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Well I hope this isn't too premature, but I am starting to get excited about our upcoming vacation. I thought I might do a pre trip report, but about our whole trip, not just DLP.

The players:
Me - 36
Sarah - wife, 34
Mikey - 7
Jess - 5

We will be leaving to go to DLP via Eurotunnel. We are staying at our villa at Marriott for a week and will take time enjoying the resort as well as the parks (we have the Dream APs, so often we will go into DLP for the morning or afternoon, and enjoy the resort and villa the other half, or sometimes we spend all day in the parks). The plan for this trip is to also take the children into Paris for the first time, and we have our river cruise taken care of thanks to Tescos (same with the Eurotunnel Crossing). We will likely eat on a budget (ish) and self cater a bit as this is a big trip, to celebrate easter as well as our 11th Wedding Anniversary.

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After we leave the resort, we will then head to Metz for lunch and then on to Strasbourg for the night. I am looking forward to it as it seems a beautiful city. Staying in a suite at the Holiday Inn thanks to my points.

Then we will head on to Europa Park where we are staying at the hotel Colloseo for three nights. I am really excited about this as we have never been, and many have told me the Europa Park hotels are better than the Disney ones. We will see. It is unlikely we will do many of the big coasters, but I am looking forward to the dark rides and the shows.

http://resort.europapark.de/lang-en/The ... /c583.html (http://resort.europapark.de/lang-en/Theme-Hotels-Guesthouse/Hotel-Colosseo/c583.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

After we leave Europa Park, we will then pay a visit to Freiberg and take a leisurely drive through the Black Forest up to Heidelburg for the night. We will stop in the Crowne Plaza (once again on points).

After exploring Heidelburg, the next one is the one I am really excited about. We will be staying for 5 nights in a 16th century Wein Kelter on the Mosel:

http://www.moselholiday.com/ (http://www.moselholiday.com/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

While we are here, we are planning on taking in roman Trier, a Rhine Cruise from St Goar to Rudesheim, visit the castles in Cochem and Berg Elz, as well as some vinyards with wine tastings. I am really excited about this part of the trip.

After that, we will then head up to Cologne to visit the Cathedral and then on to Phantasialand where we will be staying in the Ling Bao. My wife and daughter are most excited about this part of the trip I think.

http://www.phantasialand.de/eng/Hotels/Hotel-LING-BAO (http://www.phantasialand.de/eng/Hotels/Hotel-LING-BAO%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

We will then enjoy the park and head on to Brussels for the night at the Crowne Plaza (on points) - thinking of going to the Automium and model village the next day before heading on to Calais for the return trip home.

I am very excited about this trip, and I think it goes to show Florida is not the only place you can go to have an amazing time with lots of different theme park experiences (though granted with much more driving involved).

I can't wait to hear what you think about Europa Park and Phantasialand. Friends of us have been there several time and they like Europa Park a lot. Although not as beautiful as DLP, but they say that it's better maintained. Hopefully you will do a trip report about these two German parks as well.

And I'm curious to read about your impressions of the current state of Disney's European parks.

I intend to write up all of it. I enjoyed Phantasialand when I last went in 1989, but it has changed a lot since then. I am really looking forward to Europa Park, friends of mine tell me there is a lot of live entertainment and I am looking forward to it's dark rides, very much.

In the summer, rather than go to DLP, we are also going to give De Eftling a try.

can't wait to read your trip report, especially about Europa Park! We go there about once or twice a year (for a daytrip usually; it's a three hour drive from here, one way). We have stayed at the Colosseo before and it was really nice!
As for the park, you might want to take good rainclothes (rainjacket and rainpants) as in quite a few attractions you're likely to get wet and this isn't a lot of fun when temps are low. we always have our rainstuff with us and people usually envy us for it   :mrgreen:  
In Europa Park they have many, many attractions for smaller kids; your kids will love it! And - especially if you're going off season - you won't have to queue for these at all. Even if you don't plan on going on the coasters, don't miss Poseidon, it's my favourite! It's a mix of a waterride and a rollercoaster and wonderfully themed! And then try Cassandra and think of me during the very last part of the ride  :mrgreen:  ;)  :mrgreen:
You will see that they have also "copied" some Disney rides like "Piraten in Batavia" and "Atlantica" (= Buzz Lightyear).

Well I wish you and your family a great trip and I'll sure stay tuned!  :D

btw: what are the exact dates of your stay at DLP? I've just noticed that we will be there around that time, too; we'll stay there from April 4 - 7th.

we will be at the ling  bao in the second week of april following a couple of nights at oberwessel (i think thats how to spell it ). we are heading back to germany later in the year for europa park to stay at the colosseo so i look forward to lots of info on it  as we havent stayed at that hotel before !!  hope you enjoy efteling as much as we did last year. have a great trip when the time comes.

i went to phantasialand in the summer and it was AMAZING!
reminded me of DLRP although not as good. The theming was great and so were the rides!

Quote from: "kmara"btw: what are the exact dates of your stay at DLP? I've just noticed that we will be there around that time, too; we'll stay there from April 4 - 7th.

Thanks for the tips kmara. Sadly we will miss you at DLP, we are there the week later. But I am looking forward to the trip very much. Especially trying the new things out in Germany. Any tips at Europa Park?

For me, I want to do the Universe of Energy, the Haunted House attraction, Pirates of Battavia, the shows, and that kind of thing. I am really looking forward to trying the hotel Colloseo out, it looks fab.

too bad we will miss each other  :(  It would have been nice to meet you in person  :D

tips for Europa Park:
As I already said, don't miss Poseidon! Even if you are not a big coaster fan, this one I love! Blue  Fire is great, too, but for this one, you have to love speed and coasters. I've never been on Silverstar because I'm afraid of heights and this one is the highest coaster in Europe (if I'm right).

I also love riding the monorail (the small one, not the EP express, EP express goes around the park and to the hotels (the Colosseo's got a station, too) which gives you an idea of the size of the prak). The monorail starts in the chocolate building and takes you a couple meters above the crowds through England, Abenteuerland, Holland, Portugal and now they have extended it and even built a second station in Iceland.

And when you're in Iceland: don't miss the Coffe Huis! We just love it there! Very comfortable, delicious coffee specialities and bakery stuff!

Take your rainstuff, not just a cape but rather also rainpants, as the seats are sometimes wet, too; for example on the Fjord Rafting Ride, the Atlantica Supersplash, the Tiroler Wildwasserbahn,Poseidon and the new attraction where you go around in ships and shoot with waterguns at each other!

Definitely plan on spending quite a while on the huge and wonderful playground "Welt der Kinder"! They have great slides, sand, water to play with and some attractions for smaller kids.

The park is much bigger than DLP and you definitely need at least two days to see it all! The hotels are very close to the park though and the hotel entrance to the park is right on the opposite site of the entrance for one-day-guests, which gives you a good start on the attractions close to the hotel before the main crowds hit this section of the park.

I have been to Europa Park regularly for the last 30 years, so I kind of saw it myself, how the park grew and all the developements. and I think, ever since Disney came to Paris, Europa Park started to better theme its park and try to get that Disney standard in order to be able to compete with DLP. And I have to admit, they did a very good job with this! I have to say (and you will see) that in many ways thes have reached and even topped Disney standards (I am talking about about food and merchandise diversity (like they had at DLP in the beginning), the hotel standards and many shows and details).

I might come up with some more tips as I keep thinking about it; if you have any questions just go ahead and ask!  :D

Quote from: "kmara"I have been to Europa Park regularly for the last 30 years, so I kind of saw it myself, how the park grew and all the developements. and I think, ever since Disney came to Paris, Europa Park started to better theme its park and try to get that Disney standard in order to be able to compete with DLP. And I have to admit, they did a very good job with this! I have to say (and you will see) that in many ways thes have reached and even topped Disney standards (I am talking about about food and merchandise diversity (like they had at DLP in the beginning), the hotel standards and many shows and details).

Friends told us the same a few days ago. They are regular visitors to DLRP and to Europa Park. According to them Europa Park's hotel are in a much better shape than all Disney Hotels in Paris. But that's not hard, since German hotels are in general above the European average in terms of quality.

A few years ago all themepark companies looked at Disney Parks on how to run a resort and now it seems that Disney, especially DLRP, could learn a lot from them. Our friends even enjoyed the fast food at Europa Park a lot and usually they don't eat such food.
I'm sure you will enjoy your stay there a lot. Maybe we will shorten our next Disney vacation and stay two days at Europa Park since it's on the way to Paris.

It sounds great. I love coasters, problem is my kids are too small, and sometimes, sadly I am too big. But I am really excited, I have heard great things. Sadly it seems Iger is not interested in restoring Disney standards, so we are looking for alternatives.

Europa Park with small kids is great! they have lots and lots of rides for the little ones to enjoy; they have more rides for small kids than coasters or other rides for adults. you really can do lots of things together as a family!
They also have at least - let me count - 6 playgrounds, at least one of them indoors, so your little ones can also let of some steam and become active in playing after being passive on the rides.

my kids love the small version of a pendant to Autopia; they sit in small cars all by themselves and go around!

Sounds like a great holiday!! Hope you give us a detailed report when you're back.

Strasbourg is a really beautiful place, as is Metz. Luxembourg is about 30-40 minutes away, so we go to Metz regularly, mostly for shopping... But it's a really nice town, if you have time try to visit the cathedral there!

I also know Trier quite well (again, not far from Luxembourg), there's plenty to visit there, you can easily spend a day there. They have some great roman ruins - the baths are very well preserved, and the amphitheater, though a bit far from the center, is definitely worth a visit. Don't miss the Porta Nigra, the Cathedral (they have the Holy Tunic there), the Basilica (and the pink castle attached to it... I always thought it weird, but they have nice gardens there too)

And of course, you're not far from Luxembourg... Also worth a visit!!

I am getting very excited now. We have tacked on a day in Gent after Brussels as all the hotels in Brussels seem to be very busy that weekend, and I wanted to use points where ever possible. What is great is the only accommodation we are paying for are at Europa Park, Phantasialand and the Wein Kelter on the Mosel, all the rest are through points or our vacation club membership, and our APs are still good from last year!

It is getting exciting, but I had hoped the weather would be very good, now I am not soooo sure.

Ok, not much time to go (hope Kmara is having a great time at DLP as we speak, I am sure she is). The weather is looking good. So far, DLP is forecast to be sunny, or some cloud in the upper teens, lower 20's. The weather in Strasbourg and Europa Park, even better in the low to mid 20's, and the Mosel is forecast to be in the mid to upper teens.

We have a funeral to go to on Thursday, lots of work and travelling, and my brother's birthday party on the Saturday, so there is a lot to get done in between. Going for three weeks with a family of four, we have had to put some thought in.

But all the money is changed, sat nav loaded with German and Belgian maps, everything booked, and all the paperwork together, and my mother in law surprised us with a fab new camera!  Fantastic, really looking forward to the trip.

There are still threats to the trip. My kid brother is potentially going to have his legs rebuilt on the 28th april, so we may cut it short, and there is an outbreak of chicken pox at the kids' school. fingers crossed everything can still go to plan.

6 more sleeps. What Mikey doesn't know, is 2 weeks after we get back, we will spend the weekend at Legoland for his birthday!

Dave I was unaware you were visiting Disneyland Paris so soon. Hope you have a great trip and I hope you will be filling us in on how the Magical Moments Festival was such crap.

I am especially looking forward to finding out how the rest of your journey to Europe goes. Your itinerary sounds great. Hope the Baloo's have a great and safe trip.

Cheers James, it has been a challenge, between work, school and family. We got special permission to take the kids out of school for 2 days between the Easter hols and this stupid Royal Wedding Bank Holiday, so it seemed perfect, especially as I was able the secure some amazing points deals last year. Sadly my kid brother is due to have surgery (he will only be just 15), and it has been a difficult decision as to whether to cancel or go, but my mom reluctantly (you can tell she is not happy) has told us to go.

I have my fingers crossed it all goes ok. But yes, DLP is going to be fun of course, but as the celebration gets announced (blah), I am far more excited about the German and Belgian parts. But we will make good use of our villa, the resorts, and DLP. If DLP annoys me too much, it is easy to escape. And if we have fun (which let's face it, we usually do), we can use EMH with our DREAM passes and flop into bed not long after leaving the parks.

So yes, current thinking is this trip. Legoland in May for my Son's birthday. Maybe Chessington or Alton Towers or Wales in June for Jessie's birthday, Foo Fighters and Biffy Clyro for Sarah's Birthday, the Netherlands including De Eftling this summer, and Blackpool Illuminations/new Merlin Attractions/new Nickolodean area of Blackpool for Septmeber. I am trying to convince my wife to do Italy this Halloween/my birthday including trying out Rainbowmagicland (but she thinks I have already gone OTT). We will see what happens.

Dave: thanks for thinking of me! We indeed had a great time and it was wonderful, to see the park being refurbed and being taken care of!

I wish you a wonderful trip and hope that everything will work out allright for you to go! Enjoy your holidays (I am sure you will)!

Have a great trip, I look forward to reading all about it.

Thanks guys, we are looking forward to it. We still have some much to do. Funeral and Birthday parties, as well as work has made it a challenge.

Glad you had a great time Kmara, look forward to hearing more.

"See" you guys when we get back. Just 9.5 hours to go!

Sounds very exciting, hope you guys have a great time!

oh, and all the best to your brother with his surgery!

I try to post some pictures later. Can't wait to read from you!

We bumped into davewasballoo in the Studio Park, I'd clocked him the day before queueing for POC, I introduced myself and family. I like him, he's a big ol' lump and a nice guy with a lovely wife and kids. We chatted about lots of things Disney and you can tell he's passionate about the parcs (maybe that's why he's so vocal about them sometimes). Anyway, enjoy the rest of your trip Dave - have fun! :)

thanks for the news and envy you - I'd love to meet him in person one day :-)

Cheers Sam, it was great to meet you too. I hope the girls enjoyed the rest of the trip as much as the first part. You too have a lovely family. We got back last night, and the trip report will go up in instalments.

Kmara, perhaps we will meet at Europa Park one day, we had an awesome time there, and indeed I did think of you with the water rides ;-).

anyway, trip report and pictures to follow.

The trip report will be continued over the rest of the week and next weekend. In three weeks, we covered 5 countries, just shy of 2000 miles, many cathedrals, churches, castles, roman ruins, old towns, 4 theme parks, 2 Expo areas, and several themed hotels that put Disney to shame. We are exhausted, but really enjoyed it.

Week 1 - Travel from Bedford, England to Disneyland Paris via Channel Tunnel. Many days in DLP, but also a day in Paris including a Seine Cruise, Dinner on the Seine, a walk to the Arc de Triumph and then the Louvre. some chill time on resort. OVerall DLP is improving dramatically, but there is still a long way to go, and after visiting Europa Park and Phantasialand later in the week, there are a number of things the German parks do in a more "Disney" way than DLP. When I heard of the accident on Big Thunder Mountain, I was very saddened, but not entirely surprised. Perhaps this could be a wake up call to accellerate the refurbs. But overall, we had a great time at DLP (not so much due to this year's campaign and entertainment which are poor, but the cast and refurbs are majorly improved, including some of the meals).

Week 2 - Medieval Metz on the French part of the Moselle, then a night in a Jr Suite in Holiday Inn Strasbourg (free). A day exploring the wonderful Alsatian City of Strasbourg including the trams, a cruise, the medieval and Baroque sites, as well as the European Commission and the Court of Human Rights. To me, Strasbourg was a real highlight of the trip, a real treasure.

Next three nights were at the wonderful Europa Park Hotel Colloseo (Disney should visit to learn how to do family Deluxe right). More to write up, but we fell in love with Europa Park, an amazing park. My kids prefer it to DLP, and for me, it does challenge DLP in many ways.

A day exploring Frieberg (including Trams), the world's largest cuckoo clocks, and the Black Forest. Overnight in the Crowne Plaza Heidelberg (free).

After Exploring Heidelberg, it was off for 5 nights in a 16th centiry German Weinkelter on the Mosel (note the different spelling). It as during this time we chilled, explored the wineries, Roman/Medieval/Buroque Trier - another highlight (including supposedly seeing Jesus' robe) - including Karl Marx's birthplace, travelled the Rhein, popped into Luxembourg, visited the 10-15th century Burg Elz castle, and bbqed in the winery on our wedding anniversary.

Then we moved on up to Cologne, with a night in the wonderful Chinese Themed Ling Bao at Phantasialand theme park (again, a much better hotel than any of the Disney hotels). we had a great day in the park too, more to come, but in short, full of fantastic surprises).

Then we spent the night in Brussels, exploring the Expo sites the next morning and making our way to Gent for the evening.

On the 30th April, we went to the UNESCO city of Brugges on a little canal cruise and enjoyed seeing a Michelangelo sculpture that was the only one he oversaw the installation outside of Italy. We then drove the car onto the Channel Tunnel Train and arrived home a in the early evening.

A full write up and pics to come.

Day 1 - April 10, 2011 - travel from the UK to DLP.

Sadly, not everything was finished at home and I had some work to finish off before we could leave. So Although up at 4:45 am, we didn't leave until about 7:45, an hour later than we wanted.

After a fairly uneventful journey to the Eurotunnel terminal, we were put on the next train, and we were underway.

On the way down to villa, the weather was gorgeous in the upper 70's, so we decided to have the first picnic of the year. We tried something called Olive Cake, which was interesting. But there were better things on the menu.

We arrived at the resort and the checkin was swift. After unpacking, we decided a drink was in order, so we had a Kwak and Pelforth while the kids enjoyed an apricot nectar. We played a game of giant chess, then a little shopping, dinner, bath and bed, for the next day was to be an early start at Dlp.

Pictures - car rally, Eurotunnel, and Marriott Vacation Club at DLP Golf Course:

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Day 2, April 11, 2011, first day at DLP:

Up early for EMH Extra Magic Hours - before opening we managed the paddy wagon (I love starting our visit in a Main Street vehicle), peter pan, dumbo, teacups (all looking great after their refurbs), buzz (not an amazing score, just in the 400,000's - still aiming for a 999,999 score) and space mountain (effects perfect except smoke and still rough).

Went on star tours (30 min queue, lots of nubes who loved it - and we still love it too in all time top 5), Capt Eo (people were chanting Micheal's name with huge applause at end - I know it is rubbish, but I still love it).

Caught the new dance train show, kids were bored, not good (though the cast put their hearts into it). Into adventureland for lunch. Dlp have been dumbing down their restaurants, but there is one we have not tried for a while where the menu recently changed. Hakuna matata was great - chicken and veal kebab with savory rice (with a lovely sauce served in a banana leaf) and the chicken tikka, while not really chicken tikka, was a lovely spicy fried chicken strips. A very welcome surprise.

As we left, we heard the African tam tams playing. Rather than their normal show, they have been relegated to playing while the jungle book or lion king characters do meet and greets. As none of us were interested in the characters, but were enjoying the music, Mikey and I were asked to sit in. It was fab!

A trip on PotC, just came out of a month long refurb. In great condition (the pirates were duelling again). However, the cat on the box, and the hairy legged pirate were missing, the swinging pirate was still. But great (first time we queued outside for it in years).

Exploring adventure isle, the restored swing bridge in great shape (looking forward to the pirate ship getting the same treatment).

Mama grabbed a free coffee on Main street and then we made our way to annette's for milk shakes and ice creams (gibson girl no longer do shakes or cones, but annette's does - scratches head).

Maintenance is much improved, and cast great.

We went shopping in the Carrefour at bailly romainvilliers picking up french foods and wine, belgian beer and other provisions for the villa. Then off to the owner welcome party for complimentary wine and canopies. Followed by cocktails - best mojito ever. Hot dogs continental style.

Then a bath and bed.

Photos:

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Day 3, 12 April 2011, DLP's 19th Birthday (though nothing special going on), we opted for the Walt Disney Studios (now very much more than a full day park).

Went to WDSP's as per the kid's choice (though a big part of me wanted to be in DLP - even though I like the Studios).

In before opening, but the queue for Crush was posted at 90 mins before we even started.

So we opted for a walk on to cars instead, followed by a brief visit to Toy Story Playland where Slinky dog was a 5 min wait (it was broken down last time). Cute, but to quote the kids (boring - the one at Legoland is better). We refused to queue the 50 minutes for the Parachutes, and as only 50% of the family can ride RC Racer, we skipped it. Most of the photo locations have now disappeared, quite a disappointment.

We then decided to try the kids in Armageddon as they are now older. Lol, they still were not old enough. It was hilarious!

So it was time to see our fav, cinemagique, where we had the pleasure of sitting behind Martin Short ;-) we still love this after at least 30 viewings.

As we came out, we bumped into Samnintysix and his family and had a lovely catch up.

Then we decided to have lunch with Remy from Ratatouille. Although I hate buffets as a rule, we have heard many good things, and decided to try it. We had a good time and the kids loved it. The amount of pushing and shoving at the buffet was ridiculous. But the food was good quality and quite good value by DLP standards, and the kids loved the encounter with Remy as a part of the living character programme. Remy interacted and danced, visiting us three times during our meal.

The food choices were not bad, there were various salads, olives, greek mushrooms, stuffed vine leaves, cured meats, couscous and other things besides.

For main courses there were mussels in garlic sauce, rice pilaf, rosemary potatoes, pasta, beef bourginoine, ratatouille (of course), salmon in white potatoes, green bean salad, corgette's au gratin, andouille sausages and other dishes too.

The deserts included crepes, tartes, cakes (chocolate, cream, nougette), brownies, apple tarte, mousse, jelly, fruit salad, chocolate confections in many guises.

Coffee and tea were included. It was really not bad for 69 euros inc our drink prices.

Afterwards, we decided to enjoy the Art of Animation, where we enjoyed ourselves for over an hour in the hands on area. We created some great zoetropes to take home. When Sarah went to the ladies, she bumped into a Jazz band - awesome (when - went, I only bumped into ToT Bell Hop Goofy.

Then we decided to Fly on Aladdin's carpet, before taking in a showing of Animagique, which the kids seem to enjoy more and more as they get older.

We then decided to visit Stitch Live, and we are glad we did. Stitch asked Jessica to be a monster and we all cracked up when the picture came on screen, Jessica was over the moon, but she kept being a monster for the rest of the day.

We rode the tram tour, and in catastrophe canyon, it hit home how scary the quakes in Japan must be. But overall, they enjoyed it. But man, TSPL has had a real negative effect.

Last attraction of the day, we got in the Crush Coaster queue 2 mins before park closing, 25 mins we were on the ride and because it had warmed up, it seemed even more wild than usual! Cool.

With the park closed, although we could have gone into DLP, we decided heading back to the villa for a snack, bath and bed was a better option, for Paris beckoned the next day.

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Lovely start to the report and great pictures.. You and your family always seem to enjoy it fully and once again it seemed like you had a great start to your trip :-)

I cannot wait to see all the improvements for myself in july :-) Looking forward to the remaining parts of your report :ears:  :ears:

Welcome back, the boards were very quiet whilst you were away!

Sounds like you had a great time, I look forward to reading the rest of your report.

Following your report with great interest! Can't see the pics though because my internet lay down and I can only read it from my iphone. Therefore I will reply more when everything works again, which I hope will be soon. Can't wait to read more!

Hope you had a good trip! I've been to Brugge a couple of times now, in fact the best chips I've ever had were in a little restaurant just off Minnewater Park there, and don't get me started on the waffles; they're simply incredible :mrgreen:
Anyway, awaiting your Phantasialand report with great interest, should come in handy for my trip planning.

Lol, thanks guys. More fun to come. we had a fab holiday!

On this day, it was right to head to the City of Lights. Although the kids have traveled a lot in their short lives, we were nervous in the past to take them into Paris. But they seem to take much more interest in art and architecture now, so we thought, why not?!

We drove to the Disneyland Paris car park as our annual passes gives us free parking. We got parked up and a little girl in the Alfa Romeo next door then opened her car door very fast, denting my car...grrrrr. But I would not let that ruin the day.

We proceeded on the moving walkways to the Esplanade (if you are a Disneylander, imagine there was a major train station in front of Tomorrowland, it is so cool). We bought 4 Paris Visite tickets and were on an RER train into Paris within 10 minutes.

On the train, we secured 4 seats together for the 40 minute train ride to Etoile Charles De Gaulle near the Arc de Triumphe. There was a Parisian accordion player plying his trade on board, adding to the ambiance. We then transferred on the Metro to the Trocadero for the splendid view of the Eiffel Tower. It really captured the children's imagination. Shame about the minions of street vendors trying to agressively shill the public. A lovely Spanish couple asked us to take a picture of them and they did likewise for us.

We then took the stroll down to the Seine. Although a German friend of mine tried to persuade me to take a canals cruise (which we would have loved), we had free tickets for a Seine Cruise which was lovely.

An hour long cruise taking in the main sites of the city including the museums, the Legion of honour (which the President of the USA's White House was roughly modeled on), the spot where Lady Dianna died, Notre Dame and many more places. It was lovely.

After our cruise, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the Seine with a commanding view of the Eiffel Tower. I had a very good french onion soup with gruyure(sp?), followed by confit of duck with new potatoes and mixed green salad. Sarah had carpaccio of beef followed by a wonderful chicken and mushroom risotto, the most tasty we have had. Washed down with a cheeky bottle of cote de provence. Mikey had steak hash and fries, and Jessica had white ham and fries. It was lovely, and cheaper than the mouse, despite the tourist trap location.

After lunch we went for a stroll under the Eiffel tower to look up at it. We decided not to go up as Mikey is very much frightened by heights, the crowds were heavy, and to economise. In our experience, looking at the Tower is better than being on it (then again, I am not keen on heights either). We then walked through the park to the Military museum and Napolean's tomb, but decided to save it for another time.

We then hopped the bus to the Champs Elysee and a little stroll to the Place de le Concorde, where Ramesis' Oblisk stands and their are commanding views of the Arc de Triumphe, the parliament building, the opera and the Louvre.

We then proceeded to the Louvre through Le Notre's Italian Garden - Jardin de Tulleres. The Louvre was open until 10pm, but by the time we used the facilities and had a chat, it was clear the children's energy levels were subsiding. So we strolled along the Seine, hopped a bus to Chatlet, and hopped the RER back to DLP. I had forgotten how huge this station is!

We got to DLP as the park was closing at 9pm. Going back to the car was very disappointing. Half the moving walkways were not working, and several lights where no on or were dim. Thank goodness parking is free for us, but considering they charge 15 euro a day to park (£13.50, $20), we thought that was terrible, and it was even harder being so tired. Lol.

At the villa, we had a light snack and a Leffe Ruby and then fell into bed, exhausted. Thankfully we had planned on a relaxing day at the resort for the next day.

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I love reading your reports! Cant wait to read more and more and more!  :D

You have such a happy family!

Thanks for the wonderful trip report and the great pictures. It seems you and your family had a great time at Disneyland.

After seeing your pictures of Paris, I want to return as soon as possible. It's one of my favorite cities, I have been there several times.

DLRP looks good. Hopefully the parks will not look that bad again in a few years.

Can't wait for the rest, especially Europa Park!

We did have a good time, thanks. And yep, my family and I try to have a good time. I am away with work or work weekends very often, so I try to make it up when we go away.

Day 5, Thursday 13th April 2011 - Rest Day at the Marriott Village Ile de France

After a few heavy days, and with the days to come, we decided to have a fairly easy day and simply stay at the resort.

We had hoped to sleep in, but typically the kids were up shortly after 6. We watched cartoons and had some breakfast - croissants, yogurts, and coffee, mmmmm.

At 10:00, we took the kids to the complementary kids club, which they adore. As we checked them in, we bumped into Jo the general manager, who asked us where we were the night before. We asked him why, to which he replied, he had expected us in the bar to enjoy the live music. Apparently Carlton Moody was playing, we were really bummed out we missed it. You see, he used to be the band leader of the Moody Brothers, the resident band of Buffalo Bill's and Billy Bob's in the first 12 years of DLP., and more to the point, the band Sarah and I used to go dancing to when we were courting and first married. Bummer.

We then attended a great French class where Sarah, Mikey and I were the only participants. It started with some basic chalk and talk, but then ended up with a tour and discussion around the resort shop, business centre and Giverny gardens to develop our skills.

We then picked the kids up at the club (for Mikey decided to go back to playing when the tour kicked off), and went to the villa for some hot camembert and baguettes with salad for lunch. The kids had played and did face paints.

We then took the kids swimming and spent time in the jacuzzi. After a while, they asked if kids club was on. It was, and they got changed and went while I chilled in the jacuzzi watching the ducks in the pond and the golfers on the DLP golf course. Sarah and I then enjoyed a quiet afternoon together while the kids painted, made origami frogs and easter bunnies, and played some more. We all had a great time.

After we picked them up, I made Mickey Mouse stars and moons pasta and salads with parma ham and emmental for dinner (and a lovely bottle of Beaujolais). We had chocolate mousse for desert, and then let the kids play in the playground for a while before their bath and bed. Sarah and I fell into bed soon after. A nice relaxing day.

I know a lot of Disney fans will think us crazy for not going to the parks all the time, but to be honest, we have been so many times, it is more important not to kill my family with such a long trip away. Also, the kids actually always wanted to stay at the resort and not bother with the parks, well, until we got to the parks. Lol.

Pictures:

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Day 6, Friday 15 April - Disneyland Paris

Typical, the day we want to get up early and go to Extra Magic Hours, the kids oversleep and fart about. So much so, I said they were spoilled about Disney, making them complacent and contemptible and I would not bring them back. Thankfully they later redeemed themselves.

We were in the park for 9am for emh heading to Buzz Lightyear Lazer Blast while Sarah went on Space Mountain. Sadly I got a broken gun, so I gave up and Jess won (which annoyed her brother). It was then my turn for space mountain which seemed to be running a little smoother. The park opened at 10 and for rope drop we headed through Adventureland to grab a fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. With half an hour to spare, we headed over to Phantom Manor which really needs some tlc.

When we got off Big Thunder was 101 and they were evacuating the attraction. After receiving confirmation that we could return at any time once it was back up, we proceeded to Pirates of the Caribbean, then we grabbed a fast pass for peter pan and took a break with popcorn and a chocolate covered waffle in Fantasyland. There were huge crowds for Alice, Mad hatter, the white rabbit, Belle and Sleeping Beauty meet and greets. Avoiding the throngs, we hit up Its A Small World, which was in fairly good condition.

We rode peter pan which was being loaded well. We then went to watch the new "show" Following the leader. It was mainly in french and only really good if your were one of the 8 chosen. The human form of Smee and Hook were interesting looking.

Back to Frontierland for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, still the best version, great fun, though very few effects were working (which was disappointing).

We did a little window shopping, though very little worth buying in frontierland, same rubbish as everywhere else.

Into our fav DLP restaurant, the Silver Spur for a 2 o'clock lunch. Just like the old days in the States, you can reserve, but there is space for walk ups like us. After 5 minutes and a complimentary chocolate, we are seated.

They no longer offer the complimentary kir or OJ for Dream passes (which is odd since the Restaurant de Stars did a few days ago). But the waiter comped us some lovely virgin cocktails. The kids opted for salads with Jess going for the fish and chips and fruit salad. Mikey went for the hamburger and brownies and ice cream. I had a great prawn cocktail in a tortilla, followed by a rump steak with roquefort and potatoes and a chocolate caramel oreo cake. Sarah opted for the chicken Caesar salad, rump steak and a flaming creme brullee, we all got a kick out of watching the dish flame. Washed down with a bottle of Beaujolais and vittel water. It was a sublime 2 hour dining experience. The kids noticed the cost cutting though, no toys for them.

After lunch, we were stuffed and opted for another trip on Phantom Manor, followed by a cruise on the newly refurbished Molly Brown. Now Molly Brown is a story I used to love as a boy, with my grandmother telling me of her courageous spirit. This refurb is lovely, all the areas have been fully refurbed, and the indoor bench areas have some lovely touches, where the fire stove is actually warm, and the flags are totally accurate to the time period. The narration is excellent, hinting at the mythology in the greatest frontierland in Disney's universe.

After our relaxing cruise, we decided to explore Boot Hill and "wake the dead" hearing the tell tale heart in the crypt. Looking at the geysers was very sad however, for I fear they will never erupt again.

Time for a hot chocolate break, using the voucher for a free drink we got earlier when we bought the belgian waffle. Then we decided to sit in one of my favorite seats in the world, hidden on a dock in Frontierland.

We then decided on a ride around the park on the train, opting to skip the show on the hub. The mad house and propensity for French instead of the 50/50 mix DLP used to have as a policy (not a major problem for me, but for the kids, it is an issue), meant we opted to skip the subpar hub show. We also skipped the parade, now that they have taken the proper show stops out in favour of "interactive" segments. But sitting on the Eureka, in the Monterrey car, is pure Disney bliss for me.

Off the train and hot foot it to Storybookland before it closed at 8. Rode as the tigers on Casey Jr and then one of the last people on Storybookland Canal boats. Rapunzel has moved in, but it has not been a smooth transition. After Storybookland closed, we took some pictures at the new tea party area, followed by a ride on Snow White and a visit to the dragon. Pinocchio and the Castle gallery were under refurb. Well overdue, sad for newbies, but much needed.

Then we dashed for the last ride of the day, Big Thunder in the dark. We managed to have a fab ride at the back, where in the evening, that last dash under the Rivers of the Far West is incredible. As we disembarked, the park was closed and we had a leisurely stroll down Main Street and stopped for a sit in town square for a drink.

It was 10pm before we made it to the car, and I was very proud of the kids managing 13 hours and 16 attractions in the park! Into the villa, put them to bed, and we followed shortly behind them.

Pictures including the new offerings for the Magical Moments Festival, some much needed refurb areas, and the sublime Silver Spur:

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Day 7, Apr 16 Walt Disney Studios Paris

We were exhausted, so we let nature wake us from our tourist induced slumber. We watched cartoons from bed and then the girls decided to take a trip to the bakery on site for fresh croissants, pan au chocolat and pan au raisin for breakfast.

We made our way to the DLP car park which was heaving, and security bag control, even more so. We grabbed some Fast passes for Tower of Terror and Rock and Roller Coaster and then hopped in a monster line for Moteurs Action. We got awesome seats centre stage! The show was spot on, and although I thought the Lightening McQueen was a waste of time, I was very much in the minority as the crowd oooohhed and ahhhhhhed. But the show was great as always.

As we exited, our fast pass time was due on ToT. Although the kids wanted to do it, after their experience last time, and earlier in the week with Armageddon, we decided to take turns. I rode first with an exciteable irish group (hilarious). Sarah took the kids to see bell hop Goofy and Sully, but the crowds were crazy. Gone are the quiet days of the Studios - lol.

When we swapped, I took the kids to Studio 1 for some slushies and to listen to the band. It was there that Mikey announced that WDSP was his fav park, Jessie disagreed proclaiming DLP is better. It's all good. The band were fantastic playing a number of jazz greats. Sarah caught up with us and we had a great time together. To me, this is far more Disney magic than any rubberheads, but then again, I have wonderful memories of enjoying the live performers with my family at Disneyland as I was growing up.

Afterwards I scored a great spot for the Stars and Cars show (for those of you who may not be aware, Stars and Cars is more than a parade in Paris, it also has a stage show with all the characters and some dancers). While we watched, Mama went on Rock n Roller Coaster, coming back grumpy because she had no sound track. I felt guilty because on my run, I got Walk this Way and Love on a roller coaster (love in an elevator) soundtrack with full smoke and light show, it was awesome. She was not amused when she found out. Lol. In all seriousness though, it has been about 5 years since Sarah has had a working soundtrack. That warrants a letter.

The kids had fun posing on the Paraplus de Cherbourg and Narnia sets while I was riding.

We then decided it was time to eat, so we went to Annette's for our final DLP meal. Mikey had yet another burger served in his frisbee with ice cream to follow. Jessica had chicken nuggets and ice cream. I opted for the Rockabilly - a double bbq bacon cheese burger with fries and a double dash cherry coke, with a chocolate shake to follow. Sarah had a chilli burger and fries with a cherry coke and chocolate shake. It was very good. The one little disappointment was the lack of roller skating cast members.

We then did a little shopping in the Disney Village, snapping some pictures of the new Earl of Sandwich and World of Disney (seems very small) under construction. Got the kids some cute clothes - mickey jedi shirt and embroidered Stitch jacket for Mikey, a Jack Skellington shirt and Angel embroidered jacket for Jess and some surprise birthday presents for them both. Mama got a new coffee cup, and I snagged a cool LGM cereal bowl, also, despite not buying any pins, I did succumb to a TRON Vinylmation (I know, so wrong). Lol.

We then headed back to the villa for a swim, bath and bad. Tomorrow is an early start with a visit to Metz and Strasbourg. Then onto Europa Park on Monday night

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Thanks for the comments so far folks. So, general thoughts on the first week at DLP. Hmmmmm, mixed, as always. We had a wonderful time, and still so many things I never tire of such as Cinemagique, PotC, and being with my family.

There were some wonderful surprises such as a the great jazz band in Studio 1 of WDSP, sitting in with the drummers in adventureland, great service at the Silver Spur, fun experience with Remy in Rendevous de Stars, and how much my kids adored the city of Paris. The refurbs and staff improvements are fantastic. And although I am not happy about the colour change of the Molly Brown, the restoration, accuracy of the flags and the new narration are all excellent.

Rock n Roller Coaster was mixed - I had a perfect ride, my wife once again had no soundtrack - for 5 years this has happened to her and now she refuses to ride again.

But I cannot give DLP full marks again. Besides the obvious issues of the pirate ship and the state of the It's a Small World fountain area (Europapark had people in waders cleaning their pools every day if rubbish ended up in them -all fountains worked and the shows were excellent - it really highlighted how DLP has still fallen from the Disney standards). And Big Thunder really was only a well themed coaster - virtually none of the effects worked and I was not fully surprised to hear about the accident when we got home. Phantom Manor needs a refurb. And dining was mixed, they dumbed the menues down again since our last trip - though the Hakuna Matata offerings were a great surprise.

We were sorry that Pinnocchio and the Nautilus were closed, but it they get the refurbs Dumbo, the Castle and PotC enjoy, then it is totally worth it.

Overall, we had a great time and are hopeful for the 20th after all these refurbs. But they need to sort out the entertainment.  I cannot say I enjoyed any of the Magical Moments save the photo spots with the kids. And relegating the tamtams to a meet and greet side show is a real travesty. If we left DLP and came home straight away, we would have felt more positive in the end. But after seeing how other tourist sites, Europa Park and Phantasialand do things, it showed me that DLP is not necessarily the best in europe any more. It rates my kids' 4th fav place now,

For me, I still love it, but there are so many other cool places too. The rest of the trip report still has Disney links - amazing Disney confectioneries in Metz and Brussels, PotC and TRON music in Europa Park and more.

I will update as the work load will allow this week.

Day 8, April 17th on the road to Strasbourg via the Champagne district, Verdun, and Metz - 300 miles in total.

We were up and breakfasted, checking out at about 9:45 and set off on the next part of our adventure. We headed out on the toll road out to the East. As we travelled through the Champagne region, the sight was somewhat sad. Where vinyards used to crowd the sloping hills, there now seemed to be more oilseed rape than anything else. It impacted our hay fever, but more to the point, was this another symbol of our modern economy?

As we continued further East, we passed more and more WWI graveyards, a stark reminder of the fortunes of modernity, the lack of perspective our generations consider, and a reminder how the US has been very fortunate in not fighting wars on domestic soil in living memory. On with the journey, and our first major stop in Metz.

We got into town with the children proclaiming their hunger. Having seen only the expensive brasseries open or sandwich shops, we decided to try the family chain of Flunch. Here, you get your drinks and salad or dessert, and then you pay for it and your entrees. We ordered confit of duck, a fish of the day (soup), and what we thought was a pork stew (turned out to be pork kidneys - not to our taste ;-) with french beans, creme spinach au gratin, potatoes, garlic butter beans, rice pilaf, and cauliflower.

After lunch, we went to the amazing gothic cathedral, visiting the 1200 year old crypt, the holy relics, and the 800 year old gothic structure. It was so beautiful and very humbling as these places often are. We then strolled through the old town to the Temple and then took some wonderful pictures of the French part of the Moselle. And then a visit to the chocolatier was a must. They really are a work of art. And they tasted great too.

We then made our way back to the car park. There was an elderly French woman who could not find her car. I helped her find it as she babbled away, I understood some of it, but a challenge. I loved that I was able to help - she not only said thank you, but hugged and kissed me goodbye. Lol.

We then got underway again and got into the Holiday Inn at Strasbourg for about 7. We had a Junior Suite on the top floor, thanks to my Holiday Inn points, it was free. Two flat screen tvs, huge work area, king size bed and a double sofa bed, overlooking the European Space Agency training centre and in the distance, the Strasbourg Cathedral. The light rail trains that run look like monorail trains, it is very cool.

The kids were hungry, so we went down for dinner. They had steak and pasta with chocolate ice cream to follow. Sarah had a faux fillet bierenaise and potatoes au gratin, I had the faux filet au poivre with the potatoes au gratin. We tried a wonderful local Alsacian Riesling with it. And the staff were great. They got a kick out of the kids trying to order in French. Lol.

Then up to bed, and the kids flaked out.

The next day we took the tram into the Le petit france part of the city, then in the late afternoon, off to Europa Park's Hotel Colloseo. Good times.

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I'm glad to hear that you had a great time at DLRP, despite some lows.

Many people say that the German parks are already on the same level or have surpased DLRP in terms of quality. Maybe that's the reason why DLRP isn't advertised at all over here. Perhaps Disney fears the German competitors. According to friends the themed hotels at Europa Park, like the Colosseo or the Santa Isabel, are a lot better and nicer than the Disney hotels in Paris. In the past all themepar operators looked at Disney and now it seems that Disney can learn from them. If I'm not mistaken the CEO of ED SCA, Mr. Philippe Gas, visited Europa Park and MACK, the company that owns, operates the park and builds themepark rides. Maybe after that visit the management realized that they have to improve the quality.

Yes, I would say in many ways the Hotel Colloseo, Santa Isabel and Phantasialand's Ling Bao are better than any Disney hotel in Paris, California and possibly Florida (though AKL with real animals is hard to beat). They were increadible and I will share why in upcoming updates. The shows, gardens, maintance and food were largely better too. In fact both German parks reminded me in many ways of what is now missing from Disney and Knott's Berry Farm, the two places that started it all. They were not perfect, and there were other things that were not as good as Disney (e.g. the dark rides). But overall, I can totally understand why people think they are better than DLP. And my kids would agree with them. If they had Disney's budgets, they would definately be better.

However, a part of me wondered if it was so good because we were there only weeks after they opened for the season, do they still look as stunning at the end of the season? Anyway, for those that are interesting, we will continue.

And Dagobert, get yourself to Europa Park (and possibly Phantasialand). You will love it.

Strasbourg looks amazing. Thanks for the pictures! Now I really regret that in school we went to Paris instead to Strasbourg. The cathedral is really beautiful.

Holiday Inn hotels are great. We stayed in Chicago in a Holiday Inn hotel and it was fine. Unfortunately in Europe Holiday Inn hotels are a lot more expensive than in the US.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"And Dagobert, get yourself to Europa Park (and possibly Phantasialand). You will love it.

I'm already trying to convince my girlfriend, but she likes Disneyland Paris so much. Maybe next year and since the park is on our route to Paris, we may stop there for two days.

Quote from: "dagobert"Strasbourg looks amazing. Thanks for the pictures! Now I really regret that in school we went to Paris instead to Strasbourg. The cathedral is really beautiful.

Holiday Inn hotels are great. We stayed in Chicago in a Holiday Inn hotel and it was fine. Unfortunately in Europe Holiday Inn hotels are a lot more expensive than in the US.

That is Metz, the Strasbourg Photos are not up yet. They are even more beautiful. I think it is one of my very favorite cities of the world now. Really amazing. I will get them up as soon as possible.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"

Quote from: "dagobert"Strasbourg looks amazing. Thanks for the pictures! Now I really regret that in school we went to Paris instead to Strasbourg. The cathedral is really beautiful.

Holiday Inn hotels are great. We stayed in Chicago in a Holiday Inn hotel and it was fine. Unfortunately in Europe Holiday Inn hotels are a lot more expensive than in the US.

That is Metz, the Strasbourg Photos are not up yet. They are even more beautiful. I think it is one of my very favorite cities of the world now. Really amazing. I will get them up as soon as possible.

I'm sorry. I don't know why I thought that's Strasbourg. Nevertheless Metz is indeed a very beautiful city and definately worth a visit.

Yep, and to me, Strasbourg is even more beautiful. Strasbourg, Trier and Brugges were our fav cities this trip. But seriously, you need to go to the German parks. If next year were not the 20th, we would skip DLP in favour of the German parks. I am really looking forward to De Efteling later this year. Legoland Windsor will have to hold us over in a couple of weeks though.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"Yep, and to me, Strasbourg is even more beautiful. Strasbourg, Trier and Brugges were our fav cities this trip. But seriously, you need to go to the German parks. If next year were not the 20th, we would skip DLP in favour of the German parks. I am really looking forward to De Efteling later this year. Legoland Windsor will have to hold us over in a couple of weeks though.

We plan to go to London this summer and maybe we will spend a day in Legoland Windosr. I have been to Legoland Windosr in 2001 and I didn't like the park very much, except for Miniland. I don't know if that's the right name, I mean the part where famous buildings are built of Lego bricks. Maybe I didn't like the park, because a year before I have been to DLRP and I always compared both parks.

We watched the Royal Wedding last Friday and there was a video about how Legoland Windsor incorporated the wedding into Miniland. If this is still there then my girlfriend wants to see it and we may go there.

Legoland depends on expectations. I worked their opening year, and the cleverness of the models are always what captured my imagination. It is not meant to be like DLP. It is a very different park, and I think it helps it is aimed at the age of my kids. But, I also find dragons made out of Lego, Pirates, Spiders, Story book tableau etc. to be cool. If you are going because you are a Lego fan, then it is great. If you are going expecting a DLP or thrill experience, do not do it. Thorpe Park is where to go for Thrills (though only thrills and no theming) and Chessington has some lovely themed and animal areas. But Legoland for me has a magic of it's own. I fell in love with it when there was an exhibition in 1984 making the Olympics out of Lego in California, I went to the original in Denmark and loved it when I was 14, and so when Windsor opened in 1996, I had to work there!  It was great. Now as a parent I love it even more. As two adults though, it is difficult to recommend unless you are a mega lego fan (though I can spend hours in miniland looking for the hidden details - like when Gordon Brown became PM, they had Tony Blair and Cherie moving out while Gorden moved out. They once had hidden Batman characters, Dr Who and Star Wars. It is fun from that basis, on a sunny day.

We are going because that is where my son wants to celebrate his 8th birthday as he will be old enough to participate in the robotic lego workshop they have for 8 and ups.

I know that Legoland is different compared to DLRP, but I was 16 years old back then and I was mainly interested in thrill rides. Today I still like thrill rides a lot, but I prefere themed parks. Cedar Point was amazing, but I rather go to Disney than to thrill ride parks. I like Lego, especially the buildings and figures created with the bricks. By the way have you seen the new Lego models in front of the new Lego Imagination Centre at Downtown Disney at WDW?

Dave, do you know if Legoland Windsor will receive the Star Wars Miniland as well, like Legoland in California? And is it possible to visit Windsor Castle. If I remember correctly, the castle was very close to the park?

Star Wars Miniland is currently only scheduled for California, Germany and Denmark. Not Windsor. Instead we are getting a submarine ride this year and a themed hotel next year.

You could do the castle in the same day, but they are both expensive attractions, and Legoland is at least a day and the castle is also a good half day. There is a bus between them and you can see the castle towers from Legoland.

There are loads of photos of Legoland in my Facebook photo albums. Have a look.

This is getting OT, but the other european Legolands are way better. Germany has the advantage of a park built from scratch, but the best is the one in Denmark. Knowing the three I was pretty disappointed with Legoland Windsor. Everything except Miniland is missing the love for details imho.

Your Facebook picture with the huge green hat is hilarious, but I can't access your photo albums.

I think each one has their charm. I prefer Windsor to the California park. And a little more than Denmark as well (but like I say, I have personal attachments. I have not yet been to the German one as it looked very similar to the California one. Also Sven, when was the last time you went to Windsor? It has changed a lot over the last 3 years.

Fantastic trip report davewasbaloo- You have a beautiful family and you all look to be having a fab time(even if there were some low points!)

It has also given me ideas for a city break me and hubbie are hoping to go on in the autumn. He has seen most of Europe at this stage, I can count on one hand how many times I've left Ireland!!

Glad you are enjoying it. I am still putting more on line, though I am having probs with FB at the mo.

Glad you guys are enjoying it. Here is Strasbourg.

Day 9, April 18th - the amazing Strasbourg and the sublime Hotel Colosseo at Europa Park in Germany

WOW! Today was amazing. We woke up in our jr suite, plenty of room for all of us. We quickly got dressed and admired the smart looking people going to the space training centre next to us. I checked us out and we headed to the tram line to go into Strasbourg. These trams were amazing, every 3 minutes and very futuristic. When we got into central Strasbourg, we figured some breakfast was in order, so we went to a wonderful patisarie and chocolateer.

I opted for a Struessel (light bread covered in sugar and cinnamon) with a coffee, Sarah had a raison brioche and coffee, jessice had milk chocolate covered corn flakes and an ice tea, and Mikey opted for a croissant and OJ. We all shared a fabulous giant chocolate Macaroon. Delicious.

After our breakfast, we then strolled up to the Gutenburg Square. This town has an amazing history of learning and diplomacy, with royals, and scholars such as Voltaire and Gutenburg (who supposedly came up with his idea for a press while here), as well as Dr Albert Scweitzer (one of my heroes) preaching here, and Mozart, Hayden and Wagner all either wrote or performed here. Also, the French national anthem was also composed in Strasbourg. And like the American Civil War, in WWII, there were brothers who fought each other.

We enjoyed visiting the amazing cathedral and the organ was incredible. The kids keep asking what the candles are for, so we explained. They then asked if we could light one for Jelly Bean, who we lost too young. They were willing to spend their own money. Bless. We did light a candle in remembrance, which brought a tear (and no, we didn't charge the kids). And then explored the rest of the amazing building including the wonderful astronomical clock.

As we left the 700 year old cathedral, we strolled down to the river and took a wonderful 75 minute cruise around the town (literally). We took in the wonderful half timber houses, went through canal locks, enjoyed the sites of 15th century petite france, the medieval covered bridges and the very modern and wonderful sights of the European Parliament, Congress, and Court of Human rights. It was great!

We then went to another bakers to grab some chicken and broccoli quiches, quiche lorraine, pretzels, and gingerbread. We had a picnic on the steps to the cathedral looking out at a mansion while listening to live music! It was great (the temps were about 23/24C, 76-78F). We then visited an amazing hand made sweet shop and before long, we were back on the tram, heading back to the car.

We left the University and then headed across the Rhine, into Germany, enroute to Europa Park, our destination for the next few days. When we arrived at the italian themed Hotel Colosseo, we were amazed. Given we were married at Cesar's Tahoe, and the fact it is our wedding anniversary this trip, it had to be done.

Part 2 to come with a Hotel Colloseo album

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Ok, the first of the Europa Park pics are coming. We were amazed. I had heard good things, but no where near as good as we encountered. While the hotel is not perfect (no turn down or a/c or a safe, but they only state themselves as a 4* - well with those exceptions, they beat out every Disney hotel I have ever stayed in - all the DLP hotels, many in WDW inc AKL, The Grand Californian and DLH in Anaheim. It was Vegas quality for families!!!! We loved it. The attention to detail, little surprise presents including book marks magically appearing in our books (though Phantasialand topped this, more info later).

It was an amazing hotel.

When we arrived at the italian themed Hotel Colosseo, we were amazed. Given we were married at Cesar's Tahoe, and the fact it is our wedding anniversary this trip, it had to be done.

The parking lot is underground so as not to spoil the theme (even though you can see Spanish themed hotels and rides across the road). Walking back from the parking lot, there is a fantastic Leonardo Da Vinci inspired water clock. At the front of the hotel is an amazing fountain, and a renaissance style port corture. Inside, the lobby has a wonderful mural on the ceiling of the atrium and a manakin in a Swiss Guard's uniform. The lady that checks us in can speak 4 languages, but we check in with German and she speaks English to Sarah and the kids. The kids relish the sweets she gives them. After giving us a comprehensive information park, we go up to the top floor to our room. This hotel won the best family hotel in Europe on trip advisor for good reason. The room is amazing and spacious, witha wonderful Da Vinci theme including an incredible bunk bed for the kids.

Our room overlooks the piazza with a great reproduction of the Coliseum (hence the name of the hotel), replete with real burning torches in the evening. This building houses the Spa, pool area, and suites. It also overlooks the fountain which is an interactive water maze at first, but every hour erupts into a wonderfully choreographed show, and every show is different.

There are also lots of things to see in the piazza including live goats for easter.

Going down for dinner, we explore the hotel further. It has 2 shops, a beauty parlour (with a great Venitian barber touch). The interactive kids area is also wonderful, with a "amptheatre" to watch roman themed cartoons on the big screen, interactive computer kiosks with touch screens and a chance to change the languages, and the best bit is the adventure playground that looks like it is Leonardo Da Vinci's workshop, amazing.

Going into dinner, the halls are filled with Venitian light fixtures. And the restaurants are amazingly themed. The first room is a roman cellar, full of candles, fires, pots, coins and roman centurian armour. The next restaurant is like a venitian palace with a plentiful buffet. The next restaurant, The Medici, where we dined, is themed with crystal chandeliers and renaisance painting reproductions such as the last supper. Beneath our feet is a glass floor with the wine vaults and a private dining room with italian medieval theming. And at the very end, is Cesar's fine dining room (I was not convinced the kids were in the right frame of mind for such an experience. Our restaurant was busy and the weather warm, so we chose to take dinner out on the terrace.

From our table, as the sun set, we could watch the magic of the night come to life, the torches bursting into flame, the fountain show erupting to oohs and awes, and we had a live guitarist and vocalist regale us with traditional italian songs.

The romans served us and the portions were massive. The kids had chicken escalopes with a neopolitan sauce and spagetti. Jess drank Mezzomix (Orange coke) and Mike, coke. I had the mixed antipasta (parma ham, salami, mixed olives, sun dried tomatoes, with tomato bread and pepperincini bread. Mmmm, I then had a mixed cheese, spring onion and parma ham pasta. Sarah had a huge steak cesar salad followed by a chicken and oriental potaoes main. All washed down with a wonderful Italian Rose. Lovely.

Our 2 and a half hour dining experience allowed us to watch a number of performances, we were very full, and it was a lot cheaper than Disney. We then enjoyed touring the rest of the hotel (each area is themed to different parts of Italy). Then we returned to our room and enjoyed another fountain show before bed. Amazing.

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WOW, that hotel and the food puts Disneyland Paris to shame. Now I understand Disney why they don't advertise their resort in Germany. I really want to know what the ED SCA management and the representatives of WD Parks & Resorts thought when they visited Europa Park two years ago.

Honestly, it makes me a bit angry that the world's biggest entertainment company neglects their European Magic Kingdom so much that the resort hotels, the food and some attractions can't be on the same level of parks with a lower budget.

I know, and that is why I get crabby with people that defend Disney blindly. Yes, I love Disney, and Disney used to put on this level of show. But they have gotten lazy and there is a generation of park goers who do not know how they used to be. I loved EP, but I would rather Disney blew these guys out of the water.

But there is one big difference. The Disney I fell in love with was still run by Walt's family and was still staffed by people that worked with him. Just like Europa Park is run by the MACK family. Family and private run businesses may not have the budget, but they have vision, and a dream that is more than about profits. Publically held companies do not have the same mentality.

Of course, there are steel based attractions and the AA's are not as good. But overall, I would say that EP gives guests a better overall experience than Disney, and the queues are fast running (no fastpass, makes a huge difference). Yes, you will not necessarily find something as ornate as Big Thunder or Star Tours, but overall, this place is increadible in it's own way. More pics to come.

When I was first looking into the place, I was concerned it would all be carnival and steel rides, afterall that is what MACK is known for, is it not? I could not be more wrong.

Imagine taking a highly themed Cedar Point, the charm and class of old school Knott's Berry Farm, the professionalism and OTT shows approach of Vegas, and the cleanliness and maintenance standards of Walt's Disney, with some uniquities as well. That is what you get with Europa Park. My children's fav in the world, and a fierce rival for Disney's attentions in my heart. This place is awesome, and after three nights and two days in the park, we still did not do it all.

For the folks who may not be aware, Europa Park is owned by the Mack family, they started over 150 years ago as makers of circus wagons and fun fair vehicles/rides. They then became more sophisticated over the years, After a family vacation to Walt Disney World, they were inspired to build their own park to showcase their products. This was the company that brought the world the water coaster (sea world bought Journey to Atlantis from them, and I believe they are the company that provided Disney with Francis' Lady Bug Boogie and Cars Race Rally. Because it is a showcase, they run their attractions at pretty much full capacity (Disney and others take ride vehicles off if a little quieter, EP does not.

As for the shows, because of their roots in the Circus arts, they try to hire some of Europe's best. And they are amazing.

Then almost every land is themed to a european country including costumes, music, food and merchandise in the shops. It is great. Plus their are beautiful gardens, a real palace from the renaissance, street performers, craftsmen, and so much more.

It is a very kinetic park, and one that is a joy to just be in, even if you do not ride everything. There is something for everyone, and the place is huge.

They have ripped a few ideas from Disney such as the Universe of Energy, Pirates in Batavia, the Haunted Castle, Jungle Cruise and a few others, and of course they are not as detailed as Disney, but they have their charm and are of at least a dozen dark rides.

Then for the thrill seekers, there are tons of Mack rides, plus two beautiful B&M attractions, Silver Star and Blue Fire.

Every where we have dined has had live entertainment, and the hotels are sublime. Plus the weather has been in the upper 70's with sunshine!

The attractions are finely maintained, as are the gardens, the music is wonderful, and the shows are first rate.

On the first morning, we went in for EMH and enjoyed the spinning fair rides of the Spanish fiesta, then on the monorail and train to get our bearings. We enjoyed expereincing the attractions of the Scandanavia area (the rapid ride is one of my fav versions anywhere, only beaten by the uniquities of Grizzly River Run in Disney's California Adventure. But I would say this is probably the best rapids in Europe.

We went on the Pirates in Batavia ride, which is a rip off of Pirates of the Caribbean, with a slightly lower budget, but it is cool, and unpc. set in South East Asia in a dutch colony, it is a fab cross between the PotC, the Jungle Cruise, and 1001 Nights type attraction. It even runs through a restaurant where we had a splendid Thai/Chinese fusion lunch (for less than 25 euros - £22.50, $34 total). In the peak season, they have asian acrobats performing as well. Loved it!

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Quote from: "davewasbaloo"But there is one big difference. The Disney I fell in love with was still run by Walt's family and was still staffed by people that worked with him. Just like Europa Park is run by the MACK family. Family and private run businesses may not have the budget, but they have vision, and a dream that is more than about profits. Publically held companies do not have the same mentality.

Of course, there are steel based attractions and the AA's are not as good. But overall, I would say that EP gives guests a better overall experience than Disney, and the queues are fast running (no fastpass, makes a huge difference). Yes, you will not necessarily find something as ornate as Big Thunder or Star Tours, but overall, this place is increadible in it's own way. More pics to come.

Don't get me started on fastpass. I admit that we used them each time, but without FP the lines would be much shorter and that would add to everyone's benefit. We have been to cedar Point and there the crowds were also huge, but that park doesn't use a fastpass system. There the lines at the E-ticket rides moved faster with more people queuing than at SM, EE, BTM or RNRC. That's why I was very sceptical when Disney announced the new system where people can book their ride times at home.

I think that's the biggest advantage that Europa Park is run by a family. I wonder if Disney visited the park and the MACK company to buy new rides or to see how that family runs the second most popular park in Europe. The family knows that they can't compete with the huge TWDC and DLRP, but they know that they have to create something special to attract people. And they are doing a great job! Disney is still the number one in the theme park industry, but other parks are catching up or do already some things better than Disney. For instance Harry Potter at Universal or the hotels at Europa Park.

Disney really got lazy in the last ten years. I really thought that those times were gone when Mr. Eisner left the company. I think I read in James B. Stewart's book "Disney War" that Michael Eisner said, when TWDC opened the cheap and ugly DCA, that as long as Disney stands over the park, people will come. He was so wrong, but unfortunately the current Team Disney, especially in Paris and WDW, still thinks a bit that way. Although things are improving, especially in Anaheim, it is still a long way to go. For example Universal Studios Orlando is doing a great job, while nothing happens at WDW, except a new Fantasyland and the management of WDW was forced by Mr. Staggs to expand and add new attractions.

When Roy E. Disney died, the company lost its soul. It's really sad that there is no Disney family member involved in Disney. The Disney Family is doing a great job with the WD Family Museum, but they don't have the rights to Walt Disney's likeness and so they have to ask Disney for permission when they want to do something new. That clearly shows that TWDC is a soulless huge company that doesn't care anymore about the principles Walt Disney had. Sorry for being off topic, but it is a bit frustrating.

It's really hard to catch up with your updates!

Isn't Austria presented at the park at well? Hopefully they did it well, otherwise I will not visit the park. :lol:

By the way, did you go to the restaurant with the food coaster?

Agreed, same thing with Knott's Berry Farm, when it was run by Walter Knott and his family, it was great, almost as good as DL. Then Cedar Point bought it and I am not sure I will return. They have ruined it. Much like Iger is ruining Disney.

The Austria Area is not bad - very green, with log flumes and a mine train. The Switzerland area is more impressive however. and yes, we went to food loop on the second day, so you will have to keep reading ;)

It was all so cool

I can't wait to read more!

I was only in Europa Park once at Halloween 2003 on a school tour so time was limited as was daylight! Seeing your pictures and reading your impressions has made me want to return as soon as I can!

Once is better than never. But I cannot wait to get back. If it were not for the 20th next year, I think we would skip DLP in favour of EP next year.

After looking at your pictures, Mack clearly looked at WDW when they built the park. There is a monorail or a geodesic sphere, like Spaceship Eart. Is there also an attraction inside and is it the same kind of monorail that WDW uses?

In the sphere is a dinosaur ride and a roller coaster in the dark like Space Mountain (no loops, US style). The monorail is slightly different, it is a MACK made one, Alton towers in the UK uses the same one.

You're putting out the updates at an enormous pace, great read!

As the german parks are kind of my home turf, I hope it's ok if I correct you on two things.

Cars Race Rally is italian-made by Zamperla, like the english Cabs at Europapark. So not all flatrides are Mack-made in the park.

And Blue Fire is not by B&M but by Mack.
Their progress in the making of rollercoasters is impressive, you can clearly experience it in the park. Pegasus and Blue Fire were made with the new process and lightyears away of Euro-MIR oder Euro-SAT, for example.

Oh, thanks for the corrections. I don't want to get my facts wrong. But thanks, I am trying to get everything up while it is fresh. And Blue Fire is Mack, even more impressive. It is my wife's fav. I cannot wait until I am small enough to ride it!

And Pegasus is a very impressive family coaster, fast and quite scary in places. We all loved it!

We had an amazing afternoon with a chinese/thai lunch in a dark restaurant in the Pirates of Batavia ride. WE enjoyed exploring Russia, though the dark rides are not DIsney quality, they have a charm of their own. The Russian Craftsmen were increadible too. And the parade was cute. It was more like a Victorian Circus parade than a Disney parade as the performers from the shows proceed through the park in sections themed after the countries represented in the parks.

The Europa Park 35th Anniversary exhibit and show is increadible, putting Disneyland's 50th somewhat to shame. It uses a Carousel Theatre like the Carousel of Progress/America Sings/Meet the World and showcases the history of the MACK business and the park. It was in German and I understood it, but even my non German speaking family enjoyed it!

The football exhibit is interesting (I don't like soccer) because it ends with bumper cars and a giant football where you aim to get control of the ball. Fun. The Crazy Taxi ride is a Zamperela (thanks Sven) and it is a walk on (unlike the hour queues at WDSP for Cars).

We then went to the ice show, which was first rate! A Michael Jackson routine on skates, tango which was really sexy, and a very European show. We loved it, and it easily competed with the ICe Capades, Disney on Ice etc. Difference is, this one is included in the price of admission and is almost worth that price alone.

The Greece Area is very well themed. The temple for the water coaster has real flaming cauldrons. The Mad House is ver well themed (I believe this may have been the 1st in the world). And the Pegasus family coaster is a real coaster, very fast and a lot of fun!

We then made our way through France and into the Mercedes exhibit that also houses the queue for Silver Star (Europe's tallest and fastest coaster - we skipped it as the kids are too small - we will ride when they are tall enough, and I am small enough). It was fab, showing how Mercedes Benz have changed over the last 100 years and showing some of their previous race vehicles!!! It was edutainment and we loved it (supped a german beer while we explored).

Then on to Italy, which was nicely decked out for Easter. We went into the spectacular theatre, decked as if it were Carnival in Venice. In the theatre we saw Luminocity which was a combo of dance, magic, comedy, and acrobatics. Sadly in all the shows, no pictures or video are allowed. This show was great - some burlesque in a body suit (hot), a great comedian/juggler that the kids really adored, great dance numbers, and the most beautiful and graceful male acrobatic troup I have ever seen. Wonderful.

When we got out of the theatre, I thought the park was closed (it was after closing time). But they extended the hours due to crowds (funny, the waits and crowds seemed very low compared to Disney, this is old school Disney style, fab). So we grabbed a ride in the Geister Schloss - their rip off of Haunted Mansion, themed to the blood thirsty royal families of Italy. It is very cool, and at the same time very camp. It is not as well polished as HM, but we loved it none the less. And the guy being electricuted and the guy being buried alive were quite realistic. Loved it.

We then hopped on their newest attraction which is a surreal trip through Italy with dogs and food. But it was fun, and the smell of pizza made us hungry.

We had reservations for dinner, so we hopped the monorail to the hotels and went to the El Andaluz Don Quiotte for dinner. In the next installment.

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In the evening we had a great meal with some Cervezas and Sangria in the Spanish themed hotel, and then we explored the 2 Spanish themed and the wonderful Portuguese monestary themed hotels, followed by enjoying the fountain show from our bedroom window!!!! It was awesome, and all so easy on foot. I do not like WDW as it is too big. I prefer compact, and this fits the bill nicely.

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Extending the park operating hours?? That will never happen in Paris. There you get staggering opening hours of attractions. I'm not sure if any Disney park extends park hours. I wonder how that works with the employees at Europa Park, because Germany has a tough law according working times and labour in general. The Labour Unions are also very strong in Germany. I think that the company pays higher wages than DLRP and offers more benefits to their employees.

I am not sure, but they did it both nights and also at Phantasialand. Disneyland in California used to do this all the time when I was a kid too.

We had an awesome second day, this time after our character breakfast, we headed off into the Portugal section and the kids wanted to ride Atlantica Splash - a water coaster that shoots you down a small drop dackwards, turns you around, and then drops you down a steep and tall drop into the pool of water below. It was sunny, and I though, well if they are willing to try it, why not?! The queue was very well themed and full of pirate AAs, though it was interesting the hear the Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl soundtrack. It was fantastic fun, what a way to wake up.

We then headed into the Iceland section to see if I could ride Blue Fire while the park was quiet. Sadly I am still too big and the kids are too small. We encouraged Sarah to go on this amazing launch coaster. While she rode, I took the kids on the Whale Watching Cruise attraction, which was full of fantastic whale facts (in German, French and English) - edutainment!!! Yay. Disney forgot how to do Edutainment. Afterwards, we hooked up with mama and went into the Gazprom exhibit. They are the gas company who sponsored Blue Fire, and it is a good place for kids to go as well if they cannot ride Blue Fire. It is very Epcot!!! There are 3 360 cinemas (part of the queue for Blue Fire as well) where you can see how natural gas is drilled and piped. There is an interactive video game where you sit on a seat and control the speed of gas flow (very cool), and a huge fussball table - about 10 people can play) to show the importance of team work (also Gazprom sponsor a football team too, so I suspect that is more of the reason).

We then hopped the other monorail for a relaxing ride to see how busy the park was, followed by a walk to Spain to see the amazing stunt show - The Devil and the Queen. It was superb, using horse stunts, jousting, and a fun story. We all loved it, especially Jessica. Soon after, we then watched the great Flamenco show that was not only dancing, but bull whip and lasso tricks as well. Lovely.

We took the other monorail to the GErmany section, and I loved the section of the Berlin wall there and explaining the significance to the children. We then did a little bit of shopping (the shops are just as detailed as Main Street in the Disney parks with a more interesting selection of merchandise) and had lunch in the German gardens - some wonderful german wurst and friekedella with German beer and wine (mezzo mix for the kids).

We took some time to explore the real palace and the gardens, and then headed for the slow boat and train rides, which Jessica really adored. The gardens were gorgeous.

Heading into Italy to see the Carnival of Venice show (there are singing birds, flowers and statues - sound familiar? Though these sing Opera, and we loved it, but I think we were the only family in there who did). Before going in, there was a silly rubber head show, but at least there were some hot dancers who made it more bearable for the parents.

After another spin in Geister Schloss haunted ride, we then went into France to enjoy the 4D film of Sammy's Adventure - a cute environmental film told by a turtle, followed by the Universe of Energy which although a rip off of Epcot, was still a very cool Dinosaur dark ride, I loved it.

We then went on the tower ride (similar to the ones at Knotts and Sea World). It was a great view over the park (no pictures, I videoed it).

We then waited for the Bobsled ride in Switzerland. Now this area is very cool and immersive, and the bobsleigh is not like the Matterhorn. Although not as pretty, it is a real trackless bobsled coaster. I have been on other versions at Blackpool and other parks, but this is my fav version. Mike and I snagged the front to boot. Jessica was upset though as she was just that little bit too short. A lovely lady gave her some sweets to make her feel better. Awe. The people in germany were so lovely.

Afterwards we decided to grab a bite to eat in Switzerland, some Swiss sausages, and a bigger priority for me, some hot raclette on swiss bread. A real famous snack of Europa park. It was good and not badly priced for a theme park. MMMMMmmmmm.

Afterwards, we went on a few more small rides and the kids had been begging me to try the Food Loop restaurant, but with queues of an hour (it had only been open a week) we had tried to see if it would be quieter towards closing.

WE arrived 15 minutes before the park closed. They advised us that the kitchen was closed, but we could still order drinks. Now this place was very cool (again I videoed some of it).

You sit at a round communal table, and each stool has a number. You are given a smart card each when you walk in and are taken to your table.

There are a number of touch screen monitors where you insert your card, press the number of your seat, and then order on the touch screen. The food or drink is then dispatched via a roller coaster. We had fizzy drinks, so they go through the spirals, but some of the salads and things actually travel through a loop! It was great fun. We had german soft drinks of apple soda, kandi malz and ice tea flavours we cannot get in the UK.

When we left, the park was closed, so we made a slow walk back to the hotel and grabbed some ice creams and the fountain show from ground level before going home the next morning. Mikey fell over in the fountain and was very bruised on his knees and elbows, which put a slight downer on the day, but overall it was excellent!

Overall we loved Europa Park. It is better managed, cleaner and has better behaved guests than the Disney parks. The rides are fun and diverse, and the entertainment is top notch. If Mack ran DLP that would probably be the perfect park. I cannot wait until we return, and the kids claim it is their fav park.

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Thanks for another wonderful update and the great pictures.

It seems Europa Park took the best parts of WDW and assembled them to this wonderful park. What was your experience with the Castmembers? Did you have any problems with the language? Were there many international visitors?

I don't want to offend anyone, but sometimes I really think that TWDC should have built Disneyland in Germany. Germans are known that they want everything to be perfect. You just have to look at Dave's pictures. In Germany you will hardly find any waste on streets or in amusement parks, because they want everything to be clean and perfect. That's the German mentality, while at DLRP I sometimes had the feeling people and some CMs don't care at all about the parks. As I said before I don't want to offend anyone, but in Germany when there is a fence, then no one climbs over it. And if someone still does, then they are told not to do that. I miss that in Paris. Maybe Disneyland would also be cleaner and better maintained, even with the given financial situation of DLRP. Some people consider Germans to be unfriendly, because of their mentality of wanting everything to be perfect and not to tolerate several things, like bad behaviour or to pollute public places.

It's me again. First-time TRs are always an interesting read, and I'm sure that amount of praise by an experienced Disney-traveller like you would make some people in Rust very proud ;)

Modern mad houses were pioneered by Vekoma, and the first one was 1996 in Efteling. Look forward to it, it easily tops Macks version of it.

Extending the opening hours is pretty common, at least in EP and Phantasialand. At our visit on Halloween 2009 (busiest day of the season with about 45000 reported guests that day) they extended it to 9 in the evening, iirc.
I guess not many people working in german amusement parks are organized in unions, and the needed flexbility for longer openings is a requirement for the job.

e: About the "taking the best parts of Disney": I think every park operator gets inspired by Disney or at least was starting the park. But EP is the biggest copycat in Germany, up until today. Have you noticed the big rock in Iceland that bears a stunning resemblance (but of course smaller) to the wolf-rock or how it's called at Grizzly River Run in DCA?
They even renamed their "It's a small world"-style ride "Ciao Bambini" to "Piccolo Mondo", meaning "small world", this year. I don't judge it, especially as they do a good job about it, but it's kind of a running gag in the fan-scene in Germany to ask: "Where did they copy off" with a new attraction ;)

Now this is interesting to comment on. I did not have an issue with German as I have studied German at A level (Abentur) and 1st year at University (it was to help with my research into the origins of the Cold War). But my wife and kids speak no German other than danke schon. Lol. And they still had a great time.

In the hotel, there were English speaking cast members, and all the written materials were provided in 6 languages (including the free souvenir book that someone would pay 15 euros for at DLP). The shows, while mostly German, a lot of it was visual and set to music. The menues were in French and German. So people who have to have everything in English may be put off. In our time there I would say they were 60% germans, 35% French, and a lot of Swiss and Dutch. We bumped into a couple of American families and one British Family. There were a few Spanish and Italian licence plates in the car park.

As for the cast, they were mainly efficient. Not as smiley as Disney, but efficient. The guests though were in the main delightful.

Phantasialand however, most things were German/English and visual. The cast were friendlier, but the guests were not (lots of pushy teens from Cologne and other cities). But still a great experience overall that we will write up.

But yes, we were very impressed over all. Paris made sense geographically and demographically, but the treatment of the park and poor management does make you question a few things. But even if it were built in Germany, I do think it would still have problems, afterall, look at what is happening to WDW!!!!

Ok, I was not aware it was Vekoma, I look forward to seeing it at Efteling this summer. My fav is the one in Phantasialand followed by Hex at Alton Towers.

Lol about the copying. Disney used to be the best (and at some things they still are - have you guys seen Tokyo's Fantasmic). But it is sad the Oriental Land Company and MACK run their businesses better than Disney, the company who set the standard. I was going expecting some good shows and thrills, but was concerned it would be a bit like Dreamland Nara. Instead I returned very pleasantly surprised. And while the food and drink are more expensive than real Germany, it is still MUCH cheaper than DLP.

I know that most things wouldn't have been better. It's just my personal opinion, which is based on experiences I had over the recent years. DLRP is fantastic, but some CMs really don't care about the guests and the parks and some guests are very rude at DLRP. You, some members here, myself or friends of mine who go to DLRP once a year since 1992 and to Europa Park on a regular basis, return from DLRP and nearly never everything works fine. There are always some things that you don't expect from Disney, while most guests return from Europa Park and are amazed by the service, by the hotels or by the maintenance. Honestly, we should get that from Disney. But unfortunately it all comes down to the bad financial situation of the European MK.

Day 12 - Swimming at Europa Park, Freiberg and the black Forest enroute to Heidelburg.

It was time to move on from Europa Park to Heidelberg via Freiburg and the Black Forest. We decided to have a swim first, and although it was a little nippy outside, the pool was heated. We had a lovely swim, pretty much with the pool to our selves. We then went to breakfast and checked out.

We went down to Frieburg to explore the town which was nice, although we preferred Strasburg. We parked up and took the tram into town, exploring the architecture and markets. We then took up north through the Black Forest, which was very pretty.

The children slept most of the way until we got to Triburg, where we wanted to see the largest waterfall in Germany and the largest cookoo clocks in the world. We parked up to hike down to the falls. But the kids were a little nervous, and they were worried about wolves (a mix of a conversation sign we saw coupled with explaining how many of the fairy tales the kids loved were based in the Black Forest). we abandoned our hike half way down, but it was still great.

We got into Triburg which is a real tourist trap, and were quite disappointed with the world's largest cookoo clock. We decided to head up to Heidelberg as time was ticking.

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We woke up and decided to go out for brunch. WE ended up at McDonalds - kids choice, but it is always great to try the differences of a McD's. Not proud, but on a long trip, it has to be done.

We explored Heidelburg, which while lovely, is also a bit of a tourist trap. It does have the oldest University in Germany, lovely churches and the castle on the River Necker. But there are nicer towns.

The children touched the monkey statue, to assure a return to the city. And the mice statue, to ensure we have grand kids!!! Just please be married and in your late 20's please kids.

We then set off to the Mosel, and the 16th century Weinkelter apartment. It was a fantastic choice and a bargain. What we did not know was the landlords lived about 10 miles from us for about 8 years before moving to Germany, small world!

We got everything up the three flights of stairs, and then explored the lovely, non commercial village.

WE then went to a Weinstube for dinner, and had a wonderful meal outdoors with a great bottle of Riesling from their winery.

We then returned to the weinkelter for a nightcap. And we were pleasantly surprised. A bottle of wine was less than the cost of two cokes for the kids! Awesome. And they had a labrador they were dog sitting when we were there. Also awesome!

we were really pleased with our choice, and a community where there was little tourism compared to the neighbouring villages and towns. This village was all about the wineries!

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Day 14 was a very lazy day. As the bank holiday weekend meant the stores would be closed most of our time in the region, Mikey and I got up to go the bakery for breakfast and some provisions. We then got cleaned up and went into the picturesque (and really crowded town for Easter) town of Cochem to buy groceries. Upon our return we had a bite to eat, and the family napped while I watched our newly purchased Europa Park 35th anniversary DVD.

When everyone got up, we got changed and went into the wine cellar for a night cap, conversation with our hosts, and a series of board games. a nice relaxing day, and much needed. The next day would be Easter, our Wedding Anniversary, a castle in store, and a BBQ.

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I keep checking back every few hours for updates!

I am loving reading your reports and looking at your pictures! :)

It was Easter and our Anniversary. the Easter Bunny had found us, so we started the day with an Easter Egg hunt. THen I cooked up some wurst and eggs for breakfast and presented Sarah with a token anniversary gift - Eiffel Tower ear rings (sad, I know).

We then got in the car to head into Cochem, but the place was heaving. Couldn't get in any of the car parks, not even at the chair lift, so we drove on to the 10th-17th century castle Burg Elz. Which you guessed it, was under scaffolding. Lol. as compensation, they gave us some gold collector medals as well as free cookies for the kids.

Sadly there are not many photos as they are not allowed inside the main castle :-( We took the tour in German, and I tried to translate to the family. One of the really interesting points however, in medieval and renaissance Germany, it was not uncommon for the great hall or public places to have a wall freeze of a jester or fool. Under this, the speaker could freely speak their mind without retribution, and when someone then passed the symbol of a sun or a flower, they could not speak of what they heard in that room or area. Facinating.

The kids loved the medieval flushing toilets and the toys, Sarah loved the oldest renaissance bed in Germany, and I was taken by the weaponry and trophies. Lol. The castle was beautiful and very much worth while.

I had been to it in school, but I did not really appreciate it then sadly.

We had a light bite of Curry wurst, apple cake and black forest cake at the castle, the kids bought some medieval figure toys with their pocket money, and we made our way back when it started to rain.

Thankfully it was only brief. So when we returned to the wine kelter, we went into the back garden and I bbqed while the children played. Sarah procured a bottle of wine from the cellar while I cooked up some Windsor steaks (marinated pork steaks - delicious). We did the kids some bratwurst and rotwurst (which we enjoyed too) as well as having saurkraut, gerkins, and german potatoe salad. It was lovely.

As the evening set it, it cooled down, so I set a fire going in the fireplace/bbq. And we enjoyed the sun setting together in candle and firelight.

We then put the kids to bed and had a long soaking bath in the tub with some more wine. It was delightful and a very good day.

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Quote from: "Laura678"I keep checking back every few hours for updates!

I am loving reading your reports and looking at your pictures! :)

Thanks Laura, that is very kind. It is worth while if people are enjoying it. I know I always get such great ideas reading others' reports.  :thumbs:

I love your report! Still have trouble with the internet, that's why I don't post more and reply; esp. about EP which I have visited for about 28 years now.
Good to hear you had such a wonderful trip!

Thanks for another wonderful trip report. I really enjoy reading it.

You have been to a very beautiful area in Germany. I have been to the Black Forest  with my parents many years ago, but I can't remember anything. I was too young. Your pictures are great, like always.

Quote from: "kmara"I love your report! Still have trouble with the internet, that's why I don't post more and reply; esp. about EP which I have visited for about 28 years now.
Good to hear you had such a wonderful trip!

Thanks Kmara, I hope you will be able to comment more once you are back up and running.

I know I got a few facts wrong. Blue Fire is a MACK coaster, not B&M. And Crazy Taxi is actually a Zamperela. Ooopps  :oops:

Thanks Dagobert, more to come. I am currently uploading the pictures from Roman Trier - Sarah's favorite city of our trip, and certainly my favorite German city that we visited.

Ok, now Trier is a wonderful city that I had heard much about over the years. It was a roman settlement with some of the best ruins and restorations outside of Italy, the capital for the Roman Emporer Constantine, the supposed resting place of Jesus Christ's robe, a see of the Holy Roman Empire, a strategic lynch pin for Napolean and then the Prussians, birthplace of Karl Marx, and a modern thriving University town. It was wonderful, exploring the different stratas of history (a UNESCO heritage site for good reason), where we then later headed on to Luxenbourg.

We started at the Roman Gate - Porta Negra, and contemplated tourist buses and the like as we were tired. But seeing how pedestrianised and wonderful the city was, we mustered the energy to walk all day again. And glad we did (I put on 6 lbs this vacation, but thanks to the walking, I am sure it could have been 20 ;-)

The Gate, the town square, the cathedrals and churches, Constantine's throne room, the civic palace, Marx's birthplace and fantastic ice cream in fresh made cones. It was wonderful in temps in the upper 70's, pushing 80. We then headed off for Luxembourg, in the upcoming album.

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After visiting Trier, we were only about 10 miles from the border of Luxembourg, a very small country that is nestled between France, Germany and Belgium. We thought it would be great to have a look at the capital city (which we would have liked to explore more, but the kids fell asleep and we were exhausted).

We filled up with fuel here as it is the cheapest in Europe - 30% cheaper than the UK, France, Germany or Belgium. Also popular were the cheaper cigarettes and coffee (they all have reduced tax compared to the rest of Europe).

When we filled up, Sarah offered to go in to pay. The guy to her left spoke French, the one to the right, German, and the one in front Luxembourger. Sarah was thinking about how to tell her the number when the staff member said in English "I bet you are thinking about what language to speak" lol. You would never get someone multilingual working minimum wage in the UK or US.

We returned home, had a soaky bath and crashed out.

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Just out of interest, how much did you pay for the fuel per liter and how much do you have to pay in the UK?

We paid 1.19 a litre for Diesel. Yesterday in the UK I paid 1.66 euro.

Thanks for answering. I thought it is expensive over here, but it's even more expensive in the UK. On Tuesday I paid 1.329 Euros for one liter Diesel.

To be fair, I do buy the Ultra Diesel, but still, it is only a few cents more per litre. tax acounts for nearly 70% of the costs in the UK.

Just as an addition Diesel here is 1.479 a litre.... But can be found for about 1.449 in simple fuel stations in Industrial Estates

Wow, Ireland has high prices too. Hmmm. Anyway...

Day 17 - By the Rhine

Well, I felt we had to go and explore the Rhine on our last full day. My sat nav only covers the UK, and as the cost for each added country = 1 DLP Dream pass, we took Sarah's sat nav to cover Europe. Sadly her memory capacity was not big enough to cover all the areas we went to. so we kept Hesse out of it. I thought Rudesheim am Rhine was in Westphalia - wrong Rudesheim.

But when trying to find the Rhine from there, we chanced upon a sign for a war cemetary. Not knowing what it could be (Franco Russian? Napoleanics? The two world wars?), I thought it worth the explore.

We ventured over a mile down a dirt track and happened on the WWII cemetary where 2300 boys and old men were burried, not given notice until 10 years after they were interred. Very sad considering they would have been the last line of defence.

We then followed the Rhine from Rudesheim (we did find it) through to Bacharach (where we stopped for lunch) and then on to Koblenz where we followed the Mosel back to our appartment (Koblenz, the corner of Germany where the Rhine and Mosel meet).

We enjoyed a few glasses of wine and games in the wine cellar and went to bed very late. Great last day on the Mosel (which despite being smaller and more demure than the Rhein, was our preference).

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And here comes Phantasialand, Day 18:

We were so tired the next morning and the weather, after being glorious for so long, was wet and cold. We packed up the car and had plans to head to Collogne to visit the Catherdral while enroute to Phantasialand. I had been to Collogne many times in my youth and knew it was best for modern shopping, but it was the cathedral that was of interest.

When we got their the visability was poor, the scaffolding was up, the kids were asleep and the parking was difficult, so after a drive by (and no photos), we decided to simply head to the Phantasialand and the Ling Bao chinese hotel, the one Jessica was really looking forward to.

I had not been to Phantasialand since the 1980's, a park I remember being fun, but light on the theming except the German and Chinese parts. However, they reinvented themselves over the years and really started to develop highly themed areas. I still was not sure if we would do the park (given the foul weather), but we opted to try their flagship hotel given the cost including breakfast was almost the same as a family room elsewhere that would not include breakfast. and boy, am I glad we did.

We stayed at one of the best themed hotels I have in my life (remember I am a theme whore) and had one of the finest meals of the trip, and certainly on par with a Napa Rose or Victoria and Albert experience.

We checked in swiftly and the rain had stopped, it even warmed up a little. We went up to our room and were in awe the whole way. everything was highly themed (not the token theming of WDW or DLP here). Disney tend to theme the architecture and public areas, but I always have found the rooms light on themeing. That certainly was not the case here.

We unloaded our stuff and decided to explore. Given we were staying in the flag ship hotel, we decided to explore the moderate african hotel down the road, the Matamba hotel. Now, I have to say, it was almost as good as Animal Kingdom Lodge - minus the animals. It was awesome, the bathrooms looked like clean African bathrooms using oil drums for sinks and corregated metal for the stalls. The fire pit, the art work, the music, the african cast, it was all on point. Now this hotel does not have a pool (it is a moderate), but it did have a fire pit, and extensive adventure playground, a killer view of the beautiful B&M Black Mamba coaster and an exclusive entrance to the park! What a great moderate hotel.

We then explored our hotel and fell even more in love. The gardens were exquisite, rivaling the Japanese tea garden in San Francisco (though chinese in this case) and others too. The coi ponds were well stocked with mature fish, the music and lighting, including burning torches were fabulous, and it blended in with the chinese area where there was an exclusive hotel entrance.

The kids area was highly themed, as were the two bars and two restaurants. The indoor/outdoor heated pool was nice (not the most amazing, but nice, but indoors had a giant dragon who "breathed water" every 15 minutes. There was an adult only clothing optional steam room. And a Madala spa as well. Lovely.

We ran back up to the room to get changed and went for a swim. It was superb. When we returned to our room after showering (with asian herb relaxing shower gel), there were two free souvenir t shirts on the children's junk themed bunk beds!!!! Disney would never do that. They are the kind you can colour in, and the front desk had the pens if we wanted to do that for the evening (we decided to save that for a home activity).

We got changed into some nice clothes - Jess wore her silk chinese shift dress, Mikey his scottish dress attire from last year's vacation, me in my western shirt and mama in a dress and sweater.

We went down to the Lu Chi restaurant, a locally reknowned place for the high quality food, service, and singing waiters and waitresses. We had a blast and a delicious meal. The entertainment was great too - the waitress did 1950's lounge numbers like Sway and that ilk, the fantastically fun Thai waiter did rock n roll numbers with audience participation (I did not photo, but I did video). It was brilliant. We then went off to the room, and having had such an amazing evening, we discussed whether we would go into the park the next day or not (we agreed to see how we felt the next morning and see what the weather was doing.

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Wow, that sounds fantastic!!! I can almost feel your excitement through the net! Can't wait to read about the park!

What a great update. The hotels look fantastic and the food looks delicious as well.
Disney relies too much on their name and good reputation, while other parks need special treatment and service to bring back guests.

Why should Germans go to DLRP and stay in hotels with lower quality and higher prices when they have great parks, like Phantasialand or Europa Park, with wonderfully themed hotels with a better price-performance ratio in front of their doors?

Thanks guys. Now I must be honest, I am a Disney vet as you guys know, so I tend to notice these things perhaps more than fairly new DLP visitors. But DLP used to be much better in their entertainment and service levels, and I want DLP to be the best.

These parks do have better hotels and management, and better shows. For folks that like thrills, there are some first rate options. However there still are not the likes of a quality Big Thunder (mind you DLP has not had that for a while either), Phantom Manor or Pirates of the Caribbean.  These parks still fall a little short in those departments, as well as DLP being very well thought through. So I can still see a lot of people going "It's not Disney, so I am not interested". Look at the number of regular posters who have not bothered to comment on this thread.

Also, I have come to the conclusion there is some fear factor. Because of the Disney name, the English speaking contingent have some comfort in expecting to have their linguistic needs catered to. On other boards, or indeed people have e-mailed me, asking about how much English is used in these two parks. I have been honest and said there are some english speakers, the menus at table service restaurants are available in English, and the main documentation at the hotels too. But that is not enough for some. That said, my wife and children speak no German and had a great time. And we look forward to going to Japan and TDL/TDS one day, so clearly we are not too worried if somewhere does not speak our language. But many are. I know som Brits who refuse to go to DLP and have never been, but continue to go to WDW and love the MK (the worst of the 5 in the world), when we finally get down to it, they admit they do not like France or are concerned because they do not speak French.

It is interesting. More updates to come as Facebook allows. It is playing up.

Here we go guys, here is the day in Phantasialand:

After the amazing night, we decided as long as it was not pouring down, we would go into the park.

When we awoke, the sky was a little grey, but we decided to chance it. I am so glad we did.

The breakfast spread was amasing, the kids fell in love with the dragons, and we really enjoyed our day in the park (details in the photo commentary). the highlights were the internationally award winning magic show (worth the price of admission itself), the very best mine train coaster I have experienced, the best mad house, some very solid dark rides, and lots of entertainment everywhere, as well as good and affordable food.

At the end of the day there was a terrific show that brings all the Dragons and entertainers together for a show down (beating most of what Disney has been putting out recently in the US and Europe). It was really great, followed by a good Mexican taking advantage of the extended hours announced that afternoon. There are plenty of amazing thrills for those that seek them, but with only one day, we concentrated on what we could do as a family

We then headed off to Brussels to spend a free night (thanks to points) in the Holiday Inn. They upgraded us to a full suite with a kitchen!  Sweet.

We really had a great day, but sadly the holiday would come to a close 48 hours later.

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Just Brussels, Gent and Brugges to go... :-(

Thanks for another fantastic update. The food looks great. I'm so glad that you are taking pictures of your meals, too.

The park looks great, but I don't understand why that should be the best mine coaster. It's just a bare steel coaster with a themed surrounding. Judging from the pictures, BTM in Paris looks a lot better.

The water ride looks cool. DLRP should also build such a ride. In Germany the weather is as bad as in France and Kali River Rapids at WDW was a lot of fun. I'm also happy with Splash Mountain themed to the Wild West instead of Song of the South. It would fit better into our Frontierland.

Can't wait for the rest of your trip report.

The picture is not the best one, it is showing you maybe a quarter of the mine (remember Expedition Everest also has areas of just track). It is not the best for looks, Big Thunder still wins, with the mine with the dragon in Europa PArk coming second. this does have sections going through the mine too.

where this wins is as a roller coaster, it is wild, fast and fun. And is the most amazing to ride!!!! Really, It is wild! And I mean that in a good way.

for themed environments within a park, DLP still wins. But for entertainment, maintenance, hotels, food value etc. the German parks kick EDL SCA's butt.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"for themed environments within a park, DLP still wins. But for entertainment, maintenance, hotels, food value etc. the German parks kick EDL SCA's butt.

Hopefully one day DLRP will the best resort in every aspect, and not just theming, in Europe again. The entertainment in Paris is really bad. I'm so disappointed by Disney how they messed up the parade with the stops, or the Central Plaza Stage show. And don't get me started on the food and the hotels.

Is the mine ride a gravity coaster or a launch coaster? Isn't the Black Mamba in Phantasialand?

It is a gravity coaster, and it is wild. Really. If it had launch and loops, it would be wilder than RNR Coaster or Space Mountain.

Yes, Black Mamba is there (one of my pics shows the entrance, the hotel ones show it in action). It looked great, but as the kids were too short, and we were there for one day, we skipped the ones we could not do as a family - Black Mamba, Mystery Castle, River Quest, Talocan etc.

I have just seem Black Mamba on your pictures. I must have overlooked the pictures.

What park offers the better rides in terms of theming, thrills, dark rides, family rides? Which park did you enjoy the most?

I am assuming you are referring to the German parks here? That in some ways is a difficult call as I think the dark rides and the magic show (awesome, just awesome) at Phantasialand are hard to beat (also the cast were more friendly). It is well themed, but it is actually quite small.

But overall Europa Park wins. It is huge and something for everyone. If you wanted to do everything it is a 3 day experience really, and all the shows are first rate. A lot of the dark rides are weaker than Phantasialand's in execution, but there are some cute ideas, and Pirates in Batavia and Geister Schloss are very good.The coasters are great. And there is much more to explore at EP.

Overall, if you had to choose one, EP wins. But I do like PL, and recommend it as well. They are all better than any and all the parks we have in the UK IMHO. And I asked my kids again yesterday, if they could return to a park (including the Disney parks), which one would they choose. They said EP.

Yes I was referring to the German parks. Thanks for answering. I was asking, because we have just decided to cancel our trip to DLRP in September and will save the money for Europa Park. Phantasialand is a bit too far away just to go to the park, but Europa Park is on our route to Paris and so we may combine the two resorts next year.

I'd be inclined to stay at EP as long as you can really. Shame you will skip PL. Personally, if next year was not the 20th, I'd skip DLP and do the two German Parks.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"I'd be inclined to stay at EP as long as you can really. Shame you will skip PL. Personally, if next year was not the 20th, I'd skip DLP and do the two German Parks.

PL is just too far away, but if we are going to that region one day, of course we will visit PL. My passion for Disney is too strong to skip it next year as well and I really hope that Disney will come up with something great for the 20th birthday and I want to see the refurbished park. Since we really enjoyed the 15th birthday year, I haven't lost my hopes for next year. But I don't bother cancelling this year, due to all the refurbs and the bad entertainment, especially the messed up parade. Actually that was the reason why my girlfriend was okay with the decission to cancel.

You could easily spend two days in Phantasialand.  If next year were not the 20th and we didn't have the villa on the DLP golf course, I could now see us skipping DLP (and we have much further to travel to the German parks than you).

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"You could easily spend two days in Phantasialand.  If next year were not the 20th and we didn't have the villa on the DLP golf course, I could now see us skipping DLP (and we have much further to travel to the German parks than you).

That's true, but you combined PL with other great places. If we go there, we will do the same.

Do it!!!! lol

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.

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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 (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150163464494998.306320.744599997&l=5802984688%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

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.

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 :)

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.

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?

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.

Quote from: "davewasbaloo"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.

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.

Here's the trip report and pictures:

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=11138 (https://forum.dlpguide.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=11138%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

Thanks for sharing this "seems to be" unlimited trip   :D .  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...

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.

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.

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.

Finally got some time to read your brilliant trip report! What a great holiday with your family :)  Thank you for sharing it with us, really appreciate it!!

Plus you even got to visit Luxembourg... ;)

Thanks Never too Old. that was your influence. Not enough time to experience it properly, so we will need to come back. But it was so lovely and clean!

:D

Yes, you'll have to come back, and let me know when you do!!

N2O, since  you are from Luxemboug, what language do you speak besides Luxemboughish? French, German or both?

Quote from: "never2old":D

Yes, you'll have to come back, and let me know when you do!!

absolutely, it would be fantastic to meet after all these years!

Quote from: "dagobert"N2O, since  you are from Luxemboug, what language do you speak besides Luxemboughish? French, German or both?

N2O is actually spanish!!! she just lives in luxembourg with her hubby and absolutly gorgeous daughter!!!!

Quote from: "toonarmylass"

Quote from: "dagobert"N2O, since  you are from Luxemboug, what language do you speak besides Luxemboughish? French, German or both?

N2O is actually spanish!!! she just lives in luxembourg with her hubby and absolutly gorgeous daughter!!!!

Didn't know that. Are you her real sister? I'm asking, because of your signature. And sorry for being so curios. You don't have to answer.

Quote from: "dagobert"

Quote from: "toonarmylass"

Quote from: "dagobert"N2O, since  you are from Luxemboug, what language do you speak besides Luxemboughish? French, German or both?

N2O is actually spanish!!! she just lives in luxembourg with her hubby and absolutly gorgeous daughter!!!!

Didn't know that. Are you her real sister? I'm asking, because of your signature. And sorry for being so curios. You don't have to answer.

She must be, but we got separated at birth  ;)

And I don't speak Luxembourgish, other than hello, goodbye and thanks... Personally I speak Spanish, French and English, and a little bit of German. Luxembourg kids learn Luxembourgish and German in school when they're little, followed by French and later English. Most people here speak 2 or 3 languages fluently!

lol separated at birth but im older and not as pretty lol. but u r my sis n2o hun we both know that!!!

Quote from: "never2old"And I don't speak Luxembourgish, other than hello, goodbye and thanks... Personally I speak Spanish, French and English, and a little bit of German. Luxembourg kids learn Luxembourgish and German in school when they're little, followed by French and later English. Most people here speak 2 or 3 languages fluently!

That must be awesome, in the UK (and even worse, in the US), although languages are taught in schools, very few use them. My wife was very impressed at the Petrol station where the staff member spoke Luxembourish, French, German and English fluently!  That was superb.  =D>

Quote from: "never2old"And I don't speak Luxembourgish, other than hello, goodbye and thanks... Personally I speak Spanish, French and English, and a little bit of German. Luxembourg kids learn Luxembourgish and German in school when they're little, followed by French and later English. Most people here speak 2 or 3 languages fluently!

Thanks for the answer. So it seems German is the most important language in Luxembourg when it is the first language kids learn.

Knowing so many languages is really cool. Here in Austria, besides German, English is mandatory in school and then you have to choose between Spanish, French or Latin. I had French four years in school, but I can only say a few sentences, at least I'm still able to read in French.

Actually, all three languages (Luxembourgish, German and French) are official languages here. Luxembourgish is quite similar to German; also, there are not many textbooks in Luxembourgish, so they use German ones in Luxembourgish classes (apparently, I don't have any direct experience of local schools).

I have to say, living somewhere like Luxembourg you really appreciate the importance of languages. I'm really jealous when I meet people who speak 5 or 6 languages! in my family I'm the one that speaks the least... To my Spanish, French and Engish, my sister can add Italian, one of my brothers speaks fluent German and quite good Luxembourgish, and the other one learnt Japanese!

My little girl is going to grow up speaking three languages (Spanish, English and French), and I'm hoping to add German to that list...