the journey of planning continues . . .PARIS APARTMENT
Apr 22nd, 2013, 05:43 AM
#221
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in london for a week. Plan on staying at thomas land for a night and then transfer to the london city airport the next day or doing a day trip. I figure if we left at 9am got there by 11 and left by 3 to be in london by 5 then it will be a good day.
Same plan for Pepper pig and lego land . . .day trips. Then a day trip on the hop on hop off and a day or two shopping and then we thought about the museum and hyde park and we would be done.
I won't book anything yet though as once we are there who knows what we will feel like doing?
Same plan for Pepper pig and lego land . . .day trips. Then a day trip on the hop on hop off and a day or two shopping and then we thought about the museum and hyde park and we would be done.
I won't book anything yet though as once we are there who knows what we will feel like doing?
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:02 AM
#222
Have you been to London before? Because if not there are so MANY things you are leaving out in London itself (in favor of three similar and third tier or fourth tier or... sights). Plus, why are you going shopping in London? It's your first stop, you'll have to lug the stuff around for two months or pay to ship it. Shop at your last stop.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:22 AM
#223
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So if I am reading that correctly - you are spending 7 days in London, 3 of which you will be doing day trips to amusement parks, a HOHO bus tour and shopping?
The HOHO tour is really expensive, and really not worth it. You will be sitting on a bus (if you can get seats upstairs together) trying to hear some narrative with a 4 and 2 year old stuck in traffic most of the time. I dont think this is a good use of your time. You can get around MUCH cheaper and easier by regualar bus and use the time actually seeing some of London.
What about seeing some of the stuff IN London? This is a great site to see what attractions are good for kids: http://www.londontown.com/attraction...s%20for%20Kids
Dont they have amusement parks in Australia? I cant imagine travelling around the world just to do long day trips to amusement parks the kids arent going to remember anyways. Disney is one thing because it sounds like that is for you and not your kids...but wasting 3 days in London making day trips to other amusement parks doesnt make much sense to me.
The HOHO tour is really expensive, and really not worth it. You will be sitting on a bus (if you can get seats upstairs together) trying to hear some narrative with a 4 and 2 year old stuck in traffic most of the time. I dont think this is a good use of your time. You can get around MUCH cheaper and easier by regualar bus and use the time actually seeing some of London.
What about seeing some of the stuff IN London? This is a great site to see what attractions are good for kids: http://www.londontown.com/attraction...s%20for%20Kids
Dont they have amusement parks in Australia? I cant imagine travelling around the world just to do long day trips to amusement parks the kids arent going to remember anyways. Disney is one thing because it sounds like that is for you and not your kids...but wasting 3 days in London making day trips to other amusement parks doesnt make much sense to me.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:37 AM
#224
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My daughter, who lives near the New Forest, took her 3 and 5 yr old to Peppa Pig World. She said it was really, really lame.
She thought Legoland was well done and the kids loved it, but very crowded and, as with many parks, once inside everything very expensive.
Hasn't done Thomas Land but understand boys under 5 love Thomas. Based on her opinions, I would certainly give Peppa a miss.
She thought Legoland was well done and the kids loved it, but very crowded and, as with many parks, once inside everything very expensive.
Hasn't done Thomas Land but understand boys under 5 love Thomas. Based on her opinions, I would certainly give Peppa a miss.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:45 AM
#225
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Just do Legoland, and forget about the two others. Legoland is in Windsor, not so far.
A 2- and 4-year old are just as happy in the playground in the park, as they are in an amusement park. Especially if you have to travel hours to get there.
I can understand you wanting to see Disney, but Thomasland from London with kids that young? They are going to be too tired from travelling to enjoy it all. Don't they want a nap in the afternoon, not even the 2-year old?
A 2- and 4-year old are just as happy in the playground in the park, as they are in an amusement park. Especially if you have to travel hours to get there.
I can understand you wanting to see Disney, but Thomasland from London with kids that young? They are going to be too tired from travelling to enjoy it all. Don't they want a nap in the afternoon, not even the 2-year old?
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:47 AM
#226
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If I had a vote 
, I would say do one park, probably Thomas since 4 year old boys love him, and skip the others in favor of actually seeing London. The hop on bus will be a drag with babies and strollers, and shopping, unless you ship your purchases home, more of same and yes, dragging it around for 2 months is crazy. Actually a day of shopping with toddlers sounds crazy in and of itself. I think your kids need a day in London just to be kids, like a picnic in the park, a chance to run around, maybe a nap in a bed. London is a fantastic city, one you are choosing to ignore on a dash to amusement parks.
, I would say do one park, probably Thomas since 4 year old boys love him, and skip the others in favor of actually seeing London. The hop on bus will be a drag with babies and strollers, and shopping, unless you ship your purchases home, more of same and yes, dragging it around for 2 months is crazy. Actually a day of shopping with toddlers sounds crazy in and of itself. I think your kids need a day in London just to be kids, like a picnic in the park, a chance to run around, maybe a nap in a bed. London is a fantastic city, one you are choosing to ignore on a dash to amusement parks.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:50 AM
#227
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I agree with above. Here is my posting from other thread (about trains). I guess I posted on wrong one...
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As someone who has traveled with kids, i'm going to 2nd... or 3rd... or whatever the vote to travel light! You are renting apartments and will have w/d - so take full advantage of them. Ironically, our last trip - the clothes were the small part of the luggage - it was the books, and chargers, and other stuff that was more (and the weight).
Generally, for a 10 day - 2 week trip (in cold weather), we take 2 pr. jeans, 2 sweatshirts, 4 tees, sox/underwear. However, I do take wind pants (in case of rain, they are great) and long underwear (worn underneath wind pants on cold/rainy days). I do let the kids travel in yoga pants and comfy sweatshirts - but they double as pj's during the trip. Saves packing pj's!
Shopaholic or not... I can't imagine when you will have time. Kids don't want to shop. And do you really want to spend precious vacation time dragging them around stores?
I would pick one of those three amusement parks and spend time in London. Do you realize the cost and time of each of those? Much less, the fact that you are paying to stay in central London and going out of it daily? Choose one...
I also recommend avoiding the HOHO tour. Gets old after about the first 30 minutes. Honestly, your 2yo won't remember anything - they are really just being dragged along. Tailor fun things for the 4yo. For example, the Golden Hinde. Go on the London Eye. Visit the Imperial War Museum. Go up in Tower Bridge. Find a park and play. Sail sailboats. Rent a paddleboat. Do things in small doses with lots of ice cream breaks!
What are you doing about car seats?
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As someone who has traveled with kids, i'm going to 2nd... or 3rd... or whatever the vote to travel light! You are renting apartments and will have w/d - so take full advantage of them. Ironically, our last trip - the clothes were the small part of the luggage - it was the books, and chargers, and other stuff that was more (and the weight).
Generally, for a 10 day - 2 week trip (in cold weather), we take 2 pr. jeans, 2 sweatshirts, 4 tees, sox/underwear. However, I do take wind pants (in case of rain, they are great) and long underwear (worn underneath wind pants on cold/rainy days). I do let the kids travel in yoga pants and comfy sweatshirts - but they double as pj's during the trip. Saves packing pj's!
Shopaholic or not... I can't imagine when you will have time. Kids don't want to shop. And do you really want to spend precious vacation time dragging them around stores?
I would pick one of those three amusement parks and spend time in London. Do you realize the cost and time of each of those? Much less, the fact that you are paying to stay in central London and going out of it daily? Choose one...
I also recommend avoiding the HOHO tour. Gets old after about the first 30 minutes. Honestly, your 2yo won't remember anything - they are really just being dragged along. Tailor fun things for the 4yo. For example, the Golden Hinde. Go on the London Eye. Visit the Imperial War Museum. Go up in Tower Bridge. Find a park and play. Sail sailboats. Rent a paddleboat. Do things in small doses with lots of ice cream breaks!
What are you doing about car seats?
Apr 22nd, 2013, 10:59 AM
#228
Legoland is great, is easy to get to, and fits w/ maybe a tour of the castle.
Thomasland is fine but waaaaay too far/inconvenient from London.
Peppa Pig World makes no sense on ANY level. (It isn't Pepper)
Thomasland is fine but waaaaay too far/inconvenient from London.
Peppa Pig World makes no sense on ANY level. (It isn't Pepper)
Apr 22nd, 2013, 12:18 PM
#229
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I've solved it! Skip the amusement parks and take the kiddies straight to the famous Hamleys toy store in London! They sell Lego, Thomas and Peppa Pig and more!
http://www.hamleys.com/
http://www.hamleys.com/
Apr 22nd, 2013, 04:03 PM
#231
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Can't wait for the trip report. All this angst and advice has made great reading!
I traveled with family last year and worrying about pleasing 5 people is worse than worrying about 2 people.
This year it is just DH and I. we are from australia andI am the organiser and I love reading fodors every day. We have rented apartments in the past and for this year. All the private owners have been lovely. Agencies are aloof, I find.
I have also booked trains through trenitalia , tgv, and rhb websites, using advice and common sense.
Anyway just wanted to say I hope you have a great trip and please do a trip report.
I traveled with family last year and worrying about pleasing 5 people is worse than worrying about 2 people.
This year it is just DH and I. we are from australia andI am the organiser and I love reading fodors every day. We have rented apartments in the past and for this year. All the private owners have been lovely. Agencies are aloof, I find.
I have also booked trains through trenitalia , tgv, and rhb websites, using advice and common sense.
Anyway just wanted to say I hope you have a great trip and please do a trip report.
Apr 22nd, 2013, 06:58 PM
#235
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Ah but remember how much time we spent helping that woman who went to Paris over New Years.... we got close to nothing for a trip report there! Although the thread was amusing in a train wreck kinda way.
Apr 23rd, 2013, 12:15 AM
#236
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Thursdaysd,
Clearly you have an optimistic and less cynical nature than either myself or MonicaRichards but I would be very shocked if we ended up with an opus like the great dogster! Oh how fabulous that would be, one can only imagine his take on all of this!
I must admit long trip can be very daunting when you get back, I did an around-the-world some years ago and never tackled the trip report which seemed overwhelming. Currently I'm in Paris for four months and I'm doing it on an "ongoing basis" because I know it would be too much to tackle my return.
Clearly you have an optimistic and less cynical nature than either myself or MonicaRichards but I would be very shocked if we ended up with an opus like the great dogster! Oh how fabulous that would be, one can only imagine his take on all of this!
I must admit long trip can be very daunting when you get back, I did an around-the-world some years ago and never tackled the trip report which seemed overwhelming. Currently I'm in Paris for four months and I'm doing it on an "ongoing basis" because I know it would be too much to tackle my return.
Apr 23rd, 2013, 01:32 AM
#237
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Monica - you are thinking of passionfruitdrink - surely the soul mate of crazy!
If it was me taking young kids to London, I think I would focus on trying to find interesting elements in places I wanted to see, rather than chase dodgy amusement parks all over the country.
How about Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - they almost look like lifesize Legoland soldiers. Are there dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum that would be interesting to them? There is a fabulous Moai (Giant Stone Head)from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)in the British Museum. What about the Tower of London or Windsor- both real Castles?
If you want amusement parks (aside from Disney) wait until the kids are a bit older and just fly across Australia - the Gold Coast Theme Parks are fabulous for kids, and you can combine days of fun with lying on the beach, shopping at the Harbour Town outlet mall in Southport and not actually miss anything of any importance or cultural significance whatsoever - very GC!
(and I'm not sneering at this - we have enjoyed a few fabulous holidays like this with our kids, but I think there are better things to do in London that will still be interesting for kids!)
If it was me taking young kids to London, I think I would focus on trying to find interesting elements in places I wanted to see, rather than chase dodgy amusement parks all over the country.
How about Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace - they almost look like lifesize Legoland soldiers. Are there dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum that would be interesting to them? There is a fabulous Moai (Giant Stone Head)from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)in the British Museum. What about the Tower of London or Windsor- both real Castles?
If you want amusement parks (aside from Disney) wait until the kids are a bit older and just fly across Australia - the Gold Coast Theme Parks are fabulous for kids, and you can combine days of fun with lying on the beach, shopping at the Harbour Town outlet mall in Southport and not actually miss anything of any importance or cultural significance whatsoever - very GC!
(and I'm not sneering at this - we have enjoyed a few fabulous holidays like this with our kids, but I think there are better things to do in London that will still be interesting for kids!)
Apr 23rd, 2013, 02:40 AM
#238
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Same here bendigo re the Australian 'worlds', we've had a few great holidays when the children were young but old enough to enjoy it properly.
But I'll be, well I can't say the word I want to say, if I would waste time on what is reported to be a very average amusement park on the outskirts of Paris. If Claire reports back that it was dirty, expensive, poorly staffed then she'll be getting a big fat 'told you so'. And I'm not normally like that. I wonder if her mum wants to do this........
But I'll be, well I can't say the word I want to say, if I would waste time on what is reported to be a very average amusement park on the outskirts of Paris. If Claire reports back that it was dirty, expensive, poorly staffed then she'll be getting a big fat 'told you so'. And I'm not normally like that. I wonder if her mum wants to do this........
Apr 23rd, 2013, 02:41 AM
#239
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I lived in London when my children were that age. A walk around the Natural History Museum was always popular on a rainy day. Science Museum has a hands-on area for small kids. Both are free; so just go and spend an hour, and come back some other time, since your hotel is nearby.
Parks, playgrounds; plenty of those. The Zoo in Regent's Park, the Acquarium by the London Eye. At the weekend there are street artists between the London Eye and Tate. We once did that London Duck tour, with the amfibian bus that goes into the Thames, which they loved.
Just walking around London (kids in buggies), there's plenty to see that interests small kids (including Harrods if it's not too busy, go see the pet department). But after a while in a buggy, go to a park where they can run around. And they will need a rest or nap. I'm sure Claire knows that. But there is the temptation to try and see everything while in Europe.
Parks, playgrounds; plenty of those. The Zoo in Regent's Park, the Acquarium by the London Eye. At the weekend there are street artists between the London Eye and Tate. We once did that London Duck tour, with the amfibian bus that goes into the Thames, which they loved.
Just walking around London (kids in buggies), there's plenty to see that interests small kids (including Harrods if it's not too busy, go see the pet department). But after a while in a buggy, go to a park where they can run around. And they will need a rest or nap. I'm sure Claire knows that. But there is the temptation to try and see everything while in Europe.
Apr 23rd, 2013, 03:47 AM
#240
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Now, now, Passionfruit did give us some incredible pictures she took--with her Iphone!! I was pretty impressed with that. Dragging (and I use the word advisedly) 2 toddlers around Europe just is beyond me, i'll have to say.
