Day One : "Dude, Where's our Car ?"
Woke up on Sunday morning to a spotless house. Wished we had left something to do, cause we got really bored and fidgety. Plus we were dying to tell the kids that their holiday was today, but my mum wanted to be there when we told them and she wasn't coming over till 10am.
By 8.30 we'd had enough and couldnt take it anymore. Rang my mum and told her to get round now so we could break the news. Below is the link to the video........
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We were supposed to leave the house at 11, but being to impatient we left 40mins early as I said I would drive really slow. But even doing 55 mph along the motorway, we still arrived 2 hours before Check-In started. ( oh, on the way I saw a new housing development with a great name....." Balloo Manor " :) ). So wandered around for a while, got something to eat then checked in. Took off at 3.15pm and landed in CDG just before 6. So far so good.
Now all we needed to do was track down the Taxi-Shuttle company we had booked. Now there were a lot of guys standing about with boards, but none with our name on it. By 7pm things were looking grim. Luckily a different firm had been stood up and they agreed to take us for the same money. 60 Euros out, and 50 Euros back. So, off to Disneyland we went !!!!! :D/
Arrived at the hotel, and told the driver when to pick us up on Friday. He was in the dark about the 50 Euros back deal we had with his boss and didnt look too happy, but agreed anyway. Got our room, dumped the bags, grabbed the bus and hit the Village. Decided to break with tradition and ignore McD's ( never went to it once ). We had never been to the Rainforest Cafe, so we went there instead. Me and Jasmine had the Not-so-Hot Chilli ( the hotter the better ) and the kids had Pasta ( well the floor and their clothes got the most of it ). By this time, it was time for bed. Stayed away from the gift shops as we decided to wait until Thursday night before going crazy with souveniers.
Welcome back PD!!!
Great start to your report, love that video!!
Can't wait for the rest!!
Day One Photos
Still trying to work my way through all the pics, I went crazy with the camera. Here's some from the first day.
All ready to go
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How do you fly ? Easy, you just stick out your tongue ( and some pixie-dust )
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Disney Village
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Rainforest Cafe
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Joshua wondering why there's a thunderstorm indoors
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Last photo before bed
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Awww!
That video is great!
I love how your son just doesn't know whether to believe you or not! :mrgreen:
Looking forward to so more trip report! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Great photographs from day 1 :mrgreen: =D>
:lol: Love the video lol! I'm glad you had a great trip. Thanks for posting this report and the pictures so far, they're great :wink: I'm really looking forward to seeing the rest :)
Oooh! Great report and love the vid! I'll be checking back impatiently for an update!!
Aww, he looks so happy! He's like "Are we REALLY going?"
Right I'll get the official stuff out of the way first PD...
A Warm Welcome Back.. :D/ :D/
Right on with the unofficial bit... :wink:
Great report and piccies so far, love the video.. definitely shock, sheer delight and more shock and then even more delight. You're kids look really really happy, especially the little one on the plane, and of course that's the way it should be... =D> :D/
Looking forward to the rest... :wink: :D
i love the way your aleshia was like " well i know where going but im all cool about it" he he he amazing video PD your beautiful children made every penny worth it with their reactions i bet! cant wait for more
Welcome back!
Nice pics altho your daughter didnt seem to bothered to me lol
Cant wait for more reporting :)
Quote from: "bigrossco"Welcome back!
Nice pics altho your daughter didnt seem to bothered to me lol
Cant wait for more reporting :)
I dont think see really comprehended what was happening, plus she's very laid back anyway.
I left a comment on your video... I'm FangTheVampire BTW! (if you were wondering who that was...)
Great pics, Brian! Looking forward to see the rest. :D
I absolutely loved the video, amazing!!! I don't think I've ever seen eyes go that big! Although I have to say I think you were the most excited person in the room :D Loved the fact that your son had to ask about 50 times if it was true, but I felt you missed a great opportunity as you could have "no we're just winding you up!" :twisted: (But that would have been wrong, funny, but wrong!!)
Quote from: "jeakat24"I absolutely loved the video, amazing!!! I don't think I've ever seen eyes go that big! Although I have to say I think you were the most excited person in the room :D Loved the fact that your son had to ask about 50 times if it was true, but I felt you missed a great opportunity as you could have "no we're just winding you up!" :twisted: (But that would have been wrong, funny, but wrong!!)
I actually did tell him we were kidding and he ran and sat in the corner. But then he got cuddles and tickles and he was all happy again.
Yeah, you're back :D . The video was ace, your children are absolutely adorable! And I liked the pictures as well...now impatiently waiting for the next part of the report...
Day Two : " Hi Mum, Bye Mum "
Up for breakfast at 7.30. 4 croissants and 8 slices of ham, coffee, orange juice and stewed apples for me. Then straight to the park for the EMH.
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woo-hoo
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WOO-HOO
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No empty pictures of Main Street, everyone had the same idea as we had sadly, but there were no queues for the rides.
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First ride of the holiday, Lancelot Horsey Ride
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Forgot to pack coats for the kids caused I checked the forecast and it said warm and sunny. But there was a cold wind blowing, so headed into Sir Mickeys and blew 90 Euros on jackets for the kids !!!!
Followed quickly by the Tea-Cups and Dumbo. Elisha didnt like Dumbo because it was very jerky going up and down. And compared to the Magic Carpet in WDS I would have to agree, bit of maintenance needed.
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Now for the first queue of the day, Peter Pan ( 10mins ). Again Elisha wasnt too happy cause she was " too tiny " (her words). Plus it was a lot darker than I remember, couldnt see London very well and couldnt make out any of the little cars moving. After some walking around and praying Alice wasnt closed, it hit 10am and the Labyrinth opened. Hurray !!!!!
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Nearly tripped over this
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Then off to IASM. By now I had already taken about 100 photos, and I went crazy inside. I dont think I missed one puppet ( all because on previous trips, my camera was lousy ). Here's a choice few
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Quick toilet break on the way to Discoverland, and decide to ring my Mum ( you know what Grandparents are like ). Just as she answered Pinocchio and Robin Hood appeared from the cast members area, and the kids were off like a shot. So the conversations went " Hi Mum, kids are fine. Gotta go, Robin Hood's here. Bye "
On our last trip, Joshua wouldnt go near any Characters, so I was curious as to how Elisha would handle seeing 6 feet Cartoon Characters. Well, here's your answer.........
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Next stop Autopia !!! I've had such bad luck with this ride. (1988 WDW - Closed. 2004 DLRP-closed. First time in 2006. 18 year wait !!!!). But, time for a treat first to keep the kids quiet for 10 minutes.
Quiet ? No such luck with my two
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And now for the most annoying part of the holiday. In the queue for Autopia ahead of us was a Spanish family - Mum, 2 teenage boys and 2 little girls. The girls were playing tug-o-war with a skipping rope and crashing into everyone. The Mum didnt care as she was too busy smoking ( I'm a smoker, but NOT IN THE QUEUE !!!!!! ). And the guys were shouting and complaining. When we got into our car, the 2 guys were in the car behind us. Now, our car wasnt the fastest on the track, and they tail-gated all the way round. The CMs were making hand gestures for them to move back, and they did a little, but only so they could bump into us. After the 3rd time I cracked up and shouted at them to stop. Finally they got the message. But at the last corner there was a jam, so we stopped and waited. Next thing we got rammed at full speed by the guys again. My wife was ahead of us and she felt it too. It took all of my strength to stay in the car, cause I was so close to getting out and bashing their heads together.
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Decided to leave Discoverland, incase I bumped into them and lost my temper, and headed off to Frontierland to vent my rage on Big Thunder Mountain. This was Joshua's first time on it. He loved it apart from the loud noise of the track-pulls up the slopes. Baby-switched with Jasmine, BTM is def. her favourite ride, all smiling when she came back. Next, Critter Corner or whatever its called.
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After that headed back to Fantasyland just as the Character Express rolled in. Pluto came and stood right where we were, so quick easy pics !!!
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After a couple more goes on IASM, Dumbo, Tea-Cups and Peter Pan, it was off to POTC !! Nice to see the swinging pirate working at the start.
By now it was close to 6pm. Did Lancelot again, then Snow White, Pinocchio, followed by Tea-Cups and IASM again. Started to leave at 7pm and avoided the mad rush by going down the back alley behind the Emporium.
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Then off to Billy Bobs so we could stuff ourselves on the buffet. We asked for a high chair for Elisha, and as a result they must have thought she was 2, cause they didnt charge us for her !!! More Not-so-Hot Chilli, followed by Ham off the Bone and Cowboy Potatoes. Then 2 slices of Cheesecake and a little bit of Blackforest Gateau. Took some apples, bananas and yogurts for snacks tomorrow :wink:
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Then back to the Hotel and 2 hours of Disney Channel before bed. Still managed to avoid the gift shops, somehow.
To be continued.................
another great report keep up the good work cant wait to read the other 4 days :D
Aww, thats such a fantastic picture of Minnie Mouse! The closest I got to that at Christmas was when she came to lunch and all six of us huddled round the table with her! She was wearing the same dress though!
Welcome back!
I love your trip report and the photos are great. Sound and seem like you have had a lot of fun and your children are very cute and seem to really enjoy the magic!
The story about the spanish however was not funny and it just too bad that some people don't know how to behave and control their kids. Unfortunately such an experience seem to be there one time in during any stay in my opinion :(
Can't wait to read and see more from your trip!
Another great installement!
Love the photos!
Very impressed that you managed to keep your tempter though, I'd have gone all Donald on them lol.
Hey,
welcome back!! :stitch_bounce:
Great trip report so far!! I loved the video, your children are so cute! joshua was so excited and wee alisha didn't seem quite awake to take it in bless her!! hehe
Sounds like you had a brilliant time so far apart from the rude family at Autotopia, I hate when those things happen! I don't know how you managed to avoid all teh souvenir shops so far!! Amazing hehe. Great photos, can't wait to see and hear more!
Aveen xxx
Great family pics and nice report...........Don't kids just make any Disney visit....I never get tired of the wonder youngsters show at the resorts :wink:
Epcot_Boy :ears:
Great pics, PD!! Everyone looks so happy, it just makes me want to go more!
Sorry you had a bad experience in Autopia! I hate it when parents just let their kids do anything, with no respect for those around (not to mention smoking in the queue :evil: )
But most of all, I'm amazed that you haven't done any souvenir shopping yet!! That's some serious self-control!
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"The girls were playing tug-o-war with a skipping rope and crashing into everyone. [...] And the guys were shouting and complaining.
It's about time they start taking this 'Kids Free' thing more literal... :P On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to bring your kids anymore too... :? ;)
Great pictures, Brian! I really like your trip report so far. And you can see you had fun. :)
Another great report, and more fantastic pictures :) Although I'm sorry about what happened to you at Autopia, it's a shame when some people don't consider others around them :? Can't wait to read the rest :mrgreen:
Day 3 : " Uncle Owen. This R2 unit has a bad motivator "
Decided today was the day for Cafe Mickey and a good hot breakfast. So to work up the kids appetite we walked to the Village. Had a good look at the lake and I must say it's safer than I remembered. Could have sworn there was a steep unprotected drop somewhere near HNY but it looked pretty safe to me.
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Got a nice seat downstairs beside the window and hit the buffet with a vengenace !! Filled my plate with sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs and ate until I was fit to burst.
It didn't take long for the characters to arrive.
First up, everyone's favourite dog
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Then the Big Cheese himself
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1,2,3, Smee !!!!
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Elisha didnt fancy the look of Prince John and hid behind my chair. He was great fun. Whipped Joshua on the bum with the Royal Cloak
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Once the coast was clear, she came back out in time for Minnie
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Missed Goofy as I was getting a second helping of sausages and more coffee. Last Character to come around was Baloo. Again Elisha tried to hide behind my chair, but after a couple of tickles from Big Pappa Bear, she came around. But I had to go with her ( yeah, like I had to be forced :D )
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Pretty sad that Donald hadn't shown his face ( or Chip and Dale ), but I was sure we'd bump into him eventually.
Left and hit the Park for 9.30. Couldn't take it anymore, and hit the gift shops. Joshua had already picked out a Peter Pan suit before we left. Elisha wasn't too sure. She already had her favourite Princess outfit at home ( Snow White ) so we picked for her and bought Belle
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Got no more than 20 feet from the shop when Elisha started crying. She didn't want to be Belle, she wanted Cinderella ( aparently her 2nd favourite Princess ). Luckily the woman in the shop was very understanding.
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Decided to try and meet some Princesses at the Castle Stage. Arrived there at 10.10 and was amazed that a full blown queue was already there, 20mins early. Didn't fancy waiting so decided to come even earlier tomorrow. So, time for Walt Disney Studios
So much better than the Cars poster
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Walked over to the new, and very helpful Info board and noticed than Cinemagique started in 2 mins. Ran to the entrance just as the CM was shouting it was about to start. Out of all the shows in both parks, this is by far the best. Joshua didn't like being sprayed with water, but perked up again once they were on the Death Star. Elisha was glued to it 100% and even cried when it finished as she wanted more.
naughty, naughty
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Next it was off to have a look at Tower of Terror. The sign at the entrance said 5mins, so I waved goodbye to the kids and headed in. The whole place looked amazing, and the CMs deserve a pay rise, they really got into the spirit of things ( sorry, couldnt resist the pun ). While watching the film in the library I suddenly wished I hadn't gone for seconds at Cafe Mickey. Ah well, too late now. Now for some reason, I thought the lift went right to the top before the first plunge, so when it dropped I wasn't prepared at all. But 1/2 sec of shock turned quickly into hysterical laughing.
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So much for 5mins. Apparently I'd been in ther for nearly 40 !!! Baby-switched with Jasmine and told her it wasn't that bad ( tee-hee :twisted: ). She came back shaking, but with a really big smile on her face. Could this be the new best ride in the park ? Only one way to be sure......off the Rock n Roller coaster to see if the Champ had lost his belt.
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As fun and exciting as RnRc is, it simply can't compete with TOT. I've never laughed so much before on a ride. Def. my new favourite =D> =D> =D>
Next up, Magic Carpets.
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The queue for Crush was 45 mins. So decided to hit Cars instead
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And now the problems started. If there's one major gripe I have with WDS is that there isn't really that much to do, and everything is so spaced out. Too early for Animagique, too late for Cinemagique, wrong language for Stitch, so went over to the Studio Tram tours.....which was broken. After all that walking about, we sat down and had a coffee and waited. Luckily we could see the Tram Tours entrance from our seats and when we noticed it opening again, we were first in line.
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Decided to give Animagique another try and timed it well. Sat down to enjoyed 1/2 the show before the Gremlins got to work again. I think something went wrong with the sliding screen, as it only half closed after The Little Mermaid. The lights came up and out we went :(
Meet some interesting characters as we headed over to Stitch Live
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I loved Stitch, and so did the kids. I would love to know how they do it, I really didn't expect so much interactivity. Would have liked the show to have been longer, but it's you can't have everything.
Decided it would be a good time to leave and get dinner (6.30) and beat the swarms of people getting kicked out of the Parks. But not before I grabbed a little fluffy fellow in a blue hat, I noticed out of the corner of my eye.....
Just Chip and Dale left to find, and I'll leave happy
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Got to Annette's Diner and we were seated straight away, by the same guy who served us 2 years ago ( if you've been, you'll know who I mean. Tall, lanky guy on roller-skates, can't dance. Looks half-asleep. Didn't take a picture )
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Time for my favourite dish, The Incredible Burger Challenge !!!!!! 1lb of meat. Bacon,cheese and a 3 part bun. A large portion of fries and some salade. All for the sake of a free milkshake.
Oh baby !!!!
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(N.B. In case anyone is wondering. Yes I have a very big appetite, but I've never weighed more than 11 1/2 stone. No, I don't know where it goes either)
Bit of Jiving from the Staff, and Elisha
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and Joshua
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And after that, we had a quick look in the gift shops. Didn't buy anything, but had a really good look at all the pins, and made a mental list of toys and souveniers I wouldn't mind getting. Then it was off the the Hotel for some more Disney Channel.
What's that ? How did I get on with the Incredible Burger Challenge ? Did I forget to mention the outcome, how silly of me. Wouldn't want to keep you all hanging with suspense.
So how did I do? See for yourselves......................
[spoiler:2rivu6wm]Free Milkshake Baby ! C'mon !! Who's a Greedy Pig then, eh ?
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Pete... Simply Supurb... and After All that (So Far) going back to uni is going to be a shock to your system... mainly because I don't think any of the lifts fall as fast as TOT, and your lecturer definitely won't be Chip or Dale (Yet mine could be a Mr Tim Burton)!
Can't Wait to read more! It'll definitely be better than reading The Teachers Tool Kit book!
Quote from: "Captain Pan"Pete... Simply Supurb... and After All that (So Far) going back to uni is going to be a shock to your system...
Everything's been a shock since I got back. I kid you not, I almost forgot how to drive my car home from the airport. Why there wasn't searchlights in the night sky. Why my hallway carpet was red, and not blue like in Santa Fe. And why, when I go outside for a cigarette I cant hear Mexican music playing in the background.
Plus the've reorganised everything at our local supermarket while we've been away. Took me 10 mins to find Red Peppers !!!!!!!!
I need another vacation :P
That was a fab report pete well done !! i honestly dont know how you managed to keep it a secret from the children :| i am going soon and i couldnt keep it a secret any longer and had to tell my little girl who is 5 a few days ago ! LOL im like a big kid i cant contain my excitement :lol: .........i have had out my videos of previous visits and sat singing away :oops: oh my now i do feel silly :P !! LOL anyways well done again brill report ! :D
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Lol! Brilliant! :mrgreen:
Great trip report I'm loving the photographs!
And I love thew new sig!
:mrgreen: =D>
reading your update was such a great start in the day. The children look absolutely adorable in their outfits (though personnaly I cannot understand how someone would not want to be Belle :P ) and also the rest of the pics were truly fabulous. And so happy that you got to meet Donald (and he didn't seem to be crushed by hundreds of children) - awesome!
Congratulations on finishing that huge burgewr, I'm already stuffed just by looking at it! But I'm of course craving more of your report and pictures ;).
Day 4 : " We're all in this together.... "
No messing about. Today was gonna be Elisha's day to meet the princesses.
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Got to the Castle Stage at 9.45am, after a look around the gift shops. Jasmine and Elisha queued and I took Joshua off to Star Tours, which was of course broken. So Buzz Lightyears Laser Blast made an equally good alternative. Half way round and......it broke. Typically it couldnt break down beside a nice diamond or triangle target, oh no. I had one circle target to shot at for 5 mins and didn't really see the point. But still managed to set a Level-6 score which I was pretty pleased with.
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Headed back to the girls at 10.30 and waited for the princesses to show up.
Just as it got to our turn, Belle and Jasmine showed up and the lucky girl in front of us got a picture taken with all 4 of them at once. Argh !!! 30secs earlier and maybe.....
So me and Jasmine started shouting at the Cm not to let Snow White leave, as it would have broken her heart to watch her favourite princess walk off without getting to meet her. Luckily she hung around for one last photo.
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Took a walk over to Adventure Isle and had a wonder about. Up inside Skull Rock and then over the rope bridges. This area really is for the kids. If they weren't with us I would have bypassed this whole bit.
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Hunger struck so we went to Hakuna Matata.....closed. So over to Colonel Haiti's......closed. Then tried the Mexican place outside BTM ( the name escapes me ).....closed. Finally we moosied on over to the Cowboy Cookout for some cold fries and chewy chilli-burgers ( not impressed, but I think they were having problems with the kitchen staff. The cashiers were doing an awful lot of shouting at them )
Next up, Phantom Manor. Didnt tell the kids what it was about and just dragged them in.Joshua actually liked it, but it was too dark for Elisha ( the skeletons and stuff didn't bother her, just the low light levels )
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One of the favourite non-castle photos I took
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After a quick walk up to the Graveyard to hear the beating heart, it was off to Pochauntas Park so me and Jasmine could have some peace for 1/2 hour. Which Jasmine really needed, the battle scars were atarting to pile up. As well as her legs starting to hurt, she had a bruise on her thigh from somewhere. But most seriously she pulled a muscle in her wrist/thumb area and was in real pain :(
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Walked back to the castle via Aladdin's walkthrough thingy, just as the Character Express rolled in again. Ha !! My turn for a photo, as the kids has already met Pluto twice now.
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Then from out of nowhere, Friar Tuck landed beside Jasmine and scared the life out of her, then moved on to a play fight with Joshua. Quality !!
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Decided the kids and Jasmine needed a rest, so headed back to the hotel. After a sleep and 3 days of nagging from Joshua, we gave in and headed to WDS ASAP for HSM2, OMG !!!
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Another quick go on Stitch Live. So glad they mix it up every time. Not big changes, but enough to keep it interesting for repeat viewings. Then headed to Billy Bob's for another stuffin on the buffet ( especially the desserts : 3 each for me and Jasmine !!!! Hmmmm, cheesecake :D )
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Before heading back to bed, we bought Joshua the Lightsaber he's been begging for, and Elisha picked the 3 kittens in a basket for the Aristocats ( which she named Ginger, Snowflake and Smokey :? ). Another look at the pins for me, but the appeal still didnt register. Looked at the Fridge Magnets and was depressed that they were exactly the same as the ones I bought 2 years ago. Ah well, still plenty of time for shoppin.
Santa Fe - Bath - Disney Channel - Bed.
AWW, ALESHA'S MINNIE MOUSE! :D
I'm loving your trip report Pete's Dragon! The photos are amazingly brilliant! :mrgreen:
we bought her the ears, but they kept falling off. I think she had the dress on for 2-3 days, and could NOT change her mind.
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Glad to see I'm not the only one that dresses as Minnie! :P
Another 2 great reports and even more fantastic pics. Roll on Day 5 :mrgreen:
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"So how did I do? See for yourselves......................
[spoiler:128r4fhx]Free Milkshake Baby ! C'mon !! Who's a Greedy Pig then, eh ?
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=D> :D/ =D> :D/ Woo!!! Well done! :mrgreen:
Hi Petes Dragon!! Welcome back!!!
Love the trip report!!! the photos are amazing!!!
you have such a beautiful family!!!
(sorry it took so long to reply....it being freshers week an all that!)
Great last three follow up's Pete's Dragon, splendiforous... :D/ :D/ :D/
Brilliant shots to go be a great worded report.. :wink: :D
You all seemed to be having a great time, then a rather close shave with Mr Belle Man himself.. :shock: :shock:
Yes it's definitely him, no doubt about it, I would recognise him anywhere... :roll:
Looking forward to Day 5, keep up the good work.. =D> =D> =D>
Again I have to say that this report and the photos are absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to hear of day 5 - it seems like you've had so much fun. (Can the next 19 days please go really fast? :lol:)
Brilliant report, honestly one of the best ever! the kids look great in their costumes...Although the replacement dress you bought Elisha was Aurora not CInderella I think. Wow I think that is the Dark Prince waiting in line, was Belle there for him?
When I was there at the start of july I had to queue for an hour and a half just to meet 1 princess, it was madness!
You have definately made me want to do breakfast at cafe Mickey, I always do dinner there instead! Was sad that things seem to break down a lot for you Especially in teh Disney studios but it definately didn't put a downer on things fo ryou and donald was definately someone who would lift your spirits!
I can't wait to here more!!
Aveen xxx =D>
I'm loving this report PD, thanks so much for sharing as it brings back such happy memories :D The photos are fab, you met so many characters! looking forward to the final day =D>
OMG I KNEW I RECOGNISED YOU FROM THESE PIX!
You were the group stood next to me in the line for the disney princeses pic. I think you were standing behind us. I remember them letting us jump through because they wanted belle and ariel! I wonder if you remember my girlfriend, cant find a pic of both of us lol-->
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As i was reading your report im thinking ive seen you before somewhere...tbh it was your son dressed as peter pan that gave it away! and mentioning the dark knight!
Just read through your trip report PD and it's fantastic! I really enjoyed it, thanks for posting it =D> :D/
QuoteAlthough the replacement dress you bought Elisha was Aurora not Cinderella
Yeah it's Sleeping Beauty. My wife has already corrected me several time. But for some reason Cinderella has stuck in my head :?
QuoteYou were the group stood next to me in the line for the disney princeses pic. I think you were standing behind us. I remember them letting us jump through because they wanted belle and ariel! I wonder if you remember my girlfriend, cant find a pic of both of us lol
Sory, dont remember seeing you. But when you've got 2 kids to control it takes up most of your concentration.
Day 5 : " The Circle is now Complete "
Jasmine really wanted a go on Crush, so straight to WDS at 9.30. Nice to see some live entainment at the front of Studio 1, the only one we saw all holiday. Even though the rides weren't open yet, already the queue was gigantic for Crush.
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Decided not to wait ( Jasmine doesn't have a lot of patience were queues are concerned ). After a quick go on Cars, we walked back pas Crush to find it had.....wait for it........broken down. Toyed with the idea of hanging around as the queue has disapeared, but headed to Cinemagique instead, followed by Animagique which ran all the way to the end this time ( cant get the end song out of my head " La-la-la-la, A-ni-ma-gique, Anima-joke ? A-ni-ma-gique ! :-" " )
Left WDS and headed to DL, but got seperated from the wife and kids when she returned the buggy. But it didn't take Jasmine long to figure out were I'd disappeared to......
Yes,yes,yes !!!!! My favourites !!!
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my name stitch, hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
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what's-her-name
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Got to the bandstand at Main Street and set the camera on a railing, to try and get a nice family photo.
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Back to IASM, after making the mistake of asking Elisha which ride she wanted to go on.
Return visit number 5,6,7 ? Lost count.
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Joshua then picked Peter Pan, and Elisha refused. So Jasmine and Joshua queued up, and me and the wee woman took a walk by POTC to the Blue Lagoon restaurant ( and had some sneaky muffins on the way. Don't tell Joshua !! )
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Met back up and went back to meent Captain Jack Sparrow
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Time for the Treehouse, whick Jasmine didn't fancy ( still in pain ). So I took the kids and gave her 10mins peace
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By now the kids were feeling hungry, but with all the restaurant closures on this side of the park ( and the chewy burgers from Cowboy Cookout the day before ) we headed over to Discoverland cause I felt like pizza
Some photos from along the way
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Typical family pose. Elisha's in a world of her own. Joshua's acting the clown, and I'm about to kill him :lol:
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I must say Pizza Planet is very out of the way, and very deserted when we got there. The good news was that when we got to the counter, a fresh batch of pizzas had just been left out. OMG !! Hot take-out food. I mean the steam was still coming off the food it was that fresh !!!!!! Ate our pizzas then let the kids loose in the play area, whilst me and Jasmine took it in turns to go for smoke breaks outside.
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NB : Me and my wife both smoke, but Never in the queues or Indoors or anywhere near other people if we can be helped, especially the kids. We had actually planned on using the smoking bays, but neither of us saw one during the entire trip. Are they still there ? Does anyone use them ? Not once did a CM ask us to not to smoke or direct us towards these mysterious shelters.
Anyway back to the report. Had my first ever go on Orbitron. Dunno why I've never been on it before.
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Then over to Autopia, making sure that family wasn't about this time. What I can't understand about the ride is Why only use 2 tracks ? I understand the cost of petrol and all, but why run 30-40 cars on 2 tracks, leading to delays at the last corner for loading/unloading. Why not have 15 cars on 1 side and 15 on the other. Surely it would speed things along at no extra cost ( apart from 1-2 extra CMs )
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Ahhhhhh !!!!! Women drivers ! Run for the hills !!!!!
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Everyone felt like a train ride, so we went up to Discoverland Station so see what the queue was like. Happily the place was deserted when we got there ( via the fastpass machine for SM2 )
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The commentary on board was messed up. As we arrived at Main Street it said we were at IASM. At Frontierland it said Welcome to Main Street etc.etc. Got back off at Discoveryland ( or Welcome to POTC according to the commentary ), and was just in time for Space Mountain.
Jasmie didn't go on. She's never been on it. I think its because of the battle scars I always come back with. And this time was no better, in fact I think its gotten worse in the last 2 years. I tried to sit back with my head in the rest, but it was impossible. Who designed the seats, and who did he have in mind when doing it ? The curves in the seat weren't at my sides but digging into my back. And as for trying to use the head-rest, forget about it. I was juddered around so much it was less painful to sit foward and press my shoulders against the harness I pray nothing got dislocated ! ( if anyone has seen Contact with Jodie Foster, it reminds me of the bit at the end when she's travelling through space ).
I swear to yous all now, I will never EVER be back on this ride until some serious ironing is done to the track !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How much to you love DLRP ?
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So, with suitcases to pack tomorrow, it was finally time for some SHOPPING !!! We put aside enough Euros for Friday and went crazy. I bought the Steamboat Willie Pin, a shooter glass with MM's back on it, the only Fridge Magnet I didn't already have, and the 15th anniversay photo album. Joshua got Mack's truck ( 30% off !! ) and Elisha got a Cinderella doll which came with 4 different outfits and other little bits and bobs ( Gus, a broom, slippers etc ). I bought Jasmine a Diary and a Bag she'd had her eye on. She bought my a T-shirt ( 100% Happy ) and a plain 7inch Stitch cuddly ( so hard to find Stitch not dressed up as one thing or another )
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The one on the right, I bought 2 years ago. The TOT one I bought on Friday
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And whilst the kids weren't looking, we bought another Lightsaber and a Princess bag/purse and hid them in the suitcase until we got home.
Again back to the hotel for some Disney Channel. By now I had a real hatred of the Camp Rock countdown timer. Only 22 hours till the premier = only 22 hours left in DLRP :cry:
To be concluded..................
Thanks for sharing! What a stunning pictures! :shock:
Thanks for sharing the trip report and many great and funny pictures :)!!
Your kids are really, really cute, I also hope that one day I can visit DLRP with my "own" little Peter Pan and Princess X :mrgreen:
Ah, that's the first time I've seen this Toon Express or however it's called in the Studios Park, only seen some pics from "Tous en Scene pour les fetes" for Christmas which I'm hopefully going to see in Dec.! Is it possible to queue and then have a picture with the character of a certain scene?
I love the picture of Orbitron, it's awesome :)!
Oh, and I never went on Autopia but always wanted to. Do you remember how long on drive is about?
Really enjoying the trip report. Have to say the last time I was in DLRP it was the countdown to HSM2 and every advert break they had the song where they're playing baseball. It was stuck in our heads the whole trip and for about two weeks after, so I feel your pain!
Another great report PD, thanks for posting it :)
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OMG! they got rid of the big Rex slide that used to be there! I know that construction fences were around it in April, but I didn't know that they were removing Rex :o :(
Another great report with a lot of fantastic photos. Seems like an amazing trip.
I do love your trip report Pete's Dragon!
Can't wait to read the conclusion...though that means its over :(
very nice report good work!
cant waitt to read even more :)
Great day 5 report PD, love the star wars reference in the title :P
I didn't know Chip N Dale are your favourites! :P
Yes....Don't keep us in suspense for too long PD.. :wink: :mrgreen:
Oh and the name your looking for is 'Clarice'.. :wink: :D
i am soooooooooooo lovin this report, its making me sooooooooo excited about mine.
:offtopic: @ Soap i can't belive your wedding is so soon it coming around extreamly quick!!!!
I've loved reading your trip reports Petes Dragon - just brilliant, all of it!!!!!
Aveen, yes, the toon train (or whatever its called in Christmas season) in the studios stops for meet n greets on the scenery backdrops. Each set of characters have their own backdrop. Lilo and Stitch are together, last Christmas season they also had Chip, Dale and Clarice all together on one backdrop.
Elaine
I'm loving your report PD, it really looks like a perfect trip :D !
Looking forward to the rest (but I'm sad it's coming to the end :cry: )
Day 6 : " All good things........."
:cry: Well as Jim Morrison was sang " This is the end, beautiful friend." :-" :cry:
Breakfast at 8.15am. Headed to the reception first to meet Goofy. Then off for the daily intake of croissants, ham, coffee, more ham and more coffee ( followed by OJ and stewed apples. I'm such a pig when it comes to buffets, always make at least 2 trips back )
This could quite possibly be the best thing Joshua saw all Holiday. He's crazy about Porsches
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Back to the room to grab our suitcases, drop them off at the baggage place, then off on the bus for one last go on our favourite rides ( i.e. All of them !!! )
You can really tell, but they're holding hands, the little cuties
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Au Revoir Santa Fe
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After all the carry on with the Shuttle Taxi, we decided to give the TGV train a go. Booked it for 6.30pm for 70 Euros ( 10 more than the VEA would have cost )
Somehow my camera's battery was still alive and kicking, after 3 days of nursing it ( no flash, less than 100 photos a day but not by much ) So time to throw caution to the wind and snap everything in sight.
P.S. If anyone wants a camera with a good battery life, I strongly recommend Fuji. Took voer 600+ photos, plus the little video before we left.
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Into the castle gift shop for a quick look at the most overpriced pieces of glass ever.
A snip at 35,000 Euros !! How do you get this in a suitcase. Didn't ask, but for that price I hope they deliver.
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Guys and Girls spilt up . IASM for Elisha ( again ? ) and Alice's Labyrinth for us.
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Snap !!!!
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Then the teacups.
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Then IASM AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!
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We split up again. Elisha and Jasmine went on the Storybook Ride, and we hit Casey Jnr. which had been closed tue/wed/thu. Waved to the girls on the way round. Then me and Joshua headed to the Storybook Ride. Met Jasmine on the bridge, and she ducked under the railing and joined us for another go.
If you can be bothered waiting, the walk between IASM to Discoveryland seems to be the best place to meet characters, as they appear from just beside the toilets there
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Over to Buzz for one last go, which again broke down with only 1 circle target to shot at. Joshua wasn't happy with his score after I told him Elisha beat him by 1000 points !!!
GIRLPOWER !!!!!!!
Over to WDS, of course stopping for photos in the gardens along the way
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Joshua took this. Not bad as its the first and last time he'll be touching my camera
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Straight to TOT for me. This is the best ride ever. I just have a little incy-wincy complaint, so small it's not ever worth mentioning. The themeing and decor is spot on, except for the service elevator doors before the ride. Why make them out of balsa wood ? You can see them move with the wind from the elevator moving up and down.
Walked over to Crush and the queue was 30mins. I told Jasmine this was her best chance. Now or never. So while she queued ( my turn to baby-switch :wink: ) , took the kids on Cars again, then over to meet Mickey again
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Now it was my turn for Crush. I must admit, I don't see the big attraction. Apart from the first plunge it didn't really thrill me at all. BTM and RnRC are so much better. So glad I didnt have to queue. For anyone who has babyswitched this ride, they send you down a CM corridor and you come out around the first bend of the track
Mine, mine, mine !!! Great touch
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Ha,ha, ha ! Suckers !!!
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Some cast from HMS2, trying to put off HSM. Of course Elisha joined in
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One last go on Stitch. Joshua got picked for being the best monkey, and Elisha laughed so hard when his photo appeared on the screen ( ears pulled and tongue out ). Tried for a go on RnRC as the queue time said 5mins. But it was packed inside and decided against it. So went to the Ratatouille Restaurant (?) for the buffet. Asked for a high chair for Elisha, and again they assumed she was 2 ( who am I to correct them ? :wink: ) and didn't charge for her. Which was good, as she carried on and didn't eat anything anyway.
Walked over to Sully as there was harldy anyone waiting to see him
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By now it was 5pm, and time to go.
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Back to the hotel to grab our suitcases, quick bit to eat at the train station, then off to the airport. Def. going by train next visit. 10mins as apposed to over an hour on the bus, no competition. Well worth an extra 10 euros.
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Our plane was due to leave at 9.50pm, but with all fire in the Eurotunnel there was a mad panic by people trying to get flights. They were trying to check 3 different flights through the same desk, and only had 1 guy checking bags and 1 metal detector. By this point Elisha had fallen asleep in Jasmine's arms. Finally got through and onto the bus. They told all the families to go to the back of the bus, but when we reached the airplane they opened the front doors, and left all the families till the end. This meant a mad scramble from parents trying to get seats beside their kids !!!! Honestly, I've never seen organised chaos like it. Bad CDG !! Bad ! Bad !!!
Took off an hour late and landed in Belfast at 11.30. Picked the car up, got the kids wrapped up in the blanket we had in the boot and set off for home. Driving felt really strange. I dont know if its because I hadnt driven in nearly a week or because of tiredness. Home for 1am. After 6 days living in one room, the house seems REALLY big ( and too clean to be our house ). Quick cup of coffee, and off to bed.
And that, as they say, it that. I hoped you've enjoyed reading this report. It's certainly helped be organise what happened in my head, as a couple of days kinda rolled into one in my memory.
Just a few quick points. Alice needs a serious refurb. And there's one thing I realised is missing from the labyrinth.....Alice !!! Where is she? A giant Alice peering down on you would be cool. SM2 def. needs a lot of work, and Dumbo could do with some maintenance. But one thing I would really like to see is a weather report on the hotel TV. In between the DL Guides they have on Channels 1+2. But I can't complain really. Everyone has a fantastic time. DLRP is truly a magical place, and will always have a big place in my heart, whatever the future has in store.
Well, there's only one thing left to say. But why type it, when a picture speaks a 1000 words ( or 7 in this case )....................
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Haha! Alice is totally missing in the labyrinth. I've been wondering about that myself. But I think it's because you're supposed to be Alice trying to find your way. But yes, she's clearly missing. It would be great if you came past White Rabbit's house with her in it like the OUADP float.
Lovely report! I really enjoyed it and it made me miss dlrp less. It was like I was there with you. Thanks so much for sharing!
PD that was one of the best reports i have ever read. i hope i can do one as good when i go in 7 weeks and 3 days not that im counting
Thanks for a wonderful report with some great pictures. It seems like a wonderful vacation you've had there! :D =D>
i absoultely loved reading your trip report from start to end! your pics are awesome!!
A giant Alice looking down on the Labyrnth would be so cool!! i always thought it was stange not to have Alice in her own ride!!!
thanks again for the trip report!!!
:D/
I have really loved reading your trip report Pete's Dragon I'm really quite sad that its over =[
=D> Bravo PD! Thanks for posting such a great trip report. I'm glad you all had such a great time :)
Great finale to the trip report PD =D>
what a wonderful report was so good to read!
Fantastic Report PD..A great read =D> =D> =D>
I would just like to add about the chaos you mentioned at CDG. We had priority boarding with Easy Jet, but the long bus that takes you from the terminal to the plane was delayed 25 mins, they apparently said they did not have a spare bus to use, and when we eventually got on it, as it stopped near the plane, only the back doors opened so all of the non priority boarding passengers got off first and on the plane, whilst we, as priority boarding got on last, total shambles. What's the point of Priority boarding if you get on the plane last.. :x
I know the French language is mostly spoken backwards to ours, but do they have to continue doing this with their services aswell.. :shock: :shock: :roll:
The Aftermath
So much for the nice tidy house. 2 hours after the kids woke up, the living room was covered in discarded plastic wrapping and boxes. Not to mention the 5 loads of washing that was stuffed in the suitcases.
*sniff* *sniff* so much for the Stitch cuddly that Jasmine bought for me :cry:
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Joshua loved his surprise of a second Red Lightsaber. So much so that he hasn't stopped humming the theme music to Ep IV. I just wish he would give me my dressing gown back
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Awww they are great photographs! :mrgreen:
those photos are soooooo cool. im in love with your kids brian, they are so adorable i could just eat em up
The whole trip report is just brilliant. Thanks for that, really enjoyed it! :D
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"I just have a little incy-wincy complaint, so small it's not ever worth mentioning. The themeing and decor is spot on, except for the service elevator doors before the ride. Why make them out of balsa wood ? You can see them move with the wind from the elevator moving up and down.
Lol, I'm glad I'm not the only one who've noticed this! :P I think they just move randomly by strokes of wind. The doors aren't connected to any guides on the floor. The actual ride is behind the second pair of doors, so it probably isn't wind from the drop.
But now that you've reminded me of it again I'll probably be looking at it again next week and think about your trip report! :P
:cry: :cry: I just can't leave this topice alone !!!! :cry: :cry:
Made this collage of some of the characters the kids met ( and by kids I mean me and Jasmine too )
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Awww Pete's Dragon that collage is awsome! :mrgreen: =D>
Are you possibly going through Disney-withdrawls?
Yes. Yes I am. And furthermore, I'm finding it really hard to post on the Forum. I just can't get back the swing of things at the moment. Even stuff like Hangman and Javey's "I feel like ripping my eyes out" Character Guess game.
I miss DLRP. Me and Jasmine have even priced 3 nights in March for her birthday ( without kids ) even though we know there's no chance on student budgets :(
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"Yes. Yes I am. And furthermore, I'm finding it really hard to post on the Forum. I just can't get back the swing of things at the moment. Even stuff like Hangman and Javey's "I feel like ripping my eyes out" Character Guess game.
I miss DLRP. Me and Jasmine have even priced 3 nights in March for her birthday ( without kids ) even though we know there's no chance on student budgets :(
Awww yeah I know how you feel!
Javey's game is fun...but painful! :lol: :mrgreen:
I went through and am still in my withdrawls from my trip in July...and might not be able to go until after uni in 3 years. Though me and my sister are trying to save to go next year.
You might be able to save, though...like just do what my mum does, she saves every 50p she gets and puts it towards christmas etc. It might work out.
Though it does depend on the equiptment you'll need at uni.
At the moment I'm trying to save as much as possible...I'm not saving much as its costing me £25 a week to get to uni and back.
I'm sure you'll find a way!
Just don't give up hope :)
We could go in March if we really wanted to. Would just have to give up a few luxuries like food, heating, and petrol. And would it really be that bad living in a bus shelter ? :wink:
Quote from: "Pete's Dragon"We could go in March if we really wanted to. Would just have to give up a few luxuries like food, heating, and petrol. And would it really be that bad living in a bus shelter ? :wink:
Haha well it depends what takes your fancy really...Arriva bus shelters are generally the warmest I've ever stayed in =]
Heating and petrol have really gone up in price =[
We can't have the heating on till late October - November time...probably not till December the way my Mums going lol!
We don't own a car though so don't have the petrol problem...just the public transport problem.
Buy the bargin food, what ever is on offer...we have about 10 tins of spaghetti hoops from when they were on offer for 50p a tin lol!
:mrgreen:
Plus they're great...you can eat them straigh out of the tin cold...don't need to waist money cooking them, and are perfect bus shelter food! :lol:
We're living on baked beans and spaghetti hoops while we save for WDW next year!
Quote from: "MinniesBestPal"We're living on baked beans and spaghetti hoops while we save for WDW next year!
Lol! You're living like a studant! :mrgreen: :lol:
Thats what my mum said too! :D :lol:
Brilliant collage there PD, sorry to hear about the withdrawl symptoms, especially you finding it hard to get back into the swing of things....Something about "The Character Guess" I hear is causing you a few problems, but don't worry too much PD, you're not alone there... :mrgreen:
Quote from: "Aveen2008"Wow I think that is the Dark Prince waiting in line, was Belle there for him?
Message removed by admin on request by the poster.
pete with you having probs on Autopia i take it riders control how fast the cars go?
Quote from: "bigrossco"pete with you having probs on Autopia i take it riders control how fast the cars go?
Yeah, just take you foot off the peddle. Easy peasy even for my 3 year old daughter.
I actually said to the CM that our car was really slow. He opened the bonnet and had a look, but couldnt see anything. It was kinda like the way there's always a slower car in your Scalelectix set
Hey Pete!
Thank you for this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Trip report! Was great fun to read and watch all this! =D>
I think you and your family should get the 200.000.000 visitor key! Looks like so much fun over there at DLRP! :D/
I finally managed to spend some time online and saved your trip report for last since I knew it would be the best one...and it didn't disappoint :D . Great report, great pictures and it definetely seems like you all had a blast. Can totally understand that you would want to go back asap, hopefully you can work something out...
Quote from: "Riebi"Hey Pete!
Thank you for this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Trip report! Was great fun to read and watch all this! =D>
I think you and your family should get the 200.000.000 visitor key! Looks like so much fun over there at DLRP! :D/
Quote from: "ColdSun"I finally managed to spend some time online and saved your trip report for last since I knew it would be the best one...and it didn't disappoint :D . Great report, great pictures and it definetely seems like you all had a blast. Can totally understand that you would want to go back asap, hopefully you can work something out...
:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
thanks, glad you enjoyed reading it
:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
Thankyou for sharing, your report was lovely!!
Great trip report!! It looks that you and your family had a great time at DLRP. We have been a week earlier.