The trip with no name yet...

[A Small World]

I thought it was time I started a pre trip report

It might get a bit long so bear with me

So who is going?

Myself -:cool1: Now officially addicted to DLP trips

DH - :drive: as above

DD - Charys (9) princess: as above as well - has no idea about the trip


We first visited DLP at Easter 06 staying at Santa Fe as we were on a budget. We promised ourselves that one day we would stay in the Pink Palace and guess what?

Yes that day is about to come.

Original plans:

Leave home on morning of Saturday 14th Feb and drive to Ashford where we had booked a late crossing through the tunnel.
Then continue the drive to DLP where we had booked into a cheap cheap hotel in Meaux - a few miles from DLP as we wouldnt arrive til about 11.00 ish
Then going to DLP the following day to book into the DLH for the next few nights.

If you have ever read any of my other TRs you will know we often change our plans and have a habit of adding extra days onto the trip in one way or another.

So can you guess whats coming? :cheer2:

First change: While looking on the Travel Lodge sale site we decided to try and book the Friday night in Ashford but couldnt get a £9 room there but could get one in Medway (hello Little Mermaid, Capn Jack and any others who live in that area) so booked that incase we wanted it.

Second change: Eurotunnel changed our times due to the fire which meant we were arriving later

The idea was we wouldnt tell Charys until arriving at DLH on the Sunday as we could get away with just telling her we were going away then as we drove through the tunnel just saying we were having a short holiday in another part of France.

However over the last week we have been planning and thinking a lot and made a few other changes........ :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[joolz1910]

I thought it was time I started a pre trip report

It might get a bit long so bear with me

So who is going?

Myself -:cool1: Now officially addicted to DLP trips

DH - :drive: as above

DD - Charys (9) princess: as above as well - has no idea about the trip


We first visited DLP at Easter 06 staying at Santa Fe as we were on a budget. We promised ourselves that one day we would stay in the Pink Palace and guess what?

Yes that day is about to come.

Original plans:

Leave home on morning of Saturday 14th Feb and drive to Ashford where we had booked a late crossing through the tunnel.
Then continue the drive to DLP where we had booked into a cheap cheap hotel in Meaux - a few miles from DLP as we wouldnt arrive til about 11.00 ish
Then going to DLP the following day to book into the DLH for the next few nights.

If you have ever read any of my other TRs you will know we often change our plans and have a habit of adding extra days onto the trip in one way or another.

So can you guess whats coming? :cheer2:

First change: While looking on the Travel Lodge sale site we decided to try and book the Friday night in Ashford but couldnt get a £9 room there but could get one in Medway (hello Little Mermaid, Capn Jack and any others who live in that area) so booked that incase we wanted it.

Second change: Eurotunnel changed our times due to the fire which meant we were arriving later

The idea was we wouldnt tell Charys until arriving at DLH on the Sunday as we could get away with just telling her we were going away then as we drove through the tunnel just saying we were having a short holiday in another part of France.

However over the last week we have been planning and thinking a lot and made a few other changes........ :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:


I'm intrigued...
You will love the DLH. How exciting!

[scampbunny]

I thought it was time I started a pre trip report

It might get a bit long so bear with me

So who is going?

Myself -:cool1: Now officially addicted to DLP trips

DH - :drive: as above

DD - Charys (9) princess: as above as well - has no idea about the trip


We first visited DLP at Easter 06 staying at Santa Fe as we were on a budget. We promised ourselves that one day we would stay in the Pink Palace and guess what?

Yes that day is about to come.

Original plans:

Leave home on morning of Saturday 14th Feb and drive to Ashford where we had booked a late crossing through the tunnel.
Then continue the drive to DLP where we had booked into a cheap cheap hotel in Meaux - a few miles from DLP as we wouldnt arrive til about 11.00 ish
Then going to DLP the following day to book into the DLH for the next few nights.

If you have ever read any of my other TRs you will know we often change our plans and have a habit of adding extra days onto the trip in one way or another.

So can you guess whats coming? :cheer2:

First change: While looking on the Travel Lodge sale site we decided to try and book the Friday night in Ashford but couldnt get a £9 room there but could get one in Medway (hello Little Mermaid, Capn Jack and any others who live in that area) so booked that incase we wanted it.

Second change: Eurotunnel changed our times due to the fire which meant we were arriving later

The idea was we wouldnt tell Charys until arriving at DLH on the Sunday as we could get away with just telling her we were going away then as we drove through the tunnel just saying we were having a short holiday in another part of France.

However over the last week we have been planning and thinking a lot and made a few other changes........ :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

hmmmmmmmmmmmm come on - what other changes???? sounds fab tho so far!!!

[hildasmuriel]

.......yes?????

[A Small World]

sorry I got distracted by all the excitement on the chat thread

[thelittlemermaid83]

You booked to stay in Medway? Keep all belongings close to you lol.

Waiting to hear more......

[mommy2ash]

you cant leave it like that lol

[torsie24]

What changes?!!!!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!

TELL US!

[A Small World]

sorry I got distracted

anyhow another change of plan:

we started thinking about our trip and as we had bought APs in November when we were there phoned to change our reservation to room only saving some money.

We then started thinking last week now we have APs we could go in on the Saturday, Why spend the day driving down to Ashford or in Medway when we could be in DLP.
so
DH phoned Eurotunnel and changed our crossing to early morning

we then started thinking again (a lot of thinking has gone on as you can see)

if we are now arriving early do we really want to drive back to meaux on the saturday night? No of course not so


No unfotunately we are not getting an extra night at DLH but are staying at Holiday Inn on the Saturday night


so updated plan

Leave home Friday as soon as we can - will collect Charys from school and tell her then that we are going away but not where

Drive to either Travel Lodge at medway or probably straight to the tunnel and sleep there in the car like last summer

Go through the tunnel early Sat

Drive to DLP

Spend Sat in the park

Book into Holiday Inn

Sunday - book out of HI and into DLH

We are going to see how far we get before Charys realises where we are going but will let her think we are staying at HI until we book into DLH on Sunday morning


:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[torsie24]

She will be soooo excited!! Eeeeee, you'll have a wonderful stay!!!!!!!!

[thelittlemermaid83]

Your so mean to your daughter Small World LOL.

[A Small World]

Your so mean to your daughter Small World LOL.

Im not - I just want to see her face when she realises

Im just hoping I dont let the secret slip

[hildasmuriel]

Woah - that's even more exciting :cool1:

[tennisfan]

is the Travelodge at the Medway service station? if it is its not too bad

Sounds like a great trip planned:thumbsup2 I can't wait to hear how Charys reacts to being told where you are actually going to

[A Small World]

Food Plans

We bought the half board plus vouchers in summer and found them really good value so this time decided to buy the premium vouchers as we wanted to eat at Inventions again and try California Grill.

Im not sure where we will eat on Saturday when we arrive as we have no voucher for that day but possibly Annettes which is nearly always our first meal

Sunday - we have booked to go to Auberge at 12.00. princess:
Charys used to be Princess mad and even though she still likes them we can see that she is growing out of them so have decided to make the most of it while we can. We ate here just after it changed to the Princess meal and loved the food although the menu has changed since then.
We also decided that Charys will probably really like dressing up if we go there as she can be very girlie at times (despite having 3 big brothers which should make her a tom boy really). She has a Belle dress but it only just fits her so we have just bought her a new Cinderella dress off Ebay. However we cant try it on until we get there so I hope it fits.


Monday - We have booked Inventions at 6.00. We really love the food here and like eating early as we get more time with the characters before it gets too busy.

Tuesday - we have booked California Grill for 8.30. We have never eaten here so are really looking forward to it.

Wednesday - no voucher so will eat at Annettes if we didnt on Saturday or see where else we fancy for a late lunch before leaving for the tunnel.

We intend making the most of DLH breakfasts and will probably grab something from Caseys at some point and enjoy a Mickey Brioche, Croque Monsieur and lots of hot chocolate as well during the trip.


:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

[joolz1910]

Can I come? I wish someone would surprise me with a stay at the DLH and premium vouchers.

Will you adopt me?:flower3:

[A Small World]

Can I come? I wish someone would surprise me with a stay at the DLH and premium vouchers.

Will you adopt me?:flower3:

i might as well Joolz as I seemed to adopt everyone else a few months back :rotfl2:

[joolz1910]

i might as well Joolz as I seemed to adopt everyone else a few months back :rotfl2:

Excellent.:thumbsup2 Will you pick me up on the way, please Mum?

[A Small World]

Excellent.:thumbsup2 Will you pick me up on the way, please Mum?

OK but if you are not ready we'll go without you :rotfl2:

[joolz1910]

OK but if you are not ready we'll go without you :rotfl2:


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: Now you really sound like my mum. I have been warned.:rotfl:

[A Small World]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: Now you really sound like my mum. I have been warned.:rotfl:

however I cant possibly be your Mum Joolz as Im only 21

[joolz1910]

however I cant possibly be your Mum Joolz as Im only 21

And as I am only 19, this would be a physical impossibility. We must be sisters. Very young, slim and glamorous sisters.

[A Small World]

And as I am only 19, this would be a physical impossibility. We must be sisters. Very young, slim and glamorous sisters.

That sounds a much better option - I feel much better now I know that :cheer2:

[joolz1910]

That sounds a much better option - I feel much better now I know that :cheer2:

As you are my older sister (by just three years) you must still be the one to pay for my stay at the DLH and my premium vouchers. I will be ready and waiting on my doorstep. See you then.

Are you going to pretend that you are going for a day trip to your DD? That would explain having to pack to move to the DLH from the HI! I love surprises!!!

[A Small World]

As you are my older sister (by just three years) you must still be the one to pay for my stay at the DLH and my premium vouchers. I will be ready and waiting on my doorstep. See you then.

Are you going to pretend that you are going for a day trip to your DD? That would explain having to pack to move to the DLH from the HI! I love surprises!!!

2 years if you are 19 and Im 21.

Im not sure how we'll explain the move yet - we may go in early for EMH on the sunday before checking into DLH and so park in New York and keep it vague where we are staying.

I suppose if we do that we could go and book in on route back to the car and see her surprise when we ask at reception.

I need to think that one through

[joolz1910]

2 years if you are 19 and Im 21.

Im not sure how we'll explain the move yet - we may go in early for EMH on the sunday before checking into DLH and so park in New York and keep it vague where we are staying.

I suppose if we do that we could go and book in on route back to the car and see her surprise when we ask at reception.

I need to think that one through


Thank god I don't teach maths.:rotfl2:

I would be inclined to pack everything in the car, park in NY and pretend you are going home later on. One of you could double back (with some excuse) and check in to the hotel. You could go to 'see the characters' at 4 and then spring it on her. Make sure you get a photo of her reaction, however you decide to surprise her.:goodvibes

[Boo-Boo]

All sounds very exciting....I know I would blab though! lol

[cap'njack.]

Sounds great Small World...but son't leave the car in Medway...You'll never be able to drive to DLRP on bricks!!!
:cool1:

[A Small World]

Only 10 days to go (well less really as we set off on the Friday night)

I booked my leave from work today - I realised Id never actually done it

Im also starting thinking about what to take. The beauty of driving there is that things can just be thrown in the car if they dont fit in the case

[scampbunny]

Only 10 days to go (well less really as we set off on the Friday night)

I booked my leave from work today - I realised Id never actually done it

Im also starting thinking about what to take. The beauty of driving there is that things can just be thrown in the car if they dont fit in the case

lol @ not booking leave from work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and yes - i love using the car - i cudnt get everythin i want to take into cases..... note the plural - cases lol. i like being able to suddenly think of stuff, and sneak it into the car :rotfl:

cant wait to hear how u work the surprise - def think u need to check in when she isnt with u - the suggestion of goin to hotel at 4pm for 'characters' and then sayin after, shall we pop up to our room? wud be a great way!!

[A Small World]

lol @ not booking leave from work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and yes - i love using the car - i cudnt get everythin i want to take into cases..... note the plural - cases lol. i like being able to suddenly think of stuff, and sneak it into the car :rotfl:

cant wait to hear how u work the surprise - def think u need to check in when she isnt with u - the suggestion of goin to hotel at 4pm for 'characters' and then sayin after, shall we pop up to our room? wud be a great way!!

Yes we are thinking of doing it that way - DH will go and check in earlier in the day (we need to do that to get the HB vouchers for lunch at Auberge) then we'll go to DLH at 4.00 and spring the surprise there

[A Small World]

Well we are almost there.

I have started packing some things - but trying to do it in secret isnt easy.
Ive decided to take Charys to school tomorrow morning go back home for half an hour to do as much as I can. (The joy of flex working)

Im finishing work at lunch time so will do the rest and then have a rest.

We are picking Charys up from school and setting off soon after.

The essentials are packed - travel kettle, tea bags and biscuits (forget the healthy eating next week)


Im trying to think of anything else Ive forgotten - we've got the hats/scarves/gloves/thermals/warm clothes/snow boots but havent bothered packing the sun screen. (If the weather does suddenly change and we find we need this I will go in search of HildasMuriel and borrow hers)

[A Small World]

The car is all packed and DH has just gone to collect Charys then we are off.
She knows we are going away for the weekend but doesnt know where

In fact we told her we are going to Medway and shes so excited :rotfl:

wait til she finds out where shes really going

[scampbunny]

The car is all packed and DH has just gone to collect Charys then we are off.
She knows we are going away for the weekend but doesnt know where

In fact we told her we are going to Medway and shes so excited :rotfl:

wait til she finds out where shes really going

wooooooooooo hoooooooooooo cant wait to hear how the surprise was taken - hope u have the most fab of times!!!!

[A Small World]

We've had a brilliant first day and done loads. We arrived in time for EMH and stayed til the park closed at 10pm but had a break in the afternoon.
Weve done BTM 5 times and POC 3 times as well as most of Fantasyland and been in the studios as well

We had lunch at Annettes and have been to the bar at Hotel new York and had a glowtini. Goofy was giving out red roses in HNY for valentines day

[scampbunny]

We've had a brilliant first day and done loads. We arrived in time for EMH and stayed til the park closed at 10pm but had a break in the afternoon.
Weve done BTM 5 times and POC 3 times as well as most of Fantasyland and been in the studios as well

We had lunch at Annettes and have been to the bar at Hotel new York and had a glowtini. Goofy was giving out red roses in HNY for valentines day

awwww love the roses bit - how special is that???
sounds like a fab 1st day - but today is the big surprise for charys!!!!!!!!!!! hope it all goes to plan and shes suitably surprised - hope ur having a fab time!!!

[joolz1910]

You forgot to pick me up!;)
Glad you're having a wonderful time.:goodvibes

[A Small World]

You forgot to pick me up!;)
Glad you're having a wonderful time.:goodvibes

Sorry Joolz- you werent there so i told you we'd set off without you if you werent ready