Very Excited Newbie!

[PChef]

Hi all!
I've just booked to go to DLRP 30 May to 3 June, staying at Sequoia Lodge. My husband and 2 boys will be coming too. Boys will be 8 and 5.

Will this Half Term week be really busy? Any idea of likely weather conditions? I don't want to end up carrying too much stuff round!

Any tips? This is our first time to Disney.

Can't wait!!!

 

[Cyrano]

Hi PChef and welcome to DLP DIS board Glad you have joined in as we are a friendly bunch Please contribute to any other thread

You can add you holiday dates here

We've never been at half-term , but hopfully someone else will jump in

 

[Ware Bears]

Hi PChef and welcome to the DIS.

I should imagine it will be busy seeing as it is UK half term but if you can get to the parks for opening you will find it quite manageable. Here is a thread of tips. Anything you want to know just ask away.

About the weather, I think it is very similar to that in the UK, but maybe warmer?

 

[Bexx]

I might be wrong, but I don't think the French have a school holiday then - which should hopefully make a bit of difference. Make a note of the tips anyway, just in case, and then you'll be assured to a great time!!!

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[Rosie]

Hello PChef

It probably will be very busy and warm. Weekends are much busier than week days though so hopefully if it isn't French School holidays there won't be so many locals or day trippers.
Many people here recommend the guide book A Brit's Guide to Disneyland Paris and I believe a new rdition of the book is due out at the end of March (someone correct me if I'm wrong!) I read it cover to cover before my first visit and found it a great help.
Getting to the Parks early, roughly knowing where you will eat, and making full use of Fastpass are my top tips.
We recently stayed at Sequoia Lodge - its very comfortable and family friendly but HUGE!
I hope you enjoy your planning!

 

[Cyrano]

Many people here recommend the guide book A Brit's Guide to Disneyland Paris and I believe a new rdition of the book is due out at the end of March (someone correct me if I'm wrong!) I read it cover to cover before my first visit and found it a great help.

That's when Amazon here agree it is due

 

[PChef]

Thanks for the tips.

I have read Simon's book from the library and am planning to buy my own copy when the new edition is published. I am a planner so we will definitely have a plan, and then if it's quieter than expected it'll be a bonus.

For anyone else considering travelling by Eurostar in May half term, book tickets now (for the direct service), as some services are already full!

I am slightly concerned about the distances for walking round the park in respect of my 4 yr old, so will certainly consider getting a buggy when we are there.

Is it worth booking Fantasyland Breakfast/ any other meals before we go?

Thanks
Michelle

 

[Cyrano]

I am slightly concerned about the distances for walking round the park in respect of my 4 yr old, so will certainly consider getting a buggy when we are there.

Is it worth booking Fantasyland Breakfast/ any other meals before we go?

Thanks
Michelle

Good plan Michelle as even our DS 5 would happily have a rest being pushed

I'd book Fantasyland breakfast as they can go fast. Personally we don't like to book meals before we go, but others like to no that it is all sorted.
We have booked on the mornings at City hall or at the restaurant and never had a problem

 

[dlpSteve]

On our last summer visit we tried to book a Fantasyland Breakfast when we got there but they were full for each and every day so in futyre we will always book those in advance.

I always like to book The Blue Lagoon too - it's our fave restaurant so we'd hate to miss out.

Have a fab time, and remember to come back and tell us all about it

 

[Bexx]

I am slightly concerned about the distances for walking round the park in respect of my 4 yr old, so will certainly consider getting a buggy when we are there.

I should just warn you that the pushchairs you hire from the park are not particularly wonderful - they are so heavy and don't go up and down kerbs or anything!!! You might be better off taking a cheap umbrella stroller with you. A bit of pain when you're travelling, but so much better when you're there.

I would also advise pre booking the GMF breakfast, and if there's anywhere you're really keen to eat, there's no harm in making a reservation before you go.

 

[Quack]

Welcome! I am new here too and equally as excited.

I have never visited in a half-term week. I would imagine it would be pretty busy but as long as you have a plan (what you want to see and getting Fastpasses etc) then you will have a fab time. I have read the book mentioned above and it has really helped me to plan ahead and know what I really want to get from my stay (we are making a list of 'must do's!').

As for weather - well we visited in mid-March last year and were lucky enough to have 18degrees and needed to buy t-shirts. By May it should be lovely

Last year we did get a pushchair (my children were 4 and 7 then). The pushcairs in the park are quite bulky BUT they have a pull out stand at the back that the older child can stand on - saves on lots of moaning of 'i'm tired'!!! Our youngest is now almost 5 and we will still hire a buggy this year - just to save Mum and Dads sanity!

 

[PChef]

And save DH's shoulders and back!! I can hear it now ....."I want to go on your shoulders" (moan, whinge!)
Dontcha just love 'em!

 

[Quack]

I know where you're coming from on that one!

Oh and we have pre-booked our character meal this year because they can get booked up (even more likely in half-term)

 

[Bexx]

Dontcha just love 'em!

Not at the moment!!!!!

The pushcairs in the park are quite bulky BUT they have a pull out stand at the back that the older child can stand on

I didn't realise they did that - definitely something in their favour!!!!

 

[wideeyes]

In regards to the strollers. My daughter (3) would not go in a normal buggy as she says that shes to big however she happily went in the disney hire ones as the look different friom a regular buggy. She made us call it a relaxing chair though!

 

[PChef]

"relaxing chair" ...I like it!!! Yes I'm sure DS would object to our old buggy (and it is so old not sure it would survive the journey!) but a *Disney* one would be another matter!!! In fact, they'll probably end up fighting over it ... But as has been pointed out, there is a stand at the back for the loser of the fight!

Michelle

 

[Cyrano]

Michelle, good point Our DD 7 would often want a shot of "Disney" buggy for a seat to watch the parades

 

[Disney owl]

We usually go the 2nd week of Spring Bank, our Junior schools here get 2 weeks.

We were there last June for 5 days . on our 1st day it rained all day, very unusual for that time of year & then the weather got warmer & warmer. So go expecting lovely t-shirt & shorts weather but do go prepared for rain too.

 

[Disney owl]

it's along time since we've had to use a buggy but I'd recommend hiring one at DLP. You don't realise how far you walk in a day. A bonus for hiring as opposed to bringing your own, is that if you come out of a ride & your buggy has disappeared they will provide another if you have your receipt!

On our 1st visit to WDW our DD was 9 & she longed for a buggy & we do have a photo to tease her with, to show her sharing a double buggy with her 5 yr old friend!

IMHO it's money well spent plus somewhere to hang your bag.

 

[PChef]

So go expecting lovely t-shirt & shorts weather but do go prepared for rain too.

We will, we're used to holidays in Cornwall Will stock up on the suncream too.

Re. buggies, I SO miss having somewhere to put the bags/shopping!!

Is it OK to take small rucksacks on rides at DLRP? Not planning on going on any where you go upside down, but may pluck up enough courage for BTM!

Michelle