Paris, and Disneyland Paris, and general questions...

Africa

Planning a short weekend away for the gf next month, and i was wondering if you can help me with anything here.

First off, I want to plan a trip to Paris for 2 of us for a long weekend (think Friday to Sunday around the end of the month) and want to be able to stay in Paris itself. Can anyone recommend anywhere, certain areas, or anything like that? Im not looking to go mad on the money, but something decent. Just for some touristy stuff for a day or two, some good food and wine, etc. Probably get a Ryanair deal over, maybe another, that bit doesnt matter; I just need to know where to stay that would be decent for tourists, but isnt totally going to rip the pocket out.

I also want to do a day trip to Disneyland, how would one go about getting there from Paris itself? Is there special coaches? I was there a few years ago, loved it, and she is a big disneyhead. So itll be awesome im sure. So Im wondering what its like on Saturdays or Sundays?

I am totally useless at french. I presume a translation book could be handy; is it that important?

thanks!

#15

http://www.hotelriviera-paris.com/english/services.html

lauratkd

I've stayed in Paris a few times and loved the Saint Germain des Pres area. I can't recommend a hotel as the one we stayed in wasn't all that amazing. We were within walking distance from Notre Dame which is just lovely at night time. As for things to do there - stroll around!!! I love Paris! Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise, Montmartre, this list goes on and on! Get a guide book I say, even just one of those "Top Ten Things To Do" ones....

As regards Disneyland you get the RER line A towards Marne La Vallee (Be careful tough, don't get a RER A metro towards Boissy Saint Leger, the other direction!) Get off at Marne La Vallee - Chessy station.

ENJOY!!

Africa

nice... its the place to stay that im more worried about. I have been to Paris once before when i was younger, but I am not sure about the places to stay that would be cheap. Flights aint looking the best at the moment yet either; ryanair are rippin the pocked out of the flights and so are the other major airlines.

So hotel is my main priority. I could just check trip advisor but I have learned not to trust americans on it; they whine about every little detail like possible chipped paint in a corner of an otherwise excellent place and lower it... i dont really care abiut that

lauratkd

That's funny you mention not trusting tripadvisor, I've just been looking it up for my own holidays and there really are the fussiest people out there!! One couple were planning to move hotels because they weren't helped with their luggage from reception and the reception staff weren't overly helpful. Everything was ok but they still phoned after their trip to complain! Honestly...

ANyway that's not what you want to know. I can't even remember the hotel i stayed in but I did really like the area. The rooms in general in Paris seem to be very small and B&B is not a given. A lot of hotels will do room only. You pay extra for breakfast.

Ponster

Africa, what budget do you have per night for the hotel ?

ncmc

I think the thing about Trip Advisor is that you have to seperate the wheat from the chaff. I've learned not to look at the actual number rating eg 'this hotel is rated 165 out of 470 hotels in Paris', I look more at the average star rating (number 165 could have an average of 4 stars and number 70 could have the same average). When reading the actual reviews, I only take on board the bad points that actually matter to me. If someone only gives two stars because they weren't helped with luggage or there was no room service, then I discount those reviews. I take more notice of the reviews from Irish/UK/European customers because as the OP mentioned, Americans have very high standards and are used to getting huge rooms for very little money.

Anyway back to the OP. Are you planning to travel out on Friday, home on Sunday and still manage a day in Disneyland? I think you are planning to fit in way too much. Disneyland takes at least a full day and there is more than enough in Paris itself to keep you occupied for days and days. Why don't you leave Disneyland for another trip and just concentrate on Paris for this trip? I think you'd have a more enjoyable, relaxing break that way. Also I wouldn't do Disneyland on a Sat or Sun, it will be mega busy, better to go mid week. There are loads of posts on this forum about things to see in Paris, maybe do a quick forum search.

Africa

Well, for the budget, id prefer the cheaper hotels seen as though im planning on spending on the tourism, so probably at most 60 a night.

What I may do is fly out a thursday evening, and stay the extra nights. The main part of the trip is disneyland, with paris the secondary. Intend to spend full day at DL, was over in California last year and did the Disney there in a day, including the California World part. Not what worries me really...

Yep, I know all about Tripadvisor at this stage and to take it with a pinch of salt; maybe my standards are a bit lower than some, but some are ridiculous; when I was over in Vegas we stayed in a place in Downtown for a few days called Freemont Hotel; it was cheap as chips for a weekend and in one of the best parts of vegas. Of course it seemed slated on Tripadvisor with the reviews so I am glad i used a bit of guess work that it would be fine.

Anywho, back on topic, is there somewhere cheap to stay near disney? I may go Beavuis and get the bus over that direction, so far as I know there is one, and a thursday night there may aid with the no travel from Paris and the full day in Disney. Then head to Paris either on the Friday night or Saturday morning... some advice there would be nice

SilverSparkle

#15 wrote: »

http://www.hotelriviera-paris.com/english/services.html

I have stayed there and am planning on staying there again in June.
My father is also staying there next week for 5 nights when he goes to see Michael Buble in Paris. It is €86 a night.

Africa wrote: »

Well, for the budget, id prefer the cheaper hotels seen as though im planning on spending on the tourism, so probably at most 60 a night.

What I may do is fly out a thursday evening, and stay the extra nights. The main part of the trip is disneyland, with paris the secondary. Intend to spend full day at DL, was over in California last year and did the Disney there in a day, including the California World part. Not what worries me really...

Yep, I know all about Tripadvisor at this stage and to take it with a pinch of salt; maybe my standards are a bit lower than some, but some are ridiculous; when I was over in Vegas we stayed in a place in Downtown for a few days called Freemont Hotel; it was cheap as chips for a weekend and in one of the best parts of vegas. Of course it seemed slated on Tripadvisor with the reviews so I am glad i used a bit of guess work that it would be fine.

Anywho, back on topic, is there somewhere cheap to stay near disney? I may go Beavuis and get the bus over that direction, so far as I know there is one, and a thursday night there may aid with the no travel from Paris and the full day in Disney. Then head to Paris either on the Friday night or Saturday morning... some advice there would be nice

Cheap near Disney: Try Val d'Europe http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-5646-ibis-marne-la-vallee-val-d-europe/index.shtml

Onle one stop on the RER to Disney...

Or try somewhere in Bussy St Georges

In all honesty as a super Disney freak myself (going in June for my 17th time...), if you are planning this trip with Disney as the main part I would go to Disneyland for 2 days.

Also the weekends will be very busy... they always are!

Africa

Those are some great rates Thanks for that!

Is there any more recommendations? I think im gonna be going for 1 night at disney and 2 nights in Paris.

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Those are some great rates Thanks for that!

Is there any more recommendations? I think im gonna be going for 1 night at disney and 2 nights in Paris.

No problem at all... Any questions about Disney just ask or PM me...

For cheap food in Paris I'd suggest the Latin Quarter. My bf and I got 2 3-course meals and 2 drinks each for €40! Huge menus to choose from too!

If you want cheap good rooms I'd suggest IBIS hotels... However I do reccomend Hotel Riviera as posted above!

Africa

Absolutely - we'll be in and around the Latin Quarter a lot, heard its great down that area. Otherwise cheaper and nice options like picnic or something like that can be done.

Been to Disneyland before, but it was 7 years ago. Did love it though. Itll be her first time to this one, we did California's in one day so ive no doubt we'll get this all done

Africa

where is that Riviera hotel in relation to eiffel tower and other nearby places? Thanks! It looks lovely,and perfect

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Absolutely - we'll be in and around the Latin Quarter a lot, heard its great down that area. Otherwise cheaper and nice options like picnic or something like that can be done.

Been to Disneyland before, but it was 7 years ago. Did love it though. Itll be her first time to this one, we did California's in one day so ive no doubt we'll get this all done

Disneyland California is a lot smaller! I've been there twice and haven't managed to do it all in one day. You are going at the end of the week so crowds will be heavy. If you think you can do the 2 parks in one day then go for it! And good luck But I'd personally advise 2 days..

Its all to do with preference though! Have a great time whatever you choose to do!

Africa

Well, thats where the money factor may play a card We'll probably just do the one, as itll be a FRiday. We are up early and up late kinda people too

where is that Riviera hotel in relation to eiffel tower and other nearby places? Thanks! It looks lovely,and perfect

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

where is that Riviera hotel in relation to eiffel tower and other nearby places? Thanks! It looks lovely,and perfect

It is 300 metres for l'Arc de Triomphe.
So also 300 metres from The Champs Elysees.

It is about a 25-30 minute walk to Place de la Concorde.
About 45 mins walk to the Louvre.

But with the metro you can be anywhere within a number of minutes. You can get a Mobilis Ticket(http://www.paris-eiffel-tower-news.com/paris-transport-paris-mobilis-pass.htm). or a carnet of tickets. Which is 10 tickets for €11.60 if memory serves me correctly.

The metro stop closest to Hotel Riviera is Charles de Gaulle Etoile

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Well, thats where the money factor may play a card We'll probably just do the one, as itll be a FRiday. We are up early and up late kinda people too

where is that Riviera hotel in relation to eiffel tower and other nearby places? Thanks! It looks lovely,and perfect

Can I ask are you students by any chance?
I think there is a discounted ticket for students. And if you know your exact date of visit you can get a ticket on www.disneylandparis.ie at a discounted rate.

Africa

I have a student card, yes, havent got that stupid travel card though. Its valid and so is hers though But I dont see where it has a student section on the page... does that have to be at the gates?

Must say that is some wonderful advice

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

I have a student card, yes, havent got that stupid travel card though. Its valid and so is hers though But I dont see where it has a student section on the page... does that have to be at the gates?

Must say that is some wonderful advice

I have a friend who is also a student who went to DLP in March and got a student ticket. They had just their college I.D. Perhaps you have to just ask at the gate for a student rate.

EDIT

From www.dlrpmagic.com

Other Special Offers

There are a few other discounted tickets available only at the park gates. Though usually marketed only towards French and particularly local visitors, most can be taken advantage of by anyone.

Students

Take a break from all that hard studying with a day at Disneyland Paris! The 1 Day Park Hopper is available for a much reduced price upon presentation of a valid student identification card from your univeristy.

• 1 Day 2 Parks - €42 (reduced from €65)
• Only available Monday to Friday, not available during peak Christmas holiday fortnight.

Not bad!

Africa

Thats very not bad! They are Trinity Student ID's too so they should hopefully be fine. Best I could find online was 15% discount through their own website that still came to 112 for both. Obviously this cheaper one is far more attractive

SilverSparkle

You should be grand. My friend had an I.D. from Shannon College of Hotel Management... Not even nearly as big as Trinity! Ye'll be grand! I can't believe myself ots only €42. Thats brill!

Africa

Great; so i think ive that sorted.

So far ive this plan:
Flight to Paris Thursday day/night.
Bus over towards Disneyland
Stay there night
Friday - Disneyland
Friday night- probably stay near disney again, but may head to paris.
Saturday - be in/go to Paris.
Saturday night - Latin Quarter, other touristy things like Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
Sunday - Probably earlyish flight home.

Anything you can suggest in general? Something fun and exciting for us that I havent mentioned before

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Great; so i think ive that sorted.

So far ive this plan:
Flight to Paris Thursday day/night.
Bus over towards Disneyland
Stay there night
Friday - Disneyland
Friday night- probably stay near disney again, but may head to paris.
Saturday - be in/go to Paris.
Saturday night - Latin Quarter, other touristy things like Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
Sunday - Probably earlyish flight home.

Anything you can suggest in general? Something fun and exciting for us that I havent mentioned before

Mmm ok..

Who are you flying with?
On thurs night where are you staying? Ibis Val d'Europe?
Are you staying there again on Friday?
Where are you staying on Saturday?

Also if you want a proper dinner that doesn't cost €€€ as opposed to fast food while in Disney, jump on the train back to Val d'Europe, there is an Italian and a Vietnamese restaurant in the square in Val d'Europe, there are also a lot of places to eat within the shopping centre in Val d'Europe.


Tip for the Louvre. They don't stamp the tickets for the Louvre so you might be lucky enough to find a friendly couple who will give you their tickets on the way out! Last year an American couple came up to us and gave us their tickets!

Africa

Ryanair.
From Dublin (DUB) to Paris (Beauvais) (BVA)
Thu, 10Jun10 Flight FR 22 Depart DUB at 06:30 and arrive BVA at 09:05
I was thinking that it may be a long day out that way, however long it takes to get out to Disneyland from Beauvais, even if we get there at 11am what is there to do round there apart from Disneyland? How long does it take to get to Paris central from there if we just wanted to go in during the thursday day?

I am swaying towards staying in the Ibis now, it seems to tick all the boxes I need. Though I am not sure what is going to be done for the Friday night though; though will probably stay around Disneyland area for that night too and go to Paris in the morning.

I like the looks of the Riviera place, probably where we will stay.

As for Louvre, I was told by a guy i work with who is from Paris that it is open to students all weekend, not just on the Friday evening as I was told somewhere else. Not sure now, but either way will probably go take a look while we are going up the Champs Elysees. But a good tip non the less

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Ryanair.
From Dublin (DUB) to Paris (Beauvais) (BVA)
Thu, 10Jun10 Flight FR 22 Depart DUB at 06:30 and arrive BVA at 09:05
I was thinking that it may be a long day out that way, however long it takes to get out to Disneyland from Beauvais, even if we get there at 11am what is there to do round there apart from Disneyland? How long does it take to get to Paris central from there if we just wanted to go in during the thursday day?

I am swaying towards staying in the Ibis now, it seems to tick all the boxes I need. Though I am not sure what is going to be done for the Friday night though; though will probably stay around Disneyland area for that night too and go to Paris in the morning.

I like the looks of the Riviera place, probably where we will stay.

As for Louvre, I was told by a guy i work with who is from Paris that it is open to students all weekend, not just on the Friday evening as I was told somewhere else. Not sure now, but either way will probably go take a look while we are going up the Champs Elysees. But a good tip non the less

Ok cool thanks for that about the Louvre! I must remember that myself!

Ok so you arrive at Beauvais at 9:05.

The VEA shuttle company have a bus (€30 each) from Beauvais to DLP at 10.a.m VEA

From VEA- The journey between International Beauvais Airport and Disneyland® Paris lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

I was thinking that it may be a long day out that way, however long it takes to get out to Disneyland from Beauvais

So you'll be there around 12:30. but will still have to go to Val d'Europe to check in.. So that will waste another hour at least.

Unless you use the Shuttle from Beauvais to Porte Maillot in Paris and then navigate the trains to Val d'Europe.

Travel times from Paris to DLPis about 30-45 mins depending on where you're going.

even if we get there at 11am what is there to do round there apart from Disneyland?

In Val d'Europe there is the Sealife Aquariam which is located in Val d'Europe.
There is also a large Shopping Centre and an Outlet Village like Kildare Village.

Africa

Have you made that route before?

I think thats what im gonna do anyway, just have to book the hotels and find routes now. If you know how far is Val d'Europe from where that bus drops you off?

Shopping and outlet village is probably the plan At least there is plenty to do

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Have you made that route before?

I think thats what im gonna do anyway, just have to book the hotels and find routes now. If you know how far is Val d'Europe from where that bus drops you off?

Shopping and outlet village is probably the plan At least there is plenty to do

Which route? The VEA route? I have done it from Charles de Gaulle. I haven't flown to Beauvais in years...

The bus will drop you off at all the hotels in the resort. So you ask him to drop you to the train station or Disney village. From there you can get the RER to Val d'Europe which takes 5 mins. From the station then it is probably about a 5 minute walk to the hotel. I have never stayed there so I don't know exactly.

You don't have to pay the full price at Hotel Riviera until you arrive. A booking fee of €5.60 just has to be paid by credit card upon booking.

Yea it is a big shopping centre...

Any other q's?

Also for calculating prices from Val d'Europe to Paris use this website http://ratp.fr/ click on Plan Interactif and then you can calculate routes and times and costs.

Africa

Ah so its the RER that will bring me there. I get ya now Im sure ill find it though

Thats a good tip about the Riviera too Im saving for this month and next month I get paid so thats really handy

That it I think! Awesome work

Healium

I'm planning a similar, cheaper trip Flying into Beauvais, what can be done for cheap/free?

Africa

So bus to Val deurope costs 30 each... so is 60... plus 2.5 hours. On top of this another half hour and a trip to Val DEurope. Another tenner id say. Thats 70 quid.

Is it cheaper to get a taxi im wondering, or is it cheaper to go to Paris first and get the RER out to Val DEurope??

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

So bus to Val deurope costs 30 each... so is 60... plus 2.5 hours. On top of this another half hour and a trip to Val DEurope. Another tenner id say. Thats 70 quid.

Is it cheaper to get a taxi im wondering, or is it cheaper to go to Paris first and get the RER out to Val DEurope??

It would be cheaper to get the bus to Paris and the RER to Val d'Europe... It would cost about €21 each each way... Remember taking the bus directly will cost a total of €120 as opposed to €84 on the bus + RER

kingshankly

what about hiring a car wod probably work out as cheap with less hassel

Africa

Im starting to think bus and RER are good choice, that bus there is a rip and then ill have to get a train anyway.

Looks like rain this weekend

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Im starting to think bus and RER are good choice, that bus there is a rip and then ill have to get a train anyway.

Looks like rain this weekend

Are you going this weekend?? Me too! :P

Looks like rain on Friday only http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/FRXX0076

Africa

I am indeed! But Friday was the day we wanted to go, but may have to change... not sure yet... :S

Go away rain!

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

I am indeed! But Friday was the day we wanted to go, but may have to change... not sure yet... :S

Go away rain!

We're not arriving at DLP until Monday so fingers crossed it will all stay sunny!!

Africa

Doesnt look good; weather.com says thunderstorms tomorrow.

Ah well... im still looking forward to it, may not go to disneyland though :S

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Doesnt look good; weather.com says thunderstorms tomorrow.

Ah well... im still looking forward to it, may not go to disneyland though :S

You should still go... I've been there in thunderstorms.... Its fine

Africa

Really???

I hope that deal for students for both parks is still going...

SilverSparkle

Yeah just bring a raincoat... Or buy a poncho there... I think they are about €8...
And I wouldn't see why the deal isn't still going... Maybe give them a call and double check

Africa

Ah sure... id rather go on the day and be delighted if it still is, bit of a suprise

A raincoat seems a definite at the moment. It looks like awful weather... Typical! And after all the nice weather here! I hope you get nice weather monday

I finally told her about it btw, she was delighted, she truly loves Disney

SilverSparkle

Africa wrote: »

Ah sure... id rather go on the day and be delighted if it still is, bit of a suprise

A raincoat seems a definite at the moment. It looks like awful weather... Typical! And after all the nice weather here! I hope you get nice weather monday

I finally told her about it btw, she was delighted, she truly loves Disney

Well i wouldn't see why the offer wouldn't still be running...
I'm finding mixed weather online. One website is sayinjg rain while many others are saying partly cloudy and no rain... We'll just have to wait and see I guess!

Ah thats great that she is delighted! I hope ye have a great time! And let me know how ye get on!

Africa

I will indeed. Going for drinks and dinner in the Latin Quarter on Saturday

SilverSparkle

Latin quarter is great... Myself and my bf went there last year and for €40 we got 2 3 course meals and 4 drinks!

LilOc

Africa, the liveliest are of Paris currently (meaning action all night, always people in the street, cool bars and cafés, free concerts halls etc...) is around Oberkampf in the 11th district. Parmentier, St-Maur etc...

Unless you still have very much of a kid spirit, Parc Asterix is way better than Eurodisney, even since they opened Walt Disney Studio next to it, which is a bit better (Think Hollywood Tower of Terror etc...). Way more adult/adrenaline rides and proper roller coasters.

Don't go on the Champs Elysees...It's only commercial, nothing "touristy there" i never understand why people stop there, it's a dirty avenue, full of overpriced shops and suburbans.

Here are a few advices.

Africa

Well Latin Quarter was amazing. As lively as Temple Bar, but warning to beer drinkers; 8.50 a pint, though they are all 8% to 10%

EuroDisney was fantastic. The coasters and in general was all great, and it was sunny all day, proving never trust the weather man I even got a bit burned! Thats 2/5 parks now, and we will be doing DisneyWorld later on this year

Had a blast, hope you do too SilverSparkle