disneyland paris hotel advice please

[lu9months]

we are hoping to go in feb half term, with three kids aged 9,7, and 2, and elderly though reasonably fit parents. we want to stay as close to the centre as possible, to avoid too much walking. we want a comfortable hotel but not luxury. where would you recommend? thanks

Hopefully Figgygirl will be on soon and can help you out (though she might be in Disney at the moment). In the meantime, the Marne la Vallee forum on Trip Advisor has lots of information on the various hotels, their pros and cons.

I've only stayed at the Disneyland Hotel which is the pink one built at the entrance to the park so the location is fantastic and it's their version of 5 star. It's not 5 star as in Four Seasons 5* but it is very nice and it's very comfortable and quiet. I always find it a welcome relief from the busy-ness of the parks.

Rooms are big (though probably due a refurb) and the breakfast buffet is fantastic. It is the most expensive but I suppose you get what you pay for.

There are lots of opportunities to meet characters in the hotel which means you can avoid queueing up in the park.

The main advantage of it is the location. I've found that it's great to be able to pop back during the day to warm up (we usually go in January) or just have a break. With elderly parents, I think that would be an advantage.

Also, for the extra magic hours (8 to 10am) when some of the rides are open before the park opens to the public, it's great to be able to literally get up, pop downstairs and do those rides (many of which have huge queues during the day) and then go back upstairs for breakfast. Whilst the New York hotel isn't that far from the entrance, you still have to walk through the village and then go through the security check which you don't have to do at DL hotel (not sure why).

But, as I say, Figgygirl is an expert on Disney and she does post on this forum or check out her advice on Trip Advisor.

And, have a great time.

We stayed in the main hotel and although it was expensive for us with smaller kids (at the time) it was the best decision. We figured it was worth paying for as they are little with the sense of wonderment for a short time that we didnt want to miss out. Do be mindful of the weather which is likely to be cold and wet ( Dp has more rainfall on average than the UK i believe) so have plenty of spares with you. have fun!

Essentially the more you pay the close you are to the park. The closest is the Disneyland hotel, then new York, sequoia, Newport and the others are just too far IMO.

Hi,
I agree with Granard concerning the convenient location and comfort of the Disneyland Hotel but it is the most expensive. This hotel does have more Characters during the day than the other Disney hotels, and no time tickets for breakfast which is hot and cold buffet.

The New York is a very nice hotel as well, but very different theming, being 1930's Manhattan art deco. Also has hot & cold buffet breakfast in either Parkside Diner or Manhattan restaurants. You have to book breakfast timeslots on arrival, but they are not strict about this, so it does not matter if you are late.
I have written two detailed reviews with photos of the HNY recently, so have a read of those which should help. The link for the earlier one is at the bottom of this one.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g226865-d262678-r119909114-Disney_s_Hotel_New_York-Marne_la_Vallee_Seine_et_Marne_Ile_de_France.html

The HNY is the only hotel where everything is on the ground floor so you only have to use a lift if your room is on an upper floor. The theming is not as appealing for kids as some of the other hotels as this was built as a more adult option to the DLH, having a large conference centre. The swimming pool is also deep, with no kids pool or shallow end.

The Sequoia Lodge has nice cosy National Park theming, built in wood and stone, with rooms in either the main building or 5 lodge buildings. Rooms here are currently being refurbished with subtle Bambi theming. This hotel has a comfortable bar/ lounge with sofas and open fire in winter months. This hotel is next to the New York, so only a few more mins walk.

The New York, Sequoia and Newport Bay are all built beside Lake Disney, so all have rooms with lake view for a supplement. They also have free shuttle bus every 10 mins to the stops by Chessy railway station for guests who don't wish to walk to the parks through the Village.

You can book dinner in any of the Disney hotels, or use their bars / lounges, so are not limited to the one you are staying in.

As Granard says, we are always happy to help on the TA DLP/ MLV forums. I pop in here when I have time, but as DE on the TA forum that has my priority.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g2079053-i21935-Disneyland_Paris_Marne_la_Vallee_Seine_et_Marne_Ile_de_France.html

PS. Standard rooms are for up to 4 people. The DLH has some family rooms with two Queen beds and one sofa bed. Some rooms have one King size bed.
They will put a travel cot in a room for babies/ toddlers under 3 yrs. You can request connecting or adjoining rooms.

PPS. Celebrations for the 20th Anniversary do not begin until 1st April.
French school holidays and weekends / National Holidays are always busy, but February is not usually as crowded as Easter/ Summer Time / Christmas holidays.
Worth checking Spanish school holidays as well, as many go to DLP.