The MagicBreaks Blog

Center Parcs Europe, Park De Haan trip report

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:17:41 Z

I recently travelled to Center Parcs Europe, Park De Haan in Belgium. I travelled via Eurostar from London St Pancras with a through ticket covering all Belgium stations via local train. Although this service is an excellent way to travel to Belgium especially if visiting Bruges for the Christmas markets I would suggest travelling by car as the drive is a short 1 hour and 30 minutes from Calais.

Day 1

On arrival to Park De Haan we were welcomed at the gate in the taxi from the station (Blankenberge) and handed our wrist bands. The wristbands gave us access to our accommodation, we also loaded activities to them and they access the lockers in the pool changing rooms in the Aqua Mundo. We arrived late afternoon and headed to Frites for a quick service meal and booked in our activities. This can be done online by logging in via or at the booths near reception. Last stop for the evening was the supermarket to stock up on essentials for our VIP Cottage.

The VIP Cottage came with a welcome pack with kitchen amenities, tea towels and bath towel package which is great to avoid bringing too much from home. Our VIP cottage was private with outdoor decking, BBQ, pizza oven, indoor full kitchen facilities and 2 bedrooms. One highlight is the infrared sauna after a long day of exploring. We were a short walk away from the Market Dome, however for those further away you can hire bikes and golf carts.

Day 2

The next morning we took full advantage of the facilities starting with the Aqua Mundo, a beautiful lagoon style pool setting with 2 water slides, an outside body water rapids (this was brilliant fun), jacuzzi and lazy river, plus an area for little ones to splash around. After lunch we had our 1st activity 16 euros for 1 hour hire of the badminton court which can accommodate up to 4 people. We also had a game of bowling for 35 euros, this can be for up to 8 people and and as many games you can fit within the hour. For the 2 of us this meant 3 games of bowling. We finished the day with an Italian Il Giardino restaurant which is best to be booked in advance as it is very popular, this can be done online or at the restaurant. There is also a buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner available.

Day 3

The next day we hopped on the tram approximately 10 minutes walk from the park entrance with a further 10 minutes on the tram into Blankenberge. From Blankenberge you can catch the train to Bruges again within 10 minutes, overall a short journey if wishing to avoid taking the car to Bruges. Park De Haan is on the coast with the beach less than 800m away, excellent for a summer stay. During our time in Bruges we hopped on a boat trip for 15 euros per person to see some of the local historical sites. We also sampled Belgian hot chocolate and of course Belgian waffles with more Belgian chocolate sauce! We we a little early for the Christmas markets but they were setting up ready to open on 22nd November. They do however have a few Christmas shops open close to the main square. After a long day in Bruges we headed back to Park De Haan, exploring the outside area with the farm, park and Autumn colours on the lakeside beach. Finally we took another dip in the Aqua Mundo which was now magical with the outside being dark. The body rapids (Wild Water Rapids) was so much fun lit up under the dark sky and the steaming warm outdoor pool twinkling under the evening sky. It was quieter in the evening and more relaxing, I would definitely recommend an evening dip.

Day 4

Our final day was to head home, this is when the car would have been easier to hop in and head to Calais. We did have the pleasure of travelling 1st class from Blankenberge back to Brussels for our Eurostar journey due to having Standard Plus on the Eurostar. Standard Plus on the Eurostar includes extra space and a light meal and drinks for the journey home (previously called Standard Premier).

I cannot wait to explore more of the Center Parcs Europe collection. This is my second park after visiting Villages Nature Paris a few times previously. If you like a mix of adventure, relaxation and exploring new destinations then Center Parcs Europe bookable with us at MagicBreaks is definitely for you. My son who travelled with me and theme park mad loved Villages Nature for being close to Disney, he also informed me we have to go back to Belgium for Plopsaland and De Kempervennan to explore Efteling resort. https://magicbreaks.co.uk/center-parcs-europe/

Enchanting News: Eurostar is now bookable for the Christmas season to Disneyland® Paris!

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:30:00 Z

Are you ready for a magical adventure to Disneyland® Paris? We’re excited to announce that Eurostar is now bookable for Winter 2023/24 for arrivals between 10^th December 2023 – 9^th January 2024!

To make this announcement even more enchanting, MagicBreaks has a special offer for you! If you book a Eurostar-inclusive package to Disneyland® Paris between the 4th and 8th of October 2023, you'll receive not one, but TWO Disney Minnie Ears as a delightful gift.*

Enjoy 2 nights' accommodation, 3-Day Disney® Parks entry PLUS return Eurostar travel from only £369 per person!+

That's not all! Now, you can plan your unforgettable Disneyland® Paris holiday with arrivals available up to March 2025. When you stay at one of the enchanting Disney® Hotels, you'll enjoy Extra Magic Time, allowing you to savour even more magical moments in the Disney® Parks compared to regular visitors. As an extra treat, you'll also receive a 12-month Disney+ Subscription!^

Want to make your Disneyland® Paris experience even more enchanting? You can pre-book Magical Extras, including Disney Meal Plans, where you can enjoy savings of up to 35% on the prices you would pay in the resort. It's the perfect way to make your trip even more magical!

Ready to embark on your Eurostar adventure and unlock these enchanting Disneyland® Paris perks? Don't wait! Book now to secure the best prices and enjoy extra magical savings. Plus, you can secure your holiday today with low deposits and pay the remaining amount easily online in convenient instalments that suit your budget.

Start planning your Disney getaway with Eurostar and add a touch of Disney magic to your travel plans with MagicBreaks. It's time to create unforgettable memories and experience the magic like never before!

+Please note that prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12 , subject to availability.

Terms & Conditions Apply.

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid for Eurostar-inclusive bookings to Disneyland® Paris made between 4th - 8th October 2023.

^Terms and conditions apply. Disney+ Subscription offer available for guests staying at Disney® Hotels.

©Disney

Travel to the heart of the magic at Disneyland® Paris on Eurostar

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 08:00:00 Z

Start planning your next magical holiday to Disneyland® Paris with MagicBreaks today! At Disneyland® Paris you’ll discover plenty of big thrill attractions, fun for little ones, dazzling parades and jaw-dropping shows. Plus, you can meet your favourite Disney Characters, including the main mouse himself, Mickey!

You can reach the magic of Disneyland® Paris easily when travelling on Eurostar. With MagicBreaks you can book the indirect Eurostar service from London St Pancras International to Marne-la-Vallee, with a simple transfer in Lille.

We also now offer the option to book the London to Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar services easily online! Once you reach central Paris you can connect to Disneyland® Paris using the local RER services. Or why not travel in the comfort of your own private transfer, dropping you directly at your chosen hotel. Read on to discover more tips for travelling to Disneyland® Paris onboard the Eurostar.

Plan your journey to the most magical place on Earth

Close your eyes and envision the breath-taking adventure that awaits you at Disneyland® Paris. But before you step into the enchantment, let's plan your hassle-free journey with Eurostar! Head over to the MagicBreaks website where your next exciting adventure awaits. Remember, booking in advance unlocks greater availability and the best fares. So, let's get started!

The Eagerly Awaited Departure

Picture yourself at London St Pancras International station, buzzing with excitement as you embark on your journey to Disneyland® Paris – the one you have been counting down to for months! Arrive at the station at least one hour before departure — a bit of extra time to fuel your eagerness for the magical adventure ahead! Follow the signs that lead you to the Eurostar platforms, where your journey begins. Pass through security and passport control with ease, knowing that there are no restrictions on luggage allowance or liquids. Eurostar truly makes traveling easy and fun!

The Magical Journey Unfolds

Relax in your plush seat, take a deep breath, and let the Eurostar whisk you away to the realm of Parisian magic! Eurostar trains redefine comfort and come equipped with delightful amenities. Onboard, you’ll have spacious seating, power sockets and Wi-Fi on select services - every moment of your journey is designed to enhance your experience. Bring your favourite entertainment, treat yourself to delectable refreshments, and revel in the scenic views that unfold before your eyes. Your adventure has officially begun!

Connecting via Paris: A Path of Enchantment

For those seeking a Parisian twist to their Disneyland® Paris journey, here's your guide to connecting via the City of Lights:

1️. Book your Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. Remember, you can easily book your tickets on the MagicBreaks website — your one-stop portal to enchantment!

2️. Upon arriving at Paris Gare du Nord, make your way to the Métro and RER area.

3️. Purchase your RER tickets at the ticket booths or machines in the Métro and RER area. And here's a top tip: children aged 4-9 receive a 50% discount on RER tickets, while the little ones under 4 can travel absolutely FREE!

4️. Hop on the blue RER line B from Paris Gare du Nord in the direction of Robinson, Saint-Rémy-Lès-Chevreuse, or Massy-Palaiseau.

5. Disembark at Châtelet-Les-Halles, where you'll cross the platform and transfer to the red RER line A. This train will be your chariot to Marne-La-Vallée - Chessy, the gateway to Disneyland® Paris!

6️. Finally, step off the train at Marne-La-Vallée - Chessy, and let the magic surround you. You have arrived!

Connecting via Lille: A Dash of Adventure

If you prefer an alternative route brimming with excitement, follow these steps to reach Disneyland® Paris via Lille:

1️. Book your Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Lille Europe. On the MagicBreaks website, select Disneyland® Paris (Chessy/Marne-La-Vallée) as your final destination.

2️. Arrive at London St Pancras International and board the Eurostar train bound for Lille Europe.

3️. Once you arrive at Lille Europe, locate the platform for your connecting train—a splendid French high-speed TGV train—destined for Marne-la-Vallee - Chessy.

4️. Keep in mind that the waiting time in Lille for the connecting TGV train can range between 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the Eurostar train you catch. Embrace the anticipation during this brief interlude!

5️. Step aboard the TGV train and enjoy the swift journey to Marne-la-Vallee - Chessy. This station is located outside Disney Village®, just a stone's throw away from the magical gates of Disneyland® Paris. You're almost there!

Exploring the Fun at Disneyland® Paris

Congratulations! You've arrived at the most magical place on Earth—Disneyland® Paris. Take your time, savour every moment, and let yourself be enchanted by the wonders that await you. From classic favourites like Toy Story and Pirates of the Caribbean to up-close encounters with beloved Disney Characters, there's an abundance of joy for everyone to relish. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere, explore the immersive lands, and embark on thrilling adventures that will leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Farewell, Disneyland® Paris

As your unforgettable adventure draws to a close, treasure the memories you've experienced. But fear not, the magic doesn't end just yet! Start thinking about your return journey and ensure you plan accordingly to make the most of your last day in the Disney® Parks. Check the Eurostar schedule in advance, crafting a travel itinerary that allows you to squeeze every ounce of joy from your final moments.

So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a journey filled with awe-inspiring wonder, and unforgettable memories at the happiest place on Earth!

For more information and to dive deeper into this realm of magic, call our dedicated team on 0330 880 5001. We can't wait to hear from you!

Wishing you a magical adventure at Disneyland® Paris!

Team MagicBreaks.