Disney Land Florida V Disney Land Paris

climaxer

Any advice welcome on the above - thinking of going next year but don't know which one to go to - presume its a lot more expensive to go to Florida but is it worth it? Will be bringing almost 12yr old daughter and 2.5yr old son.

Bri

In terms of transport in France: 6eu each way for an adult on the train which is grand...leaving from Paris.

Havn't been to Floria but we ended up bring lunch with us so we could afford to eat the (5-hr?) buffet for all it was worth. All evening meals are expensive (now there's a shock) but I thought it was brilliant.

Would the heat be a factor if you've got 2 kids with you?

climaxer

Thanks Bri - yes the heat probably would be a bit much for the younger one - I am on two minds whether to bring him or not and just take the older one. He might be a bit too young to appreciate it and not able for the long queues. I am inclined to go with Paris myself its just my daughter seems to have her heart set on Florida. Will do a lot more research and check out travel agents too before I decide.

Bri

climaxer wrote:

Thanks Bri - yes the heat probably would be a bit much for the younger one - I am on two minds whether to bring him or not and just take the older one. He might be a bit too young to appreciate it and not able for the long queues. I am inclined to go with Paris myself its just my daughter seems to have her heart set on Florida. Will do a lot more research and check out travel agents too before I decide.

Depends when your going I guess.
Re: Queues - I'd been warned all about them and I went hi-season. I arrived 9.10 (10 mins late!) and stayed till 11.30 (closing with fireworks). Once we did the 'big' rides before 11 there was no queues at all. I'd say we waited no more than 10mins. Using the fastpass thingies that let you skip the queue at an allocated time (about an hour after you get the ticket) is great. Also: If your staying late, if you can view the night parade at the beginning of its run, you can walk through the now-deserted malls and use all the rides (except fantasyland is closed cos it's too late for kids) with pretty much no queue at all. Night-time rides are wayyy cooler too! IMO your youngest wouldn't fully appreciate it and would cut your day short - The only way to get value for money is to go for the full day!

Have fun!

Feel free to PM me if you want any other info.

skittishkitten

When were you planning on going to Florida ? You'll have to factor in hurricane season . Charlie just missed Tampa by a hairs breath ( where my best friend lives ) but did plenty of damage to other parts of the state. However I did hear of some people that were staying for the hurricane as they "never get to experience one where their from " :rolleyes: I'll pass on that "thrill ride" Thank You !

Also don't go into any bodies of water that aren't specifically OK'ed for public use ....they have gators there that like "happy meals on legs" . Not to mention the have a wonderful assortment of bugs,spiders , lizards, and snakes . I think I've covered all the wonderful assortment of "please come to florida" trivia that has been supplied to me by my best friend who delights in telling me all the "fun" things to do in florida , then telling me of all their "creature" discomforts. I think I'll stick to my rattlesnakes, trantulas and scorpions ! ... Oh yeah....and tornados

climaxer

Thanks again Bri for some excellent advice and skittishkitten (love your name btw) for putting the fear of God in me. I spoke to the 11yr old master last night and now she has informed me she wants to go to Ibiza instead which is fine by me! She is making her confirmation next year so its her holiday treat - she is changing her mind quite a bit so I have a feeling I might be a regular in this forum! We will be going next summer so I told her we need to decide in Jan for definite.

Tellox

I'd wait another 2 or 3 years before bringing them. Florida's really a once in a lifetime experience(unless youre made of money), and its not a whole lot of fun if she's too short to go on the rollercoasters, and the younger one would be too young to even remember it. And make sure you go to universal studios.

Furp

Their is lots of info about Orlando/Florida on this thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=169654

I have been to both Orlando Disney/Universal (recently) and Disney Paris(10 yrs ago) Orlando was much better and apart from flights it is cheaper to eat do things etc, although might not be too much for your younger child to go on although there are some kiddie rides and lots and lots to look at.

daveg

I've been to both Disney Paris and Orlando. There is no way on this earth Paris would compare to Disney land Florida. However it is expensive to both to get there and also once your there. As previously stated it is the holiday of a lifetime.

Also there is so much more to Florida than disney/parks. There is the best shopping in the world (premium outlets - Levis Jeans for $30 etc etc). Some of the best beaches in the world (clearwater - Coco beach - Florida keys). Excellent nightlife and dining. Imo Florida is the most fantastic place on this earth. We went last Febuary (last year) and April this year. I hope to go again next year.

Also check shuttle launch dates when your going. We saw a lauch this year. Was amazing...

If you need anymore info just post.

daveg

skittishkitten wrote:

You'll have to factor in hurricane season

First year we were there we were hit by a hurricane. There were loads of warnings (we were down the Florida Keys). Wasn't anything to worry about as we were back in Orlando before the wind blew.

Imo best time of year to go is early January or April (whatch out for time periods when kids are off/Spring break). It's not too hot and the crowds are not as bad.

climaxer

Thanks a million for all the info - will need to get reading.

It will be a once in a lifetime trip though if we go and I don't think I could leave my little boy for more than a few days so I think if we are going it will be all of us.

April sounds good too..

lisa.c

def florida been there 3 times and its brill. alot more expensive but its something you'll never forget.

paris just dosent offer the same magic as florida.

if you dont drive then perhaps paris would be better.

for florida i'd imagine you would need to bring 5k plus you simply cant skimp on a holiday like this one.

Bri

lisa.c wrote:

if you dont drive then perhaps paris would be better.

for florida i'd imagine you would need to bring 5k plus you simply cant skimp on a holiday like this one.

Paris definatley sounds like the cheaper option for a short trip, especially as a metro pass (weekly unlimited, etc. costs v.little) and would cover you for Disneyland, moving around the city and evening getting home without driving.

A word of warning: If your on a budget - bare in mind a Ryanair trip to Bouvaix (sp?) is about 2 hours on a crap bus @ 10eu a ticket (probably charge your kids this too!) and the airport is a barn and a marquee! i.e. Consider AerLingus

Anyway, good luck wherever you (or your kids) decide to go!