How to afford a trip? About This Page:

[pudinhd]

I just started pricing Disneyland Paris to see what it would cost my husband and I to visit. The hotel package with tickets seemed very reasonable… But, the airfare is SO expensive! Is this normal? What airport(s) do people fly into? It seemed like there were a couple options. Anyone have any thoughts on how to afford a trip? Thanks!

*Edit - We live in Southern California, so we would be flying out of LAX.

[chezp]

It's worth looking at flights into Paris Charles de Gaulle or possibly London Heathrow. Both are beautiful cities and well worth spending a couple of days in - and you can take the Eurostar train from St. Pancras International in the heart of London right to the doors of the park - honestly!

I know another way to get cheaper flights is to look at airports where there's a lot of competition between airlines, for example New York's JFK, so it might be worth considering flying there, then taking a flight from there, as that could be a cheaper option.

[jimmymac]

Yes, airfare has been going us pretty much continuuosly for thew last couple of months to try to keep pace with the cost of oil. And I fear it's only going to get worse. I'd fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris

[Colexis Mom]

Airfare from anywhere in the US to Europe is going to be high I'd subscribe to airlines websites so you can get emails when they have specials

[Disneybine]

Yeah, flights are always a large chunk to figure in for us when we fly to the US, too.

We always try to book early as prices tend to go up as the departure date approaches. Also, flights with two lay-overs are a lot cheaper than direct flights. We usually have one lay-over in Europe and one in the US. Since you're flying from a big city into a big city, one lay-over is probably enough. Both Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly are fine for flying into Paris, IMO. I also like Cheryl's idea of flying to London first since the trip to DLP with the Eurostar train is only like 3 hours. So if you're interested in London at all, this would work.

Well, other than that, try to check prices online frequently to see if any airline runs a special or something. The time of year you're going also influences the price. That's why we always try to avoid vacationing during German school breaks.

You probably knew most of what I wrote already but I hope I could still help a little.

[BeachBabyBongo]

I would just say plan way ahead. I went in the middle of March of 2007 and got a pretty good price flying from Richmond, Virginia through Atlanta and then into Charles de Gaulle. It was less expensive going in March, but it was also very cold and the entire time we were in Paris. My sister took her family in August and paid a bit more, but she said it was well worth it.

Disneyland Paris is a lot of fun and the transportation is amazing - so easy. We took the Disney shuttle from Charles de Gaulle to the Hotel Santa Fe (I would recommend staying in a moderate or above - I didn't really care for the Santa Fe ). The train station is at the entrance to DLP and it takes you right into Paris.

The hotel staff and most cast members in DLP spoke English, which made it very easy to figure things out. They were also very friendly and helpful. The one thing I didn't really plan for was how expensive the food was going to be. When we first arrived at the airport I bought 2 cokes for myself and my daughter which cost me about $10.80 in US dollars. So, I would say have fun doing research, saving, planning and just have a blast. Good luck!!!

[Rainbowy]

Wow I am so sorry you didn't book earlier. It is unfortunate because airfare just went up a huge chunk about 3 weeks ago. My DSIL works for the airline, and she said its not going to get any better. They are even starting to ad an extra fee onto long flights for fuel costs. So I say book the flights as soon as possible. Make sure to get the insurance so you can reschedule or cancel without loosing all your money.
Good Luck and enjoy the planning.

[Woody73]

Originally Posted by pudinhd

We live in Southern California, so we would be flying out of LAX.

We like the Air France nonstop flights from LAX to CDG. Flight time is 10-1/2 hours.

The cost of flights departing after Labor Day is usually less than during summer.

Woody

[dgauthier]

My son and I just got back two wqeek ago from Paris the comment about the food cost was no joke it is one of the factors on my wife and I going back

[bitterchickey]

This is a trip we are looking to do in 2012--planners, I know. We were planning to use DVC points to stay onsite, has anyone done this? Does it pay better to book a package?

[chezp]

Originally Posted by bitterchickey

This is a trip we are looking to do in 2012--planners, I know. We were planning to use DVC points to stay onsite, has anyone done this? Does it pay better to book a package?

We haven't, as we only wanted to stay one night at DLP and the minimum stay is two nights. Also don't forget that if you use your DVC points, they require you to purchase a length of stay pass for the parks.

[Woody73]

If you are going to the parks for more than two days, consider a Fantasy annual pass (129 EUR). It costs less than a 3-day/2-park ticket (134 EUR).

Woody

[Disneybine]

It's not a good deal to use DVC points for a DLP stay, IMO, as the point value you need is way too high.

Edit: The information was incorrect! See my new post below, please.

Hope this helps Personally, I prefer an on-site hotel package with length-of-stay tickets for convenience.

[Woody73]

Originally Posted by Disneybine

. . . About the Fantasy annual pass: Please keep in mind that with any annual pass at DLP, you won't be able to use the pass on the day following the day you activate (= first use) it!

Thanks Sabine for the valuable information.

We had annual passes years ago, and I don't remember if they had this restriction at the time.

Woody

[Disneybine]

So sorry about the confusion before I was a little tired when I posted before so I got my info mixed up. Ok, here's the correct information on the annual passes at DLP:

With the Dream and Fantasy annual passes, you're able to access the parks on the day following the day you active the pass! Only the Francilien annual pass has the restriction that you cannot use it on the two days following the day of activation. That's to keep visitors who don't live in the Paris region from buying this very inexpensive annual pass (It's only 89 € right now).

Again, sorry I got things messed up. Hope this new information helps, though