Just like we dreamed it...

Started by Wendy, January 02, 2008, 11:13:46 PM

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Wendy

... well, not quite :?

We visted from 24th to 28th December (this was my 10th visit - I just love dlrp!)  we did have some fun and a few magical moments but, sadly we also found the parks to be busier than I've ever seen them and so many people forgot the meaning of Christmas cheer that there was very little goodwill between guests :(

Firstly, the hotel:  We stayed at the Holiday Inn again and took up three rooms - myself my hubby and the two little ones shared a Kidsuite; my mum and mother-in-law had a twin room next door; and my 18year old son and his girlfriend had the other room.  The rooms were lovely, spacious and clean with only a couple of little problems (for example my son didnt have any hot water at all so he had to take a hot shower in our room each day).  

As I said before, I thought that the park was manic, and on Christmas day even 'It's a small world' was queued right back to the push chair drop off point. It was really cold to be standing in such long queues all the time.  Many guests tried to push in front of us and past us, one guy actually pushed my mother in law over in an effort to get past her into a space that wasn't there! and my 8 year old was nearly trampled when we tried to get onto the shuttle bus back to the hotel which was very frightening.

On the positive side the park looked spectacular with the christmas lights and decorations and all the staff we encountered were helpful and cheery, even amidst the chaos of so many visitors.

My two year old loved the Winnie the Pooh show and Animagique, as well as meeting Micky and Stitch - his face was a picture :D

We had a wonderful meal in the Rainforest Cafe and loved the Mickey Winter Wonderland Ice skating show.

All in all, we did have a lovely holiday - however we were shocked at how busy it was compared to our last Christmas visit 4 years ago - We very much hope to return next year (maybe at Easter).

Hoping you all have a Happy and Magical 2008  :D
Second Star To The Right And Straight On Til Morning!

xx Wen xx


My Trip Report: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5261

ightenhill

#1
Im surprised you found it busier, I though it was the quietest christmas day I had ever seen though we did have early entry with our AP and had long relaxing lunches and avoided rides we did not have FPs for in the afternoon and did shows instead of used FPs up. In the evenings we found most things in the studios empty and those hidden rides behind Belles village, everyone seemd to have forgot about, they remained walk ons.

Have to admit I did not look at its a small world though.. Even hearing that music makes me run for cover  :D

Its probably easy for us to say I know as we have know children so the aspect is totally different, but with planning FPs and Early Entry you can make a lot of difference that gives you the edge.

Agree with you about the busses , how much would it cost to simply snake the Qs in the bus depot.
[size=85]WDW Florida July 91(way too hot), DL California June 92,DL California Sep 93, DLP France Feb 96, DLP France March 02, DLP France Christmas to NY 03, WDW Christmas Eve to NY 04, WDW Oct 05, DL California Christmas to NY 05, DLP March 06, WDW Nov 06,DLP Paris Christmas to NY 06, WDW April 07 DL California Nov 07, WDW Dec 07, DLP Mar 08, DLP Jul 08, DL Hong Kong Mar 09, WDW Oct 09,  DLP Xmas 09[/size]

The Butlin Boy

#2
I'm glad you had a good overall trip, I'm sorry about the crowds though, it just shows how successful the 15th anniversary advertising campaign has been :)

Rayn2409

#3
Hi Wendy,

I am glad you had a good time, sorry to hear that the crowds were a bit mental.  I have been 6 times at xmas and I have noticed that each year it has gotten that little busier.  We have decided to move the visit now to early Jan, as the crowds are much lighter.  Obviously, you don't get the whole xmas feel but there is still plenty to see and do!

Rayn
Rayn
DCR Nov Dec 1998 (Just the two of us)Davy Crockett Dec Dec 2001 (Baby makes three)DPH Dec 2002 (Baby still makes three but we thought we would go posh DPH Dec 2003 (WE LOVE POSH!) DPH Dec 2005 (twins arrive... babies make 5!!) NYH Jan 2007 ( 3 kids are expensive, decided not to be quite so Posh) SQ Jan 2008 (help, have to book two rooms now,gulp).

andrewuk

#4
Quote from: "ightenhill"Agree with you about the busses , how much would it cost to simply snake the Qs in the bus depot.

I have asked them about this; I always tell Disney about my visits and usually get a nice response. Still waiting, will let you know.
July 2003 My Travel Explorers
May 2004 Sequoia Lodge
July 2006 Patio St Antoine @Nation (RER commute to DLRP)
December 2007 Kyriad Val de France
August 2009 Hotel New York
May 2015 Hotel Cheyenne