Going during Paris school holidays

Started by gemmasteele84, March 09, 2013, 09:10:34 PM

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gemmasteele84

Just found out we've booked during the Paris school holidays (April 27- may 5) absolutely gutted :( is it really that busy during that time? My husband has limited mobility so worried we're going to be stuck in queues and crowd all the time :(

captain rocket

#1
Midweek will be busy and the weekends will be horrible! Sorry to be pessimistic, but the french do love Disney!
If your husband has a medical condition that limits his mobility you should apply for a disabled pass from City Hall. You will need a letter from your GP or specialist. I was recovering from a broken ankle/leg a couple of years ago and Disney was really helpful.
Good luck for your visit!

gemmasteele84

#2
We have a letter and are planning to ask for one, but if I'm honest I'm not really sure what they allow you to do.

Elaine

#3
Quote from: "gemmasteele84"We have a letter and are planning to ask for one, but if I'm honest I'm not really sure what they allow you to do.

the access pass for disability allows you to bypass the queues and use the exit of the rides for access instead. However, in busy times at the park you could be waiting 30 minutes even at the exits to ride. City Hall is where you get the pass, they should explain exactly what it can be used for.

I don't want to be pessimistic either, but I was at DLP last month during lots of European school holidays, including a weekend and including the start of some French schools holidays (but not zone 3, Paris thank goodness) and it was busier than I'm used to, and I did find it more difficult to enjoy the parks. We took lots of breaks away from the parks, even a couple of hours in the Village or back at our hotel, to relax away from the crowds.

gemmasteele84

#4
Thanks for the replays guys, hopefully will be ok. We're going for 9 days so not like we need to get everything done in 2. :)

julesk

#5
We did french school holidays last year and it was crazy busy but we still had an amazing time. Lots of rides during magic extra hours was the answer but like you said, no rush to get everything done in one day. Hope you have an amazing time.  :D

gemmasteele84

#6
Is it hard to get about when its that busy? Queues and things im not too worried about but getting about in crowds might be an issue if its really crushing.

julesk

#7
We had a push chair and didnt have any problems. My daughter and me hate over crowded places and we didnt have any situations when it felt to much. We where not prepared as had no idea we had picked our dates so badly but I am glad I didnt know as it was the best disney trip we have ever had. Going again this May and cant wait. . Only place I would say to avoid at all costs is the princess pavillion. That was horrible, book the lunch if you have little princesses with you.

gemmasteele84

#8
Great minds think alike, booked the meal for my princess' 5th birthday there this morning ;)

julesk

#9
:D  Hope she has an amazing lunch. Have you booked a cake?? If you havent, well worth it as your get a few charactors all bring it over and sing to her. My daughter is a halloween baby and hates everything halloween so not an option for us  :cry: . Dont forget mickey mouse breakfast and inventions meal if you can afford them. Charactor queues where up to 2 hours, so we managed to fill autogath book and only had to queue for a few like aladin etc.

gemmasteele84

#10
We were thinking of inventions for my son. It's his 6th birthday while we're there too lol. April 29th for Cameron and may 3rd for Caitlin. However he wanted buffalo bill so doing that instead. I still want to do inventions though so will see what budget allows. We've booked the half board plus meal plan so that cuts a bit off :)
Yeah booked a cake too but she doesn't know that part yet, I'm so excited about it!! Know I'm gonna cry, I well up just thinking about it lol.

julesk

#11
Its Mums job to cry  :oops: . Be worth booking Inventions as you wont have a hope of getting a table once you arrive (you can always cancell while your there) If it gets to busy, you still have the aquarium and day trips/RER into Paris. We did Paris last year and it was really quiet, I know people say its crazy taking young children but its an experience for them to take home with them. Our daughter at 4 yrs old loved it and cant wait to go back. If you do take the RER in, put some money aside for the hop on/hop off open top bus. Its a treat and saves all the walking. Loads of push chair room too if needed.

gemmasteele84

#12
Thanks for the advice :) feeling much calmer about going now :)