Home

[davewasbaloo]

Do it!!!! lol

[davewasbaloo]

Day 20 – Brussels and Gent or rather, the inspiration for Disneyland's Tomorrowland and Epcot Center?

To save some money, we decided to have some apple sauce and cookies in the room and get a bigger breakfast out and about. If we checked out before 9, the parking would be free. So we decided to go to the Expo park and park for free there too (knowing we could take a bus, tram or train into the centre again if we so wished).  Although the Grand Place and Manekin Pis are fun and all, the kids had seen a lot of architecture, and overall Gent is prettier, so we opted to tour the Expo sites from 1956 (another hobby interest - I cannot wait to go to Milan for 2015)

It was here we started with the most popular site in Brussels, the Automium, centre piece of the 1956 world's fair, and it was a showcase for the future. Now it is a showcase for the history of the Expo. At the time, it had the fastest elevator in the world. The legacy of the fair lives on in this city. A big part of me wishes London were hosting the Expo rather than the Olympics. A view from the top is normally fantastic, but the overcast day impacted, still, impressive though. There was a rather awesome restaurant above us, full of googie touches, but sadly it was too early for it.

From the top we could see where the amusement park was during the 56 Expo, is now a model village of Europe. A lovely reminder of some of our travels. And in the centre ball, we decided to stop for coffee and belgian waffles, mmmmmm.

Then we viewed the kids area designed for overnight science field trips. It was very kitsch, and I kept my eyes open for Austin Powers and Dr evil to pop out. Groovy Baby.

The escalator down was fast and freaked us out a little. I could not get back up to Jessica despite trying to run up. Some Russian boys helped Sarah thankfully.

The exhibits were great. They were about how Europe had rebuilt after the war, how technology played a role at home and other things too. It was fascinating. The Expo, in the days of expensive travel, still had more visitors than all the Disney parks put together in one year (that wouldn't happen today). 3/4 of a million guests were there one day.

As we exited, there was a Leonidas Belgian Chocolatier with some cool chocolate - Mickey Mouse, the Automium and Manekin Pis all made out of chocolate.

Deciding what to do next, we agreed to explore the rest of the Expo sites and then move on to Gent. We stopped next at the American Pavilion, now a theatre and an HQ for some media businesses. The mural pays tribute to combining the American and Belgian culture (Belgium is renowned for its cartoons like TinTin).

Then we explored the Asian pavilions - China and Japan. I wonder where they got the ideas for Epcot, there were a lot of similarities. When Epcot Centre opened they said it would be a permanent World's Fair. I wonder if they visited Brussels as a part of their research? There was a muslim wedding going on, or rather the photo shoot. Everyone looked great! The China Pavilion was stunning (now an Asian Art museum), what a great place for wedding pictures.

And with that we said Dag/Adeau to Brussels and went on to Gent.

After checking in at the Express by Holiday Inn (a free room and they gave us four free drinks). We took the bus and tram into the old town.

Touristically, we opted to have dinner in the Kornmarkt.  enjoying a variety of dark and cherry beers with some great belgian favs. As we ate our meal, a huge storm rolled in, with heavy wind, rain, hail, thunder and lightning. We were able to watch from the comfort of under an awning. It was pretty awesome. The square became deserted, and after the sun came back out, so did the street performers and the people.

Mama opted for ribs (and we had a family portion of double fried belgian chips with mayonaise). I had the entrecote steak and salad, and the kids had curry coated chicken. Washed down with dark beers and cherry beers (Coke for the kids, though they loved sampling the different beers and wines).

Gent is a lovely town, and less overrun by tourists than other locations. That night the kids said they did not want to go home, they wanted us to travel together forever. I agreed.

Looking around, I fell in love with one building adorned with dancing statues atop. I thought that this is why Disneyland Paris had to be so amazing in its design, it was competing with fantasy in the real world! We said goodbye to the city and headed for our tram back to the hotel. Exhausted but happy. When we returned, we had our free night cap and went to bed. The next day would be Brugges and the voyage home.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 6a11325ab8

[davewasbaloo]

Day 21 - Our last day in Europe - Brugges and the trip home to the UK

We decided to go into Brugges and explore th Venice of the north. We met one of the most horrid people of the trip in a toilet. The kids had to go and we did not have huge amounts of change. I paid just to take Mikey in and they gave Sarah a hard time for us stealing. So Sarah was pressurised into paying for the two girls even though it was a trip for Jessica (most toilets we encountered didn't charge for kids). I am sorry, but I got angry and used the toilet anyway, even though I didn't really need to. She came into the gents and screamed at me for stealling. what a downer.

Anyway, I told Sarah to ignore her and jut focus on the fun. We explored the beautiful city.

We took a canal cruise, which was delightful in dutch and english. We really enjoyed it and it was good value.

We stopped into a chocolateer for some treats and then visited the cathedral to see the Lady Madonna and Child Christ, the only Michleangelo to be commissioned and installed outside of Italy in his lifetime. It was beautiful, a was the choir music as we explored.

We left Brugges and headed back to Calais to catch the train home. We were able to get on a train hour earlier than booked, and the new check in procedures were a dream - check in, passports and then customs. You can then go to the terminal, or if the timing is right, you can go straight to the train, which we did. The kids slept from Brugges, through France and Mikey awoke as the train rolled into England, Jessica awoke at Dartford near London. She did not believe we were in England until she heard everyone peaking English when we made a comfort stop. Lol.

We got in the early evening, ordered pizza and got a fairly early night. The holiday was over, but hopefully the memories will last forever.

Nearly a week later, and I am getting itchy feet to plan the next adventure.
We decided to go into Brugges and explore th Venice of the north. We met one of the most horrid people of the trip in a toilet. The kids had to go and we did not have huge amounts of change. I paid just to take Mikey in and they gave Sarah a hard time for us stealing. So Sarah was pressurised into paying for the two girls even though it was a trip for Jessica (most toilets we encountered didn't charge for kids). I am sorry, but I got angry and used the toilet anyway, even though I didn't really need to. She came into the gents and screamed at me for stealling. what a downer.

Anyway, I told Sarah to ignore her and jut focus on the fun. We explored the beautiful city.

We took a canal cruise, which was delightful in dutch and english. We really enjoyed it and it was good value.

We stopped into a chocolateer for some treats and then visited the cathedral to see the Lady Madonna and Child Christ, the only Michleangelo to be commissioned and installed outside of Italy in his lifetime. It was beautiful, a was the choir music as we explored.

We left Brugges and headed back to Calais to catch the train home. We were able to get on a train hour earlier than booked, and the new check in procedures were a dream - check in, passports and then customs. You can then go to the terminal, or if the timing is right, you can go straight to the train, which we did. The kids slept from Brugges, through France and Mikey awoke as the train rolled into England, Jessica awoke at Dartford near London. She did not believe we were in England until she heard everyone peaking English when we made a comfort stop. Lol.

We got in the early evening, ordered pizza and got a fairly early night. The holiday was over, but hopefully the memories will last forever.

Nearly a week later, and I am getting itchy feet to plan the next adventure.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 5802984688

[davewasbaloo]

Overall, we had a fantastic trip, even at Disneyland Paris. It is just that seeing the other site and parks shows how although the imagineers did a fantastic job, the management has really slid, and if Mack ran DLP, I would be very happy. Lol. The historic sites, the art, the time spent with family. It was wonderful.

I could clearly see where Disney got a lot of inspiration for Fantasyland and Epcot. Wonderful to draw the parallels.

I loved it all, and cannot wait to start planning our next adventure.

If you have read all the way through, you probably deserve a medal. Any questions, let me know.

[DLP-Photos.com]

Thanks for the updates - everything seems lovely, what a fantastic time you must have had..

These german parks seems really great - I have only ever been to Filmpark Babelsberg near Berlin and although it is not really a full-blown theme park you could see the quality of german parks in it. Your report has made me 100 % sure that their quality is very high... Your hotels look amazing and way better than Disneys - the chinese hotel is wicked and some of the greatest themening I have ever seen.

To me the parks themening seem to be lacking that last touch of Disney (that we hopefully are getting back in Paris with all the ongoing refurbs), but the entertainment on the other hand seem to top DLPs offers right now and bring back memories of the DLP-entertainment of the 90's with shows like Mulan, Pocahontas and the great Castle Scene show coming to my mind and the streetmosphere, GREAT!

Once again thanks for sharing - some parks I have to look more into

[davewasbaloo]

Agreed, these other parks are not quite as detailed, and the budgets are not as high, but they are increadibly well run. And some of the things they have are very well done. I will say the shows here beat every show I have seen Disney do except perhaps Buffalo Bills.

[dagobert]

Thanks for the last part. I will miss your updates, because it was one of the best trip reports I've ever read on magicforum. It's really great to read and look at pictures that are not just about Disney. Although I love DLRP, there is so much more to see than Disneyland in Europe.

It seems you and your family had a wonderful time cruising through Germany and visiting these two fantastic parks. I can't wait to visit Europa Park myself.

I also can't wait to read your next trip report about Disneyland and whatever you have planed. I like your way to compare all the different parks and that you are very critical with Disney and the other resorts.

Your kids are very lucky that they have already seen so much in their young life. It's really great to learn about other cultures and I can't thank my parents enough that they travelled with me a lot as well.

By the way, do you live in London, since you offered me to ask you if we have any questions regarding our planed trip to UK's capital city?

[davewasbaloo]

Thank you Dagobert, that is very kind (sorry, I have only just seen this). I live about 60 miles (90km) north of London, but I have lived in the city, and of course I have worked (and played) there a lot over the years. Last year I was responsible for the Pan London HIV Prevention Programme, and in that role, I got to know the city even better than I had before.

As for the kids? Well we only have one life to live, and I want to leave them with as many opportunities to learn and explore, and enjoy what life has to give. To ask questions, to be free in their thinking, to state their opinion and thoughts, even if not popular, to be who they are, and to be open to trying new things, in short, I want to instill in the them the passion for learning that was instilled in me.

I will put a quick trip report up of Legoland Windsor this weekend too.

[dagobert]

I will put a quick trip report up of Legoland Windsor this weekend too.

Since it is already ten years ago that I have visited Legoland Windsor, I can't wait to see your pictures. I'm sure it has changed a lot since then. I only remember Miniland and the coaster in the castle, which broke down several times.

[davewasbaloo]

Lol, I will get them up. We had a great time, but our kids were 7 (8 today) and 5 (6 next month). I was looking around thinking of you yesterday. we love it because it is close, our kids are the right age, and I LOVE Lego. I am not sure I can advise adults going on their own, unless they love Lego. That is the real E Ticket there IMHO. So let that be your guide.

Our APs are Merlin, so they allow us access to Legoland, Chessington World of Adventure, Thorpe Park, Alton Towers (so 4 diverse and solid parks), a dozen sea life centres, Warwick Castle (jousting and trebuchet firing in summer), 2 Madame Tussauds, 4 Dungeons Attractions, the London Eye, the Blackpool Tower and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester. So for £86 (less than 100 euros) for a year, it is worth it!  But for adult tourists, with a Legoland in southern Germany being not that far away, I do not know if I can recommend it to you.

But trip report (brief) and pics to come.

[davewasbaloo]

Here's the trip report and pictures:

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=11138

[traveller]

Thanks for sharing this "seems to be" unlimited trip   .  I really enjoy it from the first to the last moment.   I am sure that you all had a fantastic time with unforgettable memories.  To organize and to make this trip happened definitely is a big deal.  I have been with my family few years ago in Holland, Belgium and North France, including DLRP and Efteling, for 12 days in total and it was exhausted but wonderful.
I loved all the places you have visited, but most of all the wineries and vineyards (I am in wine business).  My favorite photo is "little house on the prairie"... and DWB, don't forget to tell her...

[davewasbaloo]

Fab, thanks traveller. Some think our travel obsession is a little OTT, but I think it is a great way to teach the kids. You can do amazing things for a good price when you think outside the box. I am already getting itchy feet again though. We promised we would stay at home in the next school holidays to help friends who are expecting a baby. So summer feels so far away. Lol.

But watch this space (or another thread) for our next trip report. Where would you suggest for Holland? I know, I feel another thread coming on.

[traveller]

We have chosen to overnight in Amsterdam (centre) and made our day trips from there.  We thought and we were right that this would be better for our teens. I could suggest Leiden for a family with little kids though.  Unfortunately in Amsterdam you have to pay more than 150 euros for a double bedded room in a dissent hotel unless you choose to overnight far away from the centre.

[davewasbaloo]

I have found some nice appartments in Amsterdam, but the problem was parking costs and locations. I am thinking of staying at a cottage/chalet on the Hague and travelling around from there potentially. There is a thread in the travelling forum, but I don't think it gets a lot of activity.