Another advantage of the euro star is that many passengers find the London stations extremely convenient, especially since St Pancras International connects with six London Underground lines, as well as seven mainline rail service. Ebbsfleet International is situated just off junction two of the M25 and therefore convenient for those living in South East England, and there is also a free to this station and Ashford International on connecting Fast track buses and South Eastern trains. And it is not always as easy to find an airport close to home that is flying to the destination of your choice.
On top of this there are advantages in the location of the Disneyland Paris Station. The Eurostar terminal is adjacent to the Disney parks. Simply get off
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the train and head for the fun, this would particularly be an advantage again for parents with younger children as there is no extra taxi or coach needed after getting off the train. If the customers are travelling from the centre of Paris, the official name of the station is Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, which helps if the travellers are booking your ticket at an automatic ticket machine in the centre of Paris. The customers will need to take RER Line A in the direction of Marne-la-Vallée, then walk for just 3 minutes to the parks. Car-hire facilities are available in the station, and there are taxi ranks outside. Bus and coach services also run between the parks and the Disney hotels and golf courses.
The euro star is more than suitable for those with disabilities the Eurostar is Dedicated to providing the highest level of service for all it’s passengers, the Eurostar terminals at London St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, as well as the passenger trains themselves are specially equipped for those who may require additional facilities or services.
So to conclude for the Eurostar I would recommend to Parents with children to choose this option over others, however if the customers need a car while in Paris then I would choose a different option, although as the Paris station is in the middle of Disneyland Paris the need for a car isn’t likely unless the hotel they are staying in is outside the Disneyland Paris area.
Wheelchairs
There are 2 designated areas on the train, each for one wheelchair user and companion in Leisure Select (first class), coaches 9 & 10. They offer the wheelchair user the option to stay in their wheelchair if they wish and must be
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used if passengers are unable to walk at least 200m unaided. “Call for aid” buttons are also fitted. Please note that the designated wheelchair spaces are for passengers that have their own wheelchair. A special fare is available for both wheelchair user and companion, please enquire at the time of booking.
Special Assistance
Special assistance is no longer bookable in advance. Assistance is arranged in person on the day of departure at the assistance desk and is subject to availability. If the passenger thinks they might need help getting to or from the train, they would need to arrive as early as they can (preferably at least 1 hour prior to departure).
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are accepted on board, however please note under no other circumstances may animals travel on Eurostar.
Disabled toilets with “call for aid” buttons are available at the departure lounges at London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations and also on the trains themselves in First Class Leisure Select Coaches 9 and 10.
And an extra note for the disabled passengers Eurostar Door Widths: Toilet 522mm/Exit Door 850mm/Disabled Toilet 7200mm
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Euro tunnel
Eurotunnel is the company responsible for building the twin railway tunnels under the English Channel linking Britain and France at Folkestone, in Kent and Coquelles, in the Nord Pas-de-Calais.
Eurotunnel runs its own shuttle service that carries passengers and their vehicles between Folkestone and Calais. Eurotunnel also charges other rail operators, like Eurostar, to use the Channel Tunnel - or 'Chunnel' as we often call it.
Eurotunnel operates a fleet of 25 shuttle trains to transport cars, coaches and trucks and their drivers and passengers. Trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are 3 trains an hour between 06:00-00:00, and 2 trains an hour between midnight and 06:00.
The shuttle has now been in operation for over 12 years and since its first commercial services 177 million people have travelled through the Channel Tunnel - that's 3 times the population of both France and England!
Eurotunnel shuttle timetable
Eurotunnel runs 34 shuttle services a day, 7 days a week, both from Calais to Folkestone, and from Folkestone to Calais. Generally, there are 2 services an hour between 06:00-23:00, 1 service an hour between 23:00-01:00 and about 1 service every 2 hours between 01:00-06:00.
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Journey time between Folkestone and Calais is 35 minutes between 06:00-23:00 and about 45 minutes between 23:00-06:00. The Passengers need to check in at least 30 minutes before your shuttles due departure time. Eurotunnel have a good record for 'on time' departures.
Above is where Eurotunnel crosses the English Channel. Eurotunnel is a great way to take your car on holiday with, and as you can see it has great road links to all other parts of Britain.
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Eurotunnel shuttle fares
Eurotunnel has a number of fare options. Prices within one ticket option can vary quite a bit depending on a number of factors, such as how long you book in advance, what type of vehicle you're taking and how long you're staying.
Standard car fare
The average standard fare for a car up to 1.85 meters high is £49-£75 one way. Note that standard fares are significantly more expensive if booked at short notice. The price includes the car and all its passengers. The number of passengers can be any number up to the maximum the car can legally carry.
- Motorcycles: fares are around £20-£30 one way.
- Pets: £30 extra per animal.
- Guide dogs: Registered guide dogs travel free
So this could be the ideal way to travel for anyone with difficulties with their sight, also this could be ideal for people travelling on big trips, such as school trips as the Eurotunnel has sufficient facilities to take coaches on, and as part of primary research I have actually been on a coach in the Eurotunnel and I thought it was a good way to travel and was easy and quick. Although its not as direct as the Eurostar, as the customer will have to drive from Calais to Disneyland Paris but it is made easy to get to Disneyland Paris as the passenger can take their car with them, as well as there being taxis available form Calais.
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Ferry
The picture above shows the different leaving points in the south coast of England, to the different locations in France in which you can travel to. The most probable route for passengers from Maldon would be Dover to Calais.
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the purple route is the best route, for travellers from Maldon, from Maldon to Dover, the travellers can either go by car or get a taxi there, but obviously you can take your car on the ferry or, like the Eurotunnel, if the travellers are on a coach trip the ferry is accessible for coaches so the ferry could be perfect for school trips, and what separates a ferry from the Eurotunnel is that the passengers can walk around on board and visit restaurants, shops, bars, and arcades. There is also chilled out areas with comfortable seating, so for passengers travelling on business, can chill with a drink and if wanted can get on with some work in a calm environment.
If the Traveller chose to use Sea France, and are driving a vehicle
When they arrive at the port of Dover, they’ll need to go through immigration and customs so this emphasizes the safety of the ferry. Then they just need to simply follow the signs to the Sea France check-in booths where a member of the Sea France team will process their booking and give them a lane number.
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Go to the car lanes and wait until you’re invited to come aboard.
Once onboard, the Sea France team will direct you on the car deck. Also when parking their car, they will reminded to make sure to leave the handbrake on. They will also be reminded to bring everything they want for the journey with them to the passenger areas, because access to the car decks is not permitted during the crossing. If they’re travelling with a pet then Sea France might be the company to use for crossing however it will need to stay in the vehicle during the crossing. It is also easy to make a note of where your car is parked, so the travelers can find it easily when it’s time to disembark.
Passengers travelling by bicycle will also be able to travel by Sea France but will need to walk their bike up the ramp on to the ship. And For their safety, please be careful when leaving your cycle on the car decks and follow the crew’s instructions.
For those passengers with sight difficulties then they could choose Sea France as If you’ll be accompanied by a guide dog or assistance dog they are welcome to come aboard with you free of charge.
So to conclude the ferry would be good again for school trips, and possibly parents with children as the children will have enough stuff to do on the ferry to keep them preoccupied. Also this is the luxury option for those who need a car, bus or bicycle in France to travel around, as you can obviously take your vehicle with you.
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Plane
When travelling by plane, this is obviously the quickest option, however you haven’t got a car or vehicle with you, and the nearest airport to Disneyland Paris is the Charles De Gaulle airport, however there is a few options to get from the Charles De Gaulle to Disneyland Paris. For a family or group of 4 or more, it is properly cheaper to use a private transfer service and save time and money. The company VEA offers service shuttle bus between airports Orly, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle International Airport Beauvais and Park Disneyland ® Paris. There shuttle provides transportation every 20 min rush hours, from 8:30 to 19h45 depending on destination. So it is made easy, however travelling by plane might favour those without children, as generally there is more waiting around when going by plane and both buses and planes (planes depending on class travelling by) are usually cramped. From Charles de Gaulle they serve at the terminal 2E/2F. The trips last an average of 45 minutes plus time for loading and removal of passengers at various stops VEA. And If the travellers are going to Charles de Gaulle airport, VEA provides express bus service and regular communication between the various terminals (except terminal G served by the airport shuttle N2) for a file in Terminal 2F, then you wait for your VEA as to take you directly to your hotel at Disneyland ® Paris.
When at Disneyland Paris, the traveller can get themselves around by walking as the park is all within walking distance with other areas of the park, although if the customers hotel is in a different part of Paris or they just wanted to visit Paris one day, then they is numerous taxis and buses. And if from Paris they can get the metro back to the Disneyland Parkas they can just Take the RER A metro in Paris towards Marne La Vallée.
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New York, Manhattan
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The picture above is a flight path between Heathrow airport, and the JFK airport in New York, the flight takes around 7 hours to New York but on the way back it is slightly less because of the jet streams.
If they travel by plane they can go on a charter flight or a scheduled flight, A charter flight is generally an aircraft chartered by a holiday company, and may operate once or twice a week to various destinations. Most of the seats are sold as part of a package including accommodation sold by the holiday company, but many holiday companies now sell some of the seats without ground arrangements. A scheduled flight is operated and marketed by the airline in its own right, to a regular, published schedule. As the charter flights are for holiday makers they tend to be cheaper but this is reflected in the on
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Board service (meals and drinks are not always included) and seats tend to have slightly less legroom. The low cost airlines, such as easy jet, would suit groups of teenagers going to New York, or just those on a budget. Although for other travellers I would recommend the scheduled flight as the flight it quite long, so it would be better to be comfortable. Particularly for elderly travellers as the scheduled flights have more room for the flight, also the travellers will have a set seat so that they don’t have to fight for their seat to sit next to one of their group, although this is a problem for those travelling alone.
Once at Manhattan there are many options to travel around.
If the travellers would like someone to meet them at the airport and bring them directly to your hotel, perhaps a NYC Car Service is a good choice for them. While more expensive than taxis, booking a NYC car service in advance ensures that they don't have to wait in a line for a cab. This is a great choice for families travelling with young children, business travellers and travellers on a tight schedule. It's also a good choice for groups travelling together, since car services can often provide stretch limos or even vans that can accommodate 10 or more people. Some car services can provide child safety seats when requested in advance (for an additional charge).
It is good to know that Car services provide transportation by phone and reservation. In New York City, you cannot call for a taxi, but you can call a car service to arrange a pickup. Taxis can be hailed on the street, while car services are not supposed to pick up fares unless they have been arranged in advance.
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With the rate they should always ask for the rate for a trip in advance. Rates are typically exclusive of tolls and gratuity. You can often avoid additional toll charges by asking the driver to take a bridge -- there is no toll to take the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg or Queensboro Bridge to or from Manhattan.
For the airport pick up it'll be easier to find their driver with indoor pickup (the driver will wait outside baggage claim with their name on a sign), but they may have to bring your luggage to the parking lot where he's left the car while he comes to get them (& indoor pickup costs extra, plus the additional cost of parking). With curb side pickup, the traveller calls the driver when you exit the terminal and he'll meet you at the curb.
Advantages of NYC Car Services:
- Avoid waiting in line for a taxi
- Can be paid for in advance by credit card
- Can accommodate more than 4 people
- Will greet you at baggage claim, and can often provide assistance with luggage
- Can be reserved in advance
- Can be hired hourly to provide you with transportation around New York City
Disadvantages of NYC Car Services:
- More expensive than comparable taxi service (though on many airport trips the difference is just a few dollars)
- Often requires a credit card to book
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- Frequently a penalty for cancellation
- Hourly rates normally have 2-3 hour minimums (does not apply to airport transportation)
NYC Car Service Offerings:
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Full Sized Sedan - Can accommodate 1-4 passengers, with a moderate amount of luggage (3+ good sized suitcases)
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Luxury Sedan - Often a Lincoln or Cadillac, same space as a full sized sedan, but more luxurious
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Minivan - Can accommodate 5 passengers and their luggage (sometimes 6 passengers with minimal luggage)
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Passenger Vans - Can accommodate 6-14 passengers and their luggage (more passengers = less room for luggage)
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Stretch Limousine - Can accommodate 6-14 passengers (depending on the limo), but don't have room for tons of luggage. More appropriate choice for large groups traveling around New York City, rather than to/from the airport
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Stretch SUV - Can accommodate up to 14 passengers. More appropriate
Another way to travel around Manhattan is by taxi.
Taxis are a convenient way to get from place to place in the city. Surprisingly, they can be an affordable option when the tourist has a group of people moving around together. They also offer the added convenience of avoiding waiting, and bringing you (virtually) right to your destination.
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Hailing a New York City Taxi
hailing a cab is as simple as stepping off the curb and holding out their arm -- it only gets complicated when they need to figure out why many New York taxis seem to drive by without stopping for you. The trick is in the lights stop the cab.
- When just the centre is lit, highlighting the medallion number, the cab is available.
- When the medallion number, as well as the side lamps is lit, the cab is off-duty.
- When no lights are lit, the cab already has a fare they are bringing to a destination.
New York City Taxi Passenger Limits
- A maximum of four passengers can ride in a cab.
- A child under 7 is allowed to sits on a passenger's lap in the rear seat in addition to the 4 passenger limit so this is good new for Parents with younger children.
- A passenger is allowed to sit in the front seat with the driver when three passengers have filled the rear.
It is always more difficult to get a cab when it's raining -- so sometimes it can be quicker (and they'll even get less drenched) if you head to the subway.
New York City is unique in the fact that you cannot pre-arrange a pickup by a New York taxi. If you want to call for a ride (rather than hail a cab) you will need to contact a New York City car or livery service.
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New York Taxi Fares
- Minimum taxi fare is $2.50.
- Additional charges are $0.40 per 1/5 of a mile (at or above 6 mph) or for 2 minutes of time stopped or travelling below 6 mph.
- The night-time surcharge is $0.50 for rides beginning from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.
- The peak hour weekday surcharge is $1.00 and is charged for rides from 4 - 8 p.m. weekdays.
- There is no additional charge for luggage and no per passenger surcharge.
- Any tolls during the ride are the responsibility of the passenger, in addition to the metered fare.
- If the driver uses E-Z Pass to pay the fare (transponder on the front windshield) the passenger pays the reduced E-Z Pass fare.
- Flat fares from JFK to Manhattan are $45: there is no night surcharge and the meter does not need to be run.
- There is a $15 surcharge for fares to Newark Airport, in addition to return tolls.
- Some, but not all, New York taxis currently accept credit cards, though processing can be slow.
As a taxi rider, you have the right to:
- Direct the destination and route used;
- Travel to any destination in the five boroughs of the City of New York;
- A courteous, English-speaking driver who knows the streets in Manhattan and the way to major destinations in other boroughs;
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- A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws;
- Air-conditioning on demand;
- A radio-free (silent) trip;
- Smoke and incense-free air;
- A clean passenger seat area;
- A clean trunk
- A driver who uses the horn only when necessary to warn of danger; and
- Refuse to tip, if the above are not complied with.
The above are good for the traveller as they know they will get a suitable ride, that will suit there needs, while travelling around the destination.
Additionally the Traveller can travel around Manhattan by bus.
While buses tend to be slower than Subways for travelling around New York City, there are many reasons to use the bus while visiting New York City:
- They tend to service areas of Manhattan that are not located close to Subway lines (especially Far East and West areas of Manhattan).
- They are also a convenient option for travelling Cross-town (from Manhattan's East Side to West Side).
- Buses offer the added advantage of being able to see various areas of Manhattan while you ride.
How Much Does the Bus Cost?
- Fare is $2 and can be paid with a Metro Card or coins (no dollar bills, no pennies).
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- A free transfer to another bus or the Subway within 2 hours is available if you paid with a Metro Card.
- If the customer pays cash they can ask for a transfer, but it is only good for transferring to another bus (not to the Subway) within 2 hours.
Getting On and Off the Bus
- They must wait for buses at designated bus stops.
- As you see the bus approaching your stop, you can put your arm out to indicate to the driver that you want to board the bus.
- Enter the bus through the front doors and pay your fare.
- Take a seat or move toward the back of the bus to make room for other people boarding the bus.
- To request a stop: Pull the cord or press the black band near the windows. A "Stop Requested" light will illuminate at the front of the bus.
- Exit through the doors at the rear of the bus.
Where Do the Buses Run?
The majority of buses in Manhattan run either Uptown/Downtown or Cross-town.
Cross-town Buses
- Cross-town buses run East and West along major streets (42, 34, 14 etc.) and stop at almost all Avenues.
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Uptown/Downtown Buses
- Uptown and Downtown buses run north or south along most Avenues (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Lexington, etc.) in the direction that traffic flows on that street.
- Uptown/Downtown buses include both local and express routes.
- A sign in the front window of the bus will normally indicate if it is express bus - ask the driver if you are unsure.
- Local buses will stop every 2-3 block upon request.
- Buses running express only stop at specified cross streets.
For those who want to think they will travel a lot during their holiday might want to purchase something called a Metrocard.
What is a MetroCard?
A MetroCard is a thin plastic card that is used to pay for bus and subway fares in New York City.
What Type of MetroCards Are There?
There are two types of MetroCards: Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards and Unlimited Ride MetroCards.
Where can they buy A MetroCard?
- MetroCards are available for sale in NYC Subway stations.
- MetroCards are not available for sale on NYC buses.
- Merchants displaying MetroCard signs in their windows (newsstands, grocery stores, etc.) sell select types of MetroCards.
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Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards
- Rides are $2 each, but if they put $7 or more on their card, the passenger gets a 15% bonus.
- This only applies at time of purchase i.e. if they put $4 and then later $3 on their card they do not get the bonus.
- In effect, if they buy 7 rides ($14) you'll get their 8th ride free.
- In order to avoid having wonky amounts on their MetroCard, they'll want to put $40 on their card, and they'll get a $6 bonus, giving you 3 free rides.
- Up to 4 people can ride together on a single Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard.
- If multiple people are riding together on the same MetroCard the first person can swipe the card through the necessary number of times and other riders can walk through the turnstile following them.
- Pay per ride MetroCards are refillable.
Unlimited Ride MetroCards
- Unlimited ride Metrocards are good for one person to ride the subways and buses as much as they like during a specified window of time.
- Unlimited Ride MetroCards can not be used more than once every 18 minutes. This is designed to prevent fraudulent use of the card by multiple people.
- Subway station agents cannot override the 18 minute rule – they must wait for the time to expire.
- 1-Day Fun Passes are $7.50 and are good for unlimited Subway and Bus rides on the day of use until 3 a.m.
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- 7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCards are $25 and are good until midnight on the 7th day.
- 14-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCards are $47 and are good until midnight on the 14th day.
- 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCards are $81 and are good until midnight on the 30th day.
How Can I Pay for a MetroCard?
- MetroCard Vending Machines inside Subway stations take cash, ATM cards, and credit cards.
- MetroCard Vending Machines can only return $6 change, and do so with dollar coins.
- Subway Station Booths only accept cash for purchase of MetroCards.
- 1 Day Fun Passes are not available from Subway station booths.
How Do I Know How Much Time/Money is Left on My MetroCard?
- When you swipe a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard through a Subway turnstile, they will see the remaining balance displayed.
- MetroCard Readers are available at Station Booths and in Subway Stations and if you scan their card through, it will display the expiration date for Unlimited Ride MetroCards, as well as the remaining balance on their Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard.
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Good to Know: Single Ride Tickets
- Single Ride tickets cost $2.
- They are available for sale only through MetroCard Vending Machines in Subway stations.
- They can only be purchased using cash.
- They must be used within 2 hours of purchase to ride a Subway or Bus.
- They are valid for one transfer Bus to Bus.
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Above is a Manhattan Subway map. The New York City Subway is a fast, affordable way to get around New York City. Might not be good for parents and children as its likely to be busy, especially in peak times, so it would be better for the tourists to avoid in the peak times
Finding Subway Entrances
Entrances are typically located on street corners with a staircase for descending into the station. If a station is marked with a large green ball, you can buy a MetroCard inside; if a station is marked with a red ball, you need to already have a MetroCard to enter.
How Free Transfers Work
A MetroCard allows one free transfer within 2 hours of first swiping your card. You can transfer from Bus to Subway, Subway to Bus, Bus to Bus, or between select Subway stations. (Free Subway to Subway transfers only apply when you are required to exit the station to make your connection.) If you take the subway one way and the bus back you can get two rides for one fare, but you can't transfer between buses going in opposite directions (i.e. Madison and Fifth Avenue buses).
Maps in Subway Stations
One of the most helpful things about New York City's subway stations is the maps located near the entrances. In addition to having a map of the subway system, there is normally a neighbourhood map that shows the streets in the area in detail. It's a good idea to check out the map before you leave the subway, but it's also great to know that if you're lost near a subway station, you can always duck in and check out a map to find your way around.
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If the tourist does go to the JFK airport, then it is easy to travel to Manhattan.
Budget travellers who don't mind carrying their own luggage will find the new Air Train JFK a welcome addition to New York City's extensive public transit offerings. For $7 and in just an hour, visitors can make it between JFK and Manhattan.
You Should Know: Air Train JFK requires transferring to a subway or train in order to reach Manhattan -- the Air Train does not travel directly to Manhattan.
Pros
- Affordable ($7 verses $45 cab fare)
- Efficient -- 35 minutes between JFK & Penn Station (using LIRR)
Cons
- You have to carry your own luggage
- Not always a great value for families and groups
- You'll have to transfer to the subway to get into Manhattan
Description
- At Federal Circle(C), riders can transfer between trains for Howard Beach(A) & Jamaica Station(D).
- Station C also offers access to hotel shuttles and rental car services.
- Station B (Lefferts Blvd) on the Howard Beach route allows access to long term and employee parking.
- Signs are posted for transfer between AirTrain & Subway/LIRR in Howard Beach and Jamaica Station.
- AirTrain Fare: $5
- Subway Fare: $2 (payable on MetroCard)
- MetroCard vending machines are available just before the AirTrain exits in Jamaica/Howard Beach.
- Coming from JFK, pay for AirTrain upon exit. Coming to JFK, pay for AirTrain at entrance
