Originally Posted By IanBassi Hi All I am finally going back to disney, after what seems like a life time since my last trip to a Disney Park. Cant belive it was the summer of 2005 when I last went to WDW. Anyhow, going to DLP for the above date for my 2nd time only, staying at the Cheyenne hotel. Last time we went to DLP was in 2001, so was just wondering if anyone had any tips on what to do first, and what we need to make sure we dont miss out on? Was also wondering what people felt the best character meal is? Only 49 Days to go, cant wait. Ian
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmmm, depends what you are looking for Ian. Since you were last there, there are a few new attractions and shows: Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (better than WDW's), Space Mountain has been redone, Lion King Show in Le Visionarium. Then of course the whole of the Studios will be new to you. Do not miss Cinemagique, Crush Coaster, Moteurs Action, and I prefer Paris's RNR Coaster to WDW's. Also Armageddon is unique to DLP (I really like it, but I am totally in a minority - it is a special effects show like Twister at Universal Hollywood) Sadly you are going 20 days before TOT opens. For character meals, the best choices are Innoventions at the Disneyland Hotel, the Character lunches at the Lucky Nugget, and Cafe Mickey's in the Village, in that order. Sometimes there are character teas on offer at Plaza Gardens. Personally I prefer to dine at a number of the better restaurants - California Grill, the Steak House, Walt's, Silver Spur or Manhatten Grill. Also Annette's and King Ludwigs are fun. For me a do not miss is Buffalo Bill's Wild West show (beats any dinner show I've seen ANYWHERE). Some think it expensive, but considering it is a 3 course meal, beer, a large show and a free cowboy hat, I think it is really good value. Any other questions, just ask.
Originally Posted By IanBassi Maybe it was 2002 that I went last time then, because I know that Studios was open. I have never had a good memory. Just been looking back at the photos we took, and they are dated 2002 so it must of been. Just wish I looked as skinny now as I did in those photos. - <a href="http://photos.ianbassi.co.uk/v/disney/paris2002/" target="_blank">http://photos.ianbassi.co.uk/v /disney/paris2002/</a> My girlfriend really hates ToT so she will probally be glad its not open, but she loves rocking roller coaster. What are the disney hotels like? Ian
Originally Posted By IanBassi Oh dear, they are not that bad are they? We heard this one is better than Sante Fe. Ian
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Seriously, they are OK, but other than the DLH or Hotel New York, they are not that special. Most feel like moderates or values at WDW, but they are fine (overpriced IMHO). We prefer to stay at the Holiday Inn or Marriott Vacation Club where we own as they offer much better value IMHO, but then again we also drive to DLP. I do like elements of each one. Your hotel is a very cute value hotel, designed by Robert Stern who also designed the Newport Bay at DLP, as well as casting, yacht club, beach club and boardwalk at WDW. It is very cute, and the better of the two value resorts. I personally love the Hotel New York (best service), Sequoia Lodge (best atmosphere and pool) and the DLH (best location and restaurants) in that order. Take time to check them all out. Please be advised that maybe we are suffering from familiarity breeds contempt after 49 visits, but I think the non Disney offerings are better value now of days. I do not feel the same level of contempt for the parks thankfully.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Also bear in mind I am quite harsh on my opinion of hotels as I spend about 100 - 150 nights a year in hotels all over the place.
Originally Posted By IanBassi We are flying from Manchester, I wanted to drive, but Lisa was not to keen. We have only stayed at the value resorts before, so it should be okay. I think once you upgrade, you cant go back. If its anything like the value at Pop Century it will be fine. Bed there was much more comfortable then when we went to Futureventura in a 4 star hotel earlier this year. Really struggling with which hotel to stay at when we goto WDW in 2008. Not sure if value or moderate and going at worst possible time for cheap flights. I was happy with the deal we got, and the price we paid which is the important thing. Last time we stayed, we stopped at a hotel in the centre of Paris, so it took a while to get to and from DisneyLand, so hopefully we will spend less time traveling this time. Going to probally spend the middle day in Paris. We also get to go in the parks a couple of hours before everyone else on the 1,2 and 3rd Decemeber. Sounds like half a day looking around the other hotels. The resturant at DLH reminds me a little of Crystal Palace at WDW. Ian
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan Honestly, the Disneyland Hotel and Newport Bay are probably the only well themed hotels on property. Having checked inside all of them, the rest just lack the Disney magic for me. They definitely do not feel like the Disney hotels I've grown to love, especially the awful Santa Fe (worse than the Value resorts at WDW in my opinion).
Originally Posted By irishfan Hotel New York is my personal favourite at the resort. With the Sequoia coming in second.. The Newport is beautiful to look at, but I've no desire to stay there again after my last visit. Have never stayed at the values, but I'm considering staying at Cheyenne just for the sake of it in December.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan As far as design goes, the Disneyland Hotel is by far my favorite. However, the rooms are rather small and a bit bland in my opinion. The color is too dull and almost gives off a stuffy atmosphere. I find the rooms at the Grand Floridian to be much more tastefully decorated, but prefer the exterior design (and color scheme) of the Disneyland Hotel.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<The color is too dull and almost gives off a stuffy atmosphere.>> By this I mean the pastel colors used in the rooms and not the color scheme of the building (which I love). I'd never thought I say this, but pink is a very lovely color! And I love the Mickey Mouse clock on the top of the hotel too.
Originally Posted By irishfan Disneyland hotel is a beautiful looking hotel, but I agree with TDR_Fan regarding the rooms, they are nicer at the Grand, and a bit cheaper.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan Yes, I agree that the Disneyland Hotel is overpriced for what it offers. It's been a while, but I remember only paying around $350/night for my room. How much are the rates now for an average room with the Euro holding strong?
Originally Posted By u k fan The Disney hotels are all overpriced considering the wealth of accomodations nearby, but whether people like it or not they are more special than anything nearby, maybe not in facilities, but in theming and (particularly as you go up in price) location. I haven't stayed in a Disney Hotel in years as I'd rather spend less and go more often (I still haven't ruled out a trip next month), but I can totally see why people do. Cheyenne is one of my favorite on property hotels and for long weekend is fine, certainly better than Santa Fe. (I'll probably be labelled a DoM now)!!!
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<TDRFAN - the DLH runs about $600 a night currently.>> In that case, it is way overpriced. For that kind of money, you can get a standard room at the MiraCosta (which is a much better hotel).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I would stay in Paris and take the train in, but that's just me. I love the resort as a whole but ... I had a lousy stay at Newport Bay, which can't handle the crowds it gets and was in some major disrepair (although work was getting started). I think I would have been happy at Sequioa as it really is beautiful. No, it's not WL beautiful ... but it really is peaceful and very nicely themed. The DLH IS the place to stay, but I have never paid $600 a night to stay anywhere and I doubt I ever will ... and it's not a question of affordability but value. When I can stay in a legit 4-star hotel in Paris for $90 a night (used PL.com) and a 3-star for even less ($70) why would I want to stay at hotels where maintainance might be a problem at a huge Disney premium? DLP is wonderful, but Paris is magical!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Memo to davewasbaloo... Please get this right... it's not TDRFAN... it's TDR_Fan you are responding to. *I* am TDLFAN, the one with cap letters. NOT the other one. Please do not confuse us like most inexperienced posters do.
