Disneyland Paris trip planning - March / April 2011

[aspen_snow04]

Hello everyone!!

I'm beginning the perilous planning of a trip to DL Paris. I'll be spending 1 day, possibly 2, with my (now) fiance for our honeymoon. I've had the luxury of traveling internationally (and to France specifically) at length, but this will be my fiance's first trip oversees. We'll be spending 3 or so weeks overseas and since she is an AVID Disney fan, DL Paris is a must. I want to make sure it's a fantastic experience for her.... So.... I need some advice!!

1. What rides and attractions are MUST sees? (We spend alot of time in DL but very little in WDW).
2. Best places to eat (snacks and sit down meals - fancy, sit down is fine for a splurge).
3. Are the ride instructions given only in French or do they announce in English (or another language as well - as DL does in both English and Spanish).
4. Anything else we should know as tourists?

Thank you so, so much in advance!

Sabrina.

[Bethan]

1. What rides and attractions are MUST sees? (We spend alot of time in DL but very little in WDW).
Crush's coaster, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones are musts. I think these are the key ones that are different from the US versions.
2. Best places to eat (snacks and sit down meals - fancy, sit down is fine for a splurge).
Cafe Mickey, or for a real splurge go for Buffalo Bills Wild West show!
3. Are the ride instructions given only in French or do they announce in English (or another language as well - as DL does in both English and Spanish).
I can't remember, but I never had any problems speaking English and very rough French.
4. Anything else we should know as tourists?
Take a poncho. Nothing else unless you're looking to go into Paris too?

---------- Post added at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 PM ----------

p.s I looked into going next March for the weekend. It's about £400/$600 for 2 of us so it's a big maybe. We might look at May instead.

Oh, and the English school holidays are from around the 9th April, so I'd look to avoid DLRP then as it will be busy for 2 weeks.

[aspen_snow04]

Amazing. Thank you. I checked UK holidays with a UK friend of mine, but I def. appreciate the reminder.

We will be spending time in Paris as well, and staying in Paris. I doubt we will stay @ the DL Paris hotel, more than likely we will just travel to DL via the RERA4 (per the DL Paris website). Is this the best way? Hotels haven't been booked yet. We are in the VERY beginning stages.

Random food question - Do you guys have Dole Whips or any of the DL/ WDW specialty treats? Do you guys have an exclusive treat from a street cart /vendor - similar to our churros, popcorn, etc?

Thank you again... this is already SUPER helpful!!

[Miss_Behavin]

Hello everyone!!

I'm beginning the perilous planning of a trip to DL Paris. I'll be spending 1 day, possibly 2, with my (now) fiance for our honeymoon. I've had the luxury of traveling internationally (and to France specifically) at length, but this will be my fiance's first trip oversees. We'll be spending 3 or so weeks overseas and since she is an AVID Disney fan, DL Paris is a must. I want to make sure it's a fantastic experience for her.... So.... I need some advice!!

1. What rides and attractions are MUST sees? (We spend alot of time in DL but very little in WDW).
2. Best places to eat (snacks and sit down meals - fancy, sit down is fine for a splurge).
3. Are the ride instructions given only in French or do they announce in English (or another language as well - as DL does in both English and Spanish).
4. Anything else we should know as tourists?

Thank you so, so much in advance!

Sabrina.

1. I think Phantom Manor is different from the USA one, i don't really know, haven't been there myself. And Big Thunder Mountain is really awesome, definately do that one . As for Crush's Coaster (In the Studio's park) it's usually the one with the longest waiting time (from 60-90 minutes) so my tip would be to try and do that one early.

2. I really love Silver Spur Steakhouse, not very expensive, good sit-down meals, great meat cooked on actual fire.

3. Nearly everything written in the parks is both in French and English. The announcements even in a few other European languages. Every employee understands basic english

4. I'm not really sure... Poncho is a good tip though. And weekdays are always the least busy. I've experienced Sundays to be the busiest days.

---------- Post added at 08:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 PM ----------

Amazing. Thank you. I checked UK holidays with a UK friend of mine, but I def. appreciate the reminder.

We will be spending time in Paris as well, and staying in Paris. I doubt we will stay @ the DL Paris hotel, more than likely we will just travel to DL via the RERA4 (per the DL Paris website). Is this the best way? Hotels haven't been booked yet. We are in the VERY beginning stages.

Random food question - Do you guys have Dole Whips or any of the DL/ WDW specialty treats? Do you guys have an exclusive treat from a street cart /vendor - similar to our churros, popcorn, etc?

Thank you again... this is already SUPER helpful!!

Travelling by train from paris to DL is a good choice. It would probably take you about 40-50 minutes. If you decide to find a hotel near the park, let me know. As we have an annual pass and usually go there for at least one night, i might be able to help you pick one.

No, no Dole Whips. Mostly tipical French foods ( Croque Monsieur's, Crêpes..) But Popcorn and Churros are available. Popcorn on the streets and Churros in Fuente del Oro restaurant...

I actually have some park guides (in English) that are valid from april to november this year. If you'd like, i can send you one, maybe it could help planning your trip . Just send me a PM!!

I like being able to actually say something about a park that i actually know something about on here for a change

[tigger for 4]

our money isn't worth much there, but if you use your charge cards you will get a better exchange rate than if you use cash.

---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 PM ----------

Hi Miss _Behavin its always nice to see you on the boards, do you ever sleep????

[Annvds]

@aspen_snow04 : cool that you're coming to DLP.

Most of the things are already answered.
The RER4 is the best way to come to the park if you're staying in Paris. The last station is right at the entrance of DLP.

If you know the exact day of your visit I could probably arrange for you a reduction on your entrance tickets (annual pass + shareholders club) and if you might decide to stay in one of the Disney hotels also on the room rate.

The most crowded period in March/April is during the Eastern Holidays (April 11th - 24th).

[aspen_snow04]

@aspen_snow04 : cool that you're coming to DLP.

Most of the things are already answered.
The RER4 is the best way to come to the park if you're staying in Paris. The last station is right at the entrance of DLP.

If you know the exact day of your visit I could probably arrange for you a reduction on your entrance tickets (annual pass + shareholders club) and if you might decide to stay in one of the Disney hotels also on the room rate.

The most crowded period in March/April is during the Eastern Holidays (April 11th - 24th).

OMG. That's so gracious of you. I will tell you as soon as possible when I will be headed to the park. We are just beginning the planning stages so when we narrow down our days in France, I will give you a heads up. Again, that is so kind of you.

I'll def be charging most things. AMEX always offers great exchange rates plus I don't like to travel with a substantial amount of cash anyway (foreign or domestic travel).

[jenn]

That's awesome that you're going! We are planning a trip too at the end of May and beginning of June. (We are going to take a train from Nice b/c we are planning on going to Monaco GP)

Please let us know how the trip goes! I'll keep an eye on your thread instead of starting my own to get tips!

[Pixel]

Everyone's going to DLRP!
And thanks for the tips everyone, good to hear about Pirates Of The Caribbean - I didn't know if there was a version in Disneyland Paris!

[Bethan]

That's awesome that you're going! We are planning a trip too at the end of May and beginning of June. (We are going to take a train from Nice b/c we are planning on going to Monaco GP)

Please let us know how the trip goes! I'll keep an eye on your thread instead of starting my own to get tips!

I'm very jealous! I've heard it's a wonderful very high class event. Dresses and hats all round! I'll look out for you on the TV hehe.

[disneylover1955]

Definitely do:
Space Mountain (#1 Must do for Disneyland Paris)
Indiana Jones
Crush's Coaster
Rock n Roller Coaster
Toy Story Playland
Big Thunder (definitely different from the U.S. parks)
Casey Jr and Story Book Canal (also different from Disneyland California's)
Star Tours (One of two originals left)
Backlot Tram Tour
Phantom Manor

Ughhh there is so much to do there! Have a great trip!

[jenn]

I'm very jealous! I've heard it's a wonderful very high class event. Dresses and hats all round! I'll look out for you on the TV hehe.

I'll be the one who looks out of place then! maybe I'll wear my vinylmation ears so you can find me!

[pdao001]

I went there last summer!

Definitely try the Crush'S coaster!!!! It's on the walt Disney studios park I believe

[disneylover1955]

I went there last summer!

Definitely try the Crush'S coaster!!!! It's on the walt Disney studios park I believe

Yeah! Definitely a must do ride!

[aspen_snow04]

Thanks guys!! I'm getting super excited with all the 'insider info' hehe.

[clement]

regarding the rides :
Start in the Studios : Crush Coasters (first thing in the morning) - then the Toy Story Playland that just opened....then go to Disneyland park with Space mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Indiana Jones.
Don't miss the Parade.
Don't forget about the Fastpass tickets.. (especially if you want to do again Big Thunder Mountain....very popular)
(Story Book canal is sometimes closed at this time of year)
If there is a long line at Phantom Manor, just wait before park's closure you can usually do it very quicky then......and the same goes for Space Mountain....
I also like the Buzz Lightyear attraction.... it's a bit different than in the USA.... just if you wanna rest a bit.....