Too late to plan DLP in August 2024

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Hi all -

I'll be spending time in London this August and debating visiting DLP for a couple of days - as of now thinking 2 nights/3 days (1 full park day and 2 halves).

I haven't booked train/hotel yet but there is availability for the dates I'm considering.

My bigger question is - for those who have visited before - is it realistic to plan this with only a few weeks to go or will it be a waste? Specifically wondering about ADRs...

FWIW, both my daughter and I would be content to just explore a new park - we can't/won't want to ride every ride.

Appreciate the advice!

 

[Woodview]

You are in London ..... so why not visit another type of Theme Park there

NOT a Disney Park ( Go for a Change of theme )

Look up Alton Towers & there are others

Also Think of De Efterling or Toverland in The Netherlands

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

I don’t think it’s a waste at all but I might have a different goal than you when it comes to DLP. I’ve been to Disneyland Paris twice, so definitely not an expert but I am “planning” a quick trip in 2 weeks. For me at least, the food isn’t really what I go for (while the food isn’t the worst it’s really not what that resort is known for so temper your expectations ), so ADRs aren’t terribly important. Don’t get me wrong I still really want to do Chez Remy but I’d still go (am going lol) even though I didn’t plan early enough to book that restaurant. Things open up as you get closer to your date just like at the WDW or DLR so you might get lucky if you keep checking back regularly if the reservations you want aren’t available now.

We’ve only ever done 1 night, so basically a day and half at the parks, and I always felt like we got a lot done. We book a couple of premier access for rides with longer waits to optimize our time and wait on everything else, lines generally aren’t as long as you’re used to in WDW. DLP is small and quaint, beautiful and so fun (seriously, for such a small park they have some of my favorite rides ever!). If you’ve never been, and you have the means and time to go, I’d say definitely do it! But if food and ADRs are really important, maybe wait for a future trip to plan it out a bit more so you’re ultimately happy with your trip, no sense in going in disappointed from the onset.

Good luck with your choice! If you decide to go I hope you have so much fun and report back!

 

[Karin1984]

Disneyland Paris isnt as rigid with planning as Disney World. A place to sleep, park tickets and you are good to go (and a park reservation if staying off site). The fast pass system is called Premier Access and can be bought on the day off. Pay per ride or a package deal (pay per ride is my advice)

You have a chance to get some ADRs, we have seen DLP is going to be less busy than expected with the Olympics this summer. I am going opening day weekend and was surprised that most table service restaurants had plenty of availability.

That said, in August the whole of France and Europe is off,making it one of the busiest times of year. A bonus of DLP is that the park is more spread out, so it won't feel as crowded as WDW or DL can feel.

If ADRs are your first thought when visiting a Disney park... please please please lower your expectations. Disneyland Paris is not a food destination. Food has never been a focus of this park. The food is perfectly fine, but it is not on the level of Disney World. Plus the park restaurants are overpriced. We do have a lot of snacks, as we have loads of locals and they need to chance them frequently.

I do think you get better value for money eating in the Disney Village sit down restaurants. They do not take reservations.

Final thing to keep in mind, a sit down meal takes longer in France. If you do 3 courses, you won't be out of the restaurant within an hour.

That said, if you want to visit Disneyland paris, there is no reason not to. Go and explore a new park. It is always fun to see how different Disney can be per country/continent.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

You are in London ..... so why not visit another type of Theme Park there

NOT a Disney Park ( Go for a Change of theme )

Look up Alton Towers & there are others

Also Think of De Efterling or Toverland in The Netherlands

Thanks - these are great suggestions! We travel to London often (and have lived there before) so I'm comfortable leaving for a few days without feeling like we're missing much. We usually alternate when we visit - UK only, or weekend in Europe. This trip was supposed to be the latter but I didn't get my act together in time to plan!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I don’t think it’s a waste at all but I might have a different goal than you when it comes to DLP. I’ve been to Disneyland Paris twice, so definitely not an expert but I am “planning” a quick trip in 2 weeks. For me at least, the food isn’t really what I go for (while the food isn’t the worst it’s really not what that resort is known for so temper your expectations ), so ADRs aren’t terribly important. Don’t get me wrong I still really want to do Chez Remy but I’d still go (am going lol) even though I didn’t plan early enough to book that restaurant. Things open up as you get closer to your date just like at the WDW or DLR so you might get lucky if you keep checking back regularly if the reservations you want aren’t available now.

We’ve only ever done 1 night, so basically a day and half at the parks, and I always felt like we got a lot done. We book a couple of premier access for rides with longer waits to optimize our time and wait on everything else, lines generally aren’t as long as you’re used to in WDW. DLP is small and quaint, beautiful and so fun (seriously, for such a small park they have some of my favorite rides ever!). If you’ve never been, and you have the means and time to go, I’d say definitely do it! But if food and ADRs are really important, maybe wait for a future trip to plan it out a bit more so you’re ultimately happy with your trip, no sense in going in disappointed from the onset.

Good luck with your choice! If you decide to go I hope you have so much fun and report back!

Hi friend!! What are the chances that you're going to DLP in a couple of weeks .

This is all so helpful - I just threw out ADRs bc it's one of the few things that I actually 'plan' at WDW anymore. Since we go so often, we're pretty relaxed about the parks at this stage. So I guess I wanted to make sure my laid back approach would work at DLP!

If you don't mind sharing, where do you stay when you go? Can't rationalize Disneyland hotel given how little we'll be in the room. But we're also not Marvel fans...so actually debating Cheyenne. A tad concerned I'll be disappointed when comparing it to DVC @ WDW so welcome any and all thoughts!

Any other must-do's? Or tips to keep in mind?

Hope you have a fantastic trip!! Is this just to DLP or other destinations?

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Disneyland Paris isnt as rigid with planning as Disney World. A place to sleep, park tickets and you are good to go (and a park reservation if staying off site). The fast pass system is called Premier Access and can be bought on the day off. Pay per ride or a package deal (pay per ride is my advice)

You have a chance to get some ADRs, we have seen DLP is going to be less busy than expected with the Olympics this summer. I am going opening day weekend and was surprised that most table service restaurants had plenty of availability.

That said, in August the whole of France and Europe is off,making it one of the busiest times of year. A bonus of DLP is that the park is more spread out, so it won't feel as crowded as WDW or DL can feel.

If ADRs are your first thought when visiting a Disney park... please please please lower your expectations. Disneyland Paris is not a food destination. Food has never been a focus of this park. The food is perfectly fine, but it is not on the level of Disney World. Plus the park restaurants are overpriced. We do have a lot of snacks, as we have loads of locals and they need to chance them frequently.

I do think you get better value for money eating in the Disney Village sit down restaurants. They do not take reservations.

Final thing to keep in mind, a sit down meal takes longer in France. If you do 3 courses, you won't be out of the restaurant within an hour.

That said, if you want to visit Disneyland paris, there is no reason not to. Go and explore a new park. It is always fun to see how different Disney can be per country/continent.

Thank you! We're not foodies by any stretch...I'm just used to booking ADRs at WDW 60 days out so worried we missed a window. But sounds like that's NBD.

Honestly I think we'd be content just strolling around, having some snacks and riding a few rides...it'll be exciting to just be in a new park (or at least that's my hope!)

 

[Karin1984]

Thank you! We're not foodies by any stretch...I'm just used to booking ADRs at WDW 60 days out so worried we missed a window. But sounds like that's NBD.

Honestly I think we'd be content just strolling around, having some snacks and riding a few rides...it'll be exciting to just be in a new park (or at least that's my hope!)

Disneyland Paris is a lovely park and you can have a great, magical time here. When people used to the US parks come over it sometimes goes wrong with expectations. Some people have a very fixed idea of "this is what a Disney park is supposed to be", and when it is not... people get upset.

Disneyland Paris was built with the French/Europe in mind, and our culture differs from US culture. You can feel and see that in different aspects.

If you go in with an open mind, I am sure you will have a great time. You still have plenty of time to prepare. Let us know if you have questions!

Some differences:
- hotel rooms are smaller and mattrasses are firm. That's how we like it here
- we have hotels, not resorts. This means less onsite amenities.
Both are because most people only stay for 2-3 days, and spend all day in the park.
- AC
very different in Europe. As we only have a few weeks of really warrm weather, most of the year we can open the window. You will not be able to turn down the AC to 68 degrees when it is 90 degrees outside.
- CMs
we are more business minded, which can sometimes can come across as rude (and the French are a special breed within Europe anyway ). To CMs it is a job like any other, not a dream of a lifetime to work for Disney. You will not see CMs waiving Mickey hands when you walk down main street first thing in the morning. People will be inside the stores preparing, there is a job to be done.
- Smoking
Very much part of French culture. It is better after Covid, but you will still see a lot of people smoking. Especially when you come from the US. Many people stick to the dedicated smoking areas, a small part will smoke when walking from A to B. Smoking while in line while waiting doesn't really happen anymore (at least, I do not see it).
- No free refills
Not allowed by French law.
- Peanut butter is not really a thing.
They like Nutella. A lot.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Hi friend!! What are the chances that you're going to DLP in a couple of weeks .

This is all so helpful - I just threw out ADRs bc it's one of the few things that I actually 'plan' at WDW anymore. Since we go so often, we're pretty relaxed about the parks at this stage. So I guess I wanted to make sure my laid back approach would work at DLP!

If you don't mind sharing, where do you stay when you go? Can't rationalize Disneyland hotel given how little we'll be in the room. But we're also not Marvel fans...so actually debating Cheyenne. A tad concerned I'll be disappointed when comparing it to DVC @ WDW so welcome any and all thoughts!

Any other must-do's? Or tips to keep in mind?

Hope you have a fantastic trip!! Is this just to DLP or other destinations?

Hahah right? I’ve known I’d be going for a few months, I’m just a terrible planner lmao but to be fair to myself, and like @Karin1984 said, DLP doesn’t require a ton of planning in advance (aside from the one or two very popular restaurants). It really is just a great park to go at a more leisure pace and you’ll still feel like you’ve ridden a bunch of rides and done a lot. Walt Disney Studios is tiny and very much a half day park so you don’t have to dedicate too much time there (can’t wait for the new editions, this park seriously needs it!)

So I’ve stayed at the Marvel Hotel in Sept 2022. It was super convenient just a 10 min walk through Disney village (their downtown Disney) to the parks entrance. Fun theme but we do enjoy Marvel. That being said, the hotels are much simpler and more hotel like than the full resort, immersive feel of a WDW hotel. It is a bit higher scale than some of the other choices and the rooms were lovely.

We did Hotel Cheyenne in Feb 2023 and it was great for what we needed. The theming was cute, the rooms were definitely value feel and I don’t know how long the walk is (not sure if you can actually walk) but the busses were quick and convenient so pretty similar to WDW.

This trip I decided to splurge (celebrating a friends birthday and some happy things in my own life) and we’re spending a night at the Disneyland Hotel and I can’t wait. We probably won’t be in the hotel much either but I’ve been obsessed with the idea of staying here for years. You walk under the hotel to get into the main park (like literally where you scan your ticket to enter) and I just can’t get over it lol I want to walk out of my hotel and literally step into Disneyland park

All this being said, I think Hotel Cheyenne is a great first trip hotel, since it will mainly be a place to sleep. There’s also a Starbucks at the hotel which was clutch! Do NOT compare it to DVC lol it is at best the All Star but less in your face and it’s a bit outdated but perfectly fine for the value!

If you want DVC level gonna have to do DLH, which makes sense given their price differences. Hotel Marvel is also very classy and closer to all the actions (I know you’re a walk girl and it definitely feels more deluxe so maybe despite the theme, it would be a better choice for you if it’s in budget?

Not sure there’s any specific tip I’d give but maybe do a few single ride premier access just to save on some time. Premier access is like ILL but you can buy for most of the rides (more the once I believe). You can also do the ultimate premier access pass which allows you to 1 ride on every ride but it’s more expensive, like Universal’s express pass. The most popular rides tend to be the usuals so Hyperspace Mountain (amazing 10/10, goes upside down!), Big Thunder (the best big thunder IMO), Phantom Manor (must do) in Disneyland park. In WDS, it’s Crush’s Coaster (idk it’s SO popular but maybe bit overrated for me? But there’s nothing like it in the US so you gotta do it), Tower of Terror (now I love our version but this one is just as good maybe a bit better/spookier?), and all of Avenger’s Campus (Flight Force is v fun).

I’m actually attending a few of the Olympic events with some friends and decided to add an extra day for DLP before heading to London for a few days

Let us know what you decide and you can always PM me if you're curious about anything else!

 

[zavandor]

From the Cheyenne to the parks you can walk, and the distance is about the same as from the Beach Club to the DHS at WDW. So if you've ever stayed at BWI or BC and raved about the convenience of the walk to the Studios, you'll be fine with the Cheyenne.
And the theme is very good, for a Value hotel. I was so disappointed by the values at WDW the first time I went, because I was used to DLP.
But the rooms are  tiny, by US standards.
Marvel hotel shaves just 5-8 minutes from the walk. Go for it if you like theme more or you want something more upscale, not for convenience.

I prefer buffet style restaurants at DLP, so you can pace yourself and the food is quite good. My favorite is Agrabha Cafè in the main park, but ask to be seated in the streets (it's like eating the the bazar in the Moroccan pavillion at Epcot) not in the big room, which has no theming.
The buffet restaurant at the Cheyenne isn't bad at all.

 

[Karin1984]

Second vote for Agrabah Cafe. Also the Hunters Grill buffet at Sequoia Lodge has good quality food, including a raclette station

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Hahah right? I’ve known I’d be going for a few months, I’m just a terrible planner lmao but to be fair to myself, and like @Karin1984 said, DLP doesn’t require a ton of planning in advance (aside from the one or two very popular restaurants). It really is just a great park to go at a more leisure pace and you’ll still feel like you’ve ridden a bunch of rides and done a lot. Walt Disney Studios is tiny and very much a half day park so you don’t have to dedicate too much time there (can’t wait for the new editions, this park seriously needs it!)

So I’ve stayed at the Marvel Hotel in Sept 2022. It was super convenient just a 10 min walk through Disney village (their downtown Disney) to the parks entrance. Fun theme but we do enjoy Marvel. That being said, the hotels are much simpler and more hotel like than the full resort, immersive feel of a WDW hotel. It is a bit higher scale than some of the other choices and the rooms were lovely.

We did Hotel Cheyenne in Feb 2023 and it was great for what we needed. The theming was cute, the rooms were definitely value feel and I don’t know how long the walk is (not sure if you can actually walk) but the busses were quick and convenient so pretty similar to WDW.

This trip I decided to splurge (celebrating a friends birthday and some happy things in my own life) and we’re spending a night at the Disneyland Hotel and I can’t wait. We probably won’t be in the hotel much either but I’ve been obsessed with the idea of staying here for years. You walk under the hotel to get into the main park (like literally where you scan your ticket to enter) and I just can’t get over it lol I want to walk out of my hotel and literally step into Disneyland park

All this being said, I think Hotel Cheyenne is a great first trip hotel, since it will mainly be a place to sleep. There’s also a Starbucks at the hotel which was clutch! Do NOT compare it to DVC lol it is at best the All Star but less in your face and it’s a bit outdated but perfectly fine for the value!

If you want DVC level gonna have to do DLH, which makes sense given their price differences. Hotel Marvel is also very classy ans closer to all the actions (I know you’re a walk got definitely feels more deluxe so maybe despite the theme, it would be a better choice for you if it’s in budget?

Not sure there’s any specific tip I’d give but maybe do a few single ride premier access just to save on some time. Premier access is like ILL but you can buy for most of the rides (more the once I believe). You can also do the ultimate premier access pass which allows you to 1 ride on every ride but it’s more expensive, like Universal’s express pass. The most popular rides tend to be the usuals so Hyperspace Mountain (amazing 10/10, goes upside down!), Big Thunder (the best big thunder IMO), Phantom Manor (must do) in Disneyland park. In WDS, it’s Crush’s Coaster (idk it’s SO popular but maybe bit overrated for me? But there’s nothing like it in the US so you gotta do it), Tower of Terror (now I love our version but this one is just as good maybe a bit better/spookier?), and all of Avenger’s Campus (Flight Force is v fun).

I’m actually attending a few of the Olympic events with some friends and decided to add an extra day for DLP before heading to London for a few days

Let us know what you decide and you can always PM me if you're curious about anything else!

Oh wow - Olympics AND DLH - that's a trip of a lifetime for sure!! The hotel looks absolutely stunning. And it doesn't get any better than a Disney Park in your backyard - enjoy every second!!

I think we may end up going Cheyenne - my daughter is a huge Toy Story fan and would appreciate the theming. Who knows - maybe we'll get lucky and be able to meet Jessie without the 90 minute HS wait. I'm splurging on our London hotel (for me!) so it's the least I can do for her. I didn't realize there was a Starbucks @ Cheyenne - that's mission critical intel - thanks for passing it along!!

Thanks also for the breakdown of the rides - I haven't even started researching these yet so your recs may just become our itinerary!

Excited to hear about your travels when you're back!

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Oh wow - Olympics AND DLH - that's a trip of a lifetime for sure!! The hotel looks absolutely stunning. And it doesn't get any better than a Disney Park in your backyard - enjoy every second!!

I think we may end up going Cheyenne - my daughter is a huge Toy Story fan and would appreciate the theming. Who knows - maybe we'll get lucky and be able to meet Jessie without the 90 minute HS wait. I'm splurging on our London hotel (for me!) so it's the least I can do for her. I didn't realize there was a Starbucks @ Cheyenne - that's mission critical intel - thanks for passing it along!!

Thanks also for the breakdown of the rides - I haven't even started researching these yet so your recs may just become our itinerary!

Excited to hear about your travels when you're back!

It’s definitely going to be one I’ll remember forever for sure, very very excited

Oh your daughter is going to love Cheyenne, it feels like you’re walking on a western movie set, we enjoyed it more than we thought we would! And yep, I just looked at park map and the walk from Cheyenne does look really close, can’t believe I didn’t check before

Good compromise, mom (plus you save a bit of $$)! And coffee tips are incredibly important and crucial to a good trip lol (also I don’t know if it’s the same during the summer months but if you get an iced coffee/drink they put it in paper hot coffee cup…iced drinks are less common so it’s better environmentally to not have all those extra plastic cups for no reason)

Oh and download the app! It’s a simpler version of the WDW one but still useful and necessary!

 

[pangyal]

I’m glad I found this thread for us in-and-out August visitors! We are planning a single day the week of August 19, taking the train from Paris early and staying to close. I wanted to buy the ultimate pass but it appears you can only do each ride once even with that? Maybe we will do the individual purchases then.

Thank you to all who have chimed in, this thread is super helpful!

 

[sheilafri]

I’m glad I found this thread for us in-and-out August visitors! We are planning a single day the week of August 19, taking the train from Paris early and staying to close. I wanted to buy the ultimate pass but it appears you can only do each ride once even with that? Maybe we will do the individual purchases then.

Thank you to all who have chimed in, this thread is super helpful!

I’ve been to DLP twice. I got the UP the first time and felt it was a waste so went without on the second trip, both were off-season. DLP is gorgeous and has more walk through attractions that don’t require using a pass. Ratatouille has single rider lane so we did it five times in just over an hour. Phantom Manor is an awesome ride usually short wait. Pirates is longer line but lots of interest in the line and seems like a longer ride at the end. You can buy single ride passes, too.