Bonjour! I'm collecting Disneyland Paris info!

[Mary Blairiffic]

Hello! I'm thinking at least a few of you out there will be able to help me. My hubby and I will be traipsing to Paris in November, staying in the Marais area for three days, and then off to Disneyland Paris for the next three. Anyone out there with any handy tips and info on either Disneyland Paris or Paris itself? Any bon mots would be greatly appreciated!! :)

[Matterhorn Fan]

Have a croissant. They actually know how to make them there.

Or so I've heard. I haven't been--yet.

[Isaac]

Currently it's called Parc Disneyland ('Disneyland Paris' was dumped over 4 years ago).

Avoid eating at Annette's Diner in Disney Village.

Try eating at Auberge De Cendrillion, Silver Spur Steakhouse and Toad Hall in Parc Disneyland.

Bring warm clothes cause in November the daytime high for Marne La Vallee is around the 47 degrees.

The broken tiles from one of the two Mary Blair murals in Tomorrowland in Disneyland are in Pizzeria Bella Notte in Fantasyland in Parc Disneyland. So look for those.

Get fastpass for Big Thunder.

If you plan to watch the parade get a spot at least 1 hour prior to showtime.

The train to and from Paris is the RER A4. The Marne La Vallee 'Chessy' station is in the resort.

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Paris
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Try eating at Jules Verne @ the Tour Eiffel.

Don't miss the Louvre or the Orsay museums.

Visit Notre Dame and Saint Chappelle.

Be prepared for a very long spiral staircase if you visit Arch De Triumph.

Most ATM's accept American debit cards if you need to withdraw €.

[€uroMeinke]

Three days is great for the park, but a rush through Paris.

Starting with the park:
Disneyland Paris is a beautiful park, you'll want to spend time just wandering it and appreciating how it was crafted. The lands are well seperated with little tranistions between them. Hi-lights I would seek:

The Dragon under the castle - one of the best animatronics ever
The caves in Adventureland, not just for kids - follow the underground roots and see where they take you
Pirates, Phantom Mannor, Big Thunder, Space Mountain, are a must
Indiana Jones, is painful - but if it's your first time, you'll do this any way, so you can share this complaint
Alice's Labyrinth is very cool, and much more involved than it seems - but weather may be an issue when you go
The arcades behind Main Street are cool passageways full of themeing treasures
Walt Disney Studios, is sad by comparison - but again if this is your first time, you'll have to go to confirm that. None-the-less, Cinemagique & Animagique are pretty cool shows
Have a late lunch at Walts and get a ariel view of the parade, afterwards wander the themed dinning rooms, which are also a treatAs for Paris - three days huh? I think I'd need three weeks

The Eifel Tower is a tourist must, so if you've never been, you ought to - but it will be full of tourists
You could spend days at the Louve, but it's also a must
I love just wandering the neighborhoods, you'll be in a pretty cool one and close the Latin Quarter & Left Bank - make sure you take some time to just walk about, get a bite or a drink in a cafe, and just soak in the city. I love Montmartre, but off the Butte, a bite and away from all the Tourists, there's still a Vineyard in that neighborhood along with the Windmills.
The Cemetaries are amazing, We wspent an afternoon in the one at Montpenasse - as well as the Catacombs.
A boat tour along the Siene is also a romantic treat if your traveling with an Amour.Paris is so full of cool things, focus on your interests and you will be delighted - so tell us your interests and perhaps we can stear you to something you might not find otherwise.

In the meantime, you can catch some pics from our last trip to Paris here (http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4218323&a=31474474&f=), and our last trip to DLP here (http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4218323&a=31473474&f=).

Damn, not I want to go back

Bon Voyage!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

This may be obvious, but worth repeating - buy a rail pass and a museum pass.

Do NOT do the tram ride at Walt Disney Studios. Seriously - it will put a damper on your day. This is especially true if you've actually been to Universal Studios. Make sure to see Animagique and Cinemagique; very cool shows.

[innerSpaceman]

Good advice has already been given about the Parc. And truer words were never spoken about Paris than you'll need more than 3 days.

My favorite things to see in Paree:

The Louvre, The Louvre, and The Louvre.

Don't miss St. Chapelle, the gorgeousity amazement gem among so many wonderful cathedrals in town.

If you're going to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, I recommend twilight and the nighttime that follows it.

The Orsay museum.

The self-guiding, rooftop tour of Sacre Coure in Montmartre.

And, best of tall, the nearby cemetery of Montmartre. Fantastical Citee du la Morte.

There, that's about 2-and-a-half days worth.

[Scrooge McSam]

3 days at the park? That sounds about right ;)

For Paris, buy Rick Steves book and start reading. There's more in there than you'll ever see in 3 days, but a lot of ideas will spring from your reading. He's put together some short walking trips through some of the more popular areas. As E suggested above, focus on your interests and you'll have a blast.

Things I enjoyed:

Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

Pere Lachaise cemetary - Graves of Chopin, Jim Morrison, Moliere, Balzac and on and on and on

Museums - Out of the big three - Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou - I chose the Orsay for the impressionists and the smattering of Rodin. I knew I'd never get through all of the Louvre. My Orsay day was my favorite day in Paris.

Versailles? Could be, but it will take most of the day with the train trip out and back, the short walk to the palace and the line waiting once on site. Imagine you're viewing it through the eyes of a french peasant. I wouldn't expect to see the gardens or fountains. Even in the summer, the fountains are not on everyday, so I suspect during the winter they'll be on even less.

Boat ride on the Seine - Yeah, everybody does it. And you'll love it too. The boats at the foot of the Eiffel Tower are a pretty good deal. Get some hot chocolate for the ride. The city is beautiful at night from the river.

Enjoy!

[€uroMeinke]

I know everyone swears by Rick Steves, but we used the pocket Lonely Planet and it was perfect for getting us around the city (great maps & walking tours). I recommend it for the book that's easy to carry with you.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Try to find a Streetwise (http://www.streetwisemaps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=32) map. They're lamitated, fold up easily, easy to read, and have lots of useful info.

We ignored this advice and paid for it...make dining arrangements early for your time at the resort. If you don't have plans, it's easy to be left hung out to dry for finding decent food. And I'd recommend California Grill at the Disneyland Hotel for one of those meals. Price seems high, but for the ammount of food you get, it's one of the better deals in the resort, plus the food is fantastic and the view magical.

Be sure to arrive during your actual Fastpass windows. Unlike Anaheim, if you're late, they won't let you through.

If you head up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, there's a spectacular little Salvador Dali Museum (http://www.daliparis.com/) on the way down the hill. If you've ever been at all interested in his work, I highly recommend this little gem.

My best advice...work the morning hours. If you get up early, you can beat the crowds. We had the advantage of staying around the corner from the Louvre, but we were able to view the Mona Lisa with only a handful of other people in the gallery with us by getting there shortly after opening. If you're out and about by 8AM, you'll be surprised at how much you can get done. Hopefully your hotel seves breakfast because most restaurants aren't open that early.

And, of course, bring good walking shoes!

[Matterhorn Fan]

And, of course, bring good walking shoes!
And make sure they're fashionable!

[Not Afraid]

Don't wear white tennis shoes. Actually, don't wear tennis shoes at all. There are plenty of good walking shoes that are acceptable for streetwear in Paris.

Buy and use the Lonely Planet Condensed guide. It's by far my favorite guide to Paris (and other places as well).

There's just so much to see and do in Paris but, most of all, take the time to just walk the streets with no particular destination in mind. Sit in a cafe and sip a coffee. Listen to the buskers on the plazas and in the Metro stops. Don't be put off by the bruskness of the French - just smile a lot and you'll be fine. The gardens are spectacular and a wonderful places to just go an absorb the French daily life.

The Louvre is outstanding but HUGE. If you go, enter from the Metro entrance. Besides the lines being shorter, there's a nicely excavated Roman wall that gives me chills. You realize just how old the city is.

Sainte-Chapelle is so beautiful, but try to go on a sunny day for the best effect. Notre Dam is also nearby and also incredible. There's a little ice cream store across the bridge from Notre Dam (Berthillon Ice Cream Shop in Isle de St. Louis).

Montmartre is my "home" in Paris and love the whole area. Quite a bit of the film Amelie was filmed in Montmartre and it is worth exploring all of the nooks and craneys of the place (great film too).

Disney Studios is 1/2 a day tops. Disneyland - well, I could just move in and be happy. Say Hi to Maleficent for me - she lives under the castle.

We've been to Paris twice (and DLRP twice) and haven't see a lot of Paris. You're not going to see it all in three days, so take your time, enjoy it, fall in love with the city, buy some olive oil, some wine, eat lots of wonderful food.

[Ghoulish Delight]

The Louvre is outstanding but HUGE. If you go, enter from the Metro entrance. Besides the lines being shorter, there's a nicely excavated Roman wall that gives me chills. You realize just how old the city is.
And should that be something of interest to you, there's a small museum underneath Notre Dame. They've excavated a city block of old Paris. But when we were there they were talking about renovations, so it may be closed.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I wore tennis shoes and I was not beaten for it. Never had bad treatment either.

Wear comfortable shoes, whatever they may be.

[Not Afraid]

I wore tennis shoes and I was not beaten for it.

It's not about being beaten, it's about respecting the cultural you are a visitor of. To most Europeans, gym shoes are meant to be worn to the gym and not to be worn in the streets. Same goes for sweats. They are just NOT appropriate for the streets of Paris. People do it, but that doesn't make it appropriate or respectful.

There's also the thing about standing out as an American, which isn't really the smartest thing to do at the moment. Once you open your mouth, your secret's out anyways, but it's best to make a good first impression.

[Stan4dSteph]

Michelin Green Guide is another useful tool that doesn't scream "I'm an American."

[innerSpaceman]

If you say "bonjour" and they say "hello," you're busted. :p

[€uroMeinke]

Lisa: Je ne parle pas Français
Waiter: So speak English

[CoasterMatt]

Screw Parc Disneyland, Parc Asterix (especially that vicious ride, Gouderix) is where it's at ;)

Just kidding! If you do go to Parc Asterix, DON'T ride Gouderix unless you're a credit whore like me...

[Mary Blairiffic]

And, best of tall, the nearby cemetery of Montmartre. Fantastical Citee du la Morte.

There, that's about 2-and-a-half days worth.


Oh goodie! I love traipsing through cemeteries. THanks for the info!

[Mary Blairiffic]

And make sure they're fashionable!

I'm totally with ya. I've been told from many and several people to not even THINK about wearing gym shoes. I've got some black Keens and they're pretty comfy and fashionable. But I also want to find some fashionable knee boots. Still looking. Don't want to look like the Frumpy Ugly American.

[Mary Blairiffic]

Man, you guys gave me some really great info on Paris and Parc Disneyland!!! As it turns out, we'll actually ahve more like 4 days in Paris, so I'm feeling a little bit less rushed about that. Can't wait to visit Parc Disneyland and visit Mallificent especially. I will post pictures after our trip, in November. Thanks again!!! Oh -- and if anyone knows good vintage clothing stores in Paris, please let me know about them. I especially like things from the 50s-early 60s.

You guys are THE best!!!:snap:

[Not Afraid]

For boots, try the brand "Sudini" They are pretty damn comfy.

Also, don't forget that shopping in Paris is FAN****INGTASTIC! You may just find some fabulous boots (or other shoes) there. There's a Camper store in the Marais (I think) that is worth checking out. I could spend a day just shoe shopping in Paris.

[€uroMeinke]

Not to mention the pleasure you get to have by saying," Oh these? I picked them up in Paris."

[Not Afraid]

Speaking of great shopping in Paris, there are 2 fine costume jewelry store I ADORE. One is Agatha (on the Champs) and the other is somenameIdon'tremember located in the shops below the [L]ouvre. There is also an Agatha in these same shops. Bring me back a red pair. ;)

[Isaac]

Agatha WAS the shop in the Louvre. That's where innerSpaceman and I picked up those red & purple floral earrings for you back in 2003.

[Mary Blairiffic]

Not to mention the pleasure you get to have by saying," Oh these? I picked them up in Paris."

I like that. I do that now with things I've found in London and everyone always goes, "Ooooh..."

I like the "Ooooh" Factor.:cool:

[€uroMeinke]

Oh, and you have to post and tell us all about your trip when you get back

[Mary Blairiffic]

Oh, and you have to post and tell us all about your trip when you get back

I shall, I shall!