How long to spend at DLRP

[KingStefan]

I've been to DLRP, way back in 1997, when it was very different. Didn't have studios then. Not sure what the hotels were like, but certainly not like now. Plus DW was expecting little DD, and we had a 3yo DD in tow, so can't even remember what the thrill rides were like then. I know the main park has expanded considerably.

So, what I'd like to know is, how much time can we spend at DLRP before we exhaust most things we'd like to do?

At WDW we like to spend a minimum of 5 days - prefer doing 10 when we can get away for long enough and can afford it.

If we do DLRP at the same pace as WDW, doing most everything we care to in somewhere between 6-9 days, how many days do we need?

 

[Animaniac93-98]

If you want to do both parks, 4 nights is plenty of time. It's what I did and did not feel rushed.

Your length if stay may be based on what discounts are offered. DLP loves to give extra nights free as an incentive to stay longer as most just go for a day or two.

 

[IWantMyMagicBand]

We usually stay 4 nights. In March, and for next months trip we got the 2 nights free package.
We manage to ride small world a couple of times each day, and split the time equally between both parks. Disney Village is ok, but mainly shops.
One plus that Paris has is that you can walk between the two parks, and also to the hotels (with the exception of Davy Crockett)

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

I would highly recommend going during the week if possible, if you can do week days you can get a lot do in two to three days (not everything but a heck of a lot) if your trip includes weekends, you can write those days off even in the least busy times of the year.

On a recent visit, every attraction was walk on in both parks on the Thursday and Friday, marked as 5 minute wait but you literally spent more time winding through the queue that waiting behind someone. Saturday though, most attractions were minimum of 1 hour and Sunday was even longer waits.

 

[DVCOwner]

I agree with trying to avoid the weekend. We where there on a Friday and Sunday. We walk onto all rides on Friday with little or no wait. Had to wait in long lines for everything on Sunday. We used no FastPass on Friday, but using them after Early Magic Hours on Sunday was the only way to get on anything.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

If you do WDW in 6-9 days, I'd say three days DLP is enough. Four max, but I'd get bored by then.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Has anyone used a DLRP resort as a base of operations, went to the parks, but also took a trip or two during your stay to visit Paris? That's what we're planning to do in June, for 4 days.

Is it easy? Difficult? Do the Disney hotels offer daytrips or tours of Paris, nicely packaged for American families like mine?

Thanks for any wisdom you can give us.

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

I have stayed at Disneyland numerous times and gone in to Paris, you can get (I believe) the RER A train towards Paris which goes from literally outside of the Disney Village. It takes up to about an hour, I would recommend that you go at the Weekend as the Train Tickets are much cheaper than during the weekday.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Thanks for the advice. Are things still open and accessible in Paris on the weekends? I know that some European cities close up during certain days of the week.

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

Yup, you should be more than fine over the weekend in Paris, pretty much everything will be open (you may find shops close earlier on a Sunday afternoon/evening) but in general things will be open.

 

[SyracuseOrange]

Has anyone used a DLRP resort as a base of operations, went to the parks, but also took a trip or two during your stay to visit Paris? That's what we're planning to do in June, for 4 days.

Is it easy? Difficult? Do the Disney hotels offer daytrips or tours of Paris, nicely packaged for American families like mine?

Thanks for any wisdom you can give us.

Depending on the age/activity level of your family, it might actually be smarter to do the opposite - DLRP and the surrounding area shuts down pretty early, (at least early by my standards, but it might be alright for you.) So if Paris were your home-base, you could return from the parks and still have something to do if you had the energy. But TheDisneyMagic is correct about the trains - it's pretty easy to get between central Paris and DLRP, with a train station within a short walk of the parks.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. My family of four can go for a while, but I will have a 7 year old in tow. Being at Disney is reassuring to all of us, and a taste of the city on one of our days, probably a Sunday, would be our energy level. Just the highlights: Eifel Tower, Arc de Triumphe, Notre Dame, and maybe a boat ride on the Seine if we can squeeze it in.

Afterward, we're flying to Barcelona, doing the pre-cruise Barcelona Adventure by Disney, and then the 12 night Mediterranean cruise to Venice. I know, insane. But if I don't do it this year with my son, 15 years old, I may never do it. Credit cards are reaching stratospheric new heights. Ouch.

 

[Bolna]

DLP offfers organised city tours of Paris: http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/pa...around/around-the-resort/exploring-paris.html

Personally I would prefer to do it on my own, but when you are somewhere that is very new to you, these organised tours can be great to give you a first overview.

If there are any museums that are a must do for you, I would check on their website about opening times. Some museums do close one day of the week (often Monday).

 

[Ralphlaw]

Thank you thank you thank you for your help. I was hoping that some Paris tour was offered from DLP, and you helped me find it. Yes, tours can be regimented, but not having to worry may be a very helpful thing. Like I said, we just want to take the kids and see some Paris highlights, and one of these tours should do it.

Thanks again.