Travelling on Metro/RER in paris & Disneyland tickets?

Question

I hope someone can help. I am travelling with 3 kids to Paris Beauvais airport in April & staying near Disney. I know I can get the airport shuttle to Porte Maillot for 10euro per person. Then get Metro Line 1 from Porte Maillot to Chatelet les Halles which takes about 20 minutes, followed by RER A to Marne la Vallee which takes about 50 minutes. I have checked the stops with the hotel & I have checked the times on the RATP website.

The question (after all that) is what ticket should I get for the train. I have heard stories that if you don't have the correct ticket you can be thrown off or fined by the inspector, which I don't want to happen. Also, does anyone know what price the ticket would be?

We will be arriving on a Monday early and leaving on a Thursday late. Would like to get back into Paris early Thursday morning to see the sights, so we will have half a day Monday & full Tuesday/Wednesday for the parks. Where is the cheapest site to book park tickets?

Thanks

Answer 1

1. Ask for "zone 5" tickets before you board the metro train. It'll cover your entire trip. Your children might be entitled for reduced fare tickets ("tarif reduit") if they are younger than 10, but you'll need a proof of age and be nice with the agent. In fact, for yourself a good deal is buying a "carte orange hebdomadaire pour zones 1-5" (a weekly pass covering zones 1 to 5), which will entitle you for unlimited travel within 5 travel zones for a week and it will cost 31.5 euros - which could be cheaper than round-trip to Disney + 1 ticket inside Paris on your way back. Bring a small photo with you to stick to this pass. If you want learn more about Carte Orange - check www.ratp.fr French version of the site (there is no way to find it in English version - no wonder, it's about twice cheaper than advertised Paris Visite pass)

2. To gain few minutes, change from metro to RER at Charles de Gaulle/Etoile, not at Chatelet. Make sure you board the right train (to Marne-la-Valee).

3. RATP used to sell discount park tickets for Disneyland-Paris, but I don't think they are still doing this, although it's worth checking. Ask you hotel manager - maybe they have a deal?

Answer 2

MAKE SURE that when you get on the RER to Disney you have purchase an RER ticket. They are not the same ones you use on the Metro's within Paris proper. It should cost around 7$ each. The metro and the RER use the same stations and it is easy just to jump on the RER to Disney. They only problem is you cannot get through the turnstiles upon exit without the RER ticket. They s***w you with a fine of about $40.00 which you must pay immediately and you cannot go back! We did it by mistake. There were no signs or warnings when boarding the train. Good way to make extra cash from unsuspecting tourists.

When in doubt ask, they will speak English.

Happy travels!