Originally Posted By disneymum Well, I finally booked our tickets. We will be going to London from Calgary, Canada August 18, then travelling to Paris on the 22nd, then to Disney for three nights before flying home. We will be staying in the Sequoia Lodge (Montana Room) and will have 4 day passports. DH will go home early and miss the Disney part. This me and DH 4th trip to London and Paris, but DS11 and DS8 first trip. We are yearly visitors to Disneyland in California. If anyone has any suggestions of not to miss activities, we would love to hear them? Any restaurant suggestions? I will also try to plan the best way to tour the parks?
Originally Posted By Malin Hi disneymum, First really excited for you and I hope you'll have a great trip Dave is our Disneyland Paris expert so I will leave all the answers and advice to him. I'm sure he'll be here soon. What I will add is that Walt's and the Silver Spur inside the Disneyland Park, are outstanding Restaurants that you have to visit. Keep in mind that some Restuarants close on certain days in the week and you will only find out the days when you call to make reservations.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Fantastic News Disneymum, I am sure you will love it, and hopefully most of the refurbs will be done in time for your trip. Of course, this means you will be there for Fantillusion (be sure to be between adventureland and the Castle for the best views of the Villain show stop/transformation) and the fireworks, with 11pm closing. Here are some older threads you may wish to consider: This one is aimed at one day with short hours: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-111108-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> An old dining discussion: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-98964-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> A discussion about Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-95825-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> an interesting attraction discussion: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-76929-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> And some more attraction discussions: <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-68505-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a> Hope this helps, but let us know if you have any more questions.
Originally Posted By disneymum Thanks Malin and Dave! I'm getting quite excited to go. Several years ago we went to Buffalo Bill's and everyone loved it. This time I'm not so sure about going because DS11 has very bad asthma (spent 4 days in ICU last month). I was wondering if we sat up higher if the dust is still a problem? He's also allergic to horses but is ok as long as he doesn't touch them. When am I able to make dining reservations? Is there a number to call where they speak English? Any kid friendly attraction and restaurant suggestions for London and Paris would be great as well? We will be there Thursday through Saturday, leaving on Sunday. What do you think the park hours will be Aug. 25-28? Will kids be back at school yet? So many questions??? Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmm, may be best to leave BBWWS out then. I have been with folks with lung problems, and they have been fine, but they do issue warnings, but there are other awesome options too. Maybe a hot air balloon trip on DLP's Panaramagique, Dinner at Annette's, California Grill, Silver Spur, Walt's or Auberge? The hours will likely be Extra Magic Hours 8-10. then DLP 10am-11pm with Fantillusion at 10:30 and fireworks at 11. Most kids will still be off, but we have been that time of year and it is no worse than DL. Yes you can call in advance, here is a great site to see some of the menues, in fact to see many things: <a href="http://www.dlrptoday.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dlrptoday.com/</a> As for dining in London and attractions, I could go on forever. For me, do not miss attractions are the London Eye, Tower of London, and for free - the British Museum is a must (the Science Museum, Natural History and Victoria and Albert, National Library are also excellent, and free). Take in a show - Lion King and Shrek are both family friendly. Visit Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament (same day as the Eye, the Eye is also in front of the London Aquarium and they do a combo ticket). Be sure to let them see the horses at Horse Guards and see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. See the street performers at Covent Garden. Madame Tussauds is popular, but expensive and has monster queues, I think there are better things to do in London. Kids seem to love Hamleys - the giant toy store, and Harrods if shopping is your thing. Be sure to walk the southbank of the River, there is an old jail museum, cobbled streets, a rebuilt globe theatre and a replica of the golden Hind as well as the HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge. Across the Water is St PAuls (you can climb to the top and look out over London). As for dining, most places are family friendly. Let me know tastes and budgets and I am happy to help. In Paris, for kids, I recommend the usual Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise, Notre Dame. But the Cite SCience is excellent for kids too. Also outside of Paris, 35 miles south of DLP is the wolderful 13th century market town of Provins, protected by UNESCO and a living history museum in August. Paris is even more kid friendly than London when it comes to dining, but at a price. Any more queries, let me know.
Originally Posted By Malin Just one correction from my earlier post. I did not take any notice of the date you gave. Since your traveling in the peak Summer season all Restaurants should be open. The closing of some Restaurants on certain days is for off season only. You can call three months in advance to make reservations by calling +33 (0) 1 60 30 40 50. English speaking opperators are available to take your calls. The website link Dave gave out takes you directly to the news section of the site. All the trip planning stuff can be found going to this site instead <a href="http://www.dlrpmagic.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dlrpmagic.com/</a> Keep an eye on the news however since its always good to be on top of any changes that may have an impact on your trip like refurbishments and entertainment. One attraction I would add to Dave's list of London attractions is the Tower of London. I think its an essential London landmark and is of interest that even the kids will learn and get something out of the visit. I recently checked out the Planet Hollywood just off Leicester Square and that was quite good fun. By the way avoid going to any movie screening while your in London. The cost for just tickets alone is ridiculous. If you check out the Maddame Tussards website you will see that Merlin like Dave says offers combo packages which will save you a bit of money and save you time waiting in line. Your admision to Maddame Tussards also includes the Marvel 3D movie.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Good catch on the Web site Malin, thanks. I did mention the Tower, it is a definate high point. We do have a Rainforest Cafe in London, as well as London being home of Hard Rock. But instead of those tourist haunts, I would recommend trying an Indian restaurant, also Giraffe is a great choice with kids. Wagamama's is a great cheap noodle bar. Of course Fish and Chips, Pub Grub and Roast Dinners are key Brit dishes, as is a "Fry up" at a "caf" - a cooked breakfast in other words. Wardour Street (part China town, part gay village, part media land) is full of lots of great places to grab a bite, and not too expensive.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Where are you staying in London, I can probably advise places near there specifically. If you like Italian, Carlucci's is a great London chain where you can get a 2 or 3 courser with wine for about $25 each. My favorite is in the wonderful St Pancras Station overlooking the Eurostar trains coming in and out, and the wonderful architecture and art work.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, and although I am not a huge fan of Madame Tussauds, the Marvel 3D exhibit is excellent (as is the Spirit of London Dark Ride).
Originally Posted By Malin *** I did mention the Tower, it is a definate high point. *** My apologies over that one Dave. London has a great variety of Restaurants to choose from and since Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe can also be found at the Village in Disneyland Paris. I would take Dave's recomendations instead.
Originally Posted By u k fan Hopefully I'll be performing at Covent Garden by then so I'd add that to your "must do" attractions!!!
Originally Posted By disneymum Thanks so much for all the great advice! I'm sure I will have more questions in the weeks ahead and I really appreciate you guys being here. I know a ton about DLR in California but feel a bit like a "fish out of water" planning this trip.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Ok, be warned I will be offline for most of April, so any urgent ones, get them in soon please.
Originally Posted By Malin I'll be online but my time contributing to this board will be limited since I can no longer be bothered wasting my time with certain individuals. I will however always be around for Members that I can offer my advice and expertise to in order to help people make the most out of trips to Disneyland Paris. If you require anything urgent and Dave is unable to answer due to being offline. Feel free to e-mail me @ malin1804@hotmail.com Also its worth having a look and posting this topic over on the Disboards. I always find that forum very helpful when it comes to Trip Planning. Good luck and I'll try and pop back now and again to see how your getting on with the Trip Planning and see if I can help with anything.
Originally Posted By disneymum That's fine. The air and hotels have been booked and those are the main things. The planning of what to do will be fun, but hardly urgent. Thanks so much for both your help. If I need any more advice it will probably be closer to the date of our trip. I already spend way too much time on disboards but they are a good resource as well. I should probably check out their Paris discussion info. Do you post over there as well?
Originally Posted By Malin Yes I do although not that often. If I'm looking for advice on a trip I tend to use that forum since everyone is always so freindly and helpful. For trip planning that site is Number one in my view. Often other Disney Park forums focus more on the bad and negative side of the parks. So its great to have a board where everyone is so much more enthusiastic and willing to help others. I tend to hang out over at the Disboards more when I'm counting down the days to the next Disney trip. It makes the time go quicker. My next trip is Disneyland, California, so I will likely be spending more time over there soon. Certainly check out the Disneyland Paris section. You will find a lot of useful information that will help you make the most of your trip.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Disboard is very active, though I will say this, the majority of the posters are more into the character thing, and not so much the nuances of the park (LP and Magic Forum are good for those types of conversations). But please feel free - I post on them all. LP is my cyberhome, but the DLP board is sooooo quiet.
Originally Posted By disneymum I'm back. We are still going to Paris Disney and I have a pkg booked for myself and DS11 and DS6 at Sequoia. But now my DS27 and his girlfriend want to join us making a total of 5 people. So I was wondering if I should just book the hotel separately? How do I do this and what number do I call? The pkg includes 4 day passes and I only need 3 day as well.
Originally Posted By Bolna disneymum, I am not sure whether I can help you with your question. I think DLP is all set on just selling packages. I think you can book room only, but only via the phone. The number you have to call depends on where you live and it should be available on the official website. With regard to you only needing passes for 3 days: All packages come with length of stay passes. I think there is the possibility of adding a night only to a package. So you could have your package with two nights which would then give you three days at the parks and then add one additional night. But I don't think you would save a lot of money. And if you make changes to your reservation I don't think you would get a refund. Of course you could at the same time add something to your reservation (character breakfast, the Wild West Show) and then the new price would be higher, but would be the cheaper package cost plus the additional elements. I hope this makes any sense.
