First timer - Disneyland Paris with a toddler.

[Christmassssssssss]

Looking at taking DD who will be 2.5 to DLP next spring.

I have been looking at the Raddison Blu nearby which I have stayed in before (and is OK). This is coming in at about £170 per night which I think is very reasonable. There are regular shuttles to DLP.

Also looking at the Disneyland Hotel (the pink castle), which is a lot more money (£1900 for 2 nights). Could anyone who is familiar with DLP tell me what this would include? I have no idea what I’d be missing if I booked the Raddison Blu over the DL Hotel.

DD would love to see the princesses/characters and go on some smaller family rides that we can all get on together. Are there any shows too? I think she’d also love the fireworks.

We’d also like to go into Paris one day. Is this easily done from DLP?

Any general tips for DLP with a toddler?

Thanks in advance!

I’d say just don’t do it. They appreciate it far more when they’re older. It will just be tiredness and tantrum central and they won’t be able to go on half the rides.

couple of Facebook groups think the main one is Disneyland Paris for Brits. Tonnes of info on there.

It’s lovely to stay nearby, so magical, we stayed at Newport Bay, you have visiting characters and you’re on ‘site’ free magic hour etc.

we did visit the DLHP, it was stunning inside and lots of bonuses like breakfast with princesses etc.

2.5 is a magical age but she prob won’t remember whereas maybe in a year’s time she will,

I don’t mind that she won’t remember it. We can always go again when she’s a bit older.

We’ve been to similar places and she’s usually quite good and easygoing.

You're paying for proximity to the Park and Disney theming. Disneyland Hotel is next to the Park so easy to nip back to the room and used to give residents early park entry. The Raddison will entail a walk to the bus stop and often queues to catch the buses.

Also the Disney hotel is totally themed. From Mickey bedlinen to art work. They used to have Character Meals too where you can book breakfast etc with the Characters.

I totally disagree I took mine when they were 2 (nearly 3) and 4 (nearly 5), they had the absolute time of their lives. It’s planning that makes it great. Book all your meals etc, investigate age appropriate rides and where they are/how to make the most of your time so you’re not traipsing everywhere. We drove there and gave the girls Minnie Mouse backpacks when they woke up full of Disney themed bits (hair clips/colouring books etc) you’ve never seen two such excited kids!

I’m going to sound such a sap here but meeting the princesses at Cinderella’s restaurant was one of the highlights probably of my life seeing their little faces light up. It was just so adorable and it’s what I dreamed about when I wanted children, that ‘magic’. They are young enough to fully believe and the staff just made it so special for every child. We stayed at the Marvel which was pricy but I’ve been pre kids and wanted a nice hotel in walking distance this time.

I have stayed in the pink ‘Dream’ hotel and I found it a bit shabby and overpriced but this was some years ago now and before I had kids. Ditto the Santa Fe. Also felt too far out although the shuttles are great, I preferred walking with the buggy from the Marvel when I went with my kids.

We went October and the weather was perfect, not too hot or cold. Seek out peaceful spots, if they look tired take them on the train for example, let them chill.

It’s a holiday I will always remember. Yes we will go again when they’re older so they can do more rides etc but they probably won’t be so interested in the meeting character side of things.

The Disneyland Hotel is at the entrance to the park so you're literally at the parks and will get Magic Hour which is early access each morning. Other hotel shuttles run to just outside the Disney Village.

There are shows and depending on how busy the park is, you may need to queue for quite a while to get a seat. Some can be prebooked at a price. The parades are daily too. Fireworks/lightshow is just before closing time. There are a few rides for younger children, download the DLP app to see the height restrictions for each.

We drove into Paris and stayed for a few days but I've heard train is easy and reliable.

We first took ours at ages 7 and 3. 3 year old was knackered, even with a pushchair and has no recollection. We took them back at 11 and 7, much more enjoyable all round and worth forking out for character dining that time.

Ah sorry OP I thought you were referring to the Disney Dream hotel which is further out. The one at the entrance to the park is where I’d like to stay next time it was being refurbed when we went! It’s just been done so will be all new. It overlooks the park! Very convenient with a toddler if you want to see the fireworks etc.