[Emerson613]

I am getting more and more excited! I got the on-line applications for the passports- and OH my- I've told my family- (the usual disney travelers....) and we are in the planning stage. Today my DH and my DCo-Worker did google maps and all I could come up with was the Disney Golf Course and the train station.

What is the deal with the ticket on the train? and would I be on the train if we were taking public transportation from the airport?

and also, what about the park hopper? is it a hopper like WDW because in Tokyo, there were all different types of tickets for rides or one that was for all rides... something like that????


SO FUN! tell me everything!

thanks!


oh and thank you for the tips about the hotels-
I certainly can go visit the Disneyland hotel and save money to SHOP!!!!!!

[Emerson613]

as an aside- are there plus sized clothes in Paris???

oh and also, how far is Disneyland from the Pasteur Institute? Does anyone know?

thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[Towncar T]

Originally Posted by Emerson613

What is the deal with the ticket on the train? and would I be on the train if we were taking public transportation from the airport?

and also, what about the park hopper? is it a hopper like WDW because in Tokyo, there were all different types of tickets for rides or one that was for all rides... something like that????


SO FUN! tell me everything!

thanks!


oh and thank you for the tips about the hotels-
I certainly can go visit the Disneyland hotel and save money to SHOP!!!!!!

I cannot speak for anyone else's experience, but I have travelled many times to and from DLRP by train and have never had a problem. OK, so I speak French, but to be honest it really is no big deal. You have your ticket; you put it in the slot at the barrier, and you exit. Voila! You CAN get the train from CDG airport to DLRP and we have done that before (TGV takes about 10-15 mins). There are also lots of other options. There is a regular bus service, taxis and you could also hire a car. The last way is really cheap and a good way to do it if you have lots of luggage. My friend is doing that in December. The drive to the hotel would be all on autoroutes (freeway) and the hotels all have free car parks. It would depend where you were travelling to and from at the beginning and end of your stay. I would NOT recommend a novice traveller to drive in or around Paris itself.

The Park Hopper, or billet passe-partout as they call it, is just like WDW. It allows you to go between the two parks as often as you like during your stay. If you stay on-property and you buy a ticket-inclusive package you effectively get an extra day because your ticket is valid on the day of arrival and departure. So if you stay two nights at a Disney hotel and buy your ticket when you book you will get three days in the parks. The property is nowhere near as big as WDW and you can just walk between the two parks. It's about two hundred yards to walk between them.

There are only basically two types of ticket. The single-park ticket (valid for one park only) and the passe-partout. There is of course an annual pass and believe it or not it's worth buying if you are visiting for a week or more. But I don't think that would be for you. If you splash out big time and stay in one of the top-priced rooms at the Disneyland Hotel you will receive a VIP fastpass, which is valid for your entire stay. It is a fastpass that you just keep with you and use over and over as often as you like. We have had these several times and they are fabulous. However, they alone would not justify the huge extra cost of staying in a suite.

The Pasteur Institute is in central Paris and would take approximately forty five minutes to reach by train in my opinion. You would get an RER train into the centre and a metro right to the Institute. The Paris Metro is a piece of cake to navigate and trains are safe and frequent. Be careful of pickpockets on trains. They love American tourists - especially those with backpacks.

As for plus - sized clothes. Hmmm. I'll tread carefully. Can I assume you are refrring to outsize garments? The French are by-en-large a relatively slimline race, and Parisians are particularly style-conscious. I'm sure you can probably find that sort of thing, but it will probably be in specialist stores and may be hard to locate. It depends on how big you are talking here. There's European big, but then there's American big! In any case, the price of clothing in Europe as compared to the USA is shocking. At least double.

Hope that helps

[Emerson613]

I can not wait!!!! (thank you so so so so much!)
You are going to turn out to be a wonderful resource for us and i greatly appreciate it!!!!!

Passport applications are being filled out this week- and once they are back- I guess I need to shop for air fare. Besides going to Japan I have never flown international so I am not familiar with pricing-
What is a good fare? or an average fare? I like to get airfare BELOW average to feel like I've accomplished something

My friend will be visiting Paris (at the Institute) VERY soon- and if she accepts that position will need to get an apartment in the early Spring. I am thinking that I SHOULD- of course- Go with her- help her find a place and THEN take 2 days to go to Disney without the family- you know- to get my feet wet... and THEN go back with the children and my DH-

sounds like a plan huh???


thanks again and I will be asking more- that's for sure!


(oh, thanks... I could not be offended about the clothing- but I was speaking of say size 16 or likely an 18 - your clothes run small don't they???)

thanks much!
T

[Towncar T]

Originally Posted by Emerson613

thanks again and I will be asking more- that's for sure!


(oh, thanks... I could not be offended about the clothing- but I was speaking of say size 16 or likely an 18 - your clothes run small don't they???)

thanks much!
T

Ask whatever you like. DLRP is where I get my Disney fix. I like it better than WDW, mainly because it's nearer home and I am a Francophile. But then again I've only been to WDW once and have been countless times to Paris.

The clothes thing may be a problem. 16/18 US size is 18/20 UK and 46/48 European. That's pretty large over this side of the pond and it would be fairly rare to come across many stores with much of a range in those sizes. For your information, here is a site with size conversions for most items:

clothes stores, clothing sizes conversion charts. size converter, sizing chart, US, continantal, UK, european sizes.

[WishUponAStar]

Hi, my name is Jessica and I am your international shopping connection

No fear fellow plus-sized jetsetter there ARE some options, even in Paris the land of waif and the fashion safe. First off, my suggestion is NOT to go to Paris to shop for clothing. You WANT to go to Paris for unique and special accessories. Would you rather come home from Paris with a sweater that could be bought similarly at Neiman Marcus for perhaps a smaller price OR would you rather come home with some REALLY unique, outstanding, and special accessories to accompany all those great clothes you can get RIGHT HERE in the US. Accessories, trust me. Paris is the home of some very creative, detail maticulous, and one of a kind accessories designers. Yes, there is always Chanel, Louboutin, etc.. for those REALLY special accessory spurlges but I am talking even about that little boutique on the corner metro that sells bundled hand-dyed Merino winter scarves for 20 euro. GORGEOUS. Paris, to me, is all about 'les détails,' and NOT about 'les principes fondamentaux.'

Alas, if accessories just don't satisfy your shopping palette (which is a COMPLETE sacrilege by the way) and you just MUST go shopping for clothes here are my suggestions:

There is a boutique called "No Complex" that displays their collection on-line for you to preview, which is also sold in the brick and mortar store at the following location:

NOCOMPLEX Paris Nord Est 36 Boulevard de Charonne 75020 Paris
Téléphone : 01 43 73 57 03

This is their website, not sure they have an English version but it's really easy to navigate...
Magasin NO COMPLEX Paris, vêtements grandes tailles pour femmes en formes

One of your BEST options is going to be Elena Miro's plus sizes which has an AWESOME collection of VERY classic, modern, and trendy clothes. They have a great website too & PLENTY of locations within Paris:

Elena Miro'.

There is another shop in Paris called "Grandiva," the web address is
Grandiva Paris Pret-a-Porter Grande Taille

This is a more exclusive boutique, often open by appointment and it's run soley by a Dutch couple. They carry clothing, classy French lingerie, shoes, accessories, etc. only for plus sizes. TOTALLY worth going to, especially if you get to come home and say "I had a personal shopping apppointment at a French clothing boutique ."


That should be plenty to get you started. I would definately focus on special accessories shopping in Paris BUT making a special trip to "Grandiva" and "Elena Miro" may be just as exciting and satisfying.

[Emerson613]

Jess Jess Jess...
another long lost sister!
Where are you when I need something!!!

I have NO concept of fashion. I Like cotton too much!
I am always asking Paula to help me!!!!

so fun reading that post.
I just thought i would buy SOMETHING and I bet there isn't even something in the park for me- is there???

How many times have you gone to France/DLRP?

this is so fun!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by Emerson613

Jess Jess Jess...
another long lost sister!
Where are you when I need something!!!

I have NO concept of fashion. I Like cotton too much!
I am always asking Paula to help me!!!!

so fun reading that post.
I just thought i would buy SOMETHING and I bet there isn't even something in the park for me- is there???

How many times have you gone to France/DLRP?

this is so fun!

I am always right here Any help you need!

I have been to France twice (once Paris, once in the country) but I have never been to Disneyland, Paris

I am HOPING I get to maybe go within the next year b/c my best friend has an apartment in Ghent, Belgium until summer '08 and would love for me to come visit. DL Paris is only a short train ride from there. I'm holding my breath.

[woohoo]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Hi, my name is Jessica and I am your international shopping connection

No fear fellow plus-sized jetsetter there ARE some options, even in Paris the land of waif and the fashion safe. First off, my suggestion is NOT to go to Paris to shop for clothing. You WANT to go to Paris for unique and special accessories. Would you rather come home from Paris with a sweater that could be bought similarly at Neiman Marcus for perhaps a smaller price OR would you rather come home with some REALLY unique, outstanding, and special accessories to accompany all those great clothes you can get RIGHT HERE in the US. Accessories, trust me. Paris is the home of some very creative, detail maticulous, and one of a kind accessories designers. Yes, there is always Chanel, Louboutin, etc.. for those REALLY special accessory spurlges but I am talking even about that little boutique on the corner metro that sells bundled hand-dyed Merino winter scarves for 20 euro. GORGEOUS. Paris, to me, is all about 'les détails,' and NOT about 'les principes fondamentaux.'

Alas, if accessories just don't satisfy your shopping palette (which is a COMPLETE sacrilege by the way) and you just MUST go shopping for clothes here are my suggestions:

There is a boutique called "No Complex" that displays their collection on-line for you to preview, which is also sold in the brick and mortar store at the following location:

NOCOMPLEX Paris Nord Est 36 Boulevard de Charonne 75020 Paris
Téléphone : 01 43 73 57 03

This is their website, not sure they have an English version but it's really easy to navigate...
Magasin NO COMPLEX Paris, vêtements grandes tailles pour femmes en formes

One of your BEST options is going to be Elena Miro's plus sizes which has an AWESOME collection of VERY classic, modern, and trendy clothes. They have a great website too & PLENTY of locations within Paris:

Elena Miro'.

There is another shop in Paris called "Grandiva," the web address is
Grandiva Paris Pret-a-Porter Grande Taille

This is a more exclusive boutique, often open by appointment and it's run soley by a Dutch couple. They carry clothing, classy French lingerie, shoes, accessories, etc. only for plus sizes. TOTALLY worth going to, especially if you get to come home and say "I had a personal shopping apppointment at a French clothing boutique ."


That should be plenty to get you started. I would definately focus on special accessories shopping in Paris BUT making a special trip to "Grandiva" and "Elena Miro" may be just as exciting and satisfying.

You NEVER cease to amaze me!!! you are most definately one of the funkiest coolest and most fun people I have ever met online...which by the way only makes me more mad that I could not go with you guys!! UGH!

When When When When When are we going to hang out????? I need some "coolness" tips... LOL

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by woohoo

You NEVER cease to amaze me!!! you are most definately one of the funkiest coolest and most fun people I have ever met online...which by the way only makes me more mad that I could not go with you guys!! UGH!

When When When When When are we going to hang out????? I need some "coolness" tips... LOL

hehe, Woohoo Listen, I think NYC is 1/2 way between us!! You pick the day I'll make my way Mamma.

[woohoo]

OOOOOH- you got it! Maybe christmas time when the lights are up and all... I might end up bringing my personal princess... but she is cute and you would love her!

[jimbo]

we have been to Disneyland Paris 3 times, well we only live in england so it our local.

its great at Disney Paris BUT imagine universal studios and islands of adventure set up. its like that but without all the big rides- its Disney-.

the shows are all in French (well you are in France). it would have been nice to have some in English.

also all the Disney hotels are very close and you can walk to them from the park or Disney village (Down town Disney, but smaller) the disneyland hotel is right at the gates of the park, other hotels atre only 5- 10 min bus ride away or around 15-20 min walk.

what we like about Disney Paris is the characters have more time to play and interact with you, the place is getting better and better. lots of new attractions over the last couple of years and some more opening soon.
its been open for fifteen years now and they have almost got the french mickey under control and understanding what happyness is all about.

its a nice place but if i could i would go USA EVERY TIME but i also want to do all disney ya know hong kong (but that is very small)

[Emerson613]

Well, Bumping this back up- My friend has about a 98% lock on that job! She will be going back for her last interview and should be moving in the Spring. I have plenty of time now to plan! I can't wait!!! I am going to hold on to this thread- I already looked at the web sites for Clothing! Wishy- they are SO FUN! Do you buy a lot of clothes from those places?
I have to spruce up the fashion- a mini-make over for this mom is IN ORDER.... oh- that should be another thread---- Wish- Paula.... anyone else care to help me! I'll post pictures of my drab clothing and you can put cut outs on me to fix me up! FUN! Now, back to Disney UK!!! Passports being ordered within the month! I'll check back soon!

thanks much guys!
T

[nbodyhome]

Remember to spend time in Paris as well! I spent a week at DLP the first time I went (well, 6 nights). Only one day in Paris. Now I go to Paris, and spend a day or so in the parks. I wouldn't mind staying onsite for a night or two next time, but it's really hard for me to tear away from the city.

Paris is the most incredible place in the world (well, of the places I've been so far!) I have a small hotel I like for under $100 USD (this past trip I stayed in a smaller room for $80USD, I could have gone even cheaper). Only a half hour to DLP, and the restaurants near the hotel are wonderful.

For a first trip, I'd maybe do 2 - 3 days in the parks, but it would depend how long I'd be there and how much time would be allocated for the city. The Studios is not much to see, but the main park is beautiful.

You do have to still be careful of your belongings at DLP, just like in Paris. Not as bad in the parks, but I've heard of pickpocketing and such at Downtown Disney. Sometimes you'll see the Gendarmie (police) at the RER station - which is right there, just a minute walk from DD - with their machine guns. It's very different! And there are people who spread blankets out and try to sell the same type of souvenirs as what you'll see at the major touristy areas in Paris. Again, right in that area - between the RER and DD.

If you want a quick snack or drink, the Relay at the RER station is MUCH cheaper. They even do some sandwiches, and a few breakfast type items (not hot meals, just the cold). But normally priced, not park priced. I told a friend about this recently before her trip, and she was very happy to stop at the Relay! From the Disneyland Hotel, it's not more than a 5 minute walk.

I want to go back next year again, I need to start saving! And I love London too, and grocery shopping at either place (London is the best for groceries, but Paris has Pom Potes).

Denise

[Pistoljerry]

We went to Disney Paris once and it's always nice to go to a new Disney Park. The Castle is really cool, and Space Mountain is the best one of all of them (hint: it goes upside down a little). If you like to use the lockers you might check that out first, they did not allow anyone to use lockers when we went. It may have changed back by now, not for sure. Have fun.