Third Solo Pre Trip and Trip Report [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

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ExpatDisneyLover

09-13-2010, 01:50 AM

Ok - it is a little early but now that my plans are finalized I can start the pre trip prep!

To skip to the Trip Report go to page 3!

When - Nov. 8-12th
Where - 3 nights Magic Circus, 1 night Hilton Charles de Gaulle Airport
Why - CHRISTMAS OF COURSE!!!:santa:

I wasn't sure if I was actually going to be able to do this trip as visa laws are changing here and I thought I might have to head back to Texas two months earlier than planned. But happily I was able to extend and am leaving as planned for Texas Nov. 12th! I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years with family!

So the plan is to see the Christmas decorations at DLRP before heading home!! I arrive Nov. 8th for three nights at the Magic Circus, then the last night at CDG before my very short direct flight home (10 1/2 hours). I usually flight direct from Turkey - it takes three flights and 24 hours - so a direct 10 1/2 hour flight sounds heavenly to me!:cloud9: :woohoo: :cloud9:

What I want to do - ALL THE CHRISTMAS STUFF OF COURSE - I have never been at Christmas before so really haven't a clue what will be happening - so please advise!!! I am soooo excited!! (Especially as we get no Christmas goodies here really).

:wizard:

zinderella

09-13-2010, 09:08 AM

Hi Jill

You don't sound AT ALL EXCITED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's also our first christmas trip 17th-19th Dec and we are pretty excited too. I have been reading others' trip reports, and looking at the christmas site:
:santa:snow on Main Street
:santa:Rapunzel show
:santa:Christmas additions to the parade
:santa:characters in seasonal costumes
:santa:Belle's Christmas Village
:santa:Santa (of course, where else would he be!!!!!)
:santa:Mickey's Winter Wonderland Musical
:santa:Fantillusion!!!
:santa:Castle covered in beautiful lights - yay!
:santa:Small world gets kitted out for Christmas too! Can't wait to see that!
:santa:Christmas tree ceremony
http://new-generation-festival.disneylandparis.co.uk/christmas:santa:

ExpatDisneyLover

09-13-2010, 10:16 AM

Hi Jill

You don't sound AT ALL EXCITED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's also our first christmas trip 17th-19th Dec and we are pretty excited too. I have been reading others' trip reports, and looking at the christmas site:
:santa:snow on Main Street
:santa:Rapunzel show
:santa:Christmas additions to the parade
:santa:characters in seasonal costumes
:santa:Belle's Christmas Village
:santa:Santa (of course, where else would he be!!!!!)
:santa:Mickey's Winter Wonderland Musical
:santa:Small world gets kitted out for Christmas too! Can't wait to see that!
:santa:Christmas tree ceremony
http://new-generation-festival.disneylandparis.co.uk/christmas

Now I am even MORE excited - if that were possible!!:rotfl:

:santa::santa::santa::santa::santa:

mommy2ash

09-13-2010, 12:41 PM

hope you have a great time

Mum to Belle

09-13-2010, 04:25 PM

ExpatDisneyLover

09-13-2010, 11:35 PM

It's Christmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!!! I am a bit excited too!! :santa: :cool1: :santa: :cool1: :santa: How lovely that you get to have your Disney Christmas and then head home for Thanksgiving & all the festivities at home! :cloud9:

Can't wait to read all about it! :goodvibes

p.s. any news on the hat???

Oh yes -we must do the Christmas Disney dance :santa::cool1::santa:! Have a great trip!!!

Unfortunately no news on the hat - they never got back to us -:confused3 - so I am guessing they never found it. It has been a year now and I imagine they have new designs - but I do think next time I am at WDW I'll be looking for it - :laughing:.

Asker Family

09-14-2010, 01:41 AM

We are all soooo excited about going at Christmas time too. I keep reading the past trip reports from last Christmas and watching the videos just to make me even more giddy!!!! :rotfl2:

The park just looks so gorgeous in everyones photos, my ticker can't count down quick enough! We are literally jumping around with silly smiles on our faces :cheer2:

It sounds like it's worked out really well for you with flights and going home etc. Hope you have a great Christmas :thumbsup2

ExpatDisneyLover

09-14-2010, 02:24 AM

TheTizardFamily:0)

09-14-2010, 02:42 AM

I totally share in your excitement!!!

As i write this i am listening to White Christmas :rotfl2:

Have a fantastic magical time :cheer2: :santa:

ExpatDisneyLover

09-14-2010, 02:48 AM

hope you have a great time

Thanks!

I totally share in your excitement!!!

As i write this i am listening to White Christmas :rotfl2:

Have a fantastic magical time :cheer2: :santa:

You too!! Nothing like Christmas and Disney!:wizard: :santa:

syddis

09-14-2010, 02:48 AM

Have a great time!:

ExpatDisneyLover

09-14-2010, 03:16 AM

Have a great time!:

Thanks!

I found a nice Christmas video for all of us Christmas at DLRP lovers!

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO8ZpkKo9MfHEANlz7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTB2aWlyYmx yBHBvcwMxMQR2dGlkA1YxMTUEc2xrA3JlcwRzZWMDc3I-/SIG=1k8006ata/EXP=1284537316/**http%3a//video.search.yahoo.com/video/play%3f%26p=christmas%2bdlrp%26vid=238570635949%26 dt=1211007600%26l=126%26turl=http%253A%252F%252Fts 2.mm.bing.net%252Fvideos%252Fthumbnail.aspx%253Fq% 253D238570635949%2526id%253De1fc4c6b2bc1133f0725e7 cb4902140d%2526bid%253DSKY%25252fTaEFoxpSCQ%2526bn %253DThumb%2526index%253Dch1%2526url%253Dhttp%2525 3a%25252f%25252fwww.dailymotion.com%25252fvideo%25 252fx5gaha_disneyland-paris-christmas-season_lifestyle%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.dai lymotion.com%252Fvideo%252Fx5gaha_disneyland-paris-christmas-season_lifestyle%26tit=disneyland%2bparis%2b-%2bchristmas%2bseason%26sigr=12jrm72hl%26newfp=1

Asker Family

09-14-2010, 04:09 AM

Thanks for the video :) I can't seem to find the one I was watching now :sad2: Oh well, I will just have to keep searching for more :santa:

ExpatDisneyLover

09-14-2010, 11:18 AM

Thanks for the video :) I can't seem to find the one I was watching now :sad2: Oh well, I will just have to keep searching for more :santa:

I only had a little time this afternoon to search for videos but it seemed like there were masses of Christmas DLRP videos!:) Something to look forward to!:wizard:

Lisa_C

09-29-2010, 12:38 PM

I'm excited as I'm going the same time as you (but in the Sequoia) so if you want to meet up shout me - i'm a shareholder so get a discount on the restaurants, which might come in handy as you are on a solo trip! It might be nice for you if you wanted to join my and my daughter for a meal if you are eating alone too! P.M me if you want to swap details :goodvibes

I'll write up my pretrip report soon, I'm trying to hold off as I can ramble on and on, and my poor friends are all ready putting cotton wool in their ears :rotfl2:

Just thought, as you are flying back home, you can be my guest in Salon Mickey one morning if you would like! That would totally add the edge to your trip!! :woohoo:

ExpatDisneyLover

09-30-2010, 04:00 AM

Mum to Belle

09-30-2010, 06:30 AM

Awwwwwwwww, that's so lovely that you're going to try and meet up!! :goodvibes The hot chocolate in Salon Mickey is very nice! :thumbsup2

ExpatDisneyLover

09-30-2010, 07:11 AM

Wouldn't it be fun to have a "big ole dismeet" sometime?:) I read about them on the WDW boards but haven't seen any listed for DLRP.

ExpatDisneyLover

10-18-2010, 05:30 AM

Wanting a little more DLRP Christmas spirit??
:santa::santa::santa::santa::santa:
Here is another video (or videos) to share-
http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=dlrp+christmas&b=21&tnr=20

ExpatDisneyLover

10-31-2010, 02:39 AM

How could I forget my SDD!!

:banana::yay::woohoo::cheer2:
:cool1::goodvibes:hippie::dance3:

Mum to Belle

10-31-2010, 03:29 PM

Woo Hoo!!! Not long now...

:cheer2: :cool1: :yay: :banana: :dance3: :banana: :yay: :cool1: :cheer2:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-01-2010, 01:04 AM

Bag Issues!!!:scared1:

Ok - I started looking at different suitcases last night - even packing - :rotfl: and now I am a little concerned! I usually travel light - a back pack size roller bag and don't have any issues:hippie:.

Because I am going back to the States for holidays with family, I need to use my whole baggage allowance 23kg - I've got a belated 50th wedding anniversary gift for my parents (we decided to celebrate in the winter as Texas summers are miserable), various other gifts, winter clothes etc.:rolleyes: So needless to say - I have a large bag - and will have to schlep it from VEA to bus 54 - Magic Circus - back to Guest storage - CDG/Hilton at CDG.:eek: Am I crazy? It does have wheels and I could lift it say down a flight of stairs. But I wonder if I should forget it and axe the clothes, pack my little bag and go shopping in Texas.:rotfl:

Anyone schlep a large bag successfully?:rolleyes1

How are the lifts in the train station? TGV?

ExpatDisneyLover

11-01-2010, 01:05 AM

Woo Hoo!!! Not long now...

:cheer2: :cool1: :yay: :banana: :dance3: :banana: :yay: :cool1: :cheer2:

Soooooo excited!!!:cool1::cheer2::dance3::yay:

zinderella

11-02-2010, 11:19 AM

HEY YOU....not long now...........

How excited are you exactly???????????

:cool1::banana::cool1:
:santa::cheer2::santa::cheer2::santa:
:dance3:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-03-2010, 12:06 AM

HEY YOU....not long now...........

How excited are you exactly???????????

:cool1::banana::cool1:
:santa::cheer2::santa::cheer2::santa:
:dance3:

I woke up singing the "Disneyland Paris" anniversary song from Dis radio!:rotfl:
"thank you everyone . . . . . . . . . Disneyland Paree " :rolleyes1

:santa: :wizard: :santa: :yay: :santa: :wizard: :santa:
:dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Neeny17

11-03-2010, 08:11 AM

Oooh! I'm going to be there on the 18th! It's going to be soooo fun!

ExpatDisneyLover

11-04-2010, 03:33 AM

Oooh! I'm going to be there on the 18th! It's going to be soooo fun!

Whoo Hooo!:woohoo:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-06-2010, 02:32 AM

Is this the SLOWEST weekend ever????:snail:

I was going to be really efficient and get everything done and so it is and two more days to wait!!!:rolleyes1 Guess I should be glad I have no last minute panic packing. :rolleyes:

Disney Christmas bring it on!!:woohoo:

:littleangel::santa::goodvibes:santa::littleangel:

Lisa_C

11-06-2010, 06:06 PM

It's more than slow....it's not moving!!!

Make sure you take my number with you as I'm not sure I can get yours to work!! Will be great to meet up :) xx

ExpatDisneyLover

11-07-2010, 01:23 AM

It's more than slow....it's not moving!!!

Make sure you take my number with you as I'm not sure I can get yours to work!! Will be great to meet up :) xx

I've got you in my phone as LisaC :)!

I am trying to think of ways to get the day to move faster!

Right now - looking like this -
:snail::snail::snail::snail::snail:

Some of this would be good!
:teleport: Or a little this-:hourglasspixiedust::drive::tinker:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-14-2010, 04:10 PM

Hi Everyone- time for the trip report!!:woohoo:

I am still having jet lag issues - woke up at 1:30am so I need to start this trip report to try to stay awake another few hours. Only 4pm in Texas now and I've got to make it until at least 8pm!

Sooooo - here goes!

Day 1 Travel Day Turkey to Paris and DLRP

This trip I had a large bag - 20kg - so decided to take a taxi and private airport bus to the airport rather than public transportation. The most difficult part of taking such a large bag was getting it down the stairs in my apartment building. Left the house at 6am for an 8am flight to Istanbul then on to Paris.

The week before leaving Ankara had some gorgeous weather! Just to illustrate the complete shock to my system when I arrived in Paris to cold and rain!:laughing:

Ankara
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce800fd73300000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Airport Bus
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcff409f74300000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Ankara Airport - notice the lovely sunshine!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf47f9364200000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf6e21761600000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

And then Paris!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf1c65f75b00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce4c4bd71100000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

But my lovely room at the Magic Circus was warm and cozy - after turning on the heat!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcfe95a36b600000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf5067f77f00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcea2a4d78900000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Two windows with two lovely views! I could even see Newport Bay and the Sequoia Lodge from one window. This was great and allowed me to see the bonfire fireworks from my room!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf1b34b79100000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf1690f7ab00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

ExpatDisneyLover

11-14-2010, 04:21 PM

After arriving and checking in I went straight to Disneyland Park! It was just beginning to get dark and as I arrived and caught the end of the Once Upon a Dream Parade with the Christmas bits at the end. First thing I did was buy a Disneyland Paris rain poncho - best purchase of the trip!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbceedf0165200000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcfc109b7c100000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce1fac974700000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf7f0cb79b00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcfa6cb769800000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf0c62766400000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Tonight I also watched the Fantillusion Parade - hadn't seen this before - loved it - like Fantasmic but in parade form!:wizard: "Go Mickey go! Don't let those villans steal your dreams!"

I loved the Christmas lights - and realized this was the first time I had seen the Park at night! It was a weird feeling - loved Main Street at night. Did a quick turn on It's a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. BTMRR is AWESOME at night!:woohoo:

ben1993

11-14-2010, 04:39 PM

Yaaay! we were there at the same time :) I adored Fantillusion too.

paulinefc

11-14-2010, 04:46 PM

I totally share your excitment :cool1::santa::banana::cloud9:
LOVE your pictures. Shame about there rain though. The castle looks fabulous

disney_princess_85

11-15-2010, 06:28 AM

Great start to your TR Jill. :goodvibes

ExpatDisneyLover

11-15-2010, 10:34 AM

Yaaay! we were there at the same time :) I adored Fantillusion too.

Yeah - such a good parade! Hope you had a great time despite the weather!

I totally share your excitement :cool1::santa::banana::cloud9:
LOVE your pictures. Shame about there rain though. The castle looks fabulous

First time for me to see the castle in all of its' Christmas splendor - very festive!:santa:

Great start to your TR Jill. :goodvibes

Thanks - enjoy planning your next trip :)- hopefully will be starting day 2 soon.

ExpatDisneyLover

11-15-2010, 01:43 PM

Day two started with breakfast - and I loaded up! Only sad thing was that the hot items weren't that hot - :sad1: - this was a bit of a bummer but improved the rest of the week. The restaurant was relaxing and I had a view of the lake. :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce63ef160a00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf0a3ef70b00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

After breakfast I layered up with thermals, coat and rain poncho and headed for the parks. At 9:30am was allowed into the Park - and browsed through the shops on Main Street USA before deciding the weather was such that I wanted to go to the Studios. So off I went at 10:00am to the Studios making a reservation for Restaurant de Stars on my way.

First up was Toy Story Playland. I really loved the imagineering in this area!:wizard:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcebb7897c100000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce8a59565000000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf70b5f7bd00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

After that - off to Animagique for a warm up - then on to Crush's Coaster (first time for this on - loved it!) and Tower of Terror - this did not bode well for me unfortunately. I love Tower of Terror - but today felt rather ill afterward so much so that I left my meal at R de Stars before the dessert course.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf730336a200000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcedc83d79100000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

It was about 3pm and feeling ill and not enjoying the weather decided to go back to the hotel for a rest and warm up - this proved to be just the thing I needed!:) I had a lovely hot bath, rest and in the evening watched the bon fire fireworks from my hotel room window!!:wizard: This was a very happy surprise. I was sorry I would miss it but just didn't feel like going out again - and then I hear pop pop and sure enough I had a great view!!:goodvibes

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcf43b6b73f00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcfbe5cf73300000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Mum to Belle

11-15-2010, 03:36 PM

DLPdaft

11-16-2010, 06:44 AM

wow you really did have a great view of the fireworks! Your room at the Magic Circus looks very similar to ours when we stayed there, same side of the building too, and same ginormous king-size bed :goodvibes!

ExpatDisneyLover

11-16-2010, 08:12 AM

Oh no, what a shame about your dessert!!! :sick: :hug: At least you weren't feeling off colour for too long. Great view of the fireworks too!

Loving the Christmas photos!!! :santa: :love: Shame about the weather, but hey, if it hadn't rained we wouldn't have enjoyed seeing your poncho photo! ;)

I was glad to recover quickly - think I just have to go easy on thrill rides now - :rolleyes: - and I really love them - or used to! Think the rain poncho will go down in history- :laughing: - such a fashion look! Big, marshmallowy, tent like - waterproof happiness.:rotfl2:

Have a great trip December!:santa::goodvibes:santa:

wow you really did have a great view of the fireworks! Your room at the Magic Circus looks very similar to ours when we stayed there, same side of the building too, and same ginormous king-size bed :goodvibes!

The view was a total surprise - of course I zoomed in with my camera for the shots but I was so glad to see the festivities that I had thought I'd missed. :wizard: The bed was ginormous - I couldn't quite figure out how to sleep in it - one side - middle - :laughing:!

:)

disney_princess_85

11-16-2010, 10:03 AM

What a fab view you had!

Sorry you felt ill but it sounds like you had a nice, relaxing time back in your room.

More please! :thumbsup2

ExpatDisneyLover

11-17-2010, 07:39 AM

What a fab view you had!

Sorry you felt ill but it sounds like you had a nice, relaxing time back in your room.

More please! :thumbsup2

Yeah the view was a great surprise! I do like that the Magic Circus is a relaxing place to take a break.:cloud9:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-17-2010, 07:47 AM

Day 3 started with a bit better weather though I think it turned worse later on if I remember. Mostly the whole trip is one rainy blur to me!:laughing:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcee33e97ab00000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

A few Christmas decorations on Main Street.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbcfda0b766600000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf32b3127ccefbce868d568200000030O00AZs2LFs1cM2 QPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

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I loved walking down Main Street this day because people were really excited to be there - you could see people soaking in the magic - some for the first time. They were just walking down Main Street with their mouths open. It was great to see!:love: :wizard: :santa: I suppose that is one thing I enjoy about a solo trip - I can enjoy seeing others enjoy the pixie dust! Of course it wasn't raining buckets and that helped!:rolleyes:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-17-2010, 07:56 AM

I think I started in Frontierland with a ride on the paddle boat - after the previous day decided to go easy on the coasters. Here the sun peaked out and we had a bit of sun in between the clouds.

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Time for the Mickey's Winter Wonderland Show - loved this!:love: Of course I am a Southern girl so grew up singing most of those folk songs - like "Oh Susannah".

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:santa: :santa: :santa: :santa: :santa:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-17-2010, 08:08 AM

Some good castle shots on my way to the other side of the park!

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The New Generation Show - had a really good view for this - on the side nearer Adventureland in front of the stage.

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Lunch at Plaza Gardens - I really wanted to eat at Agrabah - but it was closed on this day.

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Got to enjoy the desserts on this day!!:love:

Some inside the castle shots!

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Then off to Belle's Village - but about this time the heavens opened and it poured!! - So no more pictures for this day!

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I think I enjoyed Disneyland Park a couple more hours in the rain then headed back to the hotel for a hot bath! A very nice day! :wizard:

ExpatDisneyLover

11-19-2010, 09:03 AM

Day 4 - Thursday was Armistice Day so a French National holiday and a very stormy day. Definitely not a day I would choose to visit Disney but definitely a great adventure!:laughing:

Breakfast continued to improve throughout the week. The fruit was good and temperature more palatable as we went along. Breakfast is one of the reasons I choose this hotel so I was really hoping it would improve. Cold eggs - :eek:!

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As I look at my photos I realize I have very few for this day - basically because the weather was ridiculous and who wants to pull out their camera when it is raining sideways! But I really wish I had now because it was sooooo terriible - just wish I had some evidence of the persevering fans - I mean there were lots of people there pushing babies in strollers, trying to somehow tie the now iconic Disneyland Rain Poncho around their child in such a way as to hold of the weather! Bless those parents! But we all continued to have great Disney fun in the midst of some wild weather!:wizard: I mean really - days like this I usually stay inside with a pot of tea and here we were pounding the pavement, straddling puddles, running for cover! It was fun!:woohoo:

Fall colors in Frontierland!

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Today was lunch at Agrabah! My new favorite buffet!!!! Only downside everyone was taking refuge in the restaurants - not that I blame them so it took a long while to be seated even with a reservation. But I mean who is going to complain about standing in a line inside when they could be outside in the cold, driving rain!:goodvibes Only thing about Agrabah - having lived in the Middle East several years - Jordan and Turkey - I was really looking forward to some good hummus - but found none - :confused3 - but there were lots of other tasty items that I really enjoy. Just need a hummus fix as we don't have much of it in Turkey - I know sad and when I lived in Jordan, the hummus man was right next to the post office. Can't get any better than that - ok I digress - moving on!

Agrabah

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Sorry for the blur - wow was that pumpkin soup ever good to warm a chilly Disney nut!

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Only thing I didn't eat was the pita - it was cold and dry.

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Interestingly this is where my photos end - I suppose I wasn't into taking out my camera in the storm. So I'll just summarize. From here I went to the Studios hoping for more shelter. So at the Studios I saw every show I could in whatever language to have a little warmth. It was fun. I think I could have taken an earlier train and gone ahead to check into my airport hotel at this time but since it was the first time to take the train to CDG I just stuck to the plan. The train was great really - so short and easy. I stored my luggage for the day in the lockers at the train station. I was really glad I did this because on this day rolling the bag from DL guest storage in the storm to the train station would have been ridiculous!

Note on the Airport Hotel - I booked an airport hotel at CDG through hotwire - got a fantastic rate. I stayed at the HIlton at terminal 3 - it was really beautiful and comfortable - so much so that if I'd know it was so nice I would have left the parks early and headed to the airport!! This hotel was much nicer than the Magic Circus and I paid less than I paid for the Magic Circus to stay here - and the Magic Circus was good value.

From the train station at CDG I took the CDGVal shuttle to terminal three - walked around the back of the Hilton to the front to check in - this is the only thing that would be difficult if you had lots of bags - otherwise it is fine. My flight left from terminal one the next morning and it was really quick to get checked in. Actually I could have slept an extra hour it was so easy but being the first time to do this route I was early. When I arrived in Houston it was bright, sunny and 26 degrees!!!:goodvibes I haven't worn a coat since I have been here.:rolleyes: Well this is why I come home in the winter rather than the summer when the weather is "ovenish", miserably hot.

Thanks for reading!

Happy trips everyone!:wizard:

Hilton CDG terminal 3 - decor is new seventies-

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loladelorean

11-19-2010, 10:31 AM

Really enjoyed reading your TR thanks for sharing :) i am the same in writing up mine, can't remember what the weather was doing when, its all a big wet blur :rotfl:

disney_princess_85

11-19-2010, 10:36 AM

Great last day. :thumbsup2

Agrabah is one of my favourite buffets too. Love the look of the Hilton!

ExpatDisneyLover

11-20-2010, 08:13 AM

Really enjoyed reading your TR thanks for sharing :) i am the same in writing up mine, can't remember what the weather was doing when, its all a big wet blur :rotfl:

"Big Wet Blur" definitely should be the title for this trip!:laughing:

Great last day. :thumbsup2

Agrabah is one of my favourite buffets too. Love the look of the Hilton!

Agrabah and the Hilton both very happy discoveries and want to try both again!:)

Have a great next trip everyone!:wizard: