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DLRP Trip Report (Long!)
- Thread starter Disneymad
- Start date
MinnieFan
Member
Thanks for the trip report.
We had a problem with our plane out of Dallas on our way to WDW this December too. After they loaded the plane, they decided to change 2 tires. They jacked the plane up and changed them in about 45 minutes to a hour. You think they would check the tires before everybody got on. Oh well, at least our landing was extra smooth.
We had a problem with our plane out of Dallas on our way to WDW this December too. After they loaded the plane, they decided to change 2 tires. They jacked the plane up and changed them in about 45 minutes to a hour. You think they would check the tires before everybody got on. Oh well, at least our landing was extra smooth.
wannabeBelle
Well-Known Member
Hey there!! I Am glad to hear you had a nice time. For those of us who are currency challenged, I looked up the Euro. 1 Euro is equivilent to $1.04 cents American money. Then after that I went back and reread some of the parts where you mentioned money, Well you are right, that is one VERY expensive gameroom!!! Belle
Maria
New Member
"Lovely" trip report!! Thanks!!
I agree with you on the CDG airport! I arrived to it in May 2001 and I was so lost! Very few money exchanges open, amazingly long lines, tons of people, only french spoken at all times and everywhere! I can say a few phrases and understand some French if I read it, but not if spoken loud and fast to me!
The VEA shuttle.... I had to take it to go meet my friend at the "Downtown Disney" station (we had friends working there). Took me a long while to find the stupid big ad with the little font saying "VEA shuttle". Then after going from left to right, I finally spot it in the other side of the road! (by this point I was getting really y). I made it to the other side only to see it leave right in front of me... The next one would arrive 45 minutes later. I ended up arriving to my destination 3 hours after my flight landed.
On the way back, had to fly to and from CDG again... it was packed and it looked like chaos at the gates, but I guess that was normal. *shrugs*
Thanks for the memories of that VEA shuttle ride! I didn´t get to go to DLP at the end, I preferred to go tour some sites of Paris that I had not seen and then took the Eurostar to Milan, while my roommate went there with the other friends. She said it was very nice but we agreed that the prices in the shops in "DD" seemed more expensive than in WDW.
One more thing: did you go swimming?? Wasn´t it too cold??
I agree with you on the CDG airport! I arrived to it in May 2001 and I was so lost! Very few money exchanges open, amazingly long lines, tons of people, only french spoken at all times and everywhere! I can say a few phrases and understand some French if I read it, but not if spoken loud and fast to me!
The VEA shuttle.... I had to take it to go meet my friend at the "Downtown Disney" station (we had friends working there). Took me a long while to find the stupid big ad with the little font saying "VEA shuttle". Then after going from left to right, I finally spot it in the other side of the road! (by this point I was getting really y). I made it to the other side only to see it leave right in front of me... The next one would arrive 45 minutes later. I ended up arriving to my destination 3 hours after my flight landed.
On the way back, had to fly to and from CDG again... it was packed and it looked like chaos at the gates, but I guess that was normal. *shrugs*
Thanks for the memories of that VEA shuttle ride! I didn´t get to go to DLP at the end, I preferred to go tour some sites of Paris that I had not seen and then took the Eurostar to Milan, while my roommate went there with the other friends. She said it was very nice but we agreed that the prices in the shops in "DD" seemed more expensive than in WDW.
One more thing: did you go swimming?? Wasn´t it too cold??
Originally posted by Maria
"Lovely" trip report!! Thanks!!
I agree with you on the CDG airport! I arrived to it in May 2001 and I was so lost! Very few money exchanges open, amazingly long lines, tons of people, only french spoken at all times and everywhere! I can say a few phrases and understand some French if I read it, but not if spoken loud and fast to me!
Agree with both of you. CDG and the VEA is a nightmare, never again for me! Eurostar or car for me
markymark
Well-Known Member
Great report, "mad"
Strange thing is, we were there at DLP, in the Disneyland Hotel at the same time!!!! We arrived on 30th December for 3 nights (and are going back this year!) We too couldn't get Castle Club, so had a "basic" room, which whilst the view wasn't as good as yours, was extremely nice (and bloody huge too!)
We flew with easyjet from Liverpool and so arrived at terminal 3 at CDG, then got a but to T1 the the VEA, which I have to say wasn't that bad, we got it to and from DLP and is cost 56euros for the 2 of us, which I think is about the cost of a 1 way taxi trip, but I guess if there are more of you, then a taxi might be better value.
I absolutely loved the Studios, and thought that there were some great attractions there, particularly noteworthy was Moteurs Action and Cinemagique. I agree it still needs more attractions, but MGM didn't open with that many and has slolwy grown into a great park. But I think a ToT would be a wonderful addition.
The really wierd thing is, that we were in Inventions for New Years Eve dinner too (2nd sitting) it was pricey, but really worth the money. We had originally booked Walts, but after seeing the menu, we decided to try to change and fortunatley managed to get into Inventions. I thought it was brilliant, the food was great, it wasn't too full and our waiter was superb. We did like you and headed out into the park for midnight, and fought our way to the top of Main Street (near the DJ), once the fireworks had finished, we battled through to Phantom Manor ond finished the night on Big Thunder Mountain - all in all one of my best New Years!
Strange thing is, we were there at DLP, in the Disneyland Hotel at the same time!!!! We arrived on 30th December for 3 nights (and are going back this year!) We too couldn't get Castle Club, so had a "basic" room, which whilst the view wasn't as good as yours, was extremely nice (and bloody huge too!)
We flew with easyjet from Liverpool and so arrived at terminal 3 at CDG, then got a but to T1 the the VEA, which I have to say wasn't that bad, we got it to and from DLP and is cost 56euros for the 2 of us, which I think is about the cost of a 1 way taxi trip, but I guess if there are more of you, then a taxi might be better value.
I absolutely loved the Studios, and thought that there were some great attractions there, particularly noteworthy was Moteurs Action and Cinemagique. I agree it still needs more attractions, but MGM didn't open with that many and has slolwy grown into a great park. But I think a ToT would be a wonderful addition.
The really wierd thing is, that we were in Inventions for New Years Eve dinner too (2nd sitting) it was pricey, but really worth the money. We had originally booked Walts, but after seeing the menu, we decided to try to change and fortunatley managed to get into Inventions. I thought it was brilliant, the food was great, it wasn't too full and our waiter was superb. We did like you and headed out into the park for midnight, and fought our way to the top of Main Street (near the DJ), once the fireworks had finished, we battled through to Phantom Manor ond finished the night on Big Thunder Mountain - all in all one of my best New Years!
BRER STITCH
Well-Known Member
AWESOME REPORT!
Thanks for sharing your trip!
I read with much interest, as I am going to DLP in September this year (2003) and have no idea what to expect.
Coming from the US, the only choice is to fly. The tales of condtions at CDG in Paris have me a bit nervous now!
Does it make any sense to fly into London or Barcelona or any other airport and then take a train to DLP to avoid any problems at the airport?
Right now, plans call for a flight to Paris and visit to DLP, and then a return trip from Barcelona after a Mediterranean cruise.
Friends say that it soo much to do in less than 2 weeks, but it may be my only trip to Europe and I really want to see DLP in addition to the week-long cruise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks for sharing your trip!
I read with much interest, as I am going to DLP in September this year (2003) and have no idea what to expect.
Coming from the US, the only choice is to fly. The tales of condtions at CDG in Paris have me a bit nervous now!
Does it make any sense to fly into London or Barcelona or any other airport and then take a train to DLP to avoid any problems at the airport?
Right now, plans call for a flight to Paris and visit to DLP, and then a return trip from Barcelona after a Mediterranean cruise.
Friends say that it soo much to do in less than 2 weeks, but it may be my only trip to Europe and I really want to see DLP in addition to the week-long cruise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Maria
New Member
Originally posted by BRER STITCH
AWESOME REPORT!
Thanks for sharing your trip!
I read with much interest, as I am going to DLP in September this year (2003) and have no idea what to expect.
Coming from the US, the only choice is to fly. The tales of condtions at CDG in Paris have me a bit nervous now!
Does it make any sense to fly into London or Barcelona or any other airport and then take a train to DLP to avoid any problems at the airport?
Right now, plans call for a flight to Paris and visit to DLP, and then a return trip from Barcelona after a Mediterranean cruise.
Friends say that it soo much to do in less than 2 weeks, but it may be my only trip to Europe and I really want to see DLP in addition to the week-long cruise.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
I don´t think you should avoid CDG. When you are in a tight schedule, I think it is better to avoid the travelling times the most possible. You´ll be fine, just take your precautions. :animwink: I would also recommend you to take a carry on with you. I saw a guy arrive to Paris and his luggage didn´t. If it´s on the way back, I don´t care that much, I´m already home... but at arrival... it´s a nightmare!
I did Paris in 4 or so days, but we did it in a very leisured pace. I wish I have gone to more places. I am sure you will do more because you will have time to relax in the cruise. By the way, where is it going? Sounds like a nice vacation!
May I suggest you to check this link? It´s Alberrisford´s Travel Forums. They might be helpful to plan your vacation to Europe! :animwink: http://www.alex-berrisford.com/forums/index.php
Thanks for all of your replies!
Maria:
Sorry to hear about your problems with the VEA shuttle, luckily when we arrived at the shuttle departure area a bus had just pulled up, so we didn't have to wait for too long. The Disneyland Hotels swimming pool was luckily heated and very warm - if it wasn't heated or was outside there would have been no chance of us going swimming, it was very cold in Paris!
Wdwmagic:
I agree, we will NEVER fly to Paris again! I ams o happy that the chunnel was built!
Markymark:
Hope you had a lovely time at the hotel as well, it's a beautiful place to stay. I agree about the rooms - they were massive! I agree - The stunt show spectacular was great, wasn't it?! We must have seen you at Inventions on New Years Eve, we were also at the second sitting!
Brer Stitch:
Unless you are actually planning on visiting London, then I wouldn't bother taking a flight there and then the chunnel, it would just mean extra costs and travel time. The Meditteranean Cruise sounds wonderful, I hope that you will enjoy seeing some of Europe, we love visiting America!
If you need any other help I would love to help! Where are you staying? How long will you be in Paris/DLParis?
Thanks Again!
Maria:
Sorry to hear about your problems with the VEA shuttle, luckily when we arrived at the shuttle departure area a bus had just pulled up, so we didn't have to wait for too long. The Disneyland Hotels swimming pool was luckily heated and very warm - if it wasn't heated or was outside there would have been no chance of us going swimming, it was very cold in Paris!
Wdwmagic:
I agree, we will NEVER fly to Paris again! I ams o happy that the chunnel was built!
Markymark:
Hope you had a lovely time at the hotel as well, it's a beautiful place to stay. I agree about the rooms - they were massive! I agree - The stunt show spectacular was great, wasn't it?! We must have seen you at Inventions on New Years Eve, we were also at the second sitting!
Brer Stitch:
Unless you are actually planning on visiting London, then I wouldn't bother taking a flight there and then the chunnel, it would just mean extra costs and travel time. The Meditteranean Cruise sounds wonderful, I hope that you will enjoy seeing some of Europe, we love visiting America!
If you need any other help I would love to help! Where are you staying? How long will you be in Paris/DLParis?
Thanks Again!
kvan
New Member
to BRER STITCH
BRER STITCH
You could try to fly to Brussels, and take a train to Paris,
Last year we did it with our car, my parents live in Belgium and it took us 2.30 hours,
If you drive, be careful, there are a lot of police controls, (ask my husband lol)
I liver near Barcelona, and from my place to Paris it’s about 1000 km drive with the car,
There is a train leaving every night and arriving at Paris in the morning,
If you would like more information I’ll ask my brother in law, he always takes that one,
Or you may find information in any travel agency here,
disneymad,
very nice trip report thanks
BRER STITCH
You could try to fly to Brussels, and take a train to Paris,
Last year we did it with our car, my parents live in Belgium and it took us 2.30 hours,
If you drive, be careful, there are a lot of police controls, (ask my husband lol)
I liver near Barcelona, and from my place to Paris it’s about 1000 km drive with the car,
There is a train leaving every night and arriving at Paris in the morning,
If you would like more information I’ll ask my brother in law, he always takes that one,
Or you may find information in any travel agency here,
disneymad,
very nice trip report thanks
BRER STITCH
Well-Known Member
Thanks DIsneyMad and KVAN!
DISNEYMAD: I emailed you with a follow-up question.
KVAN: Thanks! I never thought of that option. My cruise actually leaves from Barcelona and we are trying to figure out how to arrange the travel. (IE. Fly into Paris, then fly to Barcelona for the cruise and then back to USA from there.....or Fly to Barcelona, take the train or fly to Paris and back.....etc).
I would appreciate any info you have on the train. You can email it to me if you like. Looks like I'll be off to see my travel agent next week!
WOOHOO! :sohappy:
DISNEYMAD: I emailed you with a follow-up question.
KVAN: Thanks! I never thought of that option. My cruise actually leaves from Barcelona and we are trying to figure out how to arrange the travel. (IE. Fly into Paris, then fly to Barcelona for the cruise and then back to USA from there.....or Fly to Barcelona, take the train or fly to Paris and back.....etc).
I would appreciate any info you have on the train. You can email it to me if you like. Looks like I'll be off to see my travel agent next week!
WOOHOO! :sohappy:
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
Disneymad
If you ignore the fact that the weather is so much better in Florida - how does DLP compare to WDW ?
If you ignore the fact that the weather is so much better in Florida - how does DLP compare to WDW ?
Brer Stitch: I have emailed you
Captain Hook:
Apart from the weather fact, In my opinion DLRP is much more beauitful and has been themed with much more care and hard work. Disneyland Paris' Castle has to be the best out of them all, and the underground dragons lair of the castle is also a nice themed touch. Also, a lot of Disneyland Paris' rides are better than their WDW/DCA counterparts, specificaly: Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain (by far), Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, etc.
Also, I like the fact that at DLRP everything is close together and within a short walk from each other. The hotels are very close to the parks and the MK and Disney Studios are virtually dead opposite each other. This is a great bonus, especially with children. However, as DLRP is not that big yet it is only really a trip worthy of a few nights (3/4/5) Longer trips would be much better at WDW, with 2 extra theme parks, water parks, DTD, beaches, hot weather, cheap shopping, etc. If WDW only had Magic Kingdom & MGM, I think I would prefer DLRParis for the theming and better rides, however DLRParis REALLY needs Splash Mountain or another type of water attraction. Just My Opinions
Captain Hook:
Apart from the weather fact, In my opinion DLRP is much more beauitful and has been themed with much more care and hard work. Disneyland Paris' Castle has to be the best out of them all, and the underground dragons lair of the castle is also a nice themed touch. Also, a lot of Disneyland Paris' rides are better than their WDW/DCA counterparts, specificaly: Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain (by far), Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, etc.
Also, I like the fact that at DLRP everything is close together and within a short walk from each other. The hotels are very close to the parks and the MK and Disney Studios are virtually dead opposite each other. This is a great bonus, especially with children. However, as DLRP is not that big yet it is only really a trip worthy of a few nights (3/4/5) Longer trips would be much better at WDW, with 2 extra theme parks, water parks, DTD, beaches, hot weather, cheap shopping, etc. If WDW only had Magic Kingdom & MGM, I think I would prefer DLRParis for the theming and better rides, however DLRParis REALLY needs Splash Mountain or another type of water attraction. Just My Opinions
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the replyOriginally posted by Disneymad
Just My Opinions
504ellamae
New Member
We visited DLP for Halloween 2002.
We stayed On property at the Santa Fe which was O.K.
the parks were good but just seemed to lack that little bit extra that WDW in Florida gives you.
We also found that there is a large amount of queue jumping going on especially by the locals, that the cast members don't seem to care about or try to prevent.
Also the locals that visit the park don't seem to give much regard to anybody else except themselves, pushing and shoving when places are crowded etc.
Sorry to sound a bit of a moaner but maybe Florida spoils you a bit.
We stayed On property at the Santa Fe which was O.K.
the parks were good but just seemed to lack that little bit extra that WDW in Florida gives you.
We also found that there is a large amount of queue jumping going on especially by the locals, that the cast members don't seem to care about or try to prevent.
Also the locals that visit the park don't seem to give much regard to anybody else except themselves, pushing and shoving when places are crowded etc.
Sorry to sound a bit of a moaner but maybe Florida spoils you a bit.
Grumpy56
Member
Thanks so much for the great trip report. I really enjoyed reading it. It is a dream of mine to make another trip over to Europe with my kids. I've been numerous times but not since I had the kids. A couple of days at DLP would be just the thing to entice my son into a few castles, museums and cathedrals!
orangefan15
New Member
Ever gone skiing in Europe? No such thing as a queue. As much as line jumping drives me nuts, I think I've come to accept it as the norm on that side of the pond.