We were fortunate to receive complimentary return tickets to Paris for review purposes. Coach trips are our preferred and most enjoyable way to travel, offering a sense of ease and relaxation that other modes of transportation often lack, despite the longer duration. With FlixBus generously providing us with tickets, we decided to use them for our trip to Paris, excited for the journey ahead.
What is FlixBus?
Flixbus is a German coach travel brand that offers intercity bus service in Europe and the United States.
The booking process
Booking your FlixBus trip is incredibly easy. Simply ensure you double-check the times and dates, especially if you’re traveling overnight like we did. You can easily make your reservation through their website or their user-friendly app. After booking, you’ll receive an email confirmation containing all the necessary details for your departure. You have the option to either print your tickets or display them directly on your phone, adding to the convenience of the process.
The journey
Opting for an overnight coach from London Victoria to Paris Bercy (departing at 9 pm and arriving at 6:45 am) was a practical choice, especially with a little one who slept through the journey. The only challenge was rousing her from sleep at Folkestone for passport checks—no longer a light baby, indeed!
During a 20-minute stop, our driver informed us about the Eurotunnel, offering a quick glimpse of it before we resumed our journey. While not ideal for claustrophobic individuals, it was an intriguing experience for us.
Upon arrival at Paris Bercy hours later, I used Apple Maps to navigate to the nearest train station (Gare De Lyon) for our connection to Disneyland Paris. The station was a straightforward 15-minute walk from the coach station, making the transition easy and convenient.
The train journey from Gare de Lyon to Marne-la-Vallée, where Disneyland Paris is located, was not only quick but also affordable, costing just €7.60 (approximately £6.39). Purchasing the ticket was a breeze—simply change the language to English on the ticket machine and follow the straightforward steps to complete your purchase.
Luggage
Generally your ticket includes the free transportation of:
• One item of hand luggage (max. 42 x 30 x 18 cm, max. 7kg)
• 2 items of luggage (max. 80 x 50 x 30 cm, slight deviations in dimensions with a max. circumference of 160 cm permitted, max. 20 kg)
Pushchairs
If you need to add special luggage such as a pushchair to your FlixBus booking, it’s considered a “special” item and requires direct communication with FlixBus customer service. Calling their international number can be costly, so here’s a more affordable alternative:
Reach out to FlixBus via private message on their Facebook or Twitter accounts. If you initially receive automated responses, you can request to “speak to a human agent” to address your specific request.
Once connected with a representative, you can confirm that your pushchair has been successfully added to your booking. It’s recommended to do this no earlier than 48 hours before your scheduled departure to ensure everything is in order for your trip. This method is both cost-effective and efficient for managing your special luggage needs with FlixBus.
Flixbus with kids…The Need to know!
- Under 3s cannot board WITHOUT a car seat with a two-point seat belt.
- Children between 10 and 15 years can travel alone with a declaration of consent from their parent or guardian (to be given during booking).
- children may only travel alone on domestic routes, without changes and between the hours of 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.
- As mentioned above, pushchairs must be registered on your booking no earlier than 48 before departure.
- There are toilets onboard
How to make coach trips with kids nice and easy!
- SNACKS – no explanation needed!
- Pull ups – my 4yo is potty trained but pulls ups are definitely needed for long journeys
- Seat to sleep – a lightweight inflatable cushion that makes sleeping while travelling for kids so much more comfortable. For ages 3-10 (previously gifted)
- iPad – always use as a last resort. There’s WiFi available on the FlixBus but always download movies/shows just in case. We’ve used NOW tv kids, Netflix, BBC iplayer kids and Amazon Prime in the past!
- Book a late journey– as mentioned above we left at 9pm and little miss pretty much slept the whole way to Paris!
Day 1 at Disneyland Paris: Magical Moments and Adventures
We got to Disneyland Paris just in time for extra magic hours! We dropped off our luggage at the park which is FREE as we are Infinity pass holders!
Our first day at Disneyland Paris was filled with unforgettable experiences and magical encounters! Here’s a glimpse of our exciting itinerary:
Princess Pavilion: Despite a quick dash with the buggy (against the rules!), we were fourth in line and had the pleasure of meeting Snow White again.
Flying Dumbos: A favourite of little miss, although a bit wet this time due to the snowy weather!
Les Voyages de Pinocchio: Embark on an adventure with Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket in his quest to become a real boy.
Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White ride): A thrilling ride that may be a bit scary for some but was loved by our little girl!
Pirates of the Caribbean: The queue for this always seems to fly by—it’s one of our favorites!
Baloo and King Louie meet and greet: A hilarious moment where little miss had a dance-off with these beloved characters.
Mickey meet and greet: Because a trip to Disneyland isn’t complete without meeting Mickey Mouse!
Frozen 2: An Enchanted Journey: Witnessed an amazing float featuring Anna, Olaf, Sven, Elsa, and Kristoff with captivating music and dancing.
Olaf meet and greet: A magical first meeting with Olaf using the Lineberty app, where you get a timeslot and avoid long queues.
Animation Academy: Had a blast learning how to draw Olaf!
Frozen: A Musical Invitation: Ended our day with a spectacular Frozen show, meeting Anna, Olaf, Sven, Elsa, and Kristoff in a standing experience lasting around 30 minutes.
Despite leaving at 3 pm, we managed to pack our day full of excitement and cherished moments at Disneyland Paris!
Our Second Day at Disneyland Paris
Unfortunately, our second day was cut short due to intense hailstones and strong winds that made outdoor activities challenging. However, thanks to Extra Magic Hours, we were able to enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight twice! Afterwards, we decided to spend the rest of the day indoors, shopping at Val d’Europe and relaxing in indoor spaces to escape the inclement weather.
Where We Stayed
During our trip, we stayed at Séjours & Affaires Serris Rive Gauche once again. Interestingly, we were assigned the exact same room as our previous visit, offering a familiar and comfortable experience for our stay.
The Return Journey with FlixBus: Overcoming a Rocky Start
Our journey back initially encountered a hiccup when I was informed that my little one couldn’t board the coach without a car seat. In a rush, I headed to the FlixBus office at the station to resolve the issue and clarify that she could indeed join us. Fortunately, someone from the office kindly provided us with a car seat to use for the journey, ensuring a smoother and safer ride back.
Would We Choose FlixBus Again?
Absolutely! FlixBus offers an incredibly affordable and user-friendly travel experience. Our entire trip cost us less than £60, which is amazing value for money, especially for families. It’s a fantastic way to explore Europe, and we’re already planning to use FlixBus for our next trip to Disneyland and our upcoming visit to Brussels. Highly recommended for hassle-free and budget-friendly travel!
