Many years ago, we did a euro tunnel train to Calais and drove to Marne de valley. Very easy journey. We stayed at the Newport bay hotel and the cheyanne.....the NBH was a far nicer hotel! but both comfortable. Eat at festival Disney ...billy bobs ranch house sold really good cowboy food...steaks jacket pots etc.
There are some nice things for 3 year olds, but I would avoid the Pinocchio ride...it scared my kids ...the dragon underneath the magical castle is worth seeing!
Went with our kids 5 or 6 years ago, stayed in one of the disney hotels, the room was tiny, and the hotel rather scruffy, with buffet that felt like rush hour in Rome. The parks themselves are good and will be much quieter midweek off season. Everything in and around the parks is incredibly expensive, so take as much of your own food and drink as you can. The restaurants food is pretty awful though sort of fun in a kitsch kind of a way.
When we left was surprised the disney staff didn't shake us upside down by our ankles to make sure they'd got every last cent from us.
I am a Disney Paris expert having been approx 15 times.
How are you getting there? What hotel? How long etc? And then we can give advice specific to your trip. Is your 3 year old a boy or girl because again that will change the advice.
I have often thought about taking the young grandchildren but am put off by the thought of the bad weather, which is one of the plus points of Florida. Does the South of France, but probably down to financial economics and possibly given the land by the French Government.
A few tips from our visits:
- The parks are REALLY quiet in the last hour or two before closing and you'll be able to walk on almost everything. If your little one can cope with the later night, then use it. Might also work if you and your other half want to hit some of the bigger rides, but taking turns if your little one is asleep in a pushchair.
- There's none of the polite queuing and taking turns for character photos and signings - you have to be pushy. So, be very un-British, stick your elbows out and get your little one to the front. If you wait you'll never get that shot with Mickey that you want.
- Toy Story Playland in The Studios will be great for your little one.
Train from Ebsfleet direct,staying at New York for 3 nights, 3 year old(nearly 4) is a boy
If you want the character autographs you will need the offical Disney autograph book otherwise your kids will be expertly ignored by Pluto etc
We did exactly the same. Great hotel, part of our deal was you can have brekkie with characters, thoroughly worth it seeing the kids faces.
You also get to go into the park early so we used this opportunity to go on the more popular rides (Toy Story etc)
Also agree with Bozza, late in the day gets quiet, we went in and spent about 5 hours, came back for a couple of hours to the hotel (small nap for all) and headed back out.
Everything is expensive, but the smile on their face is priceless.
Have a great time.