Raniroo's Magical Trip to Disneyland Paris - *Updated Day 5*

[raniroo]

Firstly let me introduce myself......I am Raniroo.....a mid 30's girl that is really a kid at heart. I have been travelling the world for about 10 years now and for some reason this year I have become disney mad (although this passion started way back when I was 8 years old with my first visit to Disneyland).

However,this is my first trip report and has been in the pipeline for a few months now and I don't have long to go.

It is a small holiday but big on magic!

It is just me on this trip, something that I am looking forward to.....to explore at my own pace........

Here is some of the magic that will make my holiday of dreams...

Staying the Disneyland Hotel, I will have a buffet breakfast each morning and be greeted by Mickey, Minnie and friends......what better way to welcome the day.....


Day 1 - Arrive by train from Paris (I have 5 nights in Paris before hand), transfer to Disneyland Hotel....
Lunch - Annette's
Hop over to Hollywood Studios
Dinner at Le Grange & Billy Bobs for some tex mex hospitality.

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom
Lunch at Blue Lagoon to sample some creole cooking and a bit of buccaneer, grrr ....... me matey's!
Dinner at Rainforest Cafe in Disney Village, for a tropical storm and a spot of elephant watching.

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
Dinner - Inventions

Day 4 - Magic Kingdom
Dinner - King Ludwig's for the medieval maiden in me

Day 5 - Hollywood Studios in the morning
Lunch - ?????
and Fly back to Dubai and

So, if you are interested stick around for all the fun and adventures I no doubt will have.......

 

[tennisfan]

Sounds like a fun trip has been planned. I'm jealous that you have been able to travel extensively, it is something I have always wanted to do.

Have a wonderful time

 

[A Small World]

Sounds fantastic. When are you going?

 

[raniroo]

3 March I will be in Disneyland....heading to Paris on 26 February....

 

[A Small World]

3 March I will be in Disneyland....heading to Paris on 26 February....

Not long now then

What are your plans in Paris? Where are you staying? Its a beautiful city

 

[raniroo]

Not long now then

What are your plans in Paris? Where are you staying? Its a beautiful city

I am staying the the Le Marais district. Heading out on a Champagne Tour (a girl needs to do this!) and the rest of the time I will be hanging out, taking photos, eating great foods, sipping great wines, perhaps some touristy stuff....Eiffel Tower, Catacombs, art gallerys ......just take each day to explore......

 

[raniroo]

Coming up........
Having problems with my photos....

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Looking forward to hearing all about it.

 

[raniroo]

After a few teething problems with posting I think I have sorted it out..

Before we start, my list of restaurants that was listed in my pre trip report drastically changed so I will just update as we progress through the report....but onto the fun and magic!

After a wonderful 5 nights in Paris exploring this beautiful romantic city, sipping champagnes and wines, indulging in some of the most wonderful food I have ever had (so far), and limping around the city with a sprained ankle (yes, a freak accident falling into a pile of bones down in the catacombs, but that is another story!) I was ready to head to Disneyland.

I caught the train from Paris to Disneyland early because I wanted to get into the action...I dragged my luggage over to the Disneyland Hotel, getting a little frustrated because I could not find the entrance to the hotel (there are no real signs that I could see) but managed to fluke it and checked in , as I did not have access to the room until 3pm I stored my luggage with baggage services.......the staff were very friendly and helpful and after receiving my tickets and complimentary fastpasses....I headed into the Park....

Where to first? As the park had just opened to the public, I followed the stream of guests down Main Street, stopping occasionally for a photo of the castle, all pink and decked out with its 15 candles....you just could not help smiling.....

I started with Frontierland and waited with everybody else for rope drop.....and then the rush towards Big Mountain Railway....but I decided to continue exploring and wait until later to ride (and use my fastpass) as it was way to crowded.....so I wondered through to Adventureland where there were less people....I strolled through Adventure Isle, stopping for photos when I wanted, wobbling over the bridge, down past Skull Rock and then decided it was time for my first ride in the park....Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril....what fun (and a little jerky!)....

Next up was my favourite ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, and it did not disappoint...there is something that I just love about this ride, sitting back in your boat, in the dark taking in all the scenes, with a few little tummy tickler falls....and the occasionally splash.....exiting the ride, who did I bump into? Well Jack Sparrow of course....and it was great to meet him....(as he isn't out and about much)

So where to next? I came across the entrance to Fantasyland and feeling a little peckish decided to try the fish and chips at Toad Hall...I was a little dubious about the food offered in the park...as many of the reviews on the forums were a little negative...but Toad Hall was recommended and I was very happy with the meal....I ordered Menu 1 which consisted of tomato soup, 1 piece of fish and chips....the soup was hot and tomatoey, the fish crispy and the chips chunky, crisp and hot.....hit the spot.....

As the line was not long I jumped onto Peter Pan's Flight, which was great for a kiddies ride.....then I got lost in Alice's Curious Labyrinth with the Queen of Hearts......

before floating around the world in It's a Small World (always another favourite).

I discovered Winnie the Pooh in Central Plaza and he wasn't too swamped so I went over to meet him and have my photo taken with him.....

I only got to see the last float with all the princes' and princesses in the Once Upon a Dream Parade but I knew I would get to see it again...so was not to concerned.

I was getting hungry again, so sampled a Casey's Giant Hotdog with cheese washed down with a large hot chocolate.....for a hotdog that looked quiet plain and not that appetizing, it was actually quite tasty....

Over to Tomorrowland and a go on buzz light year....for my first attempt I managed to walk away with a happy 58,500.....not bad for a beginner....

I grabbed a fast pass for Space Mountain Mission 2....but my ticket wouldn't work in the machine, so a CM handed me 2 tickets to use for right then and there! woop woop....I have to admit, I love fast rides, but this Mission 2 was a little jerky and bumpy for my liking.....and I still felt the same way after using both the fast passes

It was time to check into the hotel and settle in before the evening....I was given a first floor room overlooking the exit gates of Disneyland (literally 20 metres from the gates), which was going to be handy for park access. My room had 2 big double beds which were very comfy and the bathroom was decked out with the diving hippos.

After settling in for a bit I headed back into the park....I headed over to Frontierland and used my complementary fastpass for Big Mountain Railway (I walked straight onto the ride, but the line up was huge for non fast pass...because the ride had been down due to some technical problem, everyone was waiting to go on and it was only up and running a few minutes before I arrived....how lucky was I!)

It was starting to get dark and I found my spot early so I could get the best view for Candlebration and I was right in front of the castle.......Mickey and Minnie came out onto the balcony at 7pm sharp and the candles were lit and the castle glowed white with millions of lights....it was very beautiful.

I left the park with the thousands of others and headed over to Disney Village. I had a reservation at Billy Bobs in the Le Grange Restaurant for the Tex Mex Buffet...all I wanted was nachos with all the toppings....but I did sample some of the other offerings like ribs and salads, but passed on dessert (not a huge dessert person when it comes to slices and puddings etc.....give me ice cream any day though LOL) and besides I was so full from nachos.....

Falling into the most softest, comfiest bed was blissful knowing that I was only a few paces away from the gates for the following morning

Coming up a very wet day 2

 

[raniroo]

Woke up to the pouring rain this morning....but I have to brave it today, nothing is going to stop the magic...my first breakfast was in California Grill and I filled up on hot toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, little sausages and pancakes (something I don't normally like, but these were delish!), followed by a pain du chocolate.

After breaky and heading back to the room I bumped into a cast of characters all ready to meet and greet me with hugs and kisses. Scrooge was having a photo shoot, Mickey, Pinocchio, Eyore (my current favourite) and Pluto were along the corridors...it was fun interacting with them.....

Braving the early morning hours in the rain, I bought myself an expensive (and cheaply made) yellow Disney poncho (and looked like everyone else that was caught out by the rain) and headed into the park.....first up Buzz Lightyear again (ending with a higher score in the 80,000's) and then over to Fantasyland to ride Madhatters Tea Party before the lines got to long.

Then I headed over to Hollywood Studios thinking that this would be a better day to check it out with the rain and all....I walked onto Tower of Terror, which is my favourite ride (I rode this in Disneyland California many times),

then over to the Tram Tours to get a break from the rain.....riding along seeing all the props and movies sets was great and the explosion and water scenes were fun.....

I then did the Art of Disney Animation, watching clips of all the disney movies from years past....and how it was all put together.....

Exiting the attraction I bumped into Sully who was terrifying everybody because they were all crowding in on him....

I didn't get a cuddle from him but a few pics from the crowd.....some people are just so pushy, there is no order and little kids were getting trampled.......and I needed to get out of the rain for a bit, so headed into Studio 1 waving to Mickey and Minnie and Daisy

as I pushed past the crowds and headed over to Disney Village for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe....I decided to give the Mojo Bones a go (a huge serving) I am usually a fan of Rainforest food but I was disappointed in the ribs...of course sitting in the jungle with an nosiy elephant and a tropical storm going over us every now and again is always fun.......

However, it was time to head back to the hotel to change out of my wet socks and warm up and add another layer of warm clothes before heading back into the Disneyland Park. I wanted to see the parade today (if it was going ahead?), the sun was trying to come out.....I headed over to the Haunted Mansion for a spin around that, which was fun and then over to Woody's roundup where I had my photo taken with Stinky Pete, rode on Bullseye and just as I was about to leave, Jessie turned up.....how lucky was that.....

But it was now time for the Once Upon a Dream Parade. I got a good possie next to a garbage bin, so my line of sight was not compromised and waited for 40 minutes before the parade started....it was wonderful....Donald, Minnie and Mickey drove around Central Plaza and up Main Street, followed by Goofy and Pluto. Alice in Wonderland float started off the Parade floats, with the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts dancing around with the Cards'

The Toy Story float followed with the toy soliders leading the way (my favourite), Woody, Jessie and Buzz were all in attendance, followed by Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyore.

phew, there is more.........Peter Pan followed with Smee, Captain Hook and the pirates (who were running amok amongst the crowd). Of course Peter Pan and Wendy were up in the Pirate Ship waving hello to everyone....

The Lion King was not to far behind with Timon and Pumba, Rafiki, Simba and Scar, followed by Baloo and King Louie. The last float was the Prince and Princess float with Ariel and Eric, Beauty & The Beast, Snow White and Prince Charming, Jasmin and Aladdin....

At the end of the Parade, I did some shopping on the way out of the Park. purchasing a teatowel, oven gloves, wine stopper and bottle opener and a Chef Hat from Ratoutouie (couldn't resist) I am now considering hosting a disney themed dinner party!

Warming up back at the hotel and a wee rest of the feet, I headed down to Inventions for a buffet meal with the characters and was not disappointed....with both the food and the characters....Gepatto, King Richard, Tigger, Launchpad, Mickey and Goofy all made an appearance.

Oh yeah and the food was great too.....loads of salad, pates, cold meats, seafood, hot dishes and desserts.

So what next? Stay tuned.....

 

[raniroo]

The weather was sunny today and I knew that it would be a busy day in the parks

I breakfasted with Minnie this morning (she was doing her photo shoot outside Inventions restaurant)

as it was a nice sunny day I headed back over to Hollywood Studios to see some more of the action.....and it was packed......

When we entered studio 1 there was a made rush for rope drop and then over to Crusher's Coaster....I lined up for nearly 40 minutes before I made it through......and I didn't get to ride it....I was so disappointed.....why you ask? Well because I am of the larger figure and even larger chest variety, the bar wouldn't click into place, and believe me the CM's were trying to push as hard as they could (which was humilating in itself) then I had to get off the ride in front of everybody....I was fighting back the tears of humilation and embarrasment. It is the only ride I couldn't fit on! How could such a new ride not be designed for certain body shapes and sizes (in this day and age?!) Anyway, the CM was kind enough to take me aside and give me a pass to use on any other ride using the exit and not have to line up....I chose Rock N' Roller coaster......

Crushed (no pun intended) I headed out of the attraction and sat to calm down. I took some photos of the small statues dotting the gardens

and then decided that a go on Tower of Terror would help me scream my stress out.....which it did and I felt a little better.

I dined at Rendevous to the Stars Buffet (based on Ratatouile) and was disappointed in the offerings.......but it was uncrowded......

I just made it to the Motor Action Show which was fantastic, the cars hooning around through explosions and doing burn outs and seeing how the stunts are done....with some humor thrown in for good measure.....

Exiting the show, Stitch live was just about to start an English show so I joined that and had a great time.....very funny and the interaction was great. When I came out of Stitch Aerosmith Rock N' Rollercoaster was open and the line was not long so I had a go on it to see what it was like and it was fast, fun and a little scary as I was sitting in the very front so after getting out of the carriage and passed the CM my special pass and he ushered me through a door and I boarded straight away for another go....

But it was time to head over to Disneyland park for the parade and on the way out met up with Hollywood Mickey.

Over in the park it was getting crowded so at 3.30 I found another garbage bin (for better viewing purposes) and munched on a toffee apple while I waited the half hour for the parade to begin.

The parade was better today because the sun was shining and I was standing on Main street with a much clearer view.

After the parade I headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap....the hotel room is so comfy. There was a knock at the door and housekeeping (or are they mousekeeping?) asked if I wanted a turn down service....I told her it was fine and she handed me a handful of gold chocolate coins (something I got everyday!) I could get used to this!

It was time for dinner and I didn't really know what I fancied....so I headed over to Disney Village to check out the menus.....I was tossing up between King Ludwig's or The Steakhouse, but the carnivore in me prevailed and I treated myself to a good steak at the Steakhouse.....

I started off with the crab cakes which were quite moorish and then a slab of steak and great chips, crispy and chunky, washed down with a lager....

Back at the room I took a long bath using all the complimentary toiletries and chilled out.....the only downside is that the Disney Channel in English is mostly Hannah Montana episodes! I can only take so much Miley!!!!

 

[raniroo]

.

 

[pyebibby]

Enjoying your trip report and your photos. Sounds as if you had a great time.

 

[raniroo]

Enjoying your trip report and your photos. Sounds as if you had a great time.

Thanks....it was such a wonderful trip and I am missing being there already (it's only been a week)....

 

[scampbunny]

fab report!!!!!!!!!!!! lovin the pictures and details, and for crush - i cant imagine how u felt, and so sorry to hear it happened.....

hope u enjoyed the whole time tho - dlh does sound very nice......

 

[mommy2ash]

im glad you had a great time. im so sorry that happened to you on crush. i cant imagine how embarrassing that was for you. at least you got two rides on rocknrollercoaster.

 

[Tanzanite]

Hi i am loving your trip report beautiful pictures so cute.Cant wait next installment looks so pretty Disney Pars.Glad you had so much fun. i

 

[raniroo]

im glad you had a great time. im so sorry that happened to you on crush. i cant imagine how embarrassing that was for you. at least you got two rides on rocknrollercoaster.

Rocknrollercoaster was fun. I think I was more embarrased and humilated by the CM's reactions and efforts of trying to force the bar closed and trying to get me locked in rather than the actual not fitting on the ride and having to get off in front of everyone.....I had my reservations before hand as there are signs up warning of the restrictions.....maybe I can use it as an incentive!

 

[raniroo]

Slept in this morning, I have to get some good use out of the comfy beds and room....and the past week or so was catching up....after a quick breakfast of the same foods (I have to admit it was great to have a hot breakfast each morning, but I got bored of the same food everyday!)

I decided that I would devote the whole day in the Magic Kingdom....starting off with buzz.....and I was very impressed because I must of accidently managed to hit a high point target and walked away with 120,500 points! quite pleased with that really...

Over through the castle to see the stained glass windows

and then the tea cups for a last go on that before heading over to Adventureland rope drop....I wanted to ride my favourite again...POTC......and got to ride it twice without lining up in between.....although it was busy, the CM's were only filling the second boat up, so after our first ride our boat came up onto the deck into the first slot, so instead of getting out and because they weren't loading that area we got to go around again!

I headed over to see Woody at Woody's Roundup and got there just as they were changing to Jessie! grrrrr I keep missing him....so I raced into Mickey's Winter Wonderland, which was fun to see with the characters dressed up in winter/xmas gear. It was a fun show

When the show was over I raced out to Woody. The CM laughed at me and said "you made it this time"....I handed him my camera ready to take the photo and Woody began spinning me around dancing hoedown but we had to give up on the photo.....why? guess what happened.....the batteries died in the DSLR!

Disappointed, I headed back to the hotel to put the camera on recharge and grab my spare camera and batteries (the batteries die in this one very fast (like 30 photos or so). Headed straight back to Woody's Roundup where he was meeting and greeting again.....I was determined ..so I lined up, the same CM smiled at me and said "giving it another go" I said yep, I just have to meet him and went to turn the camera on......you have got to be kidding right.....the battery was flat in this one too, I was just thankful that I had put spare batteries in, so swapping them over I managed to meet Woody and have my photo taken with him...FINALLY! What a drama....Woody better feel priviledged that I spent so much time trying to get a photo with him.

I decided to have lunch at the Lucky Nugget Saloon and it was packed...I was seated next to a lovely mum and daughter who had no problems taking photos of me with the characters...Tigger, Jessie, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie were all accounted for....the food was bleh....the tex mex was much better over at Billy Bobs....and to be honest some people can be such animals when it comes to serving up there food from a buffet, slopping food onto their plate and using tongs and serving spoons from other dishes, not caring that they are mixing foods or even making a mess over the buffet area......anyway, enough of that little rant.....onto more magic

I spent the afternoon wondering around visiting the Haunted Manor, taking photos, shopping (buying enough to put me way over my luggage limit with Emirates) having a ride here or there, the beauty of travelling solo and I used my fastpass to ride Big Mountain Railway one last time....such fun really.....and then I headed over to Disney Village to check out the Disney store over there....but I what I really needed to do was chillout in my room for a bit before dinner......and that is what I did....bliss

Dinner again at Inventions again....the food is just great and I got to meet with a few other characters, like Mickey and Minnie, Pluto, Eyore, Goofy and even Donald Duck made a special appearance. I opted to have a red wine tonight (a whole bottle) and even offered some to Mickey, who laughed and said it would make him all wonky and fuzzy....I told him it already had that effect on me!!!!!

I took a very long leisurely dinner about 2.5 hours worth sipping the red but secretly hoping that I would meet Donald (because our room missed him the first go around) and all the characters kept coming up to me everytime so I saw them about 5 times each....but eventually Donald came out and the hostess made a special visit just for me (maybed she just wanted me to leave so they could give the table to someone else!)

I only have one day left and this is my last night in the hotel....I am going to miss this place...........

 

[marcus.ka]

I just love your trip report. Thank you so much for the great pictures. You look so happy on them with such a happy Disney Smile. (But who wouldn't have such a smile at DLRP?)