And so onto this TR:
Alice: I cant go back to yesterday because I was a different person then
I wont bother going back through the whole cast etc. as I am continuing this on from the end of my PTR.
Day 01: The 1st part of the journey
So I had roped DH into bringing us to Dublin the day before we flew to CDG as he needed my car while we were gone and just to make a change from the drag that is driving (going is not so bad but the return flight is late and the last time we were half asleep on the way home so it wasnt something we wanted to repeat!)
We got to the Travelodge around 1pm and after check in and a bit of sitting around and relaxing we headed for the shopping centre which is only a two minute walk. We had a look around the shops and picked up the last few necessities and had a lovely dinner in Nandos.
We headed back to the Travelodge and had our showers and got ready for an early night with a cup of tea.
Mad Hatter: Yes thats it, its always tea time
Day 02: Flying to CDG and getting to DLP
Alice: I wonder if Ive been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different
We were up at a ridiculous hour again to get to Dublin airport. We caught the airport bus just outside the Travelodge (which was only 5 per adult and children are free) and we were soon at the airport with our bags again being overweight! This is the one thing that remains a constant on our trips! Cue much shuffling about with shoes and we were sorted for bag drop.
We went to McDonalds for breakfast and then wandered leisurely to our gate, which being Ryanair was already mayhem (Im sure people queue the night before for the early flights!).
We were a little delayed taking off and so I emailed RS Transports to let them know but when we arrived they were late
by an hour. We were a little peed off by the time we got to the Dream Castle but once we had checked in and got to our room we were much happier. The room was fab, the beds were huge and DD loved having her choice of top or bottom bunks!
Alice But I dont want to go among mad people
Cheshire Cat Oh but you cant help that. Were all mad here, Im mad, youre mad
We got freshened up and made our way to the parks with our temporary APs. We decided to ride Phantom Manor which was great as usual after skipping BTM because DD didnt like the look or the noise and the wait was showing 65mins.
We then wandered as far as Hakuna Matata and stopped for lunch which was very nice. I had the chicken strips, fries and had a 20th anniversary cake and DD had the chicken nuggets off the kids menu which came to 22.19 and was were tasty and filling. DD decided iasw would be next so off we set. Afterwards the lovely Betty in the annual passport office made up my and DDs annual passes as Elaine couldnt be done until the next day. In total it took 10 minutes and was very straightforward. We couldnt wait any longer to have a look in WOD and we were all in awe. DD thought it was heaven and spent ages cuddling plushes and admiring the dolls. After our bit of retail therapy we headed to WDS and straight to Crush which was showing a 30minute wait which was more like 20 in reality. DD hated every single second of it. She needed a sit down after and everything and when we had caught our breath we went on Magic Carpets which got a big thumbs up for DD (who was in charge of the height needless to say after the excitement of Crush our carpet never left the ground!).
After that we spent a lovely 20minutes in AoA with DD in heaven singing her heart out to Heigh Ho and drawing bouncing Mickey Heads. DD wanted to see the parade next so we hurried off to DLP again but only caught a few minutes. We were on the way to teacups when we encountered Lady Tremaine!
DD was apprehensive but we all got in and she naturally looked down her nose at us. Great fun and she was spot on personality wise. We had a go on teacups but got a slow one
and Elaine said she fancied POTC next so off we set
only for DD to have a meltdown at the dark. A lovely CM, Rosemarie, talked DD into joining the pirates with her and the waiting was a little precarious but DD soon got over her fears when she realised it wasnt a bad ride. It amazed me how much she had forgotten since in the 11months since she had last been. I was shocked she was now afraid of POTC as it really isnt too scary at all.
Alice How puzzling all these changes are. Im never sure what Im going to be from one minute to another
We had a lovely time exploring Skull Rock and finally found the wobbly bridge and had a good old bounce.
Next we went to see Mr. Mouse which we all thought was very pretty. The queue was non existent so we were in and out in 10mins.
We then looked about Nautilus and as it was getting late and we were getting tired we left the park to go to Planet Hollywood for dinner. It was fairly busy so we had a little wait and were seated after maybe 15/20mins. I had the chicken bacon BBQ burger with fries as did Elaine and DD had a hotdog and fries and a chocolate mousse. Ours came to 29.93. We collapsed back to bed afterwards and slept like logs.