Disneyland Paris Experienced Advice Needed

[WDW4Ever]

So I've decided that after Disneyland this summer, the next place I'd like to go is to Disneyland Paris. This, of course, is a few years away so I have time, but after doing my initial research I am definitely going to stay on property (who wouldn't) and I'm considering the Disneyland Paris Hotel. But at £300/night, that's definitely not guaranteed. So here's my initial thoughts:

Disneyland: A solid three days. There's quite a bit there that is at neither coast that I definitely want to see. And I'm a looker as much as I am a do-er and I do not commando it.

Walt Disney Studios Park: A solid day-and-a-half. To me, it seems as if there's more to see there than there is to do there. I'd definitely spend most of my time looking than doing there.

Resorts: As I said, I'm an explorer and everything there seems quite close to each other. And if I'm going abroad, I'm looking at everything while I'm there. Maybe a day to see all the resorts? I don't know.



So that puts me up to 5 1/2 days. Call it 6 for arguments sake. Is that appropriate or am I flawed anywhere in my day count for anyone that has been there before?

How far away from Paris and all the other sights of Paris is Disneyland? I'd like to visit some other places as well.

Thanks for any help out there!

[petals3485]

I can't remember exactly how far away Paris is I know it's a good distance but there is a train or metro station outside Disney Village from what I remember that goes into Paris if you want to go there.

[20K]

I find myself in the same boat, so will be following this with interest

[WDW4Ever]

I find myself in the same boat, so will be following this with interest

Glad to hear it! No lie, one of the main reasons I want to go is to see Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant.

I think I would probably start out with a week of seeing Paris and then go to Disneyland Paris. What airport is the easiest to get to Disneyland from?

[20K]

Glad to hear it! No lie, one of the main reasons I want to go is to see Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant.

Fair enough! I really want to see the Parisian version of Pirates, probably even more eager for that than I am for Phantom Manor. I am also interested to see what their Swiss Family Treehouse is like; it's a nostalgic favourite of mine at the Magic Kingdom. And... of course... I'm saving up lots and lots of DV and memory card space for the Nautilus walk-through... as surprising as that may be!

What airport is the easiest to get to Disneyland from?

No idea, I have yet to begin researching it!

[Pigeon]

I will be there in May, I have been reading as much as possible to get ready. Its officially a "Paris" trip, with only two days at Disney, so I want to be able to do as much as possible. I will let you know how it goes!

[Pigeon]

What airport is the easiest to get to Disneyland from?

I seem to recall that CDG is easiest. I think its only one, maybe two train rides to the property from there.

[petals3485]

If you look at Beauvais airport website they say they have a shuttle bus to take you from the airport to disney hotels for 25 euro each way.

[WDW4Ever]

Thanks for the great help so far, all! Pigeon, I expect a full trip report with tips!

I must say that DLP's website has great information about the parks themselves, but not much as far as travel help goes.

[Pigeon]

Pigeon, I expect a full trip report with tips!

You got it! I think we'll probably do two days there, I'm not sure if we'll hit up the Studios though. My parents and sister will be in Paris for a month, but I only get 11 days (conflict with work). So I'll make sure to bring back lots of photos and lots and lots of tips!

[missbounce]

I think from memory, hubby and I had about a 30 minute train journey from Marne La Vallee (Disneyland train station) to Paris.

[WDW4Ever]

From your past experiences and knowledge, what is peak time and what is slow time for Paris and accompanying area?

[missbounce]

We found the first week of January to be a really nice time to visit as it's still all Christmassy and the queues are pretty short as most people are back to school/work after the holidays. Wrap up warm though as it can get mighty chilly!! November was also fairly easy going on crowds. We went in May for my 30th birthday a few years ago and whilst we had a fab time, the crowds were pretty crazy, so probably would avoid peak/summer if it was an option.

[WDW4Ever]

Oh my gosh, I'm so excited, but I know it is still years off haha!

[rjbarker]

My husband and I spent a week in Paris in August 2009. We spent one day visiting both Disneyland Paris parks. With 5 days you'll have more than enough time. In my and my husband's opinion, the rides and landscaping at DLP is better and more beautiful than that of Disneyland and WDW.

But the experience is very different, so much so that one day was enough for us - we did everything and headed back to the city even before the parks closed. What we love about Disney parks is the almost-perfect experience you can expect - outstanding customer service, operational efficiency, and the enforcement of rules that keep order (e.g. no line-cutting, don't sit on fences, etc). We did not find this at DLP! We arrived right when DLP opened to find no less than 3 rides down, and more went down throughout the day. Customer service was NOT good, just the unfriendly service we encountered throughout Paris. No sitting on the fences? Forget it, people were past the fences and sunbathing on the fenced-in grass and washing their feet in the water fountains. Line cutting was rampant! Guests at those parks will squeeze them, and their 5 family members, through any opening in line and not think twice about it. Also, guests there do not understand the concept of FastPass - we found ourselves barely able to reach the FastPass return opening, and got shoved and yelled at in the process, because large groups of people were surrounding it not understanding why they couldn't go in the line and we could. Also, people will smoke cigarettes in line, right in front of you - not something I've experienced before.

Overall, DLP is BEAUTIFUL and the rides are fantastic (don't miss Crush's Coaster!). But if you're like me and love "Disney perfection," go in understanding that it's different, or you may find yourself upset and cutting your trip short, like we did.

Btw, the train between Paris and DLP takes about 40 minutes. Really easy.