Advice requested....a bit long... About This Page:

[disneydani]

Turning to all your DLP experts...

As part of my son's Bar Mitzvah gift, my father (former Paris native), has offered to take my son on a trip to Paris for about a week or so. They have mapped out several Paris mainstays as well as a side trip to visit my grandmother, who lives about 15 minutes from DLP. Of course, DS has requested a day at DLP.

Given the fact that I am not paying for the trip, I was thinking of thinking ofsplurging on one hotel night....they would check in at somepoint in the afternoon after visitng my grandmother and then have one full day to enjoy DLP. I have been on the website and have read about the Castle Club having unlimited fastpasses but can't find any other info about it including what exactly it is (I am thinking along the lines of concierge at WDW?) or what the cost is. Also wondering if they have any VIP tour guides as this might be another way to maximize their time at the park. Just trying to figure how to get the most out of the parks in such a short visit....while DS would definitely love to spend more time there, my father's main goal is to re introduce DS to Paris proper....

Any recommendations of hotels and how to optomize would be appreciated. Oh yes, the trip is either going to be towards the end of March (yup, could be very cold) or middle of August(yup, crowded)....unfortunately, we have to consider school schedules at this age.

Thanks!

danielle

[Disneybine]

That's so cool that your father is taking your son on a trip to France!

The Castle Club is indeed the concierge level of the Disneyland Hotel. If you stay there, you can use all FastPass lines as often as you like. Note, however, that only the Disneyland Park currently has FP, not the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Here's the link to info on the Castle Club at DLP's official website:
The Castle Club - Hotels in Paris - Disneyland® Resort Paris
You can click on "Book Now" to check for prices (although I'm not sure if you can select the Castle Club there; if not you may want to call DLP directly at +33 1 60 30 60 53).

Anyways, the Castle Club is not exactely cheap... As an alternative, you could consider a regular room at the Disneyland Hotel. You get so-called Hotel FastPasses for the attraction, then. You won't be able to use the FP lines all the time but still get a few extra FPses to use. The Disneyland Hotel is beautiful and definitely a great place to stay if you can swing it. If it's not in the budget, the other Disney hotels on property are a great option as well.

As far as I know, there are no VIP tour guides available at DLP. Both March and August will be crowded (school breaks over here, too) so I'd suggest at least choosing a day during the week, preferably Mon - Thurs, as lots of locals come to the parks on the weekends.

Hope this helps! If you have any other questions or would like a recommendation, please let me know

[disneydani]

Thanks, Sabine...that was a major help! As we continue to discuss it, I think the plan is for my DS to go over March Break and his day at DLP will be on Monday, 3/22, which happens to be his birthday....to bad no free birthday admission there! I will definitely look into the DL Hotel and check out the FP options.

The hotel looks beautiful and I see this as one of those once-in-a-lifetime scenarios!

danielle

[Disneybine]

I agree that staying at the Disneyland Hotel is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things! It's definitely on my list of things I'd love to do at least once in my life