Need HELP: Family of 5 Traveling to Paris & Disneyland Paris

[3girls3xsthefun]

H & I will celebrate our 10 yr anniversary in April 2017. It's always been my dream to do soemthing ultra romantic in Paris and I've actually avoided going there so that H & I can experience it for the first time together. So, we decided to renew our vows in Paris on our 10th anniversary I thought we'd go alone, but he said he reallys wants to bring our girls (they will be 5, 8, 11 when we travel) -- so now we've decided to add on Disneyland Paris, too (we're a little Disney obsessed to begin with and we visit WDW at least 2 x's a year). 

It's SUPER early to get concrete plans down, I know, but I'm trying to figure out the logistics of flying 5 people to Europe. It seems really pricey. We already earn miles on our SouthWest credit card to get us mostly free flights to Orlando, but I'm wondering if we should start using another card to earn international miles in the next 2 years?

And I've noticed that most Europen hotels only sleep 4, so I'm assuming we'll need to rent an apartment. Has anyone used Vacations In Paris (VIP)? They are located in the States, NJ actually - not too far from me -- and they get good reviews online. 

I'm also wondering how much time we should dedicate to Disney Paris. I'm hoping 2 days will be enough because there's so much to see and do and we can only stay for a week because of school. 

Thanks for any suggestions  

[frlcb]

We travel to Europe a couple times a year with our two kids, and it is very pricey. I would definitely start using a card to earn points. If you get a card do one with a big sign up bonus - like the Chase Sapphire Rewards sometimes has a 50,000 bonus after you spend a certain amount, and I would get one for both of you and then you have 100,000 points plus what you spend. Most airlines open up their rewards seats a little less than a year from when you want to travel (here is a good list - onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/03/21/when-do-airlines-open-award-seats/)

I would definitely rent a flat over there. Look at homeaway and vrbo as well.

We haven't been to Disneyland there but everyone I know that has gone does 2-3 days and says that is plenty.

[anna7602]

I have taken DD to EuroDisney on 2 separate occasions for 1 day at a time, plus she went for another day with her grandparents. At ages 4 and 5, that felt like plenty. I don't know if an older kid would have more of a sense of how much more of the park there is to see/be able to go on bigger rides and therefore warrant a longer stay. However, getting to the park from Paris proper is super easy and I would try to avoid paying for a pricey hotel near the park, if possible. The suburban train goes right from the center of Paris to just steps from the park in less than an hour.

As for staying in Paris, I would look at a short-term apartment rental somewhere on the Left Bank- in the 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissements. That way, you are walking distance from a lot of the major sites- Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, plus all the kid-friendly stuff: merry-go-rounds and playgrounds at Champs de Mars & Jardin de Luxembourg, natural history museum & zoo in the Jardin des Plantes, good eating options, cute toy stores, etc.

[stever]

I'd rent a flat in Paris and devote one day to Disney. I say that not just because I'm not big on Disney, but because Disney Paris isn't that big and there is soooo much to see and do in Paris.

In the past I've been a fan of the 18th or 11th arrondisements. Now that I have kiddos I think I'd rent a place in the 7th.

Fun!

[doobeedoo]

I believe there are Marriott Vacation Club villas near Disney Paris. Perhaps you can rent a 2-3 BR villa from an owner? Might be worth checking out.

[cheezer]

I've had good experiences using AirBnB in Paris. I 2nd the Chase Sapphire card. I believe it transfers to United & British Air (as well as Korean & Singapore Air which aren't really helpful). Award tickets usually come up 330 days in advance. However, my feeling is it would be difficult to find 5 miles tickets on an international flight, especially if you are somewhat set in your travel dates.

I agree Disneyland Paris is easily accessed from the city. I'd probably do 2 days there and choose an apartment that is convenient for getting to the station vs staying near the park.

[ttt]

Definitely rent a flat in Paris - it's the best option for a family. I had a terrific experience with AirBnb there. You'll have a kitchen and all those conveniences, plus you can experience parts of Paris that you might not otherwise have seen.

Paris is a wonderful place to visit with children - have a great time!