Well, November's here...
everything's grey, the last leaves are falling to the ground, it's wet and it's cold. And it's not even Christmas yet. So no cookies, mulled wine or carols to make you forget that soddy weather. So who needs November anyway?
So I decided to make myself some warm thoughts to forget about this month. And because this is a family board :wink: I'm just going to list my favourite Disney spots to forget the world - one each day throught this month.
So, here we go:
1. Gare Chessy
It might seem odd to list the train station as one of my favourite spots at Disney. Because frankly, it's not that nice looking.
But did you ever go to Disneyland Paris by RER from downtown Paris? You know, this long ride along those sad Parisian suburbs? Yes?
So you might remember this very moment: you're standing on that escalator getting you up from the platform. You look around - and there it is! The gigantic entrance to Disney Village! The Disneyland Hotel! The Gaumont Cinema with its huge Buffalo Bill's marquee! And the magnificent Disney Studio 1 and the Earful Tower! It's all there! Yes! And you finally arrived...
Tune in for tomorrow!
2. The TV, Disneyland Hotel Lobby
You're tired? It's cold and wet outside? Are you maybe waiting for a date? So why don't you put your lazy rear end in front of a tv???
The one I'm thinking of is at the Disneyland Hotel. You walk into the hotel's beautiful lobby, walk up the stairs that are fit for an old-time Hollywood musical and right there between the ground floor and the first floor is this little spot with this very comfortable couch and the tv.
Here you can just relax. Watch the Disney Channel for a while. Or the Resort Channel. Enjoy the sounds of the happy people walking by.
Have some time off - and then return to the Magic Kingdom...
3. The Lighthouse, Disney's Newport Bay Club
Have you have ever wandered out to that little lighthouse on the shore of Lake Disney? Well, you should!
It's one of the most peaceful spots in all of Disneyland Paris. There are some benches right there around the the lighthouse. And let me tell you: this is the perfect spot to relax. Especially late in the afternoon, with the last warm rays of the sun on your skin - and then watch it set behind Disney Village and the Studios. Wonderful... can't say how often I fell asleep just lying there. :wink:
4. Market House Deli, Main Street U.S.A.
No doubt about it, the shops and eateries on Main Street, U.S.A. are filled with amazing little details and stories. There's no way telling which place is the best: is it Town Square Photography with its little office? The Boardwalk Candy Palace? Or the charming Victoria's?
But there's a time, when one spot can't be beaten in my book: breakfast at the Market House Deli.
Not that the breakfast is anything to write home about. No, just the regular muffins, brownies, cakes etc. (however, one has to note that all of these treats just taste amazing.) But having breakfast at one of the tables right at the window of the Market House Deli is something special. Sitting there, taking a look through the window and do some people watching - and you will notice: there is hardly anyone heading towards Town Square. No, all of these happy people are heading towards the castle and from there to a day full of fantasy, adventure and memories. If that isn't a wonderful thought while haveing breakfast...
5. Le Chaumière des Sept Nains
Yes, it's just a shop - but I love the laughing turtle just outside the cottage in the little pool with all the other critters. So don't judge me!
6. Videopolis
Europe's largest fast food restaurant is not really known for being a quite place. Add to that several shows throughout the day and you've got quite a mad house.
But what happens when the last curtain has fallen for the day? And when the crowds at the Café Hyperion slow down?
Well, then you've got a great place to watch cartoons, of cours!
Just sit back, take a break and watch Mickey & Co. on those really big screens - and I promise, you'll get a very good laugh out of it.
7. The Salon aboard the Molly Brown
You probably know these days at DLP: it's cold, rainy and quite miserable to be outside. So why don't take a cruise on the Rivers of the Far West?
Now, some prefer the Mark Twain, others - like me - prefer the Molly Brown. No matter what, they are both fine riverboats.
Now there's a little something special: the salons. Both boats do feature these very small salons. Here you can sit, relax, watch the "wildlife" go by - and also the many guests who have no clue about these little gems and are wondering if you are a VIP of sorts to be allowed to sit there.
8. Frontlot
A couple of weeks before the opening of the Walt Disney Studios, I suddenly heard this music while passing by the then still walled of theme park. It was wonderful. And I started to recognize the tunes from some of my favourite movies. Even back then, I loved that place.
Now, I enjoy spending a sunny day on one of the park benches right in front of Disney Studio 1, watching the beautiful Sorcerer Mickey fountain, the various Disney characters that come to play and listening to the wonderful music... and it's amazing how much I remember the movies and the emotions that I had while I was watching them. There's "Casablanca", "The Cider House Rules", "Star Wars", "Indiana Jones", "Goldfinger", "The Rocketeer", "The Mask of Zorro", "Shakespear in Love", "Star Trek" and so many other movies.
If that isn't just one perfect spot to enjoy the day, then I don't know...
great topic! Can't wait to read your next happy places!
Thanks Kinou! I guess every one of us has his or her special place(s) at DLP... anyway, let's continue...
9. Captain's Quarters, Newport Bay Club
Yes, I know this is a family board. But sorry folks, I have to admit it, I do like alcohol. A nice cocktail, a good glass of wine or a nice pint of "Weißbier" is a little sin I commit myself to every once in a while.
And one of my favourite spots for this indulgence is Newport Bay Club's quiet little bar, overlooking Lake Disney with this great view of Hotel New York.
The ambiance is absolutely charming, the seats are very deep, the music very relaxing (and 80's-ish) and the cocktails ... well, I don't mind them :wink:
Captain's Quarters is probably my favourite bar and I highly recommend you all to check it out if you are in need for a relaxing evening - or some good old fashioned booze. :wink:
9. The Garden, Disneyland Hotel
Hidden in the back of Disneyland Hotel is the very small but very charming garden of the hotel.
You can find some very nice flower beds as well as a beautiful sundial - which I would just love to take home.
It's really one of those little places that hardly anyone knows about - but is a real beauty.
11. Mahjong Parlor, Market Street
Wandering through Market Street is a real pleasure. There's the Ice Cream Parlour, then there's Disney Clothiers, the Market House Deli and the home of the lady that gives Piano lessons... but what's that? A Chinese laundry?!? And what's that noise coming from the window on the upper floor? Well! It's a Chinese Mahjong Parlor! Right here on Main Streetm, U.S.A.!
Listening to the Chinese chattering reminds you why Disneyland Paris is just so plain wonderful: there is so much to be discovered...
12. Annette's Diner
No such list of mine would be complete without the greatest restaurant at Disneyland Resort Paris: the place of the 50's, the place of big burgers, big sundaes and girls with big... hairdo's... :wink:
Annette's Diner is just pure fun, with waiters dancing on the tables, great food - and the very cool "radio station" playing in the background.
The only sour point I have with Annette's: everything is so great and tasty that I'm usually so full after my main course that I don't get to try the very delicious deserts!
13. Adventure Isle
Tropical trees, waterfalls running down into the lagoon, caves, treasures and strange sounds coming from a lost temple in the distance.
Adventure Isle certainly does a great job getting you away to a far and mysterious place.
That's why I've included it into my list - and, on a hot day, the shade under all these trees is more than welcome
14. Val d'Europe, "The Piano"
Shopping is fun. (Sometimes too much fun, looking at my visa bill...) And Val d'Europe certainly offers some good boutiques, a great outlet village and some other nice amenities.
One of them is taking a few minutes off of a busy day shopping. And right there next to H&M (which is really one of the nicest ones I've been to, by the way...) there's this piano. Right in the middle. Surrounded by comfortable seats.
Now, sometimes you're lucky, you can put your shopping bags right next to you, take some time to relax and enjoy the piano player playing some swing standards, some jazzy version of modern day music or every once in a while even a song from a Disney movie.
It's a lounge atmosphere at a shopping mall - no wonder my visa bill is that long...
15. Seconds Away, Rock'n'Rollercoaster
There you are, strapped into your seat. The train takes that turn. You know what's going to happen. The music rises, so does your pulse. You promise yourself not to be surprised. Not again. And not to make such a stupid face. It gets louder. 3 ... 2 ... shouldn't I be somewhere else right now? - 1... !
And there you go - shot into a wild rock'n'roll ride.
16. Sweating at the Disneyland Hotel
Just a couple of metres away from the entrance to the Magic Kingdom and away from all those happy folks boarding the Disneyland Railroad, there's a place cozy, calm - and pretty hot.
And: it's one of the few places at Disney where no one will say a word when you walk around, well, in the nude.
The sauna at the Disneyland Hotel is one of those little treasures that I cherish so much. I love a good sauna in general (not to be mixed up with a steam bath - both are pretty different... the DLH has both, by the way...), and the one at the hotel might not be the best I've ever been to, but it's one of those great places to hang out at DLP... sweating, relaxing - and sometimes making jokes about members of other nationalities who just can't get comfortable when they have to walk around in the clothes that God provided them with. :wink:
17. Boot Hill
Strange and terrifying sounds echo through the somewhat chilly air. It makes you shiver. It's a bizare little corner of the Magic Kingdom... you can feel something is there. Is is the ghosts of those, who once populated Frontierland?
Well, if that's the case, then we're in some entertaining company! Because, looking at those tombstone, we see that these people had quite some fun during their lifetime... how about those servants, who kept their master "happier". Or Ol' Ma Mallard. Or the Hole in the Wallet Gang...
It's a cool, somewath scary corner, filled with story - and those grim grinning ghosts...
18. The balcony at En Coulisse Restaurant
Hooray for Hollywood! The flair, the music, the stars... at Walt Disney Studios, there's one perfect spot to experience all that: En Coulisse Restaurant. No, not the seating area hidden behind these set walls, but the seating area on the upper floor's balcony.
Get a table there and now for the fun part: people watching. There's the great music (from memorable films like "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Singing in the Rain", "Some Like It Hot" and even "Saludos Amigos"!). There's the projected stars on the ground. There are these cool sets of famous L.A. buildings. And there are those live acts every once in a while: the cast that is filming a movie. Or the cool Jazz band.
What a place... Hooray for Hollywood, indeed...
19. La Tanière du Dragon
Hidden deep under the fairytale castle, in dark caves, right beneath Merlin's laboratory, there's something lurking... sleeping... waiting for its prey.
It's a creature of fire and darkness. Be careful approaching it. We don't want to wake up the dragon. Do you see his tail moving? What's that? Is that beast actually awake?!? And look at that chain! It's broken!
Let's get out of here! Before that thing starts looking around for breakfast!
Honestly, after having experienced this, would you still like to meet a real dragon???
20. New York City Bar
Call me old-fashioned. I've got a thing for the art-déco style. And I absolutely worship Jazz music and adore the old swing-standards by such geniuses like the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and the likes.
Now, for such a geek like me, there's one perfect place at Disneyland Paris: the wonderful, cozy, relaxing New York City Bar at Disney's Hotel New York.
There's the great design, the wonderful decor, the tasty drinks (and nuts... don't forget the nuts!) and this wonderful music.
Give me some Ella Fitzgerald and a good Manhattan - that's New York City Bar for me...!
21. Pocahontas' Indian Village, Frontierland
A playground with all those screaming children running around wild might sound like an odd place to relax.
Well, but hidden in Frontierland, right there at the riverfront of the Rivers of the Far West is this little corner: especially when it's a hot summer day, sit down on one of the park benches, enjoy the shade of the many trees, look at out the waters of the Rivers of the Far West... there's Big Thunder Mountain. Every once in a while a riverboat comes by. And then there are those many birds all around you.
Enjoy the day, maybe take a book with you (by Twain perhaps?) and get comfortable at one of the most overlooked pretty corners at Disneyland...
22. The Beaver Dam, Sequoia Lodge
Walking around Disney's Sequoia Lodge is like taking a stroll through a forest. And hidden between all those tall fir trees, there's a little creek. And look! There's even a family of beavers! (Out of plastic... but a family, no less :wink: ) They're working on their dam...
And believe it or not: last time I visited Sequoia Lodge, these beavers moved! Yes!!! I walked by their home one evening to say good night and the next morning, the beavers had moved!
A sweet little detail - one reason why I love Disney so much...
23. Alice's Curious Labyrinth, Fantasyland
Follow the White Rabbit - into Wonderland! Right around the corner and, well, you're kinda lost. Charming characters everywhere. And you're even more loss. Beautiful gardens - but beware, there's the Queen of Hearts! Better watch your head...
And finally, the reward: climbing up the stairs of the Queen of Heart's castle and enjoying a wonderful view of Fantasyland. Seeing Dumbo rising up into the sky. Watching the merry-go-round. And all those happy people... The Queen of Heart's certainly has a very nice place to live...
24. Discovery Arcade, Main Street U.S.A.
What might have been? That's quite a question, isn't it? What might have been, if dreams and visions of yesterday were our future? What if blimps would be travelling across the oceans? What if the future was similar to our past?
Well... at Disneyland's Discovery Arcade, you get a glimpse of how things could have been. How some of America's major cities might have looked like. If, well, if... Discovery Arcade invites you to dream. It invites you to take a different look at the future. And it takes you to places, that you might never have seen otherwise...
25. Blue Lagoon, Adventureland
A nice beach on some Caribbean island. A full moon. You have to admit, the mood is perfect at the Blue Lagoon.
And the intriguing thing is, it actually serves two purposes: one, it's the intro to a journey back in time, when pirates ruled the Caribbean sea. The Blue Lagoon sets the mood for plundering bucaneers and proud pirate ships.
The other purpose is less exciting, but nevertheless very enjoyable. The Blue Lagoon is the place for fine dining. For enjoying the company of friends, family or your loved one, while sitting at one of the tables right at the waterfront. It's one of the most relaxing spots to enjoy a meal.
And where else do you hear a frequent "bon apetit!" coming from a boat full of tourists? :wink:
26. Lake Disney, Disney Village
Early in the morning at Lake Disney: the sun is just rising behind Sequoia Lodge. Ducks and swans are gliding by on the waters.
I'm sitting there on this park bench right at the lake, not too far from McDonald's.
The early sunrays are warming my face.
Music is in the air. The Disney Village DJ has put up some good stuff to start the day. Every once in a while, you hear Debbie Reynold's singing "Good Morning, Good Morning!" - and indeed, it is a good morning...
27. High Noon, Hotel Cheyenne
The sun's beating down, it's quiet, sweat's running down your face, your fingers are itching, who is going to draw first... who's going to taste the bullet? -- Okay, I admit, it's not going that far...
But what better place to imagine standing in for Jimmy Stewart in the classic "High Noon" than Disney's Hotel Cheyenne? That western town street, fully equipped with saloon, bank, drug store... It's full of atmosphere and almost cinematic visiuals. Truely, a stunning place to be...
28. The terrace at Plaza Gardens
Plaza Gardens Restaurant is one of the finest restaurants at Disneyland Park. It's splendour and it's great all-you-can-eat buffet makes it one of my favourite places to dine...
But let's step out of the restaurant for a minute - and there we are in this nice little garden area (between the restaurant's porch and the beautiful little fountain). There you have this nice terrace, with a couple of tables, surrounded by calming gardens - and a beautiful view of Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant.
A nice place to rest one a warm May day...
29. Disney Legends
While strolling through Disney's Magic Kingdoms, enjoying its rides or movies, one can easily be caught up with the illusion and forgets, that Disney Magic is actually a lot of work. And there are a lot of talented folks behind doing all that, which enchants us...
To remember a few of these talented people that are actually from this side of the pont, Disney has put up a beautiful little statue for its European "Disney Legends".
Right there, between both Disney parks, Mickey's hand is holding up a high a wand, surrounded by film stripes and a castle... remembering those, who made the Magic possible...
30. Happy Places
Disney offers us so many places to laugh, to dream and just to feel good. I can't say I did justice to them, by listing just a couple of them. And sometimes - no, most of times - you can't even limit it down to a special place or a special moment.
Watching my best friend riding "it's a small world" with eyes as wide as those of a four-year-old, hearing my grandmother squeak in delight while the mice "attack" during "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience", enjoying a great meal at one of the restaurants, getting goosebumps during shows like "Tarzan" or "CinéMagique", the phrase "Let's do that again!", a princess that blows a kiss at you, a little girl who is so happy to have helped Eeyore find its tail, a father who's dancing along to "Dancin' - A Catchy Rhythm" and his son turning away in embarrassement (but secretly wishing he could do just the same) -- all these little moments, all these memories... isn't that the reason why we all love Disney so much?
And why we all have happy places?
Personally, I like having these places - and I like being able to return to them... even if it's just in my memory...
:castle;
Thankyou very much for your month of memories of great places around the resort, i really have enjoyed it. Also your little speech at the end of the last one was very mooving i know that i got goosebumps just reading that one. Thankyou :D
Too bad those 30 days are already over :cry:
Yeah it is sad but now we have christmas with the tree and many other great traditions, YAY :D
Thanks for the great topic experiment627! :D
It's really been nice reading your 30 magical places every day this month, so well done! =D> =D>
Wow! Never read this before but it´s really great!!!!
Wonderful idea! =D>
GOOD IDEA!
I hate novembers! Its inbetween autumn and christmas! No bright coloured leaves, and no christmassy stuff!
Wow, what a great thread. Really captured some of the magic this great resort offers. Gave me some tips for my upcoming trip too. Thanks!
Wow! I agree with you about that happy places! They are so cool and also my favorites. :)
hallo,
thank you! i have really enjoyed reading this thread! gives me some tips for my next visit, too!
Bye Arno
Thanks for sharing, even if the post is from november 2007 :P
You have got a nice and funny to read style Experiment!!
I agree, awesome thread!! Really captures all those places that seem insignificant when I'm there but make me want to be back there once I leave.
Thanks guys for digging out this old thread - and all the kind words!
(I should do something like that again one of these days...)
It´s one of the best threads ever! :D
I keep coming back to this thread. It's perfect as a way of keeping the Disney feeling alive when you are feeling a long way from the magic, and as a way of bringing back those special memories. Right now I am revisiting it to get back into the DLRP mood before our trip in August. Simply a magical thread.
I agree with Rain....
Its threads like these that make me love DLP even more. Thankyou for taking the time to share all your happy places.
I've just read this for the first time. Thanks for sharing it with us!!! Now I really want to go back, and visit some of those spots... I have to admit, I felt a bit emotional reading about them...
Thanks again!