surfmom

gogo, the stairs weren't really a huge deal - they are wider and since they turn every 10 stairs, you can stop at the "landing" and take a break. They feel "easier" to climb than Notre Dame, for example, because they are wider.

My best guess is about 15-20 minutes for the first level and from there, it was a little shorter to the 2nd level than to the 1st level. I was coming off a broken foot and had only been out of the boot about 3 weeks, so I was a bit hesitant but it was fine. (although my husband just told me I am a wimp and I was fine).

I just asked the family if they would do it again and they all said 'yes'. The benefit is that you control your own destiny... you aren't stuck waiting forever for a smushed elevator ride. The nice thing is that you can make it a Plan B thing if you get there and the line for the elevators is long, just walk it. Or if you are going to be sitting a lot the rest of the day, just plan on walking it. Gives you a great excuse to have an extra pain au chocolat or gelato!

gogogriff

Thanks for your thoughts. I really like the idea of the stairs and will look to that as a good option. Plan B, C, and D seem to be the norm lately, so it's good to have choices.