Alternatives to Disneyland Paris

[ArdnaGreine]

For dc 8,6,3 yrs old.

Researching DLP at the moment and feeling a bit overwhelmed by it lol. The queues, cost(can afford), crowds, overwhelming enthusiasm etc! Think it may be hell for us but kids would enjoy.

We're looking at staying offsite and eating some decent food and getting a few sights in too.

Any alternatives anyone can suggest as a compromise between giving kids a great time and is keeping our sanity??

We went to DLP in February, we took ski wear in case it was cold but it was ok . But most importantly it was dead. We could walk straight on and off rides, seeing the length of the queue rails made me realise if we ever went back it would have to be out of season as they are sooo long.

We booked Character meals and had lots of interactions with the characters which DD loved and paying extra for that was worth it as then we didn't spend any time queueing for photos outside.

I'm not a great fan of rides but just the environment is magical, even if you think you hate Disney it makes you turn into a little child again.

Efteling is on my list for our next holiday.

I'm going to throw Duinrell into the mix. Pre-erected tents (or cottages/caravans), theme park, water park. Much more relaxed than Disney.
That said, I wholeheartedly recommend DLP. We have been several times and loved it. Throw a little money at it. Do book things in advance so that you don't need to think about it while you are there. Our most successful trip was staying on site, half board, booked 'big meal' each day with our half board tickets for late lunch/mid afternoon. Got on park as early as we could manage to avoid crowds. Had leisurely lunch when we were flagging (elderly rellie with us who needed a break: also an opportunity for your littlest to nap if needed). Headed back to hotel early evening picking up subway or macdonalds on the way. Kids/Granny asleep early. DH and I played cards and shared a bottle of wine before getting an early night ourselves. Surprisingly relaxing because of preplanning.

Oh, and the DC won't think they are bothered about characters until you get there and 3YO will be transfixed!

We went to this one in Germany during Easter holidays :
www.europapark.de/en

It was brilliant, no queue lots of fun rides lovely children's areas for the younger ones.... plus all the dreaded rollercoasters. We had lovely warm weather not too hot. But as ever would avoid going during the summer!
We stayed at a holiday let a bit further away and spend some time exploring the surrounding area which is absolutely stunning! Only possible downside is that you need a (hire) car to get around (the area) which adds to the cost.
We also went to this place www.hasenhorn-rodelbahn.de the kids are smitten and already plan a return trip!!

We stayed at a lovely campsite about half an hour away by car. Parking was plentiful at DLP.

But in answer to your OP... anywhere!! I hated it; only did it for DD, who actually cried with happiness as the Frozen float passed us in the parade (she’s late teens but with LD), but if she ever wants to go again, she can do it with her carer .

Loved Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen though. We went in winter and it had a ScoobyDooish old theme park vibe to it.

Im totally converted to Holland instead. Will aim to spend a week there and think will feel like more of a holiday for us and less hassle/rushed/overwhelming for kids. Will do Amsterdam, Efteling and maybe stay in tree house/ safari tent(luxury) in Beekse Bergen.

Might look at DLP or more probably Orlando when kids are a few years older. We are travelling from Ireland so Eurostar not an option for us. Will have to get on a flight anyway.

Used live near St Pancras and did Paris a few times . So convenient. Would be more keen to do DLP if we still had that convenience.

We've been to both Efteling and DLP and I much preferred Efteling. It's a pretty easy drive from southern England too, particularly if you stop over one night (we had a night in Antwerp, you could also do Bruges - both are charming and nice to wander in).

DLP is expensive and crowded. It's fun and our kids enjoyed it, but Efteling was much more charming, less busy and with just as good a selection of rides. The food was also better, much more selection, souvenirs cheaper, and the queues were smaller for the rides. I'm sure if you go in August it will be busy, but we went at Easter and it was fab.

Just seen you're travelling from Ireland - in that case fly to Eindhoven and hire a car. You'll have a great time! I love Holland.

We've done E and are doing to DLP in November. E was okay but doesn't have the wow factor imo. Basically both are good but not really comparable iyswim.

For both parks we stayed/are staying at centre Parcs nearish by, there is one 6k from Disney. European cp is so much cheaper than the UK and means we have some chill out time at the end of our break too

Caveat: If you love all the razzmatazz of Disney, Efteling isn't like that, it's much more low-key. If you want parades and brightly colours and fireworks then go to DLP.

I agree that Europa Park is in a different league to DLP. It's not coincidence that it's won the theme park of the year award several years running now. It makes DLP look plastic, dirty and badly run - and that's coming from someone who actually enjoys DLP! But as I say EP is just so much better in every way. Your little ones will find the Enchanted Forest area just absolutely magical and there is nowhere like it at DLP. It's great any time of year but Christmas is something else - and makes Christmas at DLP look like amateur hour. I agree it's less easy to get to than DLP but oh so worth the journey.

@ardagreine - I've done both and the replies so far pretty much have you covered. The only reason I'm adding to the mix is that I'm an Amsterdam/Netherlands blogger and also the family blogger for the City of Amsterdam website IAmsterdam.

If you're looking for info on Efteling, Amsterdam and beyond take a look at the blog. Always happy to help with Amy specific questions xx

amsterdamwonderland.com/category/kids/

On the EP website you can check when the local schools are on holiday. We've been able to go in half terms and prior to Christmas when the local schools are still in and accordingly experienced little or no queues for rides etc. If you're on a budget and staying in Rust there is a Lidl. But the food in the park itself is a reasonable price and far better quality than anything you'll experience in either a British or Disney theme park. EP is owned and run by the Mack family (who make rollercoasters and have just installed Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach) and the pride in their product is evident. It doesn't feel like it is purely there to suck every last cent out of you like it feels at Merlin and Disney. It genuinely feels like they want you to have the best time possible and they go out of their way to add value at every opportunity. The only downside of going to EP is that every other theme park will feel a bit "meh"!