30 August 2015

Things to know before you go | Disneyland Paris

So, you've booked your holiday to Disneyland Paris, but now you have the horrible wait until you venture into a world beyond your wildest dreams and spend a few days in the residence of Mickey Mouse. I thought I'd do a little blog post with a few things that you should know before you go!

1) Only certain hotels offer the Extra Magic Hours in the Park
Extra Magic Hours provide you with a chance to enter the Disney Parks two hours early so that you can meet and greet Mickey and his friends as well as visit some of the attractions that will get busier later on in the day. However, only Disney hotels have the advantage of these hours which are stated below:
Disneyland Hotel
Disney's Hotel New York
Disney's Newport Bay Club
Disney's Sequoia Lodge
Disney's Hotel Cheyenne
Disney's Hotel Santa Fe
Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch

2) Transportation
The Eurostar (travelling from London) takes you to the Marne-La-Vallée station, just a two minute walk from the main entrance to the Disney Parks and in the immediate vicinity of the Disney Hotels (As stated above, except the Davy Crockett Ranch). If you will be travelling from Paris, it's just a 35 minute trip on the RER A (express train) to get to the Disney Park Station. 
If the train is not your thing and you would prefer to fly, you should definitely take advantage of the VEA shuttle service between the main airports in Paris. It's only an hour trip, if traffic plays in your favour, and it should be included in your flight package (make sure that it is!) 

3) Arrival and Departure
Hotels checking in times tend to be different but the majority are between 2-3pm. However, if you do get there early, check in and your room is already available, they will happily give you the key to your room to allow you to start your Disney Adventure, so always make sure that you check. On your day of departure, you are normally asked to leave your room by 11am. There is a room where you can leave your luggage if you wish to do some last minute shopping or spend one last day in the park. However, this is not available at the Davy Crockett Ranch. 

4) Shopping
Although there are many shops dotted around the Disney Parks, the main place for some retail therapy is the Disney Village. It's the perfect place to venture just before Disney Dreams, or after as it is open until 1am. It offers many shows and bars as well as shops so you're sure to be entertained. 
If you're worried about having to carry all of your things around with you then don't be! Disney now offers a free shopping service; this means that you can leave your purchases at the shop and rest assured that they will be delivered directly to your hotel. This service is available for guests staying in the Disney Hotels and the Val de France Hotels (Hotel l'Eysée Val d'Europe and Pierre & Vacances City Aparthotel Val d'Europe) 

5) Getting Lost
If you're worried about getting lost, there's no need to panic. There are maps, in all different languages, available in both parks, as well as entertainment guides and character meeting points. All the staff are so willing to help you, they always have a smile on their face and cannot do enough for you. Also, don't worry about the language barrier, most cast members speak at least French and English. City Hall is also a good place to go if you need help. 

6) Birthday Celebrations
If there is going to be a birthday celebration whilst you are on your holiday in Disneyland Paris, it is possible to inform City Hall who will then give you a birthday badge with your name on it. Throughout the day, characters will wish you a happy birthday, making your day just that little more magical. 

7) Kids
If you're going to be taking the children to Disney, here are a few little things that you should know. Cots are available free of charge on request, as are basic accessories such as bottle warmers but these are all subject to availability on the day. In the Park, stroller rentals are available as well as baby care centres which allow you to change, feed, or look after your child. There is also a lost children point so if this does happen, you can be sure that your child will be in the safest of hands. 

8) Dining
There are many ways to dine in Disneyland Paris. Each Park offers a variety of restaurants, all of which offer vegetarian food to those who require it. Breakfast in your hotel can be booked when booking your holiday, as can your evening meal, meaning that this could cost you a little bit more.
The Disney Village also offers various different types of restaurant, all serving delicious food. I personally recommend Annette's Diner and Planet Hollywood. 
Character Dining experiences are also the perfect opportunity for you to meet different characters. These can be booked in your hotel, but need to be booked in advance as places are taken up quickly.
Another amazing experience is a diner show at Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show at the Disney Village. Lace up your boots for a wild wild evening as you prepare to indulge in a feast fit for a cowboy as you watch this fast and furious tribute to the Wild West. It lasts for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and you also get a really cool cowboy hat to take away with you. Definitely recommended. 

9) Shuttle Buses
There are Disney Shuttle Buses available from all hotels in the Disney area, taking you straight to the Disney bus station. However, if you're staying in the Disney Hotels, your hotel is only a short walk away from the Disney Park. 

10) Safety
Before you enter either the Disney Village or the Disney Park as well as your Hotels, your cases, your baggage and your body are checked. This is to ensure your safety.

I hope this helped some people. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below!

Lots of Love
Meg
xox


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