Trains from Southampton to Disneyland Paris

[mikelan6]

My partner and I are scheduled to arrive into Southampton on the Queen Mary 2 on October 25th. We plan to go to Disneyland Paris that same day. We're thinking of taking the train from Southampton to London, then the Eurostar to Lille, then the TGV to Marne La Vallee.

Can anyone give any recommendations of any better/faster/easier route? Any better time when to reserve and purchase this? Are these trains usually on time or should we get changeable tickets in case anything is late?

Thanks!

 

[small]

The trains from Southampton to London Waterloo are very regular. Check the times as some are the fast service and some are the stopping service. Timetables are online at www.southwesttrains.co.uk - they are fairly on time.

I hope that helps

 

[kevankiki]

You have come to the right place for advice mikelan6, I've just seen your posting over on another message board I frequent!

I'm not sure if you have considered staying somewhere close to Waterloo, then taking the direct service to DLRP the following day, or maybe time does not allow that? The good news for you is that you will be able to take the Eurostar from Waterloo, as it moves to St Pancras in November 2007!

Have you checked availability? I ask because that particular week is half term break in UK and I think you may have problems as a result of that.

If there are no trains then another possibility is to fly from Southampton Airport.

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[wishspirit]

The trains from southampton are very good, i oftern do the trip from Southampton to waterloo, sometimes they are a bit crowded, but if you get there early it shouldnt be a problem.

Always check there isnt delays on the day you want to travel though, it happens a lot!

 

[mikelan6]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I did check availability and it all looks ok now. I was thinking I'd wait until next month so I can get ALL the tickets together (including the train from Disneyland Paris to CDG). Would this be available 90 days out?

Can you please tell me what the minimum connecting times I would need in London and in Lille?

Thanks.

 

[kevankiki]

I am a little confused here, you mention CDG which suggests you are using the plane, whereas I thought you were booking the Eurostar.

If booking the Eurostar from London to DLP via Lille it's one booking, I think you get around an hour to wait at Lille (which soon passes!), certainly on the return trip that is the case as this is the route we took when we came back last time.

IIRC you have to check in 30 minutes before departure, plus if you are collecting tickets for the Eurostar at Waterloo then you need to allow extra time. Personally I would allow AT LEAST an hour between arrival at Waterloo and departure on Eurostar (actually I would probably allow much longer but then I am paranoid about missing trains and planes ) - the Eurostar seems very punctual to me and it won't wait for you!

 

[mikelan6]

I am a little confused here, you mention CDG which suggests you are using the plane, whereas I thought you were booking the Eurostar.

Sorry for the confusion.

The Disneyland Paris - CDG portion would be for our return flight back to the USA after what I hope will be a great weekend at DLP. I understand there is a quick 10 minute train from DLP to CDG, even though it's a bit more expensive than the shuttle.

We'd be buying the train tickets here in the USA from Rail Europe. I think they give us the actual tickets for the trains, not vouchers that we would exchange at the stations.

 

[kevankiki]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, I understand now, makes much more sense.

We've only ever travelled to DLP by Eurostar, however, I am sure someone will be along soon with some information regarding travelling back to CDG, and the timings involved.

 

[mikelan6]

We've only ever travelled to DLP by Eurostar, however, I am sure someone will be along soon with some information regarding travelling back to CDG, and the timings involved.

Thanks! According to Rail Europe, there is an early morning nonstop train from DLP to CDG.

 

[Ware Bears]

Yes, it's the TGV. Here is the link for it, if you scroll down to the bottom of the page there is a timetable.

Have a look at The Useful Info sticky Becky compiled, it may be of some help to you. There is a section called Travelling to DLP by Plane which shows maps of CDG etc.