Why are there different rules for US?

[Kaitysmom]

Just wondering why the US can't book with Disneyland Paris at the same time as Europeans? It really doesn't matter that much to me, but I'm really curious. I don't think WDW has the same rules about booking vacations in the US?

 

[disneylandkids]

Just wondering why the US can't book with Disneyland Paris at the same time as Europeans? It really doesn't matter that much to me, but I'm really curious. I don't think WDW has the same rules about booking vacations in the US?

I hadn't hit that glitch, but I did find that I couldn't book Eurostar and Disney Express Service from London through DLP because I'm American...but UK residents could!

 

[bavaria]

I wouldn't really say 'different rules' so much as different types of marketing. US visitors can book room only as well as package rates; the package rates do often differ however based on country of origin.

I've posted a number of suggestions here in past:

- for room only rates use www.expedia.de (easy to navigate even if you don't speak English, and allows non-German addresses and credit cards)

- book train travel at www.sncf.fr and avoid the very high mark up on tickets seen on travel sites which offer European train travel

- buy tickets at the gate or from the Disney store on Champs Elysees

Maybe if you can define the 'different rules' you are encountering we can help you with specific information. I am German but work in the US so try and make the best of both worlds.

 

[Kaitysmom]

The reason I'm asking is that I tried to call and was told, "oh, you're from the US... you'll have to call back in a couple months." I know that other countries were allowed to book rooms. It wasn't even offered to me. It seemed odd.

 

[bavaria]

That's frankly the first time that I have heard that - I know that DLRP has a much shorter booking window than the US parks ie they only open rooms/rates a few months in advance for ALL guests.

If you are looking for room only rates, www.expedia.de is a good source; for package rates visit the official website. If you are looking for rates on the website, change the country from US to UK and see if that makes any difference.

I know that DLRP DOES offer different discounts on packages based on country of origin; this is a marketing effort to target guests in different countries at different times of the year.

 

[Kaitysmom]

Hmmm.... I tried calling a year in advance and was told to call back in January. In October I did check the UK site and the packages were there. I called them up and was told that I could not book a room as I was from the US. When I asked why, I was told that they didn't know but that was the way it was.

 

[disneylandkids]

Hmmm.... I tried calling a year in advance and was told to call back in January. In October I did check the UK site and the packages were there. I called them up and was told that I could not book a room as I was from the US. When I asked why, I was told that they didn't know but that was the way it was.

If you're gonna call overseas for bookings, I'd highly recommend getting a discount calling plan first. I found PennyTalk, which charges 49 cents to connect and then 2 cents/minute. MUCH better than our home plan! YMMV, of course.

 

[nbodyhome]

We have Vonage, and can call France and England (most places, anyway) for free. I used to use a calling card, which was usually a good deal too.

 

[bavaria]

Hmmm.... I tried calling a year in advance and was told to call back in January. In October I did check the UK site and the packages were there. I called them up and was told that I could not book a room as I was from the US. When I asked why, I was told that they didn't know but that was the way it was.

I don't think that anyone here can book a year in advance. Until middle of 2006 one could only book for a few months in advance. I really don't think that it does have to do with being in the US but rather time frame.

I just went on the UK site and cannot book Dec 22 2007 (but can book Oct 22 2007) I then changed country to 'US' and was able to book Oct 22 2007 but not Dec 22 2007 - ie I could book the exact same dates.

Again, DLRP does NOT offer dates as far in advance as WDW to any traveller, regardless of country of origin.

 

[Kaitysmom]

Oh well - I guess there is no real reason for it. Still seems odd that UK was booking in October but US had to wait until January... I was surprised that they don't take bookings a year in advance since at WDW they take dinner show ressies two years in advance. I'm all set though - got pretty much what I wanted so now all I have to do is wait for summer to get here.