Eurostar cuts back direct Disneyland Paris services
Thursday, 19th November 2009 at 16:34
It's the best way to get to Disneyland Paris from the UK, but Eurostar will be cutting back direct services to the resort from the new year, citing decreased demand and passenger numbers.,
From 5th January 2010, the direct morning service from London St Pancras International and Ashford International will no longer run on Tuesdays or Saturdays except during school holidays, industry journal Travel Weekly has reported.
Eurostar blames the impending cut-back on the need to cut costs due to the recession.
“It’s a reflection of the prevailing economic conditions and particularly a reflection of demand from the UK,” said Eurostar spokeswoman Lesley Retallack. “The exchange rate doesn’t help, and families are having to look at their budgets. Eurostar has to ensure it uses its capacity efficiently and if it can make savings it will. This is very much about being sensible and practising good housekeeping.”
Eurostar added that the services could be reinstated if demand increased again. According to the report, a spokesperson for Disneyland Paris declined to comment on the basis that the cut-backs were decided by Eurostar. Nevertheless, senior vice-president sales and distribution Norbert Stiekema said: “It is due to lack of demand from the UK market, which prefers to use the Friday service.”
All this is a contrast to Summer just last year, when Eurostar actually ran a second direct train to the resort during the Summer months. However, it was only several years ago that the trains went from running certain days only to a full daily operation.
The demand may not be there currently, but hopefully Eurostar will be ready to react as soon as the market changes. With the continuing Euro/Sterling currency problems, there are enough barriers already for guests looking to book from the UK. Other (later) trains are of course available, with a change at Lille, but this swift 2 hour 30 minute service has become a key selling point for the European resort.
Image © Eurostar/Disney.
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Comments
I would use the direct service all the time if it wasn’t more than twice the price as going to Paris itself! 55 pound to Paris, then 13 on the RER… or 150 pound+ on the direct service. The times are also not as convenient, either. I can be in DLP on the Paris service by 11am… the direct service arrives at 1.30pm!
For the extra 32km, they charge an extortionate amount, and I’d rather not give them the satisfaction! Re-think the prices, and I’ll rethink using it!
I guess this is a valid fact that I didn’t know.
I’m based in the north east of England so Flying is the best option for me.
Time over money which is best??
no it can be cheap i am in st pancreas right now going back to work there in the morning and i got my ticket for £35 cost me less then what it cost me to get to London, so i think it is all to do when you book
How did you get to that price do you travel using the first class service it usually costs me using their web site between £55-60 return. Book in advance or pay through the noise.
the direct service used to have an on board disney magic when little details where removed it was just like going on any other train
this coupled with eurostar removing the free south eastern train connection to ashford or st pancreas is bad news for everyone!