A little help from our UK friends, please

[Tiggerfanatic]

Norhern Ireland, to be exact. My daughter will be attending Queens University next srping, and I'm planning a trip over to visit, probably sometime in March 2010. It makes sense to me, that since I'll be over on that side of the pond anyway to plan a trip to Disneyland Paris. I'm looking for advice on the best way to get there, how many days should I plan for, how much to budget, etc. Any and all help would be appreciated.

 

[Mukta]

I went to DLP in April of this year. 3 days was the perfect amount for me. One day at each park and then one last day for repeats.
My 3 day park hopper ticket was 139 Euro.
I stayed at a Disney affiliated hotel for 100 Euro a night. It included free transporation to and from the parks and a breakfast buffet.
I cna't help you with the rest since I am from the US.

 

[heliumalias]

From NI it's probably best to fly to Paris then get the train to DP (there's a station literally at DP). To go any other way would involve flying then getting a train then a ferry/eurostar etc. Then you could catch a direct flight from Paris back to the US when you're done. I'll be honest though. It'll take a fair bit of effort, costing a lot and getting back very little. DP really isn't worth it IMO. It's different if you were visiting your child in, say, London because the travel would be a lot easier and cheaper.

 

[Philo]

To get from Norther Ireland to DLP it will take some time. I suggest that you either fly to Paris and use the shuttles or fly to london and look at using the EuroStar train which will take you to paris or, if you get the right train, right in to the Disney Village.

The length of stay depends on when your visiting. The park hours are pretty short so plan accordingly. My first trip was 3 nights, 4 days during a very quiet February and I could of happily spent another day in the park although I could have done everything in two. Based on that, 3 days should be fine.

I would also suggest staying in the Disney Hotels. They are nice and with the exception of the the Ranch and one of the 'value' resorts, all of them are no more than a 10 minute walk to the parks (Remember that the two parks and Disney Village) are right next to each other. The park is pretty expensive though, a few nights in a Hotel in DLP can (and often does) cost more than it would for me to fly to Florida and stay in a WDW hotel.

Breakfast is included with the Hotel and it's usually pretty good. Other food options are a little limited compared with WDW (Disney Village doens't have a lot of options).

The parks themselves are great. If you know a little French, it might help to brush up a little but it's certainly not required. Many of the attractions (IMO) are better than their counterparts at WDW or DL and there are several attractions you won't find anywhere else - neraly all of which are worth checking out. Big highlights are BTMRR and Space Mountain although pretty much everything is done very well.

Hope that get's you started.

 

[sueuk]

I agree that 4 days/ 3 nights is a good length of time to see everything. If you visit DLPs own website you will find the 'buy 2 nights get 1 night free' offers. This includes hotel and breakfast, and park hopper tickets for your length of stay. I can't help with flights from Ireland. When you get to Charles de Gaulle airport, there is a Disney shuttle bus that leaves regularly and takes you directly to your hotel (pay onboard). Check out Jack Spence's DLP blog on Allears - it's very good.

 

[Sparkles]

There's two options (in my opinion!!)

The Scenic route!! -
If you have made the effort to come all this way, then I suggest you take a trip to Dublin, fly from there to Cardiff in Wales (you get a shuttle bus to the train station) and get a Train to London, (This way you get to see some of the wonderful UK sights from the train!!! :sohappy Then you get the London underground (Tube) to St Pancras International and then get a train Direct into the heart of Disney Land Paris!!

Wow by the time you get there you'll be too tiered for the rides!!!!

or....

The Easy way!!-
Fly to Paris from NI then train it to DLP!

You REALLY have to want to go to DLP if your gonna get there from NI.

But I think it's worth it!! Space Mountain is Fab!! and pirates of the Caribbean in French is cool too (I think every few rounds in in French!)


Have fun, and best of luck to your Daughter for Uni

:wave:

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

Thanks for all your replies - very helpful. I'm planning being over there for 2 weeks, so should have enough time for 3 days in DLP. I do want to see as much of the UK as I can. DD is also planning on attending Queens for grad school in 2011/12, so I have that option open for another trip, too.

 

[marni1971]

Pretty much all the above. For speed and ease fly to Paris then get the VEA Shuttle bus to your Disney Resort. March will be busy but not mad, but park hours will be short. Remember, SM:M2 is generally a FP must as is ToT, and Crush's Coaster has no FP so hit it at rope drop or sooner.

And if you come near Manchester and fancy a tour, PM me :wave:

 

[Sparkles]

I'm actually planning my Hen weekend at DLP for next year.

Think we will train it in as that's the most fun! You get disney Characters and cast members on the train with you. Lots of fun!!

:sohappy::lol::sohappy:

 

[Kaysavage]

Have a great time!

Although it will take time to get to disneyland Paris I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Why not take one of your days to go into Paris that way you will get to see a little of France not just Disney. It is easy to get to Paris as the train station leads to the entrance of the parks.

Enjoy your visit and good luck to your daughter at Uni

Kay

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Pretty much all the above. For speed and ease fly to Paris then get the VEA Shuttle bus to your Disney Resort. March will be busy but not mad, but park hours will be short. Remember, SM:M2 is generally a FP must as is ToT, and Crush's Coaster has no FP so hit it at rope drop or sooner.

And if you come near Manchester and fancy a tour, PM me :wave:

I will second the VEA Bus (17 euro each way) from CDG as well because it drops you off right at your hotel (assuming that you will stay at a Disney hotel). The train station is midway between Disney Village and Disneyland...a 5 minute walk to either...but if you are carrying luggage...it is a bit of a hike to the hotels.

Hotels are all walking distance to the parks.
I would also go along with three days as plenty.
Enjoy!