• Thursday 21 November 2019

Caroline is just back from a fantastic trip to Disneyland Paris. Here she shares her blog about the trip, as well as her top tips for Disneyland:

We flew with Air France- they really have a great service with all the little onboard extras like food/drinks and they fly from both Cork and Dublin.

The transfer from the airport took about 50 minutes. We chose to go with a private transfer and I think it was well worth it. With a private transfer you arrive straight to your hotel, while the bus service stops off at all the hotels. There is very little in price difference and with kids it's much better to just get there.

We checked in at the four-star Newport Bay hotel. It's important to point out that you will have full security going into most hotels-  your bags go through a scanner. This also happens going into the Park itself. 

The brochure doesn't do the Newport Bay Hotel justice. It is a beautiful hotel, based on a 1920's maritime mansion and looks very impressive. The rooms are nice and spacious and our room had two double beds which catered for a family of 4.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout and all the amenities you need... including Disney non-stop on your TV. We ate here several times and the breakfast and dinner were very good. There is also a pool and spa in the hotel.

The one downside to the hotel I found was that it was almost too big. With about 1000 rooms, it takes a while to get to yours. For adults and older kids it was fine, but with very small kids I don't think it would be as Ideal. On the plus side- it's only 5 minute walk to the Park!

While I was at Disneyland Paris I also took the opportunity to check out several other hotels, including the 3* Sequoia Lodge, the 2* Cheyenne Hotel, the 4* Les Villages Nature and the 5* Disneyland Hotel. They all have a distinct style and are well-suited to children of different age group and interests. I was delighted to get the chance to improve my knowledge of each hotel and hope I can pass this experience on to my clients!

The 4* New Yorker Hotel is currently closed, but will re-open next year with a Marvel theme. I've seen some photos and it looks like it's going to be amazing. 

There are several advantages to staying at Disney hotels. Guests are allowed into the Park an hour early- which is well worth it as the place is so busy, The locations are great- you can walk to the Park from any of them. Disney characters also come to visit the hotels at different times and that's a great chance to get your photo opportunities.

Strollers can be rented for free and there are baby care centres, Kids Clubs and play areas. There's also a fantastic shopping service that will deliver your purchases back to the hotel free of charge- ideal if you're out and about.

TRIP Highlights:

 Popular Rides

• Ratatouille- We loved it... great for all ages
• The Tower of Terror- I loved it but nearly died of a heart attack!
• Peter Pans Flight- Very cute, a lovely one to do first
• Buzz Lightyear- Perfect for everyone
• Big Thunder Mountain- Great to get the heart rate going not for the faint hearted. 

We had the Fast Pass and it was well worth it as there were lots of queues we got to skip. Some of the room types include it so be sure to ask us about this when making your booking.

 Shows

We took in the Buffalo Bills Wild West Show with Mickey & Friends. It's €55 for an adult and €43 for a child. We had a great night of entertainment and fun! Your ticket price includes your meal of Authentic Texan BBQ Food. This show was a great way to see all the Disney Characters and meet them after.

 Dining

We had breakfast with the Disney Princesses at Auberge de Cendrillion. This was a lovely special treat. The food is excellent and good for any age.

The girls on the our trip were very excited by it and the actors/ princesses went out of their way to spend time with them- some even did little videos for loved ones at home. This is something they'll remember forever.

We also ate at Captain Jack's Restaurant Des Pirates. I loved this restaurant and thought the food was the best on the Park. It was great to meet with Captain Jack himself and the waiters all looked like they came straight from the Black Pearl.

Another night, we ate at Restaurant Agrabah Cafe. Here you'll immerse yourself in Aladdin's world with a great Middle Eastern buffet banquet.

Top Tips

• Save time by booking restaurant tables before you go. This can be done by calling +33 1 60 40 50 (international rates apply). This line is open 24 hours a day.
• If your Disneyland Paris package includes a Meal Plan you can make your booking at the Concierge Desk upon arriving at the hotel.
• Bring your own water bottles as there are water stations all over the Park. The price of a bottle of water there is on average €3.75. I would also bring some goodies, chocolate etc.
• Buy your Kids Costumes before you go as they'll be at least half the price

Click here to visit our Disneyland Paris page.

Start planning your Disneyland Paris holiday now. Get in touch:

 Call 021 4277094 [Cork], 023 8833220 [Clonakilty] or 027 50341 [Bantry]

 Email info@shandontravel.ie or

 Call into our shops in Clonakilty, Bantry and on Cork's Grand Parade.