WDW v DLP: What would you do?

[theffaddict]

I graduate in two years, halfway through high school. Once I graduate, I get a trip to go wherever i want in the world. Being teens just like me, I want to know what you guys would do.

On one trip, I get to go to WDW for 6-7 days, and Universal for 2 days, get a MacBook, and about $500 to spend on college supplies. For my other option, I get to travel to Europe for a more expensive trip that will consist of a 2 days in DLP (Disneyland Paris), 5 days in the city of Paris, and a day in Versailles. I get a MacBook but no money with that one.

Which would you do? Some things to Keep in mind: I've never been to Paris or Europe, but I've been to WDW 4 times previously. I plan on spending plenty of time in WDW when I do the college program. I get to do/stay wherever I want to on this trip. I plan it, and we (my parents and I) do whatever I want to do on any given day. I make the plans. What would you guys do in my situation!

Thanks so much for the help! It's great to hear opinions from other people all across the globe! As of now, when I post this, I'm leaning towards the trip to Paris, despite the lower park quality, it is still a great park, and the trip is more about Paris anyways. Thanks for your responses, again.

 

[Carrie_Cat]

I graduate in two years, halfway through high school. Once I graduate, I get a trip to go wherever i want in the world. Being teens just like me, I want to know what you guys would do.

On one trip, I get to go to WDW for 6-7 days, and Universal for 2 days, get a MacBook, and about $500 to spend on college supplies. For my other option, I get to travel to Europe for a more expensive trip that will consist of a 2 days in DLP (Disneyland Paris), 5 days in the city of Paris, and a day in Versailles. I get a MacBook but no money with that one.

Which would you do? Some things to Keep in mind: I've never been to Paris or Europe, but I've been to WDW 4 times previously. I plan on spending plenty of time in WDW when I do the college program. I get to do/stay wherever I want to on this trip. I plan it, and we (my parents and I) do whatever I want to do on any given day. I make the plans. What would you guys do in my situation!

Thanks so much for the help! It's great to hear opinions from other people all across the globe! As of now, when I post this, I'm leaning towards the trip to Paris, despite the lower park quality, it is still a great park, and the trip is more about Paris anyways. Thanks for your responses, again.

Are you on the right board re the bold ^^

Perso for me it would be too early to say what I'd do - 2 years is ages and ages away

People change and what I liked at 14 or 16 I didn't like at 18 or 20.

I'd go for a European trip, not for DLP as I'm not a die hard Disney fan but to see Paris and I'd go to London as well.

Being in the US it will cheaper and easier for you later on to go to WDW. I know that after your studies you don't get much holidays so you won't be able to come to Europe as easy.

 

[theffaddict]

Whoops.. I meant to take out all the teen parts. I posted this here and the teen forum as well. Thanks for the input. I think the same thing with WDW, plus I'm planning on doing the DCP there for a semester of school, so I'll have plenty of time at WDW in my lifetime. That's a big factor in leaning towards Paris.

 

[Hipster Meg]

I'm with Carrie_Cat, given the circumstances it'd be Paris over Orlando. If the situation were the other way around and I was given a choice between an all expenses paid trip to Orlando or one to Paris I'd choose Orlando without a seconds hesitation. This isn't because I don't love DLRP, it's because I've never been to WDW and given how expensive flights are this might be the only chance I'd get to go while my son is young enough to really appreciate it. For us DLRP will always be there, just like WDW will always be there for you. This chance that you have been lucky enough to be given might not be given to you again so grab it while you can!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I think I too would go for Paris! You will likely have many WDW trips ahead of you anyway - so go for an adventure! Cross cultural experiences are very valuable in my book and will have the ability to enrich you as a person in ways nothing else can if you are open to it. I say seize the day, learn and enjoy!

A year after graduating university I went to live in Jordan for two years - teaching in Amman - it was life changing in ways nothing else could ever be for me - a wonderful gift - something that has blessed me all my life and LOL given me a great addiction to travel!!

 

[Jonjo]

Anywhere in the world, I'd head over to Japan and take time to visit the Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two of the best Disney parks in the world.

Plus take in the sights of Japan and travel around the country by train which is very easy to do in Japan.

 

[cap'njack.]

Anywhere in the world, I'd head over to Japan and take time to visit the Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two of the best Disney parks in the world.

I second that 100%! Anywhere in the world and it's Tokyo for me everytime. I think you've already ruled out WDW, I wouldn't go there if I'd been 4 times already and was planning on doing the CP there too...I'd go for a once in a lifetime trip, you are so young that you'll have plenty of time for WDW so Europe makes far more sence. Have a look at Tokyo though as that truly could be a once in a lifetime trip and Tokyo Disney Sea has to be the most stunning Disney park ever created

 

[ctl]

If you've never been to Europe then I would definitely do DLP and Paris, but I agree with Carrie Cat , include London as well. You can fly into Heathrow and do London first, then either get the Eurostar train or fly into Paris and do the rest. WDW wil always be there, but it is really hard to get time to fly to Europe once you're out of college.
My DH and I went to Europe for our honeymoon (we were in college) and promised we'd go back again. Our first trip back together will be next spring (24 years later!), work always gets in the way. The US isn't like Europe you can't just take 2 or 3 weeks off unless you are a teacher with summer vacation. So, either Toyko or Paris would absolutely be better.

 

[zavandor]

How many days have you planned for DLP in your budget?
You might plan even just one day in DLP and use the rest of your budget for Paris or add another country in Europe (as you can immagine, I would support adding some time in Italy )

One day in DLP for a WDW expert is enough to enjoy all the different attractions, above all if you don't choose a high crowds day.

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

Not a teen, but close, i'm 21!

Considering you've been to WDW before and will be spending time there during the program, I say go to Paris!

I went to Paris & DLP a couple of weeks ago & it's amazing! I think you'll enjoy it!

DLP is small but it's still a lovely park

 

[theffaddict]

OK so WDW is out of the question now. I'll have time to do that some other time in my life. Now I have to decide between Tokyo and Paris. Tokyo has the better Disney parks, but Paris has the more substantial landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower. Also, I feel as if Paris is more adjustable to English speakers like myself and my family than Japan is, which is a huge factor for me.

I know a lot of what Japan is known for is shopping, not history, and I enjoy history a lot more. Those of you who favor Tokyo/Japan over Paris/France, what makes you think that? I feel like Tokyo is just a big city like NYC and nothing all that special. Can you make me change my mind? Still leaning towards Paris for the city,not Disney, right now, but doing plenty of research still. I could use your guys help!

 

[Jonjo]

Experiencing Japanese culture, the temples and shrines, the history, food and festivals.

Japan has some fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit. The Byōdō Buddhist temple in Uji in Kyoto Prefecture which was built in 998 is a must if your into history.

And it's two Disney parks are the best ever built, so far. Who knows what Shanghai Disneyland will bring us.

A trip to Japan would be a once in a life time experiance for you.

 

[theffaddict]

A trip to Japan would be a once in a life time experiance for you.

But so would a trip to Paris, no?

 

[Aulika]

I am 24 year old and soon out of college. I would say take a trip abroad. I was lucky enough to spend a semester studying in UT Austin last fall and during that time went to WdW twice ( both time as a solo for 3 days and 5 days). I enjoyed traveling very much.
In the grand scheme of things, 500 dollars is not that much, Get a part time job and earn it. DLRP is nice but one day there is enough if you short on time.
Have fun planning !

 

[MazdaUK]

I think Japan is more expensive, so you'd be mroe likely to afford Europe later I agree with others, if you like History you should think about London as well for part of the time. There is also a Disney cruise which leaves from Dover - ArizonaRita went on that one a couple of years ago and loved it, it might be a good way of combining your Disney fix with some time in several European countries (I think it went to Berlin and along that coast up to St Petersburg in Russia).

If you are spending any time in France I do recommend practising a few words of french for politeness - it goes a long way with the French! Also look at menus so you know what you're getting

 

[theffaddict]

I've only got about 9 days.. How would you spend it if you're going to Paris, DLP, Versailles for a day, and London? Take into account the travel time? I think it would be better to choose one now and then comeback later and do the other. I plan to backpack Europe for a few weeks in college one summer if I have the money.

 

[MazdaUK]

Eurostar London to Paris is only a little over 2 hours. If you ahve 9 days I would:

Fly into London.
3 days somewhere central (try to arrive early am) - Park Plaza Hotel near Waterloo often has good deals, and is a good chain - see Tower of London early to beat crowds, do a combined London Eye/Duck Tours amphibious tour to get a good idea of the layout and to see the main sights round Westminster.

Next couple of days do whatever you want in London, try to have a proper afternoon tea (Fortnum and Mason is good value, and not as crowded as the Ritz). Being a teen I expect you'll want to go to Oxford St for shopping - Top Shop at Oxford Circus is your best bet for good, inexpensive fashion items.

Eurostar to Paris - if you get a train about 8.30 am you'll be there lunchtime local time. 3 days sightseeing around Paris and Versailles - remember the Louvre and Notre Dame as well as the Eiffel Tower (the river boats a re a nice way to see a lot).

Local train (RER) to Disney - if you can afford it stay on site at one of the hotels. Otherwise there are lots of other options for less money, including "apparthotels" - where you basically get a small suite including kitchenette, but its cheaper than a hotel as you don't get daily maid service. We enjoyed Residhome but there are lots of options. You can do DLRP in 2 full (packed) days, but if you want to lso enjoy any amneities in your hotel (like a pool ) 3 nights is good.

Fly home from Charles de gaulle (about 45 mins from Disney).

How about that? Only a rough plan.

ETA: check your local library for the Dorling Kindersley travel guides for London and Paris - they have great illustrations and walking plans which you might find helpful to get an idea of scale - both London and Paris are bigger than you think, and getting around can take longer than expected!

 

[theffaddict]

Wow sounds like quite the plan. I guess I'll just have to talk to my parents and see. If they approve, then I'll have to look around in book. I've still got about 20 months until my trip.. Which means there is plenty of time to plan! Thanks so much!

 

[theffaddict]

How much do you think it would cost (disregard flight) for trains to Paris, for busses around both paris and london, transportation to Versailles and back, and transportation to Disneyland? I know that's a lot, but per person, how much would you guesstimate all of the transportation on this trip costing?

 

[MazdaUK]

Eurostar to Paris depends on the time of year - can be as low as £80pp, can be closer to £200. Our school vacations start late July, so if you come over when yours start you may get things slightly cheaper - the European vacations are on a sticky at the top, check before you travel to make sure you're not in a busy/expensive time if you can avoid it. Oh, and completely avoid France for Bastille Day weekend (14 July) onwards - very busy everywhere that weekend, and outside Paris a lot of restaurants etc close as peple take their annual vacation (Paris I think is less affected by this). So if you can squeeze into the first two weeks of July you may get a better price than travelling later July/August. However, the european schools (not UK ones) Go back 21 August or thereabouts so some prices may drop then (not Disney as UK schools go back beginning September). For London you can also get a daily pass covering tube and bus for under £10 per person per day - sometimes these include discounts to attractions as well.

Carrie cat can better advise on cost of getting around Paris and to Versailles, but there are all sorts of discounted tickets - like day passes (where you can use all transport all day). From Paris to Disney is I think under 10 euro per person, Val D'Europe (big shopping centre with less expensive accomodation) less than 2 euro pp.

For food prices check the restaurant threads. We found that by eating a lot of breakfast buffet and having a late lunch (table service or buffet) we didn't need a third meal, so it cost no more than getting counter service twice (in fact less!) and we ate better food. If you have accomodation with breakfast included you can eat well even in Disney for 40 euro pp per day (this includes drinks through the day). But there are lots of options to spend less than this, including eating at Earl of Sandwich or even buying food in the railway station!

Finally, you don't need to book DLP as early as you might WDW - especially you don't need to book dining far in advance except maybe for character meals. We booked tables the day before and had no prblem getting late lunch sittings even late July.