Eurodisney - worth a trip?

livsmum · 21 March 2005 at 10:31PM

My husband & I are thinking of taking our daughter to Disney in Paris, but I have heard conflicting reports.

Some have said it's great and they had a good time, others say it's vastly over priced and has no atmosphere compared to the USA.

Can anyone offer some advice? We figured it would be cheaper than Florida, but now not so sure!

Thanks!

chasa · 21 March 2005 at 11:12PM

disney was fantastic we took our four kids and had a great day. there is a really good french youth hostel type place 5 mins from the park great base if you are driving. we got there ready to go and didnt have far to travel when the kids were shattered at the end. the hostel has en-suit facilities and family rooms have a double and a single.

http://www.trav.com/wri/property.php?HostelNumber=5872

this is the hotel webpage easy to book clean cheap and close to disney.
chasa

modgit · 21 March 2005 at 11:19PM

We've been to Paris 5 times in three years with our now 7 and 4 year old boys, and we're off again next week, and think it's wonderful.
No, it's not Florida, but i think ideal for first timers, and those wanting to avoid 10 hours flight time!

You can get there cheaper than most travel agents suggest, but you're probably right, on a day for day basis there's not much difference in pricing between florida and paris. If you pick your times right at paris, there's always extra nights for free and have learnt that it doesnt really matter what hotel you stay in as you literally only sleep there.

Could go on for ever about the place. Feel free to ask any more questions

don9999 · 21 March 2005 at 11:26PM

If you do a search for Eurodisney on here, you'll find lots of other threads about Eurodisney. I, myself, have added to many threads on the topic.

In summary, I have been to Eurodisney twice - once with a single daughter of 4; and again with three kids aged 6, 2 and a baby. Both trips were excellent, although they were both in early December. That meant you had the brilliant Christmas atmosphere, but...it was bitterly cold (around -3 degrees usually.)

All kids had a brilliant time, so I can definitely recommend a trip at Christmas time. We also stayed at an on-site disney hotel, which adds to the Christmas atmosphere - there're great deals for early December if you look for them.

One other piece of advice which applied when we went, but I don't know if it applies at other times of the year. Don't bother going on a weekend! We were there for three week-days and the weekend. The weekdays were brilliant - lots of people, which made the atmosphere lovely, yet not too many, so we never queued for more than about 5-10 minutes even on the most popular rides. Some rides such as 'Its a small world' we just stayed on for about 7 or 8 trips at a time - the kid's favourite ride of course!

On the weekend, it changed dramatically. The park was heaving! We queued for a couple of rides, and each took around 1.5 hours! It took over an hour to get on the 'It's a small world' ride! We didn't bother with much, and left early.

I'm assuming it's the same throughout the year, with local Parisians coming in on the weekend; but I expect its the same for any French school-holidays. In my opinion it just isn't worth it when there's that many people there.

So....my suggestion...wait till the end of the year, wrap up warm, and go in December. Excelletn atmosphere, see Father Christmas, see snow, and get on lots of rides with no waiting!

Cheers,
Don

Poppy9 · 21 March 2005 at 11:39PM

We were going to go to Eurodisney but after looking at the prices we decided it was better value to go to Florida. We went in March and the weather was fabulous. No queuing for rides, water parks open and of course the wonderful Universal studios and Seaworld. Disney was lovely but personally there is only so much Disney I can take. It cost us double to go to Florida but we did have 2 weeks there as opposed to 5 nights in Euro. Also the exchange rate is so good we could all have lunch in Disney for less than £10.

livsmum · 22 March 2005 at 12:16AM

Thanks for your help.

Our daughter will be 3 when we go - is that too young?
I want her to be captured by the magic of all the characters & stuff but my husband thinks it might be too early for her & she won't get that much fun out of it.

I like the idea of the train rather than a plane - anyone got any money saving tips for this cos I know it's a bit pricey.

saveapenny · 22 March 2005 at 4:36PM

No. 3 is not too young her eyes will be wide open and tthe pleasure you wil get from watching her face when she see's the castle and Mickey is priceless.
I cant wait till I have grand kids so I can do it all over again.
Although have been to florida several times (just adults) and was brillaint fun but different type fun

I just want to add never been to euro Disney Im talking about the REAL Disney

Betty_Boop · 22 March 2005 at 4:55PM

Eurodisney - worth a trip?

No, not even if you paid me!
Rude staff
Too cold
Rude staff
It seems like a "fake" Disney
Rude staff
Long Q's at breakfast
And did I mention rude staff

(sorry to all of those who enjoyed it - it's just my opinion)

don9999 · 22 March 2005 at 5:15PM

Livsmum,
In my opinion, 3 years old is a great age.

I went when No.1 was 4 years old, and again when No.2 was 2 years old. Both children had a great time. They'll love it when they get to see and meet the characters that they know and like.

Although expensive, I paid for the character breakfast on the first morning. The kids get to meet ALL the characters up close and personal on a 1-1 basis over an hour period, during breakfast. The following days, were then a matter of enjoying the rides, seeing the performances and meeting the odd character as they come out for a walk during the day.

However, I repeat my earlier comments - it all depends on how busy the park is. I've been on a relatively quiet day (brilliant!) and a busy day (almost a complete waster of time!) I suspect if your only experience is of the latter, you'll come out rather disappointed.

Cheers,
Don

Spendless · 22 March 2005 at 5:21PM

Hi Livsmum

Disney start charging admission prices for kids once they are 3 years old.

Depending on when your daughters birthday is might be money saving to you to go just before her 3rd birthday.

Poppy9 · 22 March 2005 at 5:24PM

Betty Boop

Do you work with me ? Two girls in work said exactly the same thing. The staff are blooming rude to the English. They also said that food prices were a rip off. :eek:

Eurodisney - worth a trip?

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