Day trip to DLP from London? About This Page:

[cubfancolleen]

We're doing the Northern European cruise next June, in and out of Dover, and trying to decide where to go after the cruise. We've talked about just returning to London for a few days, but the idea of checking out DLP is tempting - not only because we'd go to the park, but also because we could take the train through the Chunnel!
So, who's gone to DLP from London, and if so, is it doable as a daytrip? Would it be better to take the train there, spend 1 night at the park, and return to England the next day?
I've been reading old posts, and it seems like pretty mixed reviews about the resort.
I'm also considering heading to Brussels for a few days - I was there about 10 years ago, and loved Bruges - would love to take the family there.
So many choices! We've talked about Paris, DLP, London, Belgium, Ireland. We have to book our flight home (using frequent flier miles) between August 12 & August 15, so have to have decided by then so we know where we're flying home from!
Any advice or opinions are most welcomed!

[chezp]

We've done Disneyland Paris in a day, but it was a very long day - and from London, it would be even longer, as we joined the Eurostar at Ebbsfleet, not London, which is part of the way to the coast on the route. We were on the first train of the day, at about 6.00 and on the last one back, getting back in at something like 9.30. We got to see a lot of the park and it was worth doing, but it would knock you out for the next day - it certainly did for us and we were returning home.

Also, I wouldn't plan on flying home the next day, just in case there's a problem. When we took our friends to Paris - and had a similar long day - there was an accident on the lines on the way back and we were massively delayed. At one point, we didn't think we were going to get home that night at all. Unfortunately, strikes on the French railways can occur quite frequently as well, so I'd keep that in mind.

If you are going to go to Disneyland Paris, I would do it sooner rather than later - don't do a weekend in August. Having said that, August is peak time for visiting, with British schools off and Brits are the main source of visitors to the parks. I would really recommend at least two days bearing that in mind.

How about spending maybe a day or two in London and then taking the train over to Brussels? From there, it's a very easy ride to get to Bruges, which is a beautiful city. Either that, or you could spend some time in Paris and fly back from there.

Much as I love Disney, I do think if you're coming all this way, I'd spend time exploring London, Paris, Bruges or Brussels before Disneyland Paris, as they're all beautiful and unique cities with lots to see and do.

[scottjs]

Whatever else you may decide I would say ride the Chunnel!!! London to Paris by train would just be so exciting to me. And now that its possible(When I lived over there it wasn't) I say do it!!!

[cubfancolleen]

Thanks for the feedback, Cheryl. I hadn't even thought about rail strikes, and how that could derail (pardon the pun) our trip back to the states.
I do love the idea of heading back to Brussels & Bruges!
We have been realizing it may be better to stay in one place (like London) given that for 12 days of the cruise we'll be in a different place each day.
So I'd also take any "must see" lists of things in London - keeping in mind we'll be traveling with a 13 year old boy who loves history, and a 10 year old girl who does NOT!

[chezp]

I think that's probably a good plan, but what a challenge you're going to have with your party - hmmm.... one loves history, one doesn't. I don't think you can escape history in London!

I can thoroughly recommend the Dorling Kindersley guidebook to London. I love their series of guidebooks and they're packed with lots of great information.

As for must-do's, my list would include:

- Tower of London
- London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Buckingham Palace (it should be open to the public on its summer opening, as this year's dates are 26 July - 30 September. That's definitely worth seeing and it's the only time of the year you can go inside)
- Houses of Parliament (equally, that should be on summer opening, this year's dates are 3 August - 3 October)
- Trafalgar Square
- Harrod's

There are also lots of superb galleries and museums in London, including:
- National Gallery
- Tate
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- British Museum
- Science Museum

A lot of people like to visit Kensington Palace and the nearby park, because of the connection to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Hope that helps.

[Disneybine]

Cheryl has already given you great advice. I thought I'd add my "must-do" list (with your particular party in mind) here:

- Buckingham Palace (my absolute favorite!)
- Madame Tussaud's wax museum
- London Eye (even though it's quite expensive, IMO)
- maybe Tower of London (again, we found it too expensive)

I'd do a sightseeing tour in one of those red busses.

[DouglasE]

Hi there!

Ok, let me throw out an idea that will make your plans even more confusing. You have children. They have different interests.

What about Blackpool? I can hear Chez saying "Oh WHY?"

Tacky, yes.
Lowbrow, mmhmm.

But it is as English as you can get.

Blackpool is a seaside summer fun center. Think of it as an English version of Coney Island.

Blackpool Tower has layer after layer of noisy entertainment with a circus, bug zone, space world, dinosaur center, aquarium and a silly house of horrors. Have a coffee break in the ballroom while you watch the oldies barely dancing to barely live music.Take in the view at the tip of the 500 foot symbol of Blackpool.

Take a trolley car to see Blackpool's beach promenade. The rattle of the cars is half the fun.

Each of the three amusement piers has its own personality.

Watch an old time variety show. This is where Tracy Ullman got her start (not a great recommendation I know, but an interesting tidbit). There is always razzle-dazzle music, dancing girls, racy humor, magic and tumbling shows. If you enjoy corny, you'll enjoy these shows.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has 42 acres of rides, ice skating shows, cabarets, and amusements. Are you game for a 235 foot roller coaster going 85 mph?

The best part of Blackpool is the people watching. I don't think there is any other place where you can see so many bad wigs and toupees, judging from my friend's pictures.

Go only if you have a sense of humor, enjoy kitsch, and greasy eateries. It thought the kids would get a kick out of it and you might enjoy seeing something truly English.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by DouglasE

What about Blackpool? I can hear Chez saying "Oh WHY?"

Tacky, yes.
Lowbrow, mmhmm.

But it is as English as you can get.

Oh my goodness, you heard me saying that from all the way over there? Ah, the great British seaside.... I'm still sticking with my London suggestions.

[DouglasE]

Actually, what I heard was Chez saying "OH (fill in her favorite expletive) WHY!?!"