Tread new waters vs Old Reliable

19 posts / 0 new

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 04:41

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Tread new waters vs Old Reliable

Would you rather go to Disney World for a week and get some cash(about $500-1,000, no firm number) before heading to college, where I know just about everything there is to know as far as trip planning or should I go to Disneyland Paris for four days (where I don't know what's good and bad, with a major downgrade in park quality, resort quality* etc. -- A huge problem) and then journey around Paris for three days (or 3 days and 4 days the other way).

This is a huge decision, and I want to start planning one way or the other in the next few months. This is great opportunity for me, and no choice can be the wrong choice, but I want to make the BEST choice. What would you guys do? If you have been to Disneyland Paris do you have any tips for me if you choose that option?

*About resort quality, I saw that the bottom three hotels at Disneyland Paris (the value resorts, basically) don't have A/C (not sure of the temperature, but doesn't sound like a good thing..), wi-fi, or a pool according to their brochure for 2012. This is outrageous to me, and would likely force us to spend a lot more for the same resort experience in Paris than in Lake Buena Vista. Anyone have insight to that?

Again, Thanks so much. Look forward to your responses!

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 06:19

dontthrowsand

Offline

Joined: 05/28/2012

Posts: 359

Having been to Paris more than WDW, I'd totally take Paris again. Yes it is smaller, Yes the resorts are not as fancy but I always have an amazing time. I always pair my visit to DLP with exploring the city - it is a beautiful city with lots of history, and a trip out to a historical location - Versailles, Normandy, ect. There is also another theme park just north of paris called called Parc Asterix. I LOVE the comic books and movies so that is a must do for me as well. Lots of fun roller coasters (and apparently they are opening a new one soon)

There are 3 hotels (one is the cabins) that would be equal to value or moderates that have pools. Sequoia Lodge (mod) has air conditioning and a pool if I remember correctly. The values do not have air condition but most places in Paris don't so that is not uncommon. As for air conditioning, depends when you go and your personal preference. Do you need air conditioning? Not really. It gets quite cool at night (15-20C = 59-68F) and you'd be fine with a window open. In August, the hottest I remember it being is 30C which is about 86F.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 06:26

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Ok, so A/C is not a problem! Thanks for the insight! Would you do the parks for four days and Paris for three days or Paris for four days and parks for three?? What insight do you have as far as the Disney Parks go? I'll PM you!

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 07:09

dontthrowsand

Offline

Joined: 05/28/2012

Posts: 359

If I was only going for a week (which is not enough time for me personally), I'd do 2 days DLP, 1 day Versailles, 3 days Paris. Yes I know that is only 6 days but the 7th day for me is usually me looking for a market in an immigrant Banlieue.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 07:22

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

7th day at a market? What about 2-days in Versailles? Or three days of Disney? Where would you stay for all three? Would you change hotels from place to place?

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 07:44

dontthrowsand

Offline

Joined: 05/28/2012

Posts: 359

If you read my message, I rent an appartment in Paris and stay overnight near/at DLP between days so I am close by. I really only sleep. That is just my preference. You'll have to decide what works best for you because if I planned your trip, chances are that you would hate it.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 07:53

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Haha. I see. I feel like I'll probably stay two nights in Disney at one of their resorts and buy three park passes with no meal plan. Then I'll spend the rest of the time in Paris at a hotel (or whatever they are called ) there. Hopefully I can fit a day trip to Versailles in..it sounds SO fascinating! Thanks for the help.

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 19:31

Kristen K.

Offline

Joined: 09/01/2011

Posts: 23803

Such a hard choice! I'm sure that you'll make the best one for you though!

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 19:32

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Well the good thing is..there is no WRONG choice! They're both Disney! I've still got two years to decide!

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 21:43

subvetss

Offline

Joined: 04/30/2009

Posts: 569

Better start saving your money now or whoever's money you will be useing
Joe

__________________

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 21:53

Vettelover

Offline

Joined: 03/28/2009

Posts: 4658

subvetss wrote:

Better start saving your money now or whoever's money you will be useing
Joe

__________________

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 01:14

TudorRose

Offline

Joined: 08/10/2012

Posts: 30

I would take DLP, especially at that time of life. It's a great time to travel outside of your comfort zone & do something new & foreign.

I went there for my honeymoon (first husband, lol) and I loved it. We were done with everything in two days, though. This was 15 years ago, so I have no idea what's changed.

__________________

I'm not always obsessive, but when I am, it's a Disney vacation.

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 06:04

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

subvetss wrote:

Better start saving your money now or whoever's money you will be useing
Joe

Haha! It's my parents! It's all free for me! I pay for just about everything after that point though! Hopefully school will be fairly easy for me to pay for later in life because I have planned early and I have very good grades/test scores.

TudorRose wrote:

I would take DLP, especially at that time of life. It's a great time to travel outside of your comfort zone & do something new & foreign.

I went there for my honeymoon (first husband, lol) and I loved it. We were done with everything in two days, though. This was 15 years ago, so I have no idea what's changed.

I'm definitely leaning this way. This will be my first time in Europe. I have already changed my mind to make is a two (and maybe a half, depending on flight) day trip at Disney, and about 5-6 days in Paris/Versailles! I'm soooo excited. It's still about a year and a half years away and I'm already planning. Going to the library tomorrow to check out some French books so I can learn some basics! I am just so excited for this trip! I love that my parents are letting me do whatever I want too!

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 00:11

Offline

Joined: 04/21/2011

Posts: 72

Haven't posted for a long time (but still lurking folks), still suffering from post Disney World depression and its been almost a year (September 2011).

But I had to reply to this. Me and OH have been to DLP this year and last year I would really have to say if your used to WDW I believe you will be very disappointed.

To me it is like Disney came and built it but then left it to the French who haven't taken very good care of it. You will not get the american level of Disney service.
I'm not trying to put you off if you really want to do Paris, and i have never seen the city I'm sure it is beautiful, but I don't want you to expect to much and feel like you wasted money when you could be at Disney world.

We stayed at the 4* New York Hotel in DLP (the second highest on property) and it was comparable to when we stayed at the Quality Inn on international drive in america. There is unlikely to be anyone to help with your bags if you need, and while a continental and cooked breakfast was included it was basic, and not particularly good.

I don't know what time of year you are intending on going. But it important to remember DLP while it is never actually closed does have a more defined peak and off season than world and if you are going outside of summer time you will find a lot of things shut/reduced.

"The show" at DLP is not as evident as WDW either, you can see the backs of things and abandoned buildings, the bathrooms are not always immaculate as in WDW. I visited city hall to ask if they had any "first time" badges as we were taking our niece and it was her first time and was told by the cast member "your not in Florida now, we don't do silly things like that."

I would also want to make clear that the shows parades etc use half French and half English as common place (and not always repeated, we watched a show where 2 characters were having a conversation and one was speaking in English the other in French). And speaking in other European languages is also common for any attraction at any time. IF you are unfamiliar with French you may find it difficult.

It really is your decision and Disneyland Paris is a wonderful place. The castle is beautiful and you can spot some very rare characters there. I just want you be be sure you wouldn't be expecting american standards.

I personally would take WDW any time I could afford it, but i would live there if I could.

If I can help with anything. Let me know.

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 06:36

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

I have heard about this side of DLP here and there. It's certainly, more flawed than WDW, there's no question about that. The cast member and French thing definitely concerns me. I'm still considering WDW, no doubt. Not only would it be easier to do, but there is so much there that I have never done and might never get to go unless I go with no kids (siblings or my own one day). There is so much to do at WDW, and there's no way for me to do it all, and while my parents probably don't believe it, I would cherish a 9-day vacation to Orlando and WDW just as much as one to Paris. It sounds crazy, but I think it's true. Like I said, it's old reliable. I know it's going to be a lot more easy on me if I go to WDW. It's something I definitely still consider. I'll certainly decide as it gets closer. I need to decided one way or the other by next summer (a year early). Thanks for your tips! Would love to PM you about your experience if you have the time!

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 11:52

Offline

Joined: 04/21/2011

Posts: 72

Feel free. Any time.

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 14:13

mvmarrewijk

Offline

Joined: 08/14/2012

Posts: 1

I (Dutch living in Belgium) have visited both walt disney world and disneyland paris (a lot of times) and I think you should go to Paris. Offcourse it's a different experience and you will be threated a little different as in wdw but the quality of service is still high. Parc Disneyland is so beautifull and full of details I think you will love it, the studios is not a full day park but when you will be there in 2014 you will get to experience the new ratatouille darkride.
And offcourse there is nothing more beautifull then sunset on the seine with a view on the eiffel tower , it will enrichen you!

bienvenue en france!

Tue, 08/14/2012 - 14:35

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Mvm, to the forums and thanks so much for the tips. Definitely leaning towards Paris just because of the city, not because of Disney.

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Thu, 09/20/2012 - 01:05

Hardy0109

Offline

Joined: 07/19/2012

Posts: 688

Ok, so if you guys have seen multiple other threads (I know I'mt alking about it a lot, but just want to weigh options), you guys know I want to take my wonderful mother to WDW next fall with my money. I told her today that I can't go to college without going on a another WDW trip. I'm doing the college program either my So/Jr year in college, so that's something to look forward to, but I want to take a full trip to do whatever I want with my parents. So I was just thinking..

I can go on the Paris trip for my senior trip and also spend the money next fall to go on a trip to WDW with my mom for 7 days. Or, I can go to Orlando for 10 days and stay on Disney property and do whatever I want, as well as get the laptop I want, and then save all the money that I would have spent on a Disney trip. Either way I'm going to Disney..but one way I'm paying for it and one way I'm not, but I don't go to Paris...what do you guys think?

I hate decisions..and I just can't get the thought of going to Disney World out of my mind, it's why I'm on here all the time, as well as reading about Disney non-stop, including, now, Kingdom's Keepers. Ugh..It's a good think neither decision is the wrong decision in this case.

__________________

omnia mea mecum porto.

@byhardy on twitter.

Primary links

Secondary links

Tread new waters vs Old Reliable