Storms, Seats and the absent suitcase! A Disney trip Report.
Saturday morning loomed with dark, ominous clouds threatening to dampen our departure from home. However the rain held off while my husband loaded the car. Once the kids were safely installed into their car seats we were ready to head off from Cornwall in England to the magic of DLRP. Three minutes later we were driving back to the house having only managed to get to the end of the road before my husband realised that he had forgotten his hearing aid, and, although the thought of 10 days of not having to listen to me and the kids nattering on was quite appealing, reluctantly we went back to pick it up.
By now the weather had closed in and the rain managed to follow us from Cornwall to Folkestone without reprieve. A terrible journey ensued with much stress, yelling and gesticulating for the next 5 ½ hours (and that was just from the back seats!)
Eventually, calm was restored when we had a flawless check in for the Eurotunnel, and, by the time we drove onto French soil we were all very excited and in good spirits. Our SatNav made the expedition to the magic an effortless affair and within 3 hours we were parking up in the Sequoia Lodge car park in high spirits and eager to relax after a long day. Dusk was already closing in whilst we checked in and found our Montanna Room on the 5th Floor so while my husband and older son retrieved our belongings from the car, I tried to settle my 2 year old down for the night.
Now, as you can imagine, holidaying with young children requires careful planning and packing. Nappies, bottles, baby shampoo, swim nappies (the list goes on) so I had crammed all the toiletries for the kids and us in a separate smaller suitcase, along with other essentials such as medicines and a first aid kit 'just in case'. Obviously, this was the most important piece of luggage and leaving it at home, neatly packed, on my bedside table was a bad idea, which is why that evening was not so much magical as gut-wrenchingly astounding that we could have overlooked such a fundamental item. I mean, forgetting a toothbrush or travel plug is one thing, but a case full of essentials is awe inspiringly ludicrous! Needless to say, I blamed the husband, he blamed the wife and the children blamed us both! Teeth and hair unbrushed we gave up and went to bed...
Put to the Test
This holiday was going to be special, not only because we were going to be the smelliest, unwashed family at DLP for the next 10 days (without our wash bags), but also because we had challenges to meet. Inspired by these forums (especially pussinboots), I had made a list of fun dares and tests for us to follow during our stay.
1. Find and photograph interesting seats in DLP.
2. Find and photograph references to EuroDisney in the parks,
3. Take a photo of an empty Main Street USA,
4. Notice things that I had not seen before.
My family were up for the challenge, and being the competitive lunatics that they are, we soon set to work on our first challenge... Interesting seats...
(To be continued...)
Oh dear, sorry about your suitcase!!!
Looking forward to the rest of your report, great read so far!!
Been there! Done that! And I will put my hands up to it being completely my fault! #-o Only for three days tho'. I bet people made lots of room for you in queues tho'....
I love the tasks you set yourself, looking forward to the rest of the report. :D
Quote from: "Wendy"3. Take a photo of an empty Main Street USA,
Now you've really got me intrigued if you managed that one :)
Epcot_Boy :ears:
Quote from: "Wendy"3. Take a photo of an empty Main Street USA,
Well it's possible, Kristof has done it...but I'm not sure if he'll tell you how.. :-# :lol:
Nice read, looking forward to Part 2.. :D/ :D/
Looking forwards to the rest of the trip report! :D
Sorry about what happened with your suitcase! Hope it didn't ruin your holiday!
Sorry to hear about your forgotten suitcase. My son went crazy last visit cause we forgot his favourite book. :? Can't wait to see the photos of an empty Main Street !
oh, so sorry about the suitcase...not a good start in a holiday. Looking forward to the rest of your report, I really like your style of writing :D .
oh my!! i am sorry to hear about your forgotten hand luggage....i did the exact same thing the other year, i managed to forget my asthma inhaler and by the end of the holiday i could hardly breathe!!
i am looking forward to the rest of your trip report and seeing whether you managed to accomplish the tasks you set out!
Sorry you forgot the toiletries. I am sure nothing the concierge or trip to Auchan couldn't resolve quickly. But I am really enjoying your well written report and am looking forward to reading the rest.
EMH – Early Morning Headaches!
Breakfast at 7am French time is really 6am in the UK, so our croissants were a little bleary at that hour. The boys wanted to try everything that the breakfast buffet had to offer including: cereal (all types), yogurts, fruit salad, toast, cheese chunks, pain au chocolate, another yogurt, bread rolls, and at least two croissants each with butter and jam! After they had successfully stuffed themselves silly (and after the husband had also eaten enough to feed a small country) we managed to set out on the short(ish) walk to the park. By this time it was 8am and we were running late so we decided to jog / run and power walk to make up the time.
Fortunately the drizzle helped to cool us as we ambled along, rounding up the youngest explorer every so often, as he ran to point out and indeed sit on EVERY bench which we encountered! (taking the challenge a little to literally I'm afraid, but you try explaining the definition of 'an interesting seat' as opposed to 'any seat you see' to an excited two year old!) Finally we reached the parks and our adventure began...
Seat Spotting
After the sun came out we quickly began to search for 'interesting seats' here are some of my favourites that we found during our stay:
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I love the themeing in Fantasyland and the benches did't let us down. This sunshine seat opposite the Teacups was one of our favourites, with lovely paintwork on the arms as well as the backrest.
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01016_edited.jpg)The benches in Discovery Land are more high-tech than the Fantasyland examples and come with a little D on the side. Metal legs and wooden seats combine to create a pretty yet modern look. The Boys also thought that the arches on either side of the D could be hidden Mickey ears?
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01043.jpg)This is a lovely design of bench which we found on the way back to our hotel - I like the curves on the arms and the backrest.
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01077_edited-1.jpg) This seat is one of my personal favourites. Found in Adventureland, take a rest on a camel - it's just wonderful!
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01098.jpg) Ever wondered where a princess has a rest during a particularly hot afternoon? How about a beautiful stone seat which we found outside the Castle. How pretty and perfectly fitting in this setting. I love the pink and grey contrast as well as the decorative engraving. A seat worthy of a princess.
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01121.jpg) Bella Notte has metal seats with twiddly bits as my kids so expertly pointed out. Italianesque?
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01149.jpg)Aboriginal style wall paintings adorn the benches in Adventureland giving them a tribal and wild tone.
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Who can forget Mickey's highchairs! Available in every restaurant I've ever visited in the Magic! :D
Supermarkets and Storms
Over the next couple of days we decided to take a visit to the Val de Europe and see if we could stock up on some much needed toiletries as we didn't really want to remortgage the house in order to buy everything at the Disney shops - which have, incidentally, become outrageously expensive! We drove the short distance and were thrilled with the choice on offer. Newly deodorised, we returned to the parks and continued with the fun.
The following day arrived with an explosion of thunder which woke us all even earlier than usual. While the storm raged through the sky outside, our family huddled together and watched in awe. More spectacular than any fireworks display, the lightening illuminated our room and filled us with a sense of dismay – was the day going to be a complete wash out?
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We tentatively went down for another mammoth breakfast and hoped that the rain would ease so that we could walk to the park without drowning! Fortunately, by the time the family had made a rather large dent in the buffet, the clouds had parted and the sun was shining once more, glinting off the large puddles, which were all that remained of the morning's downpour.
An exploration of the Studios was our destination today and once we had successfully cleared the bag check and turnstiles we headed over for our first ever experience of Stitch Live! What can I say but Wow! The adults Loved it, the boys loved it, we laughed and shouted and laughed some more. A big thumbs up for this new attraction =D>
Later that day, after we had spun on Cars, sung along to HSM2 and Animagique and flown over Agrabah, the weather took a turn for the worse once more. Large dollops of rain thew themselves at the poor folks waiting patiently in the 90 minute Crusher's queue, whilst the rest of the guests fled for cover in Studio 1. Thunder and lightening gave an impromtu display overhead for around 20 minutes while we cowered in the tightly packed shop, trying not to get too bumped and jostled by the other, slightly over-eagre shoppers (note to all - if there is a buggy in your way please don't crush the small child in it, in an attempt to inhabit the same space as said buggy and child, the parents tend to get irate and lose their sense of humour :evil: ) Once the weather, and our tempers, had calmed down we decided to take another stroll around the studios before heading back, another day over, another day ahead. What would tomorrow bring?...
great update! And very nice pictures....the camel-bench is absolutely awesome :D ...
Ooh, I loved this post! I love when people notice details like seats! And very well written as well! Can't wait to read more!
I noticed this bench on my july trip. It's in Fantasyland and the details are gorgeous. There's also a pink version with female workers engraved on it. Didn't take a picture though:
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Seats, seats and more seats :lol:
An enjoyable read =D>
Epcot_Boy :ears:
Great report wendy! Looking forward to reading more!! :D/
sounds like you had many challenges to overcome with leaving behind the suitcase and then the weather but so far sounds like you managed everything well!... =D>
:D Aveen xxx
EuroDisneyland?
A noticeable change had occurred to our family holiday, we were no longer just having a entertaining and cheerful time, now there was an air of competitiveness amongst us, allegiances were being formed, children didn't just amble aimlessly around the parks, we were all on the lookout for the next, intriguing prize – any reference at all to Euro Disney. My husband had found the first reference on our very first morning. Outside the parks, the walkways are lined with lampposts adorned with the EuroDisney logo:
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC00840-1.jpg)
Other finds came at regular intervals, posters, plaques and engraved buildings were spotted and examined by the treasure hunters
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC00893.jpg) (//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01670-1.jpg)
but the crème de la crème was still to come... whilst waiting for a train in Main Street Station, Alex came across a fantastic find – a double whammy if you will, not only did he spot an 'interesting bench' but he also noticed that it had EuroDisney inscribed on the metal legs!
(//http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p229/wengemini/DSC01083_edited.jpg)
For making the best find of the week, he was awarded the title of Challenge Winner and, quite rightly, boasted about it non stop for the rest of the holiday, much to the amusement of the rest of us.
Oops!
As we were staying at Disney for a full 9 nights and 10 days, we decided to venture into Paris itself and do the whole touristy thing. After negotiating the trains, and emerging from the station in front of Le Arc de Triumph we began our discovery of France's capital city. We saw all the sights that day: walked down the Champs-Elysees; posed for photos in front of the Place de la Concorde; made ooh and ahh sounds at the architecture and art work around the city and, of course, looked up at the Eiffel Tower saying "how big is that?!"(as you do). We also rode on the Big Red Bus to see the Opera House and many other places of interest. But if you ask my children what the highlight of their Paris day out was, which of course I did, they will tell you it was visiting the Disney Store! Oh dear, I have created Disneyfanatical monsters!!! In fact, we realised on the way home that the only shops we ventured into were a chemist for some headache tablets and the Disney Store, oops!
Now you would think that forgetting a suitcase was a rather unfortunate event to happen and that our bad luck must have been used up for the holiday, but you would be wrong. The train back to Marne la Vallee was crowded and hubby had to stand for most of the journey. He complained that he felt a little queasy but we put it down to tiredness, how wrong we were, that night the trouble began and the poor man had to camp out in our bathroom thanks to a very upset tummy. Oops!
For the next two days, he was sick, very sick and the rest of the family had to leave him alone in a darkened room to try to recover. Obviously, all of our medicines and remedies were safely packed up in a suitcase in Cornwall – once again our original blunder came back to haunt us. Oops!
Meanwhile, the boys and I tried to make the most of our last moments in the magic by eating smaller breakfasts and making our way to the parks earlier, to try to gain that illusive photo of an empty Main Street. Did we get what we desired – you bet we did! At 7.30am on our last full day at the park we were out of the hotel and sprinting to the park gates. By 8.15 we were drinking hot chocolate and eating doughnuts, mission accomplished!
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To sum up the trip I would have to say it was full of wonder with a few rollercoaster dips along the way. Memorable moments include the relaxed and deliciously fun Sunday Brunch at the Steakhouse; line dancing with Woody; happily chatting with an interactive Stitch; gazing over Lake Disney on a clear, fresh morning; and the look on my youngest son's face when he saw a giant Sun and Moon making it's way towards him with Mickey at the helm, to name but a few.
Things I've never noticed before are numerous and varied: dancing hippo bushes; the gardener's shed at the back of TOT; cryptic signs and strange numbers in the window displays in Main Street spring to mind.
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These lists don't for one second begin to describe the magical holiday that we experienced. Bumps and all, we loved our time at DLP and now that we have Dream Passports with an extended expiry date of 2010 you can guarantee that we will be back for more soon!
In the meantime, I hope that you have enjoyed this trip report as much as I've enjoyed writing it and I'll leave you with a medley of our trip, courtesy of you tube...
[youtube:2aj20tj5]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLVx4H_08M[/youtube:2aj20tj5]
//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jLVx4H_08M
oh, your poor husband! Getting sick in Disneyland is definetely not nice.
But great review once again and I absolutely loved your YouTube slideshow. Your kids are so adorable and you sure met a lot of characters and took a lot of great photos =D> !!! Did you also eat at Rendezvous Des Stars (if yes how was the food?) or did you just check out the little Remy?
Quote from: "Epcot_Boy"Quote from: "Wendy"3. Take a photo of an empty Main Street USA,
Now you've really got me intrigued if you managed that one :)
Epcot_Boy :ears:
=D> Congratulations
Epcot_Boy :ears:
great photos, but where's the empty Main Street one ? The suspense is killing me :?
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"great photos, but where's the empty Main Street one ? The suspense is killing me :?
but it's right there just a few posts above you :lol:
Quote from: "ColdSun"Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"great photos, but where's the empty Main Street one ? The suspense is killing me :?
but it's right there just a few posts above you :lol:
:oops: :lol: Missed that entire page. Thought I'd read it all. Cheers, I could have been waiting for days thinking it was all a big con.
Wow, great photo. Its like something from the start of Vanilla Sky or 28 Days Later
Thanks for your kind comments everyone, I am overwhelmed by your lovely remarks :oops: :D but I'm so pleased that you like my report and my photos as I've really enjoyed writing it!
QuoteWow, great photo. Its like something from the start of Vanilla Sky or 28 Days Later
Fortunately, it didn't have quite the same ominous feel as either of those films :shock: otherwise we might have gone staight home :P
I'll try to go back and answer your questions this evening as I've noticed a few along the way.
Thanks again xx
I love the empty Main Street photo! Can you remember exactly what time that photo was taken? Because I too have always wanted a photo of an empty Main Street. :wink: I'm guessing it was taken as soon as the Extra Magic Hours started, so about 8am. Am I right?
QuoteI love the empty Main Street photo! Can you remember exactly what time that photo was taken? Because I too have always wanted a photo of an empty Main Street. I'm guessing it was taken as soon as the Extra Magic Hours started, so about 8am. Am I right?
Yeah, we got there really early and we were one of the first in... there were literally people walking into the park behind us so we got the photos quickly before Main Street wasn't empty and more! :)
that was a really great trip report Wendy, I loved reading it!!! your photos and end slide show were all amazing....
I was completely in awe of the empty Main Street, it seems so desolate!
I hope your husband recovered and is okay now!
and a big =D> to Alex.....thats quite a discovery....I shall try and find it when I go in December!
Hey Wendy, great trip report, photos and video!! =D>
Sorry your husband became unwell though :( that was a bit of a bummer for him and you but it looks like you made the best of everything and had a great trip! :D
Thanks for sharing it!
Aveen x
shame about the suitcase and your husband getting ill what bad time to happen :(
At least you all had a good time :D
Great report :0
QuoteDid you also eat at Rendezvous Des Stars (if yes how was the food?) or did you just check out the little Remy?
Yeah, we did eat at Rendezvous Des Stars and the food was pretty good, nice selection of hot food and the desserts were fab, but I thought they were very stingy with the drinks as we were only allowed to have one can of fizzy each and the little one wasn't allowed to have any as he is under 3! We had to share a can between the two boys. :?
I didn't like the fact that a lot of the restraunts now have a buffet at a set price with these kind of limitations - When I'm paying 24.50 euros per head, (which works out at almost £21 with the rubbish exchange rate at the moment) I think I should be allowed more and one can of fizzy drink! :P
That does sound really stingy!
I'm so glad my unhinged ramblings and obsessive-compulsive photography tendencies have actually inspired someone, haha. First of all, like everyone else, I'm sorry about the suitcase, the weather and your husband getting ill. If you'd had a layover and gotten mugged, you'd have had a veritable Yahtzee of classic travel nightmares.
Second of all, hats off to you. Loved the pictures of the benches, the "Euro Disney" remnants, the video montage; it all. I'd never really noticed half those details. But most of all, kudos for staying fresh-faced and merry through all of it. I remember when I was about the same age as your children, we had a Disney trip not unlike yours -- bad weather, all sorts of bad luck... My mother was chain-smoking all the way through, haha. The pictures from that trip look like someone cut us out of a Gulf War set and pasted us over "it's a small world". So well done.
I don't want to plug rival websites and be a traitor, but if you post this on MiceChat.com and send a little message to a person called "Rixter", they might just have a spot for your photographs on the next MiceAge Weekend Update.
Thanks, I shall have a little look on micechat and see if I can join the forum etc. :)