On April 6 – 8 2008 Melanie Smith of Co-operative Travel Trading Group joined a megafam trip to Disneyland Resort Paris, which consisted of 2,000 Travel Agents, including 300 from the UK
Day one
My journey started at St. Pancras International, where we joined the direct Eurostar service to Disneyland Resorts Paris. The new departure area is very spacious but only has a newsagents and a coffee shop – so if you want to do some shopping, do it before you go through to departures.
The journey takes 2 hours 34 minutes from St Pancras direct to Marne le Vallee. Offer your customers the Disney Express luggage service, which takes their bags to their hotel so that they can go directly into the park on arrival.
On arrival Disney staff directed us to coaches for the Hotel New York. Three colleagues and I dropped off our bags and raced to Walt Disney Studios Park, anxious to make the most of our time in the parks.
The first thing we did was collect fast passes for the Tower of Terror so we didn’t have to wait in line. Whilst waiting for the Fast Pass return time we took the Backlot Tour, which showcases some of the special effects used in making films.
The Moteurs……action! Stunt Show Spectacular is a high energy action show which is well worth seeing. The best time to get on other rides is when the Stunt Show is on as the rest of the park becomes quieter.
My favourite experience of the afternoon was Stitch Live, a new interactive show featuring Stitch. It is shown in both French and English, so your customers need to make sure they go to see the correct show.
After a hectic afternoon we returned to the Hotel New York, where we enjoyed a buffet dinner. We then headed back to Walt Disney Studios Park, to which we had private access for the evening.
Most people headed straight for the Tower of Terror, but the Aerosmith Rock and Roller Coaster was also a favourite for the evening. Also open for the evening were Stitch Live, Crush’s Coaster and Cars Race Rally.
Day two
On Monday morning we had presentations from Disney Destinations, Eurostar and Air France, and then had the afternoon at leisure. We spent the afternoon in the Disneyland Park – we did make use of the Fast Pass for Space Mountain, but my favourite two rides in this park are Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor.
At 5pm we went to see the Once upon a Dream Parade from our private viewing area near the castle. This was well worth seeing, but to get a good view you do need to be on the Parade Route at least half an hour before the start time.
On Monday evening we had a private buffet dinner in Cafe Hyperion in Discoveryland (once again this was after the park had closed to guests). Goofey and Pluto joined us, and there were also face painters to prepare us for our gala evening.
After dinner we were taken through the Star Tours ride to a private marquee for an evening of entertainment. There was lots of opportunity to take photos with characters at the entrance to the main marquee.
There was a brilliant live show put on for us with great dancers and live music. Mickey Mouse even appeared with Disney vice president of sales and distribution Norbert Stiekema, who thanked all of the guests for their hard work making Disneyland Resort Paris a success.
Day three
On Tuesday morning we visited four of the associate hotels and then had the afternoon at leisure in the Disneyland Park, we used the Fast Pass for Big Thunder Mountain. Whilst we were waiting for our return time returned to Phantom Manor and Pirates of the Caribbean.
I think the best tip I can give is to use the Fast Pass service whenever possible – it will help you experience more of the rides.
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