Thirteen candles.... a Paris and DLP Birthday extravaganza! TR updated 12/31!! - The DIS Discussion Forums

ILuvCrush · 11-25-2011, 11:29 PM

Hello there everyone!!
I've been procrastinating way too long in getting this TR started!

This here story is about my DD Noelle (I call her Ellie!!) and her amazing, unbelievable, fabulous 13th birthday trip to Paris!!

First... a cast of characters.....

NOELLE!! aka 'Ellie'

Ellie is a fun loving, goofy, sweet, silly, has her diva moments, fashonista that has been dreaming of seeing Paris since she was 8 years old! She is a fabulous student in school, dances (ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop, and modern!) almost every day, plays soccer, and loves to hang out with her friends! Ellie turned 13 on this trip... which is the reason we went!

ME!

I'm Paula.... a 30(ahem)something gal with a love of travel, photography, and Disney. Happily married for 17 years, with 3 great kids(Kyle 16, Ellie 13, and Allison 10), 2 dogs (Buddy a 4yo border collie and Maggie a 6month old beagle-lab mix), and 3 cats(Rex, Zoey, and Tigger: all 10 yo)! Yep.. we have our own little zoo!! I am a pharmacist by day, and a digital scrapbook designer by night. (yeah I know... wierd combination huh?? lol!)

THE BASIC ITINERARY!!
Dates: September 13th - September 26th 2011
Ellie's Birthday: Sat September 17th
Paris: 8 days/7 nights
Disneyland Paris 4 days/5 nights

Here's a little background to why we took this trip... some challenges I encountered planning it, and why i think that its soooo important for me to write this TR!

The PRELUDE!
I love to travel ( I think I MAY have mentioned that part already!!) and I will use any excuse I can come up with to do so. My DH does NOT like to travel... but fortunately is very good about letting me go!! My daughters both love to travel as well.... my son, is a homebody like his Dad hehehe!
So...in a moment of pure brillience.... about 4 years ago.. I told all 3 of my kids that when they turned 13 I would take them anywhere in the world they wanted to go! Pretty smart huh?? Well Kyle was the 1st to hit 13...but he didn't want to go anywhere!

He opted to stay home and get a laptop!
He's DEFINATELY his father's son! Ellie however had no intention of skipping this opportunity, and decided she was going to Paris! She saved up her money for 3 years so she could shop til she dropped!!

The CHALLENGE!
I had originally planned to do an Adventure By Disney trip to London/Paris. I had even booked it! But, as I researched, so many things that we wanted to do, wasn't included.... and there really wasn't enough time for due to the itinerary. So eventually I just decided that I was going to take the chance and go WITHOUT the safety net of a group

My DH was NOT happy about it either, and for the 1st time ever he put up arguements as to why I shouldn't take her. He had alot of valid points... and I had NEVER been to Europe, my French is pitiful, and the trip was going to cost a small fortune and the economy was sinking fast!

As I did more research I came to the conclusion that we could take the trip for 2 full weeks.... and spend HALF the money as it would have cost to do ABD!! AND see the sites we wanted!! But it took a YEAR of planning to manage it!

WHY I AM WRITING THIS TR!!!
well... 1st of all, my DISfriends will probably disown me if I didn't.. cause I promised lol!
But more importantly.... some of the BEST information I got was by reading others TRs! Am I the ONLY gal from the states that is crazy enough to take their 13yo (alone) to Paris?? I hunted and I searched.... I could find TRs with adults.... ones with grandparents.... ones with little kids....ones with Sr High/college kids. But I didn't find ONE with taking a young teen!!

We were spending alot of time in Paris... but even though I found great info, there was nothing that really got into the details/drama of taking a 13yo girl and what she might really enjoy!!

Plus...most (not all!)of the TRs I read here was primarily DLP (which was great!!) but we really wanted to see the city too... and there was more limited info about that here! I know that the majority of folks on this part of the board are from jolly ole England... and probably know Paris like the back of their hand!! But, I can't imagine I'm the only DIS-boarder from the states that when heading off on a Paris vacation, made their very 1st stop right here in this friendly spot on the boards!! And if they are anything like me.... they know NOTHING!

So in the hopes of helping out another mom... so that she doesn't end up buying 16 (yes 16!) tour/guide books and spend countless hours online researching, and not to mention.... a chance to show off some of my 6000 photos

I'm writing this trip report!

I really hope you come along for this adventure!!

ILuvCrush · 11-25-2011, 11:29 PM

Here's the Chapter Links...so you can Skip the Chatter if you would like!!

A Mini PTR and Arriving in Paris!
Day1... part1
Day1...part2
Day1...part3
Day 2... part1
Day 2... part2

Circusgirl · 11-26-2011, 12:32 AM

Hey Paula!

I'm excited to revisit Paris and DLP with you and Ellie! This past September I went on the ABD Knights and Lights with an add-on to DLP, so it will be fun to compare notes. I'm so glad you're doing a report!

ILuvCrush · 11-26-2011, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Circusgirl

Hey Paula!

I'm excited to revisit Paris and DLP with you and Ellie! This past September I went on the ABD Knights and Lights with an add-on to DLP, so it will be fun to compare notes. I'm so glad you're doing a report!

Hi Heather!!

I'm so glad you are hopping in!!
I definately want to compare notes... since K&L is what I had booked originally for September!!
I wonder if we would have been on the same one????

wigdoutdismom · 11-26-2011, 01:09 AM

I'm here!!! So glad you put up the bat signal and I decided to stay up late!!!

Linda67 · 11-26-2011, 03:27 AM

This already sounds like it's going to be a great TR

What a wonderful Birthday gift

Looking forward to reading along

megarasweet · 11-26-2011, 06:34 AM

I'm going to DLP for my nineteenth birthday is two weeks, but I would have absolutely LOVED to have done something like this for my thirteenth

What a wonderful way to celebrate!

I can't wait to read along.

Charleston Princess · 11-26-2011, 06:59 AM

Here, Paula!!!

mickeysmyboy · 11-26-2011, 07:06 AM

Signing on Paula!!!

2xcited2sleep · 11-26-2011, 07:06 AM

I'm so glad you're doing a report. I can't wait to hear all about your adventure and see your photos! Love the picture of you with your champagne!

liriel · 11-26-2011, 07:54 AM

Can't wait to read the rest Paula!

jenjolt · 11-26-2011, 08:46 AM

I'm totally in!!! WOOT WOOT!! Can't wait to hear all about Paris!

brookelizabeth · 11-26-2011, 09:03 AM

I'm here! I cannot wait to read all about this!

MJAJmom · 11-26-2011, 09:36 AM

Yeah Paula, so glad you finally started your trip report. Can't wait to see all 6000 of those pictures!!!

kschafer · 11-26-2011, 09:58 AM

Cannot wait to hear all about your adventure!! (and the pics of the 2 of you in the intro are simply FAB!!)

11-25-2011, 11:29 PM	#1
ILuvCrush DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,911	Thirteen candles.... a Paris and DLP Birthday extravaganza! TR updated 12/31!! Hello there everyone!! I've been procrastinating way too long in getting this TR started! This here story is about my DD Noelle (I call her Ellie!!) and her amazing, unbelievable, fabulous 13th birthday trip to Paris!! First... a cast of characters..... NOELLE!! aka 'Ellie' Ellie is a fun loving, goofy, sweet, silly, has her diva moments, fashonista that has been dreaming of seeing Paris since she was 8 years old! She is a fabulous student in school, dances (ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop, and modern!) almost every day, plays soccer, and loves to hang out with her friends! Ellie turned 13 on this trip... which is the reason we went! ME! I'm Paula.... a 30(ahem)something gal with a love of travel, photography, and Disney. Happily married for 17 years, with 3 great kids(Kyle 16, Ellie 13, and Allison 10), 2 dogs (Buddy a 4yo border collie and Maggie a 6month old beagle-lab mix), and 3 cats(Rex, Zoey, and Tigger: all 10 yo)! Yep.. we have our own little zoo!! I am a pharmacist by day, and a digital scrapbook designer by night. (yeah I know... wierd combination huh?? lol!) THE BASIC ITINERARY!! Dates: September 13th - September 26th 2011 Ellie's Birthday: Sat September 17th Paris: 8 days/7 nights Disneyland Paris 4 days/5 nights Here's a little background to why we took this trip... some challenges I encountered planning it, and why i think that its soooo important for me to write this TR! The PRELUDE! I love to travel ( I think I MAY have mentioned that part already!!) and I will use any excuse I can come up with to do so. My DH does NOT like to travel... but fortunately is very good about letting me go!! My daughters both love to travel as well.... my son, is a homebody like his Dad hehehe! So...in a moment of pure brillience.... about 4 years ago.. I told all 3 of my kids that when they turned 13 I would take them anywhere in the world they wanted to go! Pretty smart huh?? Well Kyle was the 1st to hit 13...but he didn't want to go anywhere! He opted to stay home and get a laptop! He's DEFINATELY his father's son! Ellie however had no intention of skipping this opportunity, and decided she was going to Paris! She saved up her money for 3 years so she could shop til she dropped!! The CHALLENGE! I had originally planned to do an Adventure By Disney trip to London/Paris. I had even booked it! But, as I researched, so many things that we wanted to do, wasn't included.... and there really wasn't enough time for due to the itinerary. So eventually I just decided that I was going to take the chance and go WITHOUT the safety net of a group My DH was NOT happy about it either, and for the 1st time ever he put up arguements as to why I shouldn't take her. He had alot of valid points... and I had NEVER been to Europe, my French is pitiful, and the trip was going to cost a small fortune and the economy was sinking fast! As I did more research I came to the conclusion that we could take the trip for 2 full weeks.... and spend HALF the money as it would have cost to do ABD!! AND see the sites we wanted!! But it took a YEAR of planning to manage it! WHY I AM WRITING THIS TR!!! well... 1st of all, my DISfriends will probably disown me if I didn't.. cause I promised lol! But more importantly.... some of the BEST information I got was by reading others TRs! Am I the ONLY gal from the states that is crazy enough to take their 13yo (alone) to Paris?? I hunted and I searched.... I could find TRs with adults.... ones with grandparents.... ones with little kids....ones with Sr High/college kids. But I didn't find ONE with taking a young teen!! We were spending alot of time in Paris... but even though I found great info, there was nothing that really got into the details/drama of taking a 13yo girl and what she might really enjoy!! Plus...most (not all!)of the TRs I read here was primarily DLP (which was great!!) but we really wanted to see the city too... and there was more limited info about that here! I know that the majority of folks on this part of the board are from jolly ole England... and probably know Paris like the back of their hand!! But, I can't imagine I'm the only DIS-boarder from the states that when heading off on a Paris vacation, made their very 1st stop right here in this friendly spot on the boards!! And if they are anything like me.... they know NOTHING! So in the hopes of helping out another mom... so that she doesn't end up buying 16 (yes 16!) tour/guide books and spend countless hours online researching, and not to mention.... a chance to show off some of my 6000 photos I'm writing this trip report! I really hope you come along for this adventure!! __________________ 13 Candles... a Paris and DLP Birthday Extravaganza! A Trip Report in Progress! Last edited by ILuvCrush; 12-31-2011 at 10:24 PM.

11-25-2011, 11:29 PM	#2
ILuvCrush DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,911	Here's the Chapter Links...so you can Skip the Chatter if you would like!! A Mini PTR and Arriving in Paris! Day1... part1 Day1...part2 Day1...part3 Day 2... part1 Day 2... part2 __________________ 13 Candles... a Paris and DLP Birthday Extravaganza! A Trip Report in Progress! Last edited by ILuvCrush; 12-31-2011 at 10:23 PM.

11-26-2011, 12:32 AM	#3
Circusgirl Queen of the Moisture Festival ALLORA!!! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Upper left coast Posts: 1,506	Hey Paula! I'm excited to revisit Paris and DLP with you and Ellie! This past September I went on the ABD Knights and Lights with an add-on to DLP, so it will be fun to compare notes. I'm so glad you're doing a report! __________________ Magic for 44, Please! ABD Backstage Magic DIS-Style Christmas in July - December 10-18 2008 It's a Great Big Beautiful Trip Report! - September 4-14, 2008

11-26-2011, 01:09 AM	#5
wigdoutdismom DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Derby, Kansas Posts: 7,983	I'm here!!! So glad you put up the bat signal and I decided to stay up late!!! __________________

11-26-2011, 03:27 AM	#6
Linda67 Has a Masters in Margaritas Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: England Posts: 4,217	This already sounds like it's going to be a great TR What a wonderful Birthday gift Looking forward to reading along __________________ Disneyland TR - April 2013 Cick Here To Read My May 2012 Dining Review!! Click Here To Read My January 2012 Disneyland Paris TR!! Click Here To Read My October 2011 Dining Review !! Click Here To Read My May 2011 Dining Review !! Check Out My February 2011 Disneyland Paris TR Here !! Click Here To Read My March 2010 Dining Review !!

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11-26-2011, 06:34 AM	#7
megarasweet Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bath Posts: 248	I'm going to DLP for my nineteenth birthday is two weeks, but I would have absolutely LOVED to have done something like this for my thirteenth What a wonderful way to celebrate! I can't wait to read along. __________________

11-26-2011, 06:59 AM	#8
Charleston Princess DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 21,603	Here, Paula!!! __________________ Me (Jackie), Charles, Chelsea (15), Connor (13) 2012 TR: A Fourth of Pixie-Dust!2012 PTR: Does Pixie Dust Help with Decision-Making? May 2011 PTR: Sensing Pixie Dust I Am! July 2010 TR: Where Pixie-Dusted Birthday Dreams Come True! October 2009 TR: Shaken, Not Stirred, With a Twist of Pixie Dust! A Food and Wine Trip Report!June 2009 TR: Divas, Zebra Domes, and Pixie Dust! A Week in an African Paradise!

11-26-2011, 07:06 AM	#9
mickeysmyboy DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,690	Signing on Paula!!! __________________ Me, DH, DD10, DS9, DS4

11-26-2011, 07:06 AM	#10
2xcited2sleep DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 7,084	I'm so glad you're doing a report. I can't wait to hear all about your adventure and see your photos! Love the picture of you with your champagne! __________________ Christine

11-26-2011, 07:54 AM	#11
liriel Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 129	Can't wait to read the rest Paula! __________________ Julie

11-26-2011, 08:46 AM	#12
jenjolt Loves All Things Disney! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Home in Florida and Texas Posts: 8,157	I'm totally in!!! WOOT WOOT!! Can't wait to hear all about Paris! __________________ *My Magical Trips to Disney:*6/2012,1/2012,10/2011, 6/2011, 5/2011, 1/2011, 5/2010, 1/2010, 10/2009, 5/2009, 1/2009, 3/2007, 5/2005 , 10/1992: First Trip to Disney (Thanks Dad!)

11-26-2011, 09:03 AM	#13
brookelizabeth Jambo Wildbunch Gang Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 11,146	I'm here! I cannot wait to read all about this! __________________ Jan Disneyland TR: No way Jose! We are going to Disneyland! Blog: got mickey bar? Aug 2011 - Pop/YC/OKW ... May 2011 - ASMo ... Feb/March 2011 - BWV/BLT ... Sept 2010 - BWV ... Dec/Jan 2009/10 - AKV ... Sept 2009 - CSR ... Jan 2009 - SSR ... Nov 2008 - WL ... Oct 2006 - AKL

11-26-2011, 09:36 AM	#14
MJAJmom DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,187	Yeah Paula, so glad you finally started your trip report. Can't wait to see all 6000 of those pictures!!! __________________ Me DH DS(9) DS(7) View my 6/09 Disney digital scrapbook HERE and April 2010 photobook HERE June 2011 - POFQ, Star Wars Weekends, Universal April 2010 - CBR pirate room, 3rd time for just mom & 2 boys, Universal June09 - CBR, Star Wars Weekends, just mom & 2 boys, more character meals - Trip Report - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2208908 Oct08 - GF, MNSSHP, just mom & 2 boys, lots of character meals - Trip Report http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2013585 Apr08 - GF - 1st trip for family

11-26-2011, 09:58 AM	#15
kschafer DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,130	Cannot wait to hear all about your adventure!! (and the pics of the 2 of you in the intro are simply FAB!!) __________________ Me (Katie) DH (Greg) DS11 (Patrick) DS8 (Daniel) June 2011: Celebrating my big 4-0 with the Big Cheese May 2010: Where did this heat and all these people come from? June 2008: My Better Late Than Never TR

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