Marriott's Village d'lle-de-France and Disney

[tim]

We are staying at the Marriott's d'lle-de-France for a fews days at the end of December. Does anybody know how far it is to Disneyland? Do they have a shuttle? We will have a rental car -- is it best to just drive back and forth?

Also, how is going to Disney at that time of year with the weather? Do the rides have protective covers or something to shield from snow or rainly conditions? We will do New Year's Eve at the parks which I assume may be crowded, but the kids will like the X-mas decorations and fireworks. Thanks. Tim

 

[Werner Weiss]

There's scheduled shuttle service from the center of Marriott's Village d'lle-de-France to the Disneyland Paris bus center, where you can catch RER rail service to Paris or walk to both theme parks and Disney Village. There's also scheduled public bus service just outside Marriott's Village d'lle-de-France. Also, there are taxis.

If you have a rental car, it may be most convenient just to drive. You can park near your villa. You can then go to and from Disney without being tied to a shuttle schedule or bus schedule. I don't know the price of parking.

The Disney park attractions are in the same tradition as the attractions at the Disney parks in the United States. Some are indoors. Some are outdoors. There are covered arcades on either side of Main Street, and there's no Jungle Cruise because of the climate. Even with indoor attractions, you'll spend a lot of time outdoors walking between them.

Here's an article I write a few years ago: http://www.yesterland.com/parisvillas.html

 

[davewasbaloo]

Hi there, I hope you like our resort and Disney park. I agree with Warner, it is best to take the car (parking is about $12 a day, shuttle is intermitant and cannot guarantee a pick up at DLP and is $2 a person each way - limited service, public bus is reasonable, but not great on NYE, and runs about $1.50 each person each way). Unless you want to drink alcohol, I think the car is always the best way to go. If you are planning 3 days or more in the park, an Annual Pass may bethe way to go, then parking is free.

NYE is heaving, the busiest day of the year, so be prepared for crowds. But it is a great vibe. 2/3rds of DLP's attractions are under cover, but be sure to wrap up warm.

However, the Studios park is very exposed. Most of the attractions are indoors, but it does not have the hidden undercover walkways DLP offers.

Also, if you do like Disney, do not miss Buffalo Bill's Wild West show - the most awesome Disney dinner show anywhere in the world.

DLP is not perfect, but it is the most beautiful Magic Kingdom park ever built. Enjoy.

Any questions, let me know. We have been to DLP 52 times and have owned at the Village Ile de France, so any questions, let me know.

 

[blr666]

How's the weather in mid November? Is it really cold and rainy?

 

[davewasbaloo]

It depends. It can be a nice low 60's and sunshine, or it can be in the 20's/30's with run or even snow. And that can be within the same week. Most often, it is in the 50's during the day and 30's at night.

But they sell the cutest disney wool hats, scarfs and gloves that you would never get in the US resorts.

 

[tim]

Any questions, let me know. We have been to DLP 52 times and have owned at the Village Ile de France, so any questions, let me know.

Thanks Werner and davewasbaloo. Wow, 52 times to Disney Paris. I have taken the kids to Disney World about 6 times and the last time (2 years ago) said it was the last. However, we planned this trip to Paris and the kids really want to spend a few days at Disney Paris to compare it to the US Parks. SO, we plan to spend New Year's Eve day and the next day there. It should be fun for all. I am hopeful that they have a nice fireworks display for the New Year's Eve celebration.

 

[davewasbaloo]

I grew up at Disneyland between 1974 and 1986 when we moved to the UK. Been back a few times. And have spent about 6 weeks total at WDW over the years. We are currently saving for a trip to Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. Lol

The fireworks are on a much smaller scale at DLP than WDW, mainly because of the environmental ordinances, but they are nice. Warning though, you are going the 2 busiest days of the year. Get in early and use fastpass.

Also, remember you are not in the US. Counter services at peak times can have 1 hour waits. Table service restaurants (Silver Spur, Walts, Auberge de Cindrillon, Blue Lagoon) are better options in the park and ideally at busy times, you should make reservations (you can do that now). But table service meals are 2 hour experiences, and the waiter does not often come to you unless you make eye contact. In the US, that is seen as poor service. In Europe, it is deemed poor service to interrupt the diners.

For something special in the resort, the California Grill at the Disneyland Hotel (1 michelin star) is excellent for French Californian fusion and a great wine list. The Steakhouse in the village is also excellent. And King Ludwigs is fun if you like litre steins of German beer and sausages!

For cheaper food options, Val D'Europe has some great choices at good prices - Fish, Steak, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, French cafeteria, McD's, Lebanese, Vegetarian, Indian, Tapas, and more (many will deliver to your villa).

Also, Bailly Romanvilliers - 10 min walk, has a bistro, a pizzeria and a Creperie. All reasonable, though not outstanding. The baker is good here though, and the Champion supermarket is reasonable for stocking your villa. The Val D Europe has a massive hypermarket (think super walmart), but the Champion is cheaper and closer.

 

[davewasbaloo]

How's the weather in mid November? Is it really cold and rainy?

Yesterday it was 50 degrees and rain. Today it is 40 degrees and looks like possible rain in the UK. In Paris, it is forecast as 46 degrees and partly cloudy as today's high. Hope that helps.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Oh, and Tim, for WDW vets that have never been to PAris, for me, this is your don't miss list:

Phantom Manor
Big Thunder Mountain (goes under the river, the most thrilling version)
Explore Adventure Isle
Pirates of the Caribbean - tied with California for the best version in the world
It's a Small World - the very best version they have ever done
Explore the castle and dungeon with the dragon
Play in Alice's Curious Labrynth
Ride Space Mountain (syched music, launch system and 3 loops)
Our Buzz is better than Florida's because you can move the lazers around more (they are not attached to the omnimover vehicles)
Explore the Nautilus.

For the Studios, do not miss Cinemagique if you like movies.
If you like Twister at Universal Studios Orlando, check out Armageddon for explosions galore.
Crush coaster is ok, but it gets monster waits. Be there 40 minutes before opening or ride before closing.
Tower of Terror has some different effects, I prefer our version
Rock n Roller Coaster is slightly different themed. I prefer ours, and it's faster too.
Stitch Live is a lot of fun, be sure to go to an English version.

Hope that helps

And do not miss Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, it is fantastic!

 

[Pompey Family]

For something special in the resort, the California Grill at the Disneyland Hotel (1 michelin star) is excellent for French Californian fusion and a great wine list.

This restaurant doesn't have a michelin star, none of the restaurants in DLP have.

I personally can't stand the place. It is so overated and everything is geared towards squeezing as much money out of you as possible. I've been twice, both in low season and the crowds have been horrendous, I dread to think what they'd be in high season.

To queue for an hour for a 30 second ride on Dumbo, which in any 'normal' theme park would be relegated to the sidelines, is appalling. The stress involved in trying to queue for so long with a four and two year old is unbelievable and completely ruins the experience. I never even bothered with any of the more serious rides as the queues were ridiculous. This is the problem. You have adults and teenagers who have been on the bigger rides and can't be bothered to wait in the queue again for an hour so with little else to do they end up riding on all the younger rides, this in turn pushes up the wait for the younger kids. It really is frustrating to see the look of abject boredom on these teenagers faces as they take their turn on these rides knowing that your wait has been pretty much doubled because of them.

The characters are a big draw but my kids were often pushed aside by over exuberant adults desperate to obtain a signature from 'goofy' et al. The whole experience is ruined by long queues for short rides, extortionate prices for very poor quality food and the relentless "sell, sell, sell" approach of it all.

I haven't been to Parc Asterix although I've heard that it is a much better experience. I would rather save my money and enjoy my time at England's parks, Chessington, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and, my favourite, Paulton's Park.

I've bought a timeshare in Florida and intend on visiting there with my kids soon. I really do hope that the American approach to themeparks is so much better than the French although I suspect that much of what I resent has been imported over. Mind you, I'm sure the American people understand the concept of polite queueing more than our Eurpoean cousins!

With regards to the Marriott resort, I love it. It's a bit 'new' and there's not much 'soul' in the surrounding area but that's because it's a new town built from scratch. The townhouses are fantastic and I've only been out of season so I can't comment on what it's like at the height of summer. Both times that I've been there I've had a hire car and have driven to Disneyland. It really is a five minute drive and parking is free if you have a annual pass. The beauty of driving is the freedom that it gives you to leave the park and go home when you want. Yes, it's within walking distance but who wants to drag a tired and grumpy four year old on a twenty minute hike?

 

[davewasbaloo]

This restaurant doesn't have a michelin star, none of the restaurants in DLP have.

the Chef that used to be there must have moved on. Last time we ate there, it was indeed a 1 Michelin Star.

Agreed DLP is not as civilised in some ways as the other resorts, but it does have the best versions of the E ticket attractions. As for Dumbo, we never bother unless going for extra magic hours.

We too have Merlin APs and enjoy the British parks, but they are not on the same level at DLP.

But Park Asterix is fun, on par with the UK parks or Knott's Berry Farm/Busch Gardens.

 

[tim]

Oh, and Tim, for WDW vets that have never been to PAris, for me, this is your don't miss list:

Phantom Manor
Big Thunder Mountain (goes under the river, the most thrilling version)
Explore Adventure Isle
Pirates of the Caribbean - tied with California for the best version in the world
It's a Small World - the very best version they have ever done
Explore the castle and dungeon with the dragon
Play in Alice's Curious Labrynth
Ride Space Mountain (syched music, launch system and 3 loops)
Our Buzz is better than Florida's because you can move the lazers around more (they are not attached to the omnimover vehicles)
Explore the Nautilus.

For the Studios, do not miss Cinemagique if you like movies.
If you like Twister at Universal Studios Orlando, check out Armageddon for explosions galore.
Crush coaster is ok, but it gets monster waits. Be there 40 minutes before opening or ride before closing.
Tower of Terror has some different effects, I prefer our version
Rock n Roller Coaster is slightly different themed. I prefer ours, and it's faster too.
Stitch Live is a lot of fun, be sure to go to an English version.

Hope that helps

And do not miss Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, it is fantastic!

Thanks Davewasbaloo. We are really getting excited about our trip to Europe in December. And, the kids can't wait to explore DLP. I appreciate your list of must dos. I will check out the Buffalo Bill's Wild West show -- I assume it is at the Magic Kingdom. I just checked the prices online for a 2 day park hopper pass. Wow, really expensive because of the exchange rate. And, I don't see any discounts available. :annoyed:

 

[tim]

Davewasbaloo -- I see that Buffalo Bill's Wild West show is at the Disney Village. Where is the Disney Village in relation to the theme parks? Can you walk there? Thanks. Tim

 

[Werner Weiss]

Davewasbaloo -- I see that Buffalo Bill's Wild West show is at the Disney Village. Where is the Disney Village in relation to the theme parks? Can you walk there? Thanks. Tim

Disney Village, the two theme parks, RER station, TGV station, Disney-branded on-site hotels, and main parking are all in easy walking distance from each other.

Unlike Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Paris Resort was designed for pedestrians.

By the way, I'll add another vote for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. It seems weird to go to France to see such as show, but there's nothing quite like it in the United States. The show does not require theme park admission. The show often sells out, so it would be good to buy tickets ahead of time. When I saw it in 2005, seating was assigned by section, with sections assigned based on arrival at the indoor arena where the dinner show takes place. I'm glad we got there early because we had great seats.

I don't remember that "Mickey and his friends Minnie, Goofy and Chip'n Dale" were part of the show in 2005, but that's now the case according to the official website.

http://disney-village.disneylandparis.co.uk/buffalo-bills-wild-west-show/index.xhtml

 

[davewasbaloo]

Ooops sorry Tim, I have been away on business.

DLP is like the child of Disneyland and WDW. It has the intimacy of DL, but it is bigger. The resort is really well laid out. As you come in from the parking lot via the moving sidewalks, the village is to your left (think a smaller, less pretty Downtown Disney), the Studios are straight ahead and DLP is to the right past the trainstation (when we do not use MArriott and opt for the Disney hotels, it is pretty cool to get on the train in London, go under the channel and arrive in the centre of DLP within 3 hours! Very cool.

Werner, they have really been tinkering with the resort since you went. The horrid characters have been added as a part of Mickey's Magical PArty earlier this year. Someone who has never seen it will enjoy it still, but for me, it lost a little of it's majesty now. But yes, it is a must see for a DIsney fan or a US history fan - it recreates the Wild West show as one seen at the foot of the Eiffel Tower during the World's fair 100 years ago. Awesome. 16 shows, and I still love it.