NYE as Christmas is alot more important to us. But it will be nice to spend New Years day with family.

 

[queenie82]

Ok I'm going to be a little pest and take over this thread temporarily

I'm looking at going to Zermatt for a week but was wondering other than Christmas which time of year you thought was best aussietravellers???

The hotel I'm looking at is closed May/June so would it be better looking at July or holding off until Sept/Oct?

I have a golfer who might eye off the course (even though it looks $$$)

I don't need accom or meal info really...

Just STUFF TO DO!

I assume the train from Zurich would be the best and quickest for a direct visit from Oz?

Thanks

 

[aussietravellers]

Ok I'm going to be a little pest and take over this thread temporarily

I'm looking at going to Zermatt for a week but was wondering other than Christmas which time of year you thought was best aussietravellers???

The hotel I'm looking at is closed May/June so would it be better looking at July or holding off until Sept/Oct?

I have a golfer who might eye off the course (even though it looks $$$)

I don't need accom or meal info really...

Just STUFF TO DO!

I assume the train from Zurich would be the best and quickest for a direct visit from Oz?

For a direct visit from OZ, the best and quickest way would be to take a plane rather than a train

But I guess getting the flight out of the way. We have always taken the train from Geneva airport (or Lausanne once after taking the TGV from Paris, but it's the same train as Geneva). That train goes to Visp (which they all do actually, from Zurich too). Whereever you come from, you will go to Visp, then take the train from Visp, up the mountain to Zermatt. We always go the Geneva route for some reason, we fly into Vienna and have some time there, but last trip we flew to London, stayed there, train to Paris stayed there, train to Lausanne, train to Visp, train to Zermatt. But it is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other, Geneva or Zurich (or Bern). I went to school near Lausanne, so I'm most familiar with that route maybe. Not sure.

Thanks

Just typed a big reply and the page shut down

So reply take two.

I have only been once to Zermatt in the Summer and it was 22 years ago (gosh I feel old saying that ), so I can't remember a lot about it. We were only there for a couple of days before getting on the train to Cannes.

I do remember that it was the week they reopened after being closed for the summer and I remember the goats walking up and down the street. I can't even remember what we did then. In the last 10 years we have been about 6 times but all over Christmas (so in winter). I know they have some summer skiing, but also it would be just beautiful going up the mountains for some walks, lunch etc. Wandering around the village and seeing the animals sticking their heads out from under the houses, where they live is so cute! I wish I could remember it better in the Summer as it would be so pretty up there.

I would think that July may be a little quieter, with everything having been closed, but it's possible that some shops, restaurants and services may not be all up and running then, not sure. So maybe Sept may be a better time to go, not sure. Yes, I'm not really being much help. Restaurants.... yes, can help with that, if they are open. I know the swiss restaurant in the hotel we stay at is closed for the summer, so it's possible that July there won't be a lot open.

 

[queenie82]

Hi,

That has been of some help.
I'll get into more specific questions I think I understand not remembering too much of a visit that long ago. I feel old saying I've been flying to WDW for over 20 years

I'l do a proper reply when I get home but until then I think I guess a list of the main things to do generally
Then things that may be MORE open when it's not winter. And anything that might be a 'better'? Or more enjoyable experience when it's not winter? If that makes sense.

You mainly talked about Christmas specific before so I guess I'm just wondering the main "normal" things you did and enjoy.
Are there specific shops that demonstrate chocolate making?

Ta

 

[PrincessInOz]

Zermatt is nice enough but the main attraction is the Matterhorn and the outdoors. Depending on which city you fly in to, you might want to consider catching the Glacial Express to get to Zermatt. We picked it up from a little town called Chur.

A lot of tourist come in on the Glacial Express because it is one of the top 10 railway journeys in the world to do...then look at the mountain and then go. If you decide to do this, you should book a ticket early and get a window seat.

The surrounding locals use the cog railway to get to Zermatt. There is glacial skiing that you can do pretty much year round and lots of pretty walks.

I like September as a time of year to visit Switzerland if you aren't going skiing. There is still snow on the mountains but it is not cold and there is plenty of green grass. Really picture postcard perfect scenery.

 

[queenie82]

Thanks for referring to the Glacier Express. I knew about the main trains and that ANY train is pretty picturesque. But I'll research this one as an option for part of the itinerary perhaps at one end of the trip?

Basically I have 7 nights IN Zermatt. Gourmet Breakfast and Dinners are included for each night. Why and how are irrelevant

So...based on that core itinerary I'm looking at activities for the days.
I might add London on the way back depending on the airfare I get but it is a "short" trip. I can't get excess leave (unless something bad happens ) so it is 'short' holidays every few months

Why Zurich? Lufthansa gives me United miles (need I say more...) But I'll go for value for money and versatile itineraries. The Glacier Express complicates things...



So..
Daily activities?
That's basically what I'm wondering.
If you've been there multiple times there's obviously favourite things to do. Beyond the Matterhorn (which I thought was in California )

 

[aussietravellers]

Depending on which city you fly in to, you might want to consider catching the Glacial Express to get to Zermatt. We picked it up from a little town called Chur.

A lot of tourist come in on the Glacial Express because it is one of the top 10 railway journeys in the world to do...then look at the mountain and then go. If you decide to do this, you should book a ticket early and get a window seat.

Glacier Express is the only way to Zermatt (unless you fly or ski in), you can drive part of the way, which we have done once when we had a driver, but you stop at a town called Tasch, then get on the train (glacier express). If coming from Geneva/Lausanne/Vevey/Montreux, the westerly direction, you catch it at Visp, coming from Zurich you will catch it at Brig. There are pictures of it that I posted on the previous page of the Glacier Express. Spectacular view. As are most train journeys in Switzerland. I lived right on Lake Geneva and the views over the lake to Evian (France) were jaw dropping. Switzerland is my favourite country. It would be the country I would live in again if I were not in Australia.

Oh, Queenie, if you are leaving Zermatt back to the airport, you can check your luggage in at the train station early, you just give them your plane ticket and and they take your bags and check them in. We would often check in for our flight (it does cost, I think about 10-15 chf and we wouldn't see our bags until we got to Vienna. The swiss rail system is amazing. They do have the checked baggage service to Zermatt too, so you could do it from Zurich or Geneva, where ever you fly into (and other areas of the country too), if you are changing a few trains, have lots of luggage and don't want to lug it on and off trains

 

[queenie82]

And yes I did work out that Glacier was the train you get...
Just not that it was an actual 7 hour link train to St Moritz...

 

[aussietravellers]

You mainly talked about Christmas specific before so I guess I'm just wondering the main "normal" things you did and enjoy.
Are there specific shops that demonstrate chocolate making?

Ta

"Normal" things. I am so not normal so rarely do normal things

No, We ski and even if I don't go skiing I will still go up the mountain for lunch and a look at the view. My last two photos of the matterhorn, were taken going up on the Gornagratt train and just wandering around, taking photos, watching my son ski, having lunch with his ski instructor (had to buy the ski instructors lunch, it's the done thing apparently ). Behind our hotel there is a park so we go ice skating and I take my son tobogganing. Oddly we swim -15 outside, nice and toasty in the indoor pool.

But around the village, I like to wander around the village and look at the shops, not too exciting, lots of souvenirs stuff, but it's such a pretty village to walk around. There is a clothing shop that I don't mind, it's in the arcade near the post office. There are some nice coffee shops and last trip a chocolate shop had opened with a chocolate coffee shop upstairs, mmmm best hot chocolate I have ever had. The shops close for afternoon siesta, not sure if it's from 1pm to 2pm or 1.30 to 2.30pm, something like that. Odd thing is, patisseries/coffee shops all close then too I would always be wanting a chocolate eclair or a mille feuille during that time. The chocolate shop in our hotel is divine (Schweizerhoff). I love people watching, so relaxing at the different coffee shops and watching the world, goats, horse drawn carriages go by I find enjoyable. The coffee shop opposite the main train station is a good one (but they all smoke inside ), so even in -15 I have been known to hang outside.

In winter the sun comes up around 8am and goes down around 4pm. So the days seem go by quickly, in summer the days will be longer. I do recommend taking the train up to Gornagratt. There will be some stunning walks you could do and take in the breathtaking scenery, the fresh air and the tinkle of the bells around the goats necks.

 

[queenie82]

Okie dokie...aussietravellers....yoooooo hooooo...


And any others with advice...

Well I've finally got the DBF to book his flights....

Of course I've been continuing on regardless. but what I haven't successfully done yet is book St Moritz. Even though I've pretty much picked a hotel...
So I figured I'd ask if you've stayed there and if so where?
I'm looking for EASY to and from station. This is a stop off...

Basically what we are doing is our 7 nights in Zermatt. Then leaving to take the slowest express train in the world (Glacier Express) all the way to St Moritz. (stay the night) Then the next day go to Zurich (stay the night) Then fly home.

I've gathered there isn't much to do in St Moritz beyond shop at really expensive shops so looked at trip advisor, swiss.com etc , google maps.
I decided on the Hotel Bellaval...based on location and price (heck they are all $$$) but I've contacted them at least twice through their website with no reply. Now I know some close for certain periods....so maybe I should ring? But it's been over a few months now I've tried with no reply.
I could book through swiss.com with a week in advance I think cancellation policy. But I figured I'd ask if you'd stayed anywhere that was easy and not too $$$?
Basically this place isn't the Ritz but it is the closest to the station so simple and quick and no lugging luggage...

Which is the next thing...
Luggage on Swiss Rail

Luggage should be pretty simple with this version.

I'll send the luggage through to St Moritz while on the Glacier Express. I know this is a common thing for the full day trip. You just pick it up at the other end.
But do I use the same system for St Moritz to Zurich?
And for the first Zurich Airport to Zermatt? (well...the station where the hotel pick us up from in their electric car)


Next part to book is the Glacier Express. I'm getting the 4 day rail pass with BOGOF and 15% if you travel together. Been a right pain in the bum getting that though because they assume you are coming from the same country when you try and book it online (being "helpful" I assume) and there is no way to override it online, even though it is in no way a requirement. And the ticket must match you passport. but after phone calls I've got that part sorted...
Now just need to add the actual GE booking...

Oh yeah...and there is a Mickey component before all this
Paris is just near Zermatt after all....


THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[shushh]

I have no advice to offer... But hurray for DBF booking his flights!!! you can scout out the new WOD store for me while you're there...

 

[queenie82]

I have no advice to offer... But hurray for DBF booking his flights!!! you can scout out the new WOD store for me while you're there...

Howdy shushh

Really how hard is it to organise booking two short hop flights???
I have half a mind to get hold of his booking number and sticking him in the last row of economy....

As for the WOD...
You remind me why I need to get some more money changed into Euros They might still have Dooney and Bourke 20th Anniversary. Wonder if the Shareholder Discount applies to that??? Must check fine print...

Ended up emailing directly the Bellaval and have a room booked now.

Still need to work out which people to send the luggage through with though

 

[shushh]

Ooh shareholders discount!!! I'm assuming that's DBF? Unless you've thought of some clever for us Aussies to buy shares...I don't see why the discount shouldn't apply. Yes I've got my eye on those D&B 20th anniversary bags as well! Let's hope there's some left come December

 

[queenie82]

DBF does have a shareholder card...

But so does the Aussie we both know....
I don't know how he got them...but you can email and ask him
I get the feeling it isn't hard to do...

 

[shushh]

DBF does have a shareholder card...

But so does the Aussie we both know....
I don't know how he got them...but you can email and ask him
I get the feeling it isn't hard to do...

Great idea! Just sent the email...

 

[queenie82]

Some piccies of the shop we're waiting to see...

and if you scroll down some of the merch

http://www.newsdlrp.com/dlp-1073-world-of-disney-photos-de-lavant-premiere.html





Let us know if you do work out the Shareholder thing and if it's easy for Aussies to do...


I'm still trying to sort out Swiss Rail...

 

[shushh]

Yes...I have my eye on the messenger bag type one. Will definitely let you know how I do with the shares!