Well I have never done a pre trip report before, but this seems a common occurance over here. WE are only going for a short stay as we spent a week in June and may well spend a week at Easter (already booked but I am trying to swap my villa to somewhere else).This trip is about socialising mainly and seeing Fantillusion/Fireworks (if the kids aren't too tired), Captain Eo (for old time's sake), my kids want to check out TSPL, and the friends we are going with have never been on Phantom Manor, Pirates of the Caribbean or Cinemagique, so we want to rectify that.
Players - Me (35)
SW Sarah - (34)
DS Mikey (7)
DD Jessica (5)
Friend Mark (39)
Friend Amanda (40)
Friend Eva (4)
We are all staying at the Hotel New York, driving down from the shire to Eurotunnel and then driving to DLP.
WE have reservations for a late luch/early dinner at the Silver Spur on Friday and Walt's on Saturday, leaving Sunday loose, possibly for Annette's.
Since booking, we found out we have friends from the UK (including our neighbours a couple of doors down), Germany, Italy, Greece and Belgium are all going to be there at the same time. Awesome. So we are considering a meet for Fanti. This should be a fun way to say goodbye to summer before the kids go back to school and I go back to work full time (I took most of the summer off to be with the kids).
However, I have vowed not to comment on TSPL when we are there so as not to ruin it for the kids or our friends.
I'm sure you will have a great time, especially since you are going on PM and PoTC with your friends for the first time. I can't wait to hear what they are going to say about that attractions. In my opinion these two rides are one of the best attractions ever created by Disney. I'm sure they will like them.
I also can't wait to hear your impressions about TSPL. Hopefully your kids will not be disappointed, because waiting times are horrible and maybe they are too small to ride the attractions.
Viel Dank Dagobert. They have been on the US versions 10 years ago, but never the DLP ones. They were worried it would be too scary for their daughter. Then when they all found out mine loved them and have been going on them since they were babies, they changed their tune :)
AS for TSPL, we plan to take advantage of the rumoured Dream Pass EMH (though I am worried this is just a rumour, I will check with the AP office on Friday).
The beauty is, we all just love the environment and if live entertainment is on, that would be our priority. Our friends have been 5 times and are not obsessed with trying to do everything, they just want to have a fun time. And this will be my 55th trip, so again, the days of needing to run to every attraction are gone. As long as I get the night shows, Eo, PotC, PM, IASW, and Star Tours done, I am happy. And as long at the kids do those with Big Thunder and Buzz, they are happy.
I am prepared for big crowds. Last weekend of the summer and a bank holiday in the Uk, it is bound to be packed.
Hope you have a fab time -and can I just say thank-you for all the help you've given me in planning my trip :D
No problem Tubbsy, I hope you have an amazing time! Can't wait to read your trip report.
Hope you have a magical time and you get to ride what you want and see the entertainment you want to. The friend I went with had not tried POC, PM or BTM and it was a great feeling to show him these magnificent attractions!
It also sounds very nice with the gathering with a lot of friends - Fantilussion seems like a perfect time for this.
Have an amazing trip, we are there the same time!!! it would be funny if we were next to each other and didn't even realise!!!
xx
Yeah have a great time Dave. I know we can get rather critical about the place. But its only because we love Disneyland Paris and don't care for some of the recent decisions. Its also very easy to hold a negative view about the place when your stuck on the other end of a screen viewing pictures of TSPL in between trips. But I'm sure a few days away will show the place in a new light. You may even like TSPL. If not your still over there with great friends and family and you'll still be able to enjoy Captain EO and some of the best fine dining experiences inside a Disney park today.
And perhaps when you get back, myself and a few others over at that other Disney board can start helping you plan that trip to Japan ;)
Have a great time.
Hope the kids enjoy TSPL and don't forget to tell us what they thought of the area. My boys are looking forward to seeing it in Nov.
hope you have a great time Baloos!
sure sounds like it is going to be fab, so wish I am going :)
Thanks guys, should be good. If anyone sees us, please be sure to say hi! I will likely have a Stitch ToT hat or a pair of Mickey ears on (I'm a big guy) and will be with a reddy brown haired woman with glasses, with at least two kids with us. Be sure to say hi!
I have already walked through TSPL nearly complete (hard hat walk through thanks to a friend). It looked like the concept art and the post opening pictures are not hugely different to what I saw. So let's just say I'll keep my mouth shut on TSPL unless my view is radically different. But as I had a similar experience with Flik's Fun Faire - art, pre open walk, post open play with kids. Experience rarely altered.
Quote from: "Malin"And perhaps when you get back, myself and a few others over at that other Disney board can start helping you plan that trip to Japan ;)
Would love to James, but between the recession and the fact I had to use the money I had saved to help my folks out of a bind, I think it is going to be a while now :( Having a family that you take during peak times is very different than solo travel.
I understand where your coming from here. Just a shame for you a trip to Japan won't be happening any soon, since I know you have your heart set on going. :(
Still I'm sure you'll have a great time taking trips closer to home. :thumbs:
Hopefully it will happen before I die. At least by the time I am forty. Fingers crossed.
Have a great time with all the family and friends, I know we've swapped some harsh words over TSPL which may have put you on a downer but you know when you first see that castle youre in one of the happiest places on earth, in fact im downright jeaulous cos Ive got to wait till November. Also loving the size of your party, we can only get two friends interested in going, this year will be their second with us, and none of the family wants to go, enjoy the break and love every minute of it.
hope you and your familly have a wonderful time...i carnt wait to read your report , have been reading them for years on another dlp site before i found this one,and have enjoyed eveyone..(let my mum read yor scotland one as she adores the place,and she has read that book too)
have a safe journey..take care..claire
Thanks guys. We are back from an amazing 3 days and we are exhausted. There were some fantastic memories to be had, and a few eye brow raisers too. TSPL - hmmm, will get to that, enjoyed Capt Eo (dude with the big brown hair - you rock), but most of all I enjoyed experiencing it with friends. Photos and report coming, but let's start with the preparation, where we all decided to have Mickey's on our nails (thanks to the influence of our friend Stevie) this trip:
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Day 1 up next.
Brilliant idea! :D
Up at 3:45, always a bit painful at that time of the morning. Got showered and everyone up and then left to pick up Mark, Amanda and Eva at 5. Progress to the channel tunnel was good and we caught the 8:42 with ease. A gentle run into DLP and we arrived at the Hotel New York for 2pm.
After checking in, going up to the rooms, and the baggage being delivered we were in the park and straight to the Silver Spur for an early dinner. The adults started with apparatifs (gotta love the free Kirs with the dream passes - worth €28, £23, $35) and Cesar salads (Mark had the prawns), the kids had the child steak, salad and fruit salad.
The adults all opted for the rump steaks that were cooked to perfection, the Baloos enjoyed a cheeky bottle of beaujolais, and the Nethercotts enjoyed a pint of 1664.
For desert we enjoyed the sublime chocolate pecan cake.
We then went on Phantom Manor which had a number of slow spots, and the boot hill scene is very much in need of the refurb scheduled for next month, as well as Little Leota being out of synch. But it was great, and a first time for our friends, which is always fun.
As we came out, it started to sprinkle and as we were out on boot hill, then the heavens opened, and as I was the only one without a waterproof, I got soaked. We made a dash to the Phantom Manor toilets where I had to wring out my t shirt over the sink and use the Dyson air blade to try to dry it somewhat, hence why my shirt is dark grey in some shots, lol. Passing BTM, the waits were 60 mins and the fp return clashed with Fanti, so we decided to leave it for another time.
We explored Adventure Isle, though the suspension bridge is currently under refurb. The roots of the tree house, the barrel bridge, the throne and treasure trove in the caves, as well as entering Skull Rock were all new to them - I loved sharing some of the amazing details of our park.
Pirates of the Caribbean called to me, especially as Mark, Amanda and Eva had never been on before and they loved it!
We then made our way to the Labyrinth, and I was pleased as it was in really good condition. Then on to watch the parade, which all the children enjoyed.
A cruise on It's A Small World was in order, and then we hopped the train around the park and into Main Street. We were lucky as it was only a 5 min wait and we were able to hop on right behind the tender. The cast member at Fantasyland station said we were lucky as they were running the park for the 70k forecast capacity, but there were only 35k visitors in the park due to the rain and it was a Francilian (local AP) blackout weekend!
We had some cookies and drinks in discovery arcade, and then enjoyed Capt Eo with a minimal wait, though it was quite busy. It was cheesy and past it's sell by date, but at the same time it was very catchy and fun, and I did really love it. Especially the dude with the big dark hair that pops out of the wall. The music and dancing is so great (even if the script is not) and I even liked the much maligned vibration of the floor. It was later than we thought when we got out, about 10pm, so we grabbed a spot for Fantillusion, not the best as the kids had to go on our shoulders, but it was a lovely position for the enchanted fireworks.
We then made our way back the hotel and got the kids in bed for midnight - 19 hours after they got up. They did fall asleep in the pushchair rentals (worth €23 £19, $29 for the three, but with a dream pass, they were free), periodically however. Bless. An exhausting, but excellent start to and excellent weekend.
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Sounds like a fab but long first day :D Hope the weather improved
Love the photos, I am always surprised how much I miss on my trips! I always say if you can fit in a pushchair why wouldn't you?
Quote from: "bensmum"I am always surprised how much I miss on my trips!
This is the joy of what Disney does best, create layers of detail to make you want to come back to find more.
Day 2 - Part 1 - Toystory Playland EMH. 28 Aug 2010
Mickey called us on the phone at 6am. It felt as if the head had only just hit the pillow. It was funny as I showered, the kids got ready and tried to pull my leg by quickly getting ready and then hiding under the duvet, pretending to still be asleep Lol.Good thinking mama for getting them ready quickly.
We popped down to enjoy our breakfast at the Hotel New York, making sure we sampled a little of everything. As per usual, the bacon and the veal sausages were a highlight, and proved that this is the 2nd best breakfast to be had at DLP (the best being at the Disneyland Hotel, but the prices are crazy there).
Then on to the Walt Disney Studios for the AP emh at 8:30. We took advantage of the AP exclusive EMH, which we were very grateful for. I promised not to pass comment and ruin it for the kids or our friends that we travelled with.
After we went through the main DLP security checks (the WDSP ones were closed), we headed left at the Imagineering statue and the Front Lot cast members checked our passes and we were ushered through towards the park.
We then queued at the gates, and we were let in at 8:30 (not bad going effort by the children as we had been in DLP until 11:30 the night before having gotten up at 4:00am to go the park - hard core kids). We quickly trotted through Studio 1 and turned right through Toon Studios. When the kids saw Buzz, they went ballistic with excitement, especially when he spoke (though Mikey - age 7 - asked why he was here and in Discoveryland). And the kids were very excited to see the land and discover things about it. For this reason, I am sure there will be glowing praise in some quarters. And as I have said before, having greenery and nooks and crannies to explore a little has added to what has been missing in this park. Also, there are some nice touches as everyone knows, and as I said before the queues are pretty well done.
However, my prophesies (that others too agreed) were proven in this land. There were barriers around some of the photo points such as the jeep in the Parachute queue, and the RC racer that was designed for people to sit in. In this latter case, the barriers were not see through, so children couldn't even see the majority of it
Onto the attractions now. We first headed off to Slinky Zig Zag spin as we thought the kids would enjoy that the most. Sadly, it was 101 and they did not know when it would be back up an attraction that is in carnivals around the globe, the kids were disappointed.
They were not sure whether they wanted to go on the parachutes, but we talked them into it and got in line. Thankfully first thing in the morning for EMH, it was posted as a 10 minute wait, and took 15. It was a slow loader; I can only imagine what it is like during a busy time. The queue was quite impressive as it did feel like we were shrunk to the size of a toy, and my friend and I waxed lyrical about how we used to play with them.
We boarded the chutes, but sadly being in threes, we all had to split up (oh well, with twos it would have been the same.
Now, this attraction was surprisingly fun. The kids adored it, especially when it jolted at the top. But I stand by my capacity concerns. An attraction of this sort is fine at a less crowded park, but for a Disney park, it still needs more capacity (3 or 4 towers perhaps). Though the asthetic impact out of the land still annoys me greatly). But it was a lot of fun. By the time we got off, it was still early into AP EMH and the wait was posted at 45 minutes. By the middle of the day, it was up to 2 hours. It is fun for a 10, maybe even a 20 minute wait, but 2 hours is crazy. Even though the crowd levels may subside, I doubt the impact will be much (given the waits can still be long for Cars, Crush and Carpets).
Checking on Slinky Dog, still closed and about 6 engineers are stood looking at it. So we weigh up RC Racer. Our friends want to try it and Mikey is amazingly tall enough for it (where did the time go), whereas Jessica (age 5 and Eva age 4 are too short and dying to try it). We agree to do babyswitch, with Mark and Amanda riding together (first time since becoming parents they have been able to do a thrill ride together!!! Yay), and Mike and I.
Now I was warned by a cast member friend of mine that on top of it having height restrictions, it also is not great for tall or broad guests either. I was advised to ask the cast member at the front to see if we could try before queuing. When we did, we were told to get in line and find out when we board. Hopefully this was the response because it was EMH, and the queue was a 15 minute wait. I would have been livid if it were 2 hours (the posted wait times later in the day), because as you may have guessed, my friend Mark and I were too big for it. Having been on almost every attraction in Disneyland, DCA, the MK, Epcot, DHS, DAK, DLP and WDSP, for the first time in 35 years, I was too big for an attraction in a Disney park (and before anyone says it, I am much lighter now than I have been in 8 years). Not happy. Mikey was very upset because after getting the guts to ride it, Daddy could not. Thankfully my friend Amanda went on it with him, but I felt terrible about myself and this attraction.
Mikey rode it screaming covering his eyes. And when they got off, he said he wanted to do it again, and Amanda by the end of the holiday said for her it was a high point and scarier than Space Mountain - lol. For me it left a bitter taste.
Sarah and Mikey then went through the exit for baby switch and rode again. He loved it again (though he covered his eyes again) and Sarah came off saying it was alright, but I hadn't missed much (I do wonder if that was her way of trying to make me feel better).
We then explored the back of the playland and the kids loved Rex (I must confess with the sound effects I thought it cool too). And they repaired the damage to the bottom of it. The shop was cute, but it sold the same TS stuff you can find all over the resort, and we proceeded through the barrel tunnel which was cute. As we emerged out the other side into the Paris street, I then got excited by the trees, lamps and benches. That was the best part of TSPL IMHO.
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Day 2 Part 2
By the time we left Toy Story Playland, the rest of the park was open and Crush had a 90 minute queue and Cars 20 mins by 10:00 am (growing later). So did it help capacity, marginally, but not enough to feel it. It will likely be busy all the time, like Dumbo, but I would not want to do this in the winter (brrrr).
So I ...spoke with them this morning, and asked for their views:
Kids - it is fun, but lots of questions - why is Rex smaller than Buzz? Why did we not feel like we were shrinking? Why was daddy not able to ride RC? Funny stuff.
Sarah's view was that it was cute and fun, but belongs somewhere like Alton Towers.
My view is we have to live with this waste of capital investment. It will be popular, but will also likely lead to complaints. And I am concerned for what WDI Paris do in the future. But the greenery is nice.
We then went on Cars (and skipped Crush as it had a 90 min wait), the magic carpets, playhouse Disney Live (which the kids loved, Mikey being 7 was worried he was too old, but he sung along and had a beaming smile, which I must confess, I did likewise).
What came next was a real pleasure, introducing the Nethercotts to Cinemagique for their first time, as well as the Art of Animation, which they adored. In Cinemagique, it was a real pleasure to watch the look on our friend's faces as the main protagonist stepped into the movies. Pure magic. And yet again, my eyes could not stay dry at the end. This is a real classic, and so often overlooked. They also enjoyed the Art of Animation, which I was not sure how this would go. But they loved it too (man, the montage in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian always gets me as it shows how powerfully great animators can bring emotion to life. After playing in the post show area singing the Bear Necessities and adding sound effects to animation for a while, we made our way to DLP. Sadly we missed many great attractions in the Studios this time, but they will hopefully be there when we return.
As we went into Main Street we still had 10 minutes before our reservations, so we showed Mark, Amanada and Eva the statue of liberty tableu (small beer, but I love the little touches). Then into Walts for a late lunch/early dinner. Sadly they lost our reservation again (this happens a lot at Walts), but the cast member sorted us out quickly.
The meal and the cast member who served us were lovely. We started once again with our complementary Kirs. The kids had the melon, fish with risotto and the ice cream, I had prawns and quails leg, followed by the veal and a selection of desserts, sarah had the serrano ham followed by the glazed duck and a cafe gormand. Amanda had the Goats Cheese, Duck and a lovely Pistacio sunday with a candy cherry, and Mark had the same starter as I, the fantastic I bone (fillet mignon and sirloin in one cut) and a moulton chocolate cake). I ordered in French, and kept saying to the kids "en Francais" when they said thank you, to which they would reply "Merci". This tickled the cast member, so he kept teasing the adults (he spoke fab English) in the party. Every time someone spoke with him in English, he would smile and say "en Francais" and helped them with their French. It was funny, and he was really a lot of fun.
After dinner we grabbed some more complimentaru push chairs. We met up with my friend Georgia. This was a real pleasure as we have written to each other for years, but this was the first time we have actually met. The Kids really took to her, and she joined us on our adventures for a while. We enjoyed the Storybookland canal boats and Casey Jr. but when we got back to the push chairs, one had been stolen :-(
We then popped over to ride Star tours for Eva's first time, and she asked us if we really went into Space. Now that is Disney magic (unlike TSPL). In fact, she asked the same question the next morning, so clearly this had a big impact. Although I am looking forward to Star Tours version 2 coming to DL and WDW, it was nice to know we could ride the original "en Francais" still.
After managing to miss Endor again, and nearly hitting George Lucas with our Star Speeder 3000, we decided to head for Capt EO one more time. Man, it is cheesy, but at the same time awesome. What was great is the kids had a little more energy compared to the night before, so they busted shapes and even break danced in the pre show (gotta love MJ of the 80's).
We then said our goodbyes to Georgia in hopes of meeting up later for the evening festivities, but sadly her Blackberry Battery went.
The kids wanted to go on Big thunder, but it was too crowded with a 75 minute wait posted, and the kids were now showing signs of tiredness. It was decided that perhaps getting the kids to bed was not a bad idea so we could enjoy EMH on Sunday and not have melt downs on the long drive home.
So on the way out we got the girls ice creams and Mikey some popcorn. We then had a chat, and as we had yet to meet with other friends, us guys were given a pass for the evening - awesome. Ladies took them back to enjoy hot chocolates in the room (though they were delivered with moldy milk and had to be returned - not cool). The price was reasonable though - €6 for the 5 of them for room service.
Mark and I decided to make the most of not having the kids in tow and enjoyed Indy in the dark, which is so much better at night. At night, I really appreciated the lighting of the encampment and how it looks a lot like Raiders. And the coaster was fun at the back with a newbie (though I did prefer it when it went backwards).
We then we met up with my friends and neighbours Andy and Grinda and rode Big Thunder together, again at the back, fantastic.
We caught tail end of fantillusion, and tried to meet up with my friends Dirk from Germany and Andrea from Italy for the fireworks. We had a prime location in the Middle of Main Street and very much enjoyed them (I think Mark did as he kept singing some of the songs the next day). A fab way to say goodnight.
After the fireworks, as the crowds thinned a bit, we met up and chatted to Dirk and Andrea and MArk witnessed what it is to be a real Disney nerd - fab.
We made the painful walk to the hotel (well it is after 16 hours in the parks, and I caught up with Sarah hitting the sack for 1am knowing the alarm would go off 5 hours later for our last day in the magic.
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Last day - 29 Aug 2010
Well today was the last day of our trip, and having spent my 55th visit to Disneyland Paris with friends was a wonderful (and exhausting) way to do it. It was exhausting as I wanted to maximise our times in the park, but it was really worthwhile.
We awoke to Mickey's voice again slightly before 6, got ready and packed and went down to Breakfast for 7. After stoking up, back to the room, a call to bell services to pick up our luggage and then off to the park for Extra Magic Hours.
We arrived shortly after the gates opened and the Fire engine was making its way towards us. We clocked it, and the lady told us where to get on. Sadly a guy ran for it too, and it meant there was not enough room for our family to ride together. So the ladies and kids made their way down Main Street in style, while Mark and I burnt off some calories by walking. We met at the hub and made our way into Discoveryland.
First stop was onto Buzz. The only way I will do this attraction is usually during EMH as it is a much shorter wait - 5 mins in this instance (it was up to 70 later in the day). We did ok; I scored a respectable 134,500 making me the winner, but nowhere near my record of 390,000. The kids loved it.
Then, as Space Mountain is Mark's favourite attraction and Amanda has never been on the superior and more intense Paris version, we thought this was a great opportunity. They could ride together (a rare treat for parents with little ones - though we would not trade parenthood for the world, it is nice to sneak a little couple time once in a while), while we took the kids on Buzz again.
Mikey was excited, as he is 7 and there were 5 of us, it meant as the oldest, we let him ride by himself, in-between my space ranger vehicle and Sarah's. I got a much better score clocking in 275,800, but still could do better.
As we got off and met up with the Nethercotts again, Amanda's face was priceless! She liked it. After a pit stop, we swapped. Mark took Mikey and Jess on Buzz, Eva wanted to go on Orbitron, so the two Nethercott Girls did that, and Sarah and I enjoyed a ride on SM Mission 2 together - and for a change, we could actually hear the music (even though I prefer the original score to Michael Giacchino's efforts.
A fun start to the day to be sure. It was then time to go into Fantasyland to make the most of EMH. Onto Peter Pan, after a long wait (while EMH was still on - 30 mins) and as we came out, the park was open.
We decided to trek over to Big Thunder and see what the wait was like. It was 75 minutes, so Fastpasses were in order. We grabbed them and had a window to wait.
We did this by hopping on the Mark Twain for a cruise around the Rivers of the Far West and were astonished at the state of the Molly Brown. It looks like they have stripped her down to her bare bones. A little surprising since they had to rebuild her the other year after the fire. I do wonder what is going on (sorry, no pictures). I hope she does not disappear, she is the only side wheeler in the Disney parks fleet. Also, I really wish the geysers would be repaired, I miss them terribly.
After our cruise, we enjoyed some churros and drinks in Frontierland, and then our fastpass time opened. We were a little worried as apparently Eva had tried Big Thunder before and did not like it. But this time, riding with other little friends, she loved it! (Note to my Disney geek friends, the swinging opossums were missing this trip and the rocks did not move in the earthquake scene (this was also the case in June), I wonder what will be happening?
However, the splash at the photo shoot was working the best I have seen in at least a decade, got a little wet every time. DLP has the best version of Big Thunder bar none. :)
After our wildest ride in the wilderness, it was time to go through Adventureland and show Eva the Giraffe that lives there (she didn't believe me until she saw it) and we bought our dog Mocha a new dog bowl with all the Disney dogs on it, as well as the excellent Disney chewy sweets.
We explored the Aladdin Walkthrough, which was in the best shape we have seen for a while (though the last scene is still a little too dark). In the main entrance to the bazaar, there was some gear set up for a North African music group, but sadly we did not encounter them. In fact, for peak season, we did not encounter any live music at all. A real first for us :(
We then decided to go and visit the dragon in her lair under the castle. Jessica was very animated telling everyone all about it. But when we got in, she freaked and jumped into my arms. Eva didn't like it either. But Mikey, like me, was drawn in awe of it. Our too brief visit ended in us going up the stairs into Merlin's workshop (as two frightened girls are not a great thing to terrify, we decided to exit sharply. We then calmed them down in Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
We visited the candy shop to show the Nethercotts the three fairies, but they are gone, and it looks like this is a permanent subtraction :(
A real shame. At this point, Mark was keen to get an Annual Pass, so we split up and the ladies took the kids into the Carousel line while we went to the AP office. There must have been 40 people in that queue. When we got to a cast member she asked for photo id. I had forgotten about this as I always have my driver's licence in my wallet, so never really think of that. Sadly Mark did not have any with him, so we took the paper work to do it by post. Oh well.
WE got back in time to see the family enjoy their whirl on the Carousel and then we decided to make our way home via lunch. AS we got to the hub, the Police Car arrived, and we guys rode with the kids back to Town Square. Just as we were leaving, the toon train came out with the characters waving good bye to us.
We went to the Village for a bite to eat and a little shopping. We had our hearts set on Annette's given the glowing review Andy and Grinda gave us of their dinner the night before (and we all like it anyway). When we got there, the queue was out the door. WE waited about 45 minutes to be seated and were put in the upstairs section (I have never been in that bit before). We were right under two air con vents so it was freezing. And the service was super slow (I have never had this problem here before - 3 hours from walking in to leaving for a 1 course meal!!!!). Hmmmmm. Poor timing I think or too much budget cutting.
Amanda and I ordered the combo - Chilli dog with onions, cheese and coriander, a cheese burger and now a club sandwich on olive focaccia (used to be a chicken burrito). Mark and Sarah went for bigger fancier burgers. The kids went for the hot dogs served in their Frisbees.
We had some of the soda fountain specials, but the order was goofed up. To compensate, they put extra cherry syrup in Sarah's Cherry coke making it the best one I have ever tasted (I was jealous; my cherry coke was not as nice). The food was good, but the service was poor. In fact, it jeopardised us getting away in time, so as the kids ate their desserts I offered to stay with them to let Mark, Amanda and Sarah go shopping so they could make use of our 20% discount. Mikey and Eva had ice cream sundaes while Jess opted for the Jelly (Jell-O for my US friends) with Chantilly cream.
Food for the 7 of us was not bad this time really - Silver Spur was €156.78 (£128.96 $198.72); Walt's was €201.51 (£165.75 $255.36); and Annette's was €106.56 (£87.66 $135.05). This is after our 10% discount and not including the free Kirs :).
Souvenirs were not too bad either, though we did not buy much this trip – Dog bowl, sweets, 2 vynalmations and stickers, and a bag for my Mother in Law. We spent about €29 (£24 $37) after our 20% discount. Though I wish I had taken the time to buy some of the Captain Eo merchandise. Oh well.
We nipped back quickly to the Hotel New York as we were cutting it fine. We had a pit stop in the conference area and then Mikey and I went to get the car while the others went to bell services to retrieve our luggage. We packed up and made haste.
The kids were very quickly asleep, and sadly on the run towards Charles de Gaul we hit an accident which necessitated a detour via the suburbs of Paris. Between Annette's and the traffic, I was sure we were going to miss our train. Then a cramp hit my thigh and hand (that's what happens when you go, go, go and drink only caffeinated drinks and alcohol – not smart). Sarah had a go at driving some of it, but she did not like it. My cramp left me, and we traded back again.
Then we hit a torrential down pour which flooded the road and slowed us way down. Amazingly we were only about 20 minutes late and they do give a 2 hour grace without charge.
It is just as well as the port was heaving! So much so I was in a traffic jam near the terminal and the kids needed to go to the toilet. The adults pulled them out of the car, ran to the loo, and they were back in the car. I had travelled 3 car lengths in that time.
As we went through security, there was a cute french security officer that Mark and I cracked jokes about, and then we went through passport control. This always makes me a little nervous as it is a stark reminder that I do not fully belong to the place I have called home for the last 24 years.
Thankfully we had a really nice security officer. As she was checking passports, we rolled down the windows so she could see everyone before she requested us. She thanked us, and we commented that we were seasoned. She laughed and then said "If you are so seasoned, why did you pick one of the worst weekends of the year to travel on" lol.
We were swiftly boarded on a train leaving nearly an hour after our original booking. We stopped for dinner at KFC and then made an uneventful journey home dropping the Nethercotts off a little after midnight, plunging into my bed for about 1am.
It was an exhausting weekend, but certainly one I will never forget. We say goodbye to a stressful and yet amazing summer. I feel closer to our friends. And the children were all so good. Now Eva starts school for the first time, Jessica goes into Year 1 and Mikey into year 3, and the time marches on.
AS always, I thought of the amazing times I had with my elders when I was a child, and now I pass the magic on to our younglings. Here's to another adventure in the making, but first we think of returning to work and school. Thank you for my family and friends making this really magical.
Photos will follow, but Facebook is currently down
Your trip report and photos are lovely, sounds like you had a magical time. Reading all the recent trip reports makes me even more excited about our trip in October.
Kelly x
Here are the photos from our last day:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1 ... 67f81785d5 (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196486&id=744599997&l=67f81785d5%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Quote from: "kelly.dylan"Your trip report and photos are lovely, sounds like you had a magical time. Reading all the recent trip reports makes me even more excited about our trip in October.
Kelly x
Thanks, I am sure you will have a great time!
QuoteAfter managing to miss Endor again, and nearly hitting George Lucas with our Star Speeder 3000, we decided to head for Capt EO one more time.
Quick correction. I don't know if you were joking, but it's not George Lucas you see ducking at the end of the Star Tours ride film. It's ILM model maker Ira Keeler.
From DLRPMagic.com:
QuoteContrary to popular belief, the worker seen ducking in shock as your StarSpeeder returns to the Astroport is infact not George Lucas but Ira Keeler, an ILM modelmaker who just happened to be in the right place at the right time!
Thanks for a lovely trip report whith great pictures :D
Quote from: "Alan"QuoteAfter managing to miss Endor again, and nearly hitting George Lucas with our Star Speeder 3000, we decided to head for Capt EO one more time.
Quick correction. I don't know if you were joking, but it's not George Lucas you see ducking at the end of the Star Tours ride film. It's ILM model maker Ira Keeler.
From DLRPMagic.com:
QuoteContrary to popular belief, the worker seen ducking in shock as your StarSpeeder returns to the Astroport is infact not George Lucas but Ira Keeler, an ILM modelmaker who just happened to be in the right place at the right time!
Wow, I am surprised. It looks like him and I remember when it opened in 1987 they were saying it was him. Uncanny resemblence.
hi!
thanks for the trip report, i did look out for someone who looked like you but i dont think i saw you!!
you managed to see lots of people though haha!!
I can't believe you queued for 45mins for Annettes, wow! We ate there Sunday 29th and we got seated in 5 minutes (although we were there at 6pm)
thanks for sharing :D xxx
At 1pm it was a whole different story (I should know better really but that was how are schedule was).
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"We did this by hopping on the Mark Twain for a cruise around the Rivers of the Far West and were astonished at the state of the Molly Brown. It looks like they have stripped her down to her bare bones. A little surprising since they had to rebuild her the other year after the fire.
Not really. The fire caused very limited damage and only those parts were repaired, along with some cosmetic repairs here and there... Now they're rebuilding the ship from the ground up. The Mark Twain ought to be next...
i bet the wait was worth it though :D x
What a lovely report with some great pictures that really shows how much you, your kids and your friends enjoyed this magical weekend.
You have some interesting points and without being to much like anyone else it was nice to hear your view on TSPL - it sounds very much like the one of myself :)
Thanks!
Thanks Nicolai. We did have a very good weekend. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out in TSPL.
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"Thanks Nicolai. We did have a very good weekend. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out in TSPL.
I am also looking forward to seeing it myself in real life to share my final view on it - I know for sure I will be going next summer and maybe already at New Years, which could offer a special opportunity to see in the winter weather which quite a few of us fear :)
Great report-Cant believe how much you managed to pack in :D What an amazing way to end the summer-apart from the drive back!
Whilst we were stood waiting for OUDP Mark got talking to an AP holder and she chatted with him about how great it was. Mark was seriously tempted but as hes not here for the next year he has decided against it for the moment. Fingers crossed for next year :D
TSPL-its very interesting to see it in the flesh-It certainly received mixed reviews from my family. Mostly positive but a few niggles. I do wish they would sort the merchandising out in all the shop tho, so that you find things just appropriate to that land with mbe one shop stocking things just in case you dont get a chance to go back and pick up those much wanted items.
Thanks Tubbsy, though I think I half killed everyone - lol. They key is to know when and when not to do certain sttractions. It took a lot of persuasion to convince our guests not to get into the 60 minute queue for Buzz in the afternoon/evening but to wait and get up early the next morning ;-)
Annual passes are prefect for anyone planning to go for more than 3 days in the year (Fantasy) or if going for more than 5 or want peak times then the Dream is the way to go (every year we consider going for the Fantasy, but end up getting the Dream - or the equivelent in previous years - we are on year 11 now!). You can save a lot of money too. It is permissable to book a package for one person then when you arrive add the rest of your party and just pay the tax. Or staying off site (where frankly there are better hotels) if you have a car, though the local bus is ok too if you have a Dream pass, you still get EMH. Plus I like the feeling of knowing we can go whenever we want in theory (though that is also a curse too as you always want to go). Lol
I agree with the merchandise and have felt this way for a very long time. What you described is exactly how they used to work. Every shop was unique (La Curious Giraffe sold African handicrafts and adventureland related merchandise - pith helmet wearing pooh, middle eastern Mickey and Minnie, etc.). Coffre de Capitain was all nautical/pirates gear. The shop in Frontierland was all western gear and frontierland merchandise etc. The only place where you could get the same stuff as elsewhere was the Emporium and the Disney Story in the Village. Then sadly Jay Rasulo and his consultants from Deloit and Touche changed everything - they decided it was cheaper to stock less variety, and to not have specialist items collect dust, and that if it were easy for people to grad the same stuff everywhere, the profits would be higher.
Sadly, it took all the fun out of shopping at DLP. Back in the day, we could spend a day happily shopping - that day we bought a tea set that was the same as auberge, a western skirt for my wife, a persian rug for my MIL, and some pirate gear for me, as well as die cast collectables of the ride vehicles, and we used to hunt for pins in the appropriate areas.
This trip, we hardly went in any shops at all. A real shame.
fantastic report as usual =D> looks like you all had a wonderful time...we always try to use the emh as our little boy is autistic and dosnt que very well, he gets on with it,but we could not stand in a que for 60 mins ,so these are a real bonus to us..i carnt wait for our trip in oct,and every report i read makes me feel that little closer to my own,and that little bit more excited....if thats possible
we have looked at getting anuals but when we enquired about room only prices it was astronomical compaired to package prices (with the discounts lately)..but reading your last post about booking for one ,what happens with that,and what sort of prices are the taxes,as that sounds fab....
Hi i love main st. Thanks for the compliment. EMH is perfect for little ones, autistic and disabled guests (well any guests really). WE had planned on going for naps in the day, but our friend's little one doesn't do naps. They did so well, I was amazed. BTW - did you know that if you can prove your son has an autistic spectrum disorder, they can talk to you about your needs at city hall and offer passes to help?
But yes, currently you can book a room for 1 and then add the others when you arrive if you have APs. I can't remember the tax, but it is a couple of Euro per person. You still get breakfast and an easy pass for EMH.
I love main street-Davewasbaloo is right-If you have any paperwork dated within 60 days of your visit stating at some point that your son is on the spectrum you can get a disability pass. Believe me its brilliant. Like you we use EMH to queue so Rob (HF aspergers) gets used to the idea as he will have to do it someday but the pass is there when things get too much. It also helps with parades as he and one other carer can go into the disability viewing area-they're less crowded meaning hes not overwhelmed and the CM we had was Fantastic and very understanding.
Thanks for your great trip report and pictures. It looks like you, your family and your friends had a great at DLRP.
It's really sad that the "trois fees" are gone in the candy shop, it was a nice little touch. Hopefully the Molly Brown will return, because until now I have only experienced the Mark Twain.
Finally your review on TSPL was also great and it was like I expected it to be. Yes it seems that we have to live with that investment, but I hope that WDI will created wonderful attractions in the future again. Hopefully Ratatouille will be a "Disney Attraction" and that there will be nu budget cuts on it.
At least it looks like your kids liked TSPL, but I'm very sorry that you couldn't experience RC Racer on your own.
It seems that Disney made a big mistake with Buzz at the entrance of TSPL, because he is in Discoveryland, too. I didn't think about it and I'm really impressed by your son, that he thought about it.
What was your impression of the parks concerning maintenance, cleaness, working effects and CMs?
Quote from: "dagobert"What was your impression of the parks concerning maintenance, cleaness, working effects and CMs?
It was mixed. I tried to stay positive, but there were very mixe experiences on that front. But here were my impressions:
Hotel New York - the cast were good here as were the characters, though still not as good as they once were (turn down is gone forever as are the fresh cut flowers unless on the Empire State Floor). However the room needs refurb, there was mold in the shower tiles, and the phone socket and a power socket were coming off the wall.
Village - we spend very little time in here, it was ok. Annette's was painfully slow though, it should not take three hours to have a burger/hot dog meal (2 hours after being seated - I can undertand needing to wait for a seat).
Fantasia Gardens - the fountains were barely working at all, a disappointment
Main Street looked almost like new, the refurbs have made a lovely difference. And the gardens were in very good shape. Walt's was a good cast experience, and although they lost our reservations (that was annoying), they were fantastic in how they sorted it out.
Frontierland was mixed. The MArk Twain needs a refurb (peeling paint) and most of the effects on the Rivers were not working (no waterfall, moose not moving and of course the geysers were not working - but you can see the rotting of it too). Phantom Manor does need it's refurb as you can hardly see the hanging groom; the zombies are not moving and Little Leota's face is projected a couple of inches lower than it should be ruining the effect. Hopefully this month will sort it out.
Silver Spur was excellent food and service, however they did not bring us any rolls and butter (they did other tables, but we noticed well into out meal). The teepees are still looking great and the smoke is still coming out of them!
Big Thunder cast were good. And the great news was the splash was working very well. However, the falling rocks and swinging opposums were not working.
Adventureland - they are replacing the swinging bridge currently. And the pirate ship looks even more rotted than in June, but it is all closed off, so hopefully a refurb is coming. Indy was looking good at night (though sadly no burning torches on the temple). Pirates of the Caribbean was in great condition.
Fantasyland was doing well too. Though the castle needs it's long overdue refurb, Dumbo was looking great, as was Storybookland post refurb. The Labrynth had everything working too and still in good shape (save the roof tiles on the Queen of Hearts castle). IASW was ok, roughly 1 or 2 AA's were missing or still per country, but most people would not have noticed. The Carousel needs a little refurb on the horses though.
Discoveryland was in pretty good condition, and it was the first time I could hear the soundtrack on Space Mountain properly for a while. :thumbs: Capt Eo was great too.
The Studios were ok - I need not comment more on TSPL. But Cars, the Carpets and Cinemagigue were in good shape. Animation was ok, however half the computers in the post show were broken and there were no drawing lessons.
The parades were well done, and the fireworks were ok.
My one real concern is despite being in the parks from EMH through close, I did not see one live musical act in the park during summer over the 3 days. I am hoping that was bad luck on our part.
We did not have many encounters with cast members, but they were all quite reasonable (and the guy at the Train Station was excellent. And the guests were all well behaved too, which is a bonus.
But to be honest, what really made this trip was seeing so many friends and show some of our closest friends things they have not seen before.
One bad thing however is we got three push chairs on the Saturday, and one was stolen in Sotrybookland, so we decided to make due with the 2 making the oldest walk. Then as we left Capt Eo, a 2nd was stolen, so we were down to 1. Not good at all.
My wife wanted me to write a letter of complaint about the push chairs, hotel room and Annette's, but I talked her out of it.
Hi Dave,
Good report as usual, glad you had a great time with your friends.
I must admit that i'm more curious now about TSPL. We were there in mid July before it opened, so i'm not able to give a first hand opinion on the inside of the area itself. RC sounds like a very badly designed ride, you may be a bit on the 'cuddly' side Dave, but in no way could you be described as 'BIG'.
I didn't much care for the visual pollution it caused to some other parts of the park when I was there, but the same could be said for TOT, so I suppose it depends on a persons individual preference and taste.
I agree with your observation about the lack of live acts in peak season, the only 'live' event we saw was the (very) small circus at the entrance to the village – whatever happened to the big stages & shows!
As a frequent visitor, I was annoyed by the hundreds of small cost cutting measures that new guests would not be aware of, such as the lack of flames at Indiana Jones you mentioned. But these things are what make Disneyland Disney! Hey-ho....smile and wave..........smile and wave!
Thanks for the answer dave!
It's such a shame that there is no live entertainment except the show on Central Plaza at DLRP at the moment. Stupid cost cutting. It would be so great to see a real stage show again in one of the theatres. It was already discussed in the TSPL thread, but I think that's one of the negative effects of the huge discounts DLRP is giving to their visitors.
So the ship in Adventureland is blocked off? Can you see it or is there already a fence in place. I really, really hope that the ship will get a refurbishment soon. In February the fire effects at Indy and at the Adventureland entrance were working, so I hope that the effects will return.
Was the windmill spinning in Fantasyland and did they already replace the wooden planket at the entrance to Adventureland from Fantasyland? Did the effects at the SM canon and at the Discoveryland entrance sign work? Sorry for the many questions, but these small details make DLP special.
Quote from: "dagobert"So the ship in Adventureland is blocked off? Can you see it or is there already a fence in place. I really, really hope that the ship will get a refurbishment soon. In February the fire effects at Indy and at the Adventureland entrance were working, so I hope that the effects will return.
Was the windmill spinning in Fantasyland and did they already replace the wooden planket at the entrance to Adventureland from Fantasyland? Did the effects at the SM canon and at the Discoveryland entrance sign work? Sorry for the many questions, but these small details make DLP special.
Nope, the ship was not behind fences, but the gate to the gang plank on deck was locked.
No spinning windmill
No replacement on the arch between Adventureland and Fantasyland
No boom or recoil on the canon, but the door at least opened on the cannon.
The sign on Discoveryland was still not spinning (and Orbitron was only partially spinning).
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"Quote from: "dagobert"So the ship in Adventureland is blocked off? Can you see it or is there already a fence in place. I really, really hope that the ship will get a refurbishment soon. In February the fire effects at Indy and at the Adventureland entrance were working, so I hope that the effects will return.
Was the windmill spinning in Fantasyland and did they already replace the wooden planket at the entrance to Adventureland from Fantasyland? Did the effects at the SM canon and at the Discoveryland entrance sign work? Sorry for the many questions, but these small details make DLP special.
Nope, the ship was not behind fences, but the gate to the gang plank on deck was locked.
No spinning windmill
No replacement on the arch between Adventureland and Fantasyland
No boom or recoil on the canon, but the door at least opened on the cannon.
The sign on Discoveryland was still not spinning (and Orbitron was only partially spinning).
In July, there was a boom from the Columbiad and the Mill was spinning... shows what happenes if you don't keep up with the maintenance I suppose :roll:
Is there any air conditioning in the SM queue? It's always been very warm in my experiences (August last year and July this year)
Dave, how loud was the SM soundtrack when you were on? With me it was barely audible...
thanks for the info on the ap's really worth looking into i think...
And thanks to you and tubbsy for the info about the pass,to be honest we have never really needed one as i dont know what it is (perhaps disney magic ;) )but everytime we go he is a changed boy ,he just comes alive ,its fantastic,yeah he's still a little shy with the characters ,but once he gives them a big hug he is fine and happy...might be useful for my mum though..we are taking her with us this time,as my little boy has promised her he will take her on his 16th birthday to ride buzz lightyear with him,..mum isnt to good as she has arthiritis and anjina (sorry for the spelling) and will only get worse so she is coming as a surprise for the children..i carnt wait..but i worry about things like getting on the rides as some move or you have to climb in and out and she is not the fastest, also waiting in ques...would the pass help for things like that ?
anyway once again thanks for the info... :D :thumbs: :D
Quote from: "Festival Disney"Dave, how loud was the SM soundtrack when you were on? With me it was barely audible...
Well I was pleasantly surprised, I could hear the soundtrack loud and clear. Probably the first time since Mission2 launched in my experience.
Quote from: "i love main st"..but i worry about things like getting on the rides as some move or you have to climb in and out and she is not the fastest, also waiting in ques...would the pass help for things like that ?
anyway once again thanks for the info... :D :thumbs: :D
Provided you have a recent medical certificate, she could have a pass. Also if you get an AP, wheelchair rental is free! :thumbs:
really enjoyed reading your report :) but totally agree with the whole merchendise thing.. it really is a shame ot being able to hunt for things now. takes some of the fun away as it seems more tacky and money grabbing. but hey ho :) xx
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.