Anyone done DLP recently and can help/advice?

[HolidayNov]

Wanting to book DLP for next August. Will be me, and 1 DC aged 10. It’s where DC wants to go, all their friends have been, some multiple times so they’re excited.

I’ve never been to Disneyland, even as a child, so complete novice when it comes to booking things.

I’ve been researching and I’m even more confused.

1 room but separate beds, happy with either a twin, a triple (usually a double bed and a separate single) or a family room.

Meals included

A pool as DC has SN and will need some calm down time between visits.

Not so bothered about meeting characters but DC would like to go on specific rides

Questions

How do meal packages work? Can we just rock up to any restaurant to eat?

We will need all 3 meals plus snacks (can you get these? Or do I need to bring them?)

If we leave the theme park to go to the hotel can we reenter to do fireworks/more rides?

Which is the best hotel?

Is the park big? Will we be able to both parks in 2-3 days or will we need a week?

Are the smaller rides like Dumbo and Buzzlightyear suitable for older DC?

DC will be unlikely to want to go on a rollarcoaster, and is on the shorter side anyway (under 120cms but over 115cms) so may not be able to do those anyway

Best company to book with?

Doesn’t have to be the cheapest, I just want peace of mind when booking.

Is the shuttle bus included in the price for the hotels? Or is that separate?

Just so I can budget for it

Any other useful hints and tips?

Thanks

As you mention special needs, we have recently been with our daughter (8), and she was eligible for a priority pass which was an absolute gamechanger. https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-usd/guest-services/priority-card/

As for the rest, we stayed off site and just went for the day so I can't help, but it is all much easier to negotiate when you get there than websites make it sound!

We have been twice. 1st trip 3 days, 2nd trip 4 days. The shuttle is free to use.

We stayed off-site, booked via Magic Breaks. We then booked the tickets with AttractionTix.

You can leave and re enter as much as you want. Just make sure you've got park hopper tickets if you want to go between the two parks throughout the day.

Although there are riders for younger children, adults and older kids definitely enjoy them too!

Forgot to add, definitely get a priority pass if you're eligible as you'll get a lot more done in a day.

We hired a car and stayed in Davy crocket ranch. Was lovely calm away from park. Have a fantastic pool. Also has fridge. Microwave etc so we made breakfast there.

Booked direct with disney.
Get priority car for disability, is a life saver. Can use for up to 4 on rides, 3 for parades and fireworks. Also can be used for return times for characters.

We paid as we went for food which meant cud bring snacks etc for Ds whonis fussy. Some good quick service restaurants for pizza, cgips,nuggets or buffets good for fussy eaters.

Carparking free of staying in disney accomodation

By next August the Disneyland hotel should have reopened and that is the best hotel . We’ve been loads of times and generally book the hotel / park passes via the actual Disneyland Paris site and then book the euro tunnel separately - we always drive as I prefer it . Personally I don’t go for a meal package although I do pay for a hotel breakfast as my daughter is coeliac and picky so quick service in the parks suits us better . If your child has SN it’s definitely worth getting an access pass especially if you are going in August as it will be busy . If you can get an access pass then 3 days is ample , the parks are not that large particularly the Studios . The smaller rides are absolutely fine for all ages and yes if you stay in a Disney hotel you can go in and out of both parks as often as you wish .

I’m going to answer all these assuming you’re talking about staying at a Disney hotel, not a partner one

How do meal packages work? Can we just rock up to any restaurant to eat?

Breakfast would be at your hotel, usually buffet, the rest they have self serve, where you just go and eat or sit down ones where you usually tend to book in advance

depends on the pack you buy it’s the amount of meals per day you get

We will need all 3 meals plus snacks (can you get these? Or do I need to bring them?)

disney has snacks all over the place, but you can also bring your own (cheaper option)

If we leave the theme park to go to the hotel can we reenter to do fireworks/more rides?

yes

Which is the best hotel?

depends on your budget, the main Disney hotel is under renovations, the Mavel one is great, the closest one at the moment and high quality, but they are all great

Is the park big? Will we be able to both parks in 2-3 days or will we need a week?

3 days would be just enough, a week maybe a bit too much, 2 days would be rushed

Are the smaller rides like Dumbo and Buzzlightyear suitable for older DC?

asked my 12yo, and she said yes to buzz, it”s interactive and it’s a firm favourite in my family, my DH loves it

Dumbo, they can ride, but probably not that exciting

DC will be unlikely to want to go on a rollarcoaster, and is on the shorter side anyway (under 120cms but over 115cms) so may not be able to do those anyway

not that many rollercoasters anyway

Best company to book with?

I would say direct with Disney, or a DIY… shop around

Doesn’t have to be the cheapest, I just want peace of mind when booking.

Is the shuttle bus included in the price for the hotels? Or is that separate?

tends to be separate