jamikins

I personally would never go to Disneyland Paris if I had the choice to stay in Paris. But thats just me. You know your family, and its your trip. I dont understand why you cant just make a decision. How can a bunch of strangers decide what is best for your family???

Either way you will have a great time and you wont know what you missed - so just pick one, book the apartment and stop going back and forth. Put it behind you and move onto the next decision or you will never get this trip booked.

millie2112

if it is what you want to do , then that is fine. you guys are young and have heaps of energy so I say go for it.

crazyfamilyof4

the apartment lady gave me a few points to consider: the first apartment in 1000 euros less the the second and she believes is in a better area for us. Especially at night.

We don't have a disneyland and it's just a dream to us aussies to get to go. I just don't know if I am being realistic about the day trip in the car to the champagne houses for one day and then on our last day a drive to the airport to drop mum off and then the drive to Sarlat instead of training to Brieve and then picking up the car for Sarlat etc. I think the once off huge drive should be ok . . we will only be doing it once . . but it does make me anxious.

I do understand where you are coming from jamikins . . .I guess the advice I get on here has made me relax in knowing the plans we have made. If I think about the original idea back in jan in was insane in comparison to now.

Everything accommodation ways is booked. Planes too . . just trains to go and then we are done!

Cathinjoetown

I know you essentially blew off my concerns about the 4th floor walk-up but I still have them. Will your two-year-old walk up 4 flights? You have mentioned you have a lot of luggage. Try not to go with this plan but remember someone has to keep an eye on the children while the other person deals with the luggage.

Many posts past, I thought your Disney plan was a good one with kids that age. Take the money you save by going with apt 1 and book a hotel on the grounds. About the champagne houses, most don't take walk-ins. Reserve before you go and be sure young children are welcome. Learning about the process and seeing the caves is interesting but that, and a quick tasting at the end, is it.

You will save money with prem's rail tickets (from the other post) but if you are going to change your mind, you will lose your money.

crazyfamilyof4

Thanks cath . . the lady said the same thing about apartment 2 . .she said given the location of the first one . .the price she can do it for and the fact we have the small children that she thinks 100% to go with apartment 1 so yes we have done that and I feel good about it!

I'm glad you like the disney idea! The choice between the wee fortune to stay in the castle or stay at the pirate theme hotel for half the price with the awesome indoor pool . .I am leaning towards the pirate one .

I am already onto the reserving of the champagne houses and they are fine with the children. We are just doing Moet, Verve and Mumm . .that's enough for the kids! I am tring to get out of having to do the tours though . .we really just want to have a taste! Oh and buy a bottle or two

I guess my next big decision is to either get a car at disney and start the hire from this point so we get it at a cheaper rate or pay for the taxi transfer to the airport and train to brieve to pick the car up from there.

At least the trip is FINALLY coming together!

jamikins

Another idea for Champagne is to just do one tour and then have lunch where you can try a few different ones - if the kids are up for it. Or you should be able to find wine sellers that do tastings. We actually liked the champagne by the micro-vineyards that arent available anywhere else!

The tours are quite pricey and I think they 'force' you to do the tour as they are done as a group and the tasting room is at the end and all organised.

cathies

Oy, it's not a dream for ALL Aussies to go to Disneyland! I don't know if you realised yet but I'm Australian too!

jamikins

A taxi to CDG might be pretty pricey from Disney - do they not offer a shuttle service your mom could use?

jamikins

Why dont you send your mom on the shuttle: http://visit.disneylandparis.co.uk/h...ransport.xhtml

Tulips

Don't worry about driving in France - motorways are well organised, good rest areas with decent bathrooms, and there are several that have kids play areas. You can plan your drive to make a stop in these areas.

Tulips

Wanted to add; stop at a petrol station rather than a rest area. Toilets at petrol stations and restaurants are fine, the ones at rest areas are not so good.

Cathinjoetown

The drive to Sarlat will take 8-10 hours (estmate includes stops). I would put mom on a transfer bus from Disney to CDG, and the rest of you head off to Sarlat.

Just thinking it through, despite the length of the drive, you should consider it, if you can get away from Disney at a good hour.

Have a look at www.viamichelin.com to explore routes, keeping in mind the times don't include stops.

Yes, skip the Disney castle. I know one's own children are always amazing but your two year old will not remember the castle (you have plenty of real ones to show her). Think they both would like one of the character meals more.

crazyfamilyof4

hey cath . .no I didn't click on your an aussie and how can you not want to do Disney! I know it won't be like the USA but I still think it will be amazing.

I think we are going to stay here:

http://www.explorershotels.com

it's a 1000 euros cheaper then the castle next door and the indoor swimming pool looks great!

The shuttle is a great idea! How many hours before her flight does she need to be at the airport . .her plane will leave at 12. However, we all move on the 12th . .kids hubby and I are due in Sarlat at 5pm that day so we could drop her off at the airport since from the look of things it's not that much of a detour.

Thanks about the petrol station toilet breaks advice!

thursdaysd

It is a detour. There is a shuttle. Your mother is an adult. Stop being a helicopter daughter.

And cut the luggage down. I know you are traveling with kids but you need to PACK LIGHT.

crazyfamilyof4

yes thursday I think the shuttle is a great idea. I am sure she will be fine! And mum is good with packing light! So I know it'll be fine!

I think we will also be fine ...I think we will just have 2 large cases and 2 hand luggage if we need more we will buy it on the way!

So ...car from Disney to Sarlat??? we would be on the road at around 10am I assume after a good breakfast and a hug and kiss goodbye to mum!

thursdaysd

"I think we will just have 2 large cases and 2 hand luggage"

NO. Define large?

I travel for months at a time with one carry-on size bag and one small back pack. (For my packing list start here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...take-part-one/ ) I know you will have a bit more with kids, but their clothes are smaller, too. Plus, aren't you taking some European flights? Have you checked their luggage restrictions?

crazyfamilyof4

ooohhh ...good, good advice there! THANK YOU! We are going to do a back pack for hand luggage . . .then a duffle bag (on wheels) as my large case so if I need to I can put it over my shoulders and look like a pack horse But I have already sorted out clothes that don't need to be folded and dry quickly etc Yes Air France and Chec flights are the same as our international flight 20-30kg if needed per person

socaltraveler

Re: champagne houses. Book one for a tour, and take the idea of having lunch somewhere where you can do tastings after that. 3 houses with toddlers in tow is insane, and once again I say this from the experience of touring wineries in my state when my children were young. Also think of others who are touring, just not fun with tired and cranky children. Trust me, your sweet children will not be happy doing this 3 times.

Mum will be fine on the shuttle; your long drive however sounds like a not fun day.

StCirq

Three champagne houses is two too many even for adults. Even one is ridiculous for kids 2 and 4.

You are NOT going to make it to Sarlat at 5 pm! Absolutely no way! And I hope you have a chip and pin card for tolls and petrol.

thursdaysd

"then a duffle bag (on wheels) as my large case so if I need to I can put it over my shoulders and look like a pack horse"

How large? Have you tried that with both bags packed and holding on to a two year old?