Ridin’ Solo – ‘Une Personne S’il Vous Plait’ **COMPLETED (Plus Lunch At Walt's)**

[Linda67]

Hi everyone and welcome to my first ever trip report

Day One, Part One

DLH Photos

Day One, Part Two

Day One, Part Three

Day Two,Part One

Day Two, Part Two

Day Two, Part Three

Day Two, Part Four

'Cocktails Around The Lake'

Day Three, Part One

Day Three, Part Two Plus Lunch At Walts





I love reading every one else’s reports and use them a lot for researching trips so I thought it was time to return the favour and attempt one of my own

So why did I end up on a solo trip to DLP?

Just before Christmas the Disney Marketing Machine seemed to be following me everywhere I turned, tempting me with their pixie dust sprinkled advertising campaign together with a promise of ‘up to 40% off’

Well I just had to have a quick look at prices didn’t I?, it would have been like kicking Mickey Mouse in the shins and running away if I didn’t

I had visited DLP with DH three times in the past, the first time we stayed at the Hotel Santa Fe and the next two trips we stayed at the Sequoia Lodge but the last visit was in 2006 so it really felt like time to head back

We are heading off to WDW in May and I thought that getting some Disney Magic early in the year would make the waiting less painful

I was torn between heading back to the Sequoia Lodge or trying the Newport Bay for the first time. The prices for both looked pretty good to me. We checked out the prices for the Eurostar and it was certainly cheaper to book this separate to the hotel/ticket package

Anyway, just before it came time to book DH got offered a new job which he would be starting at the end of January and it just wasn’t practical for him to take time off in February.

At first I thought ‘no problem, we’ll just go another time’ but then I thought ‘well why don’t I go anyway?’ I had a load of holiday entitlement at work that I really needed to use up and really didn’t feel bothered about travelling on my own so I got back on the DLP website right away

I was still in two minds about which hotel to book and as I was now going to be travelling on my own I decided to take a look at the Disneyland Hotel as it was clearly going to be the most convenient for the parks and the train station

Sure enough the 40% off offer covered my dates so with the click of a button I was booked for two nights/three days arriving on Feb 9th and checking out of Feb 11th

Coming Up – Travel Day & A Trip To The Studios

[Isila]

nice

[ExpatDisneyLover]

A fantastic idea- no need to cancel - can't wait to see photos of the DLH!

[J Marley]

Looking forward to reading more.It must be lovely only having yourself to please and to do what you want .....very relaxing.Can't wait to see piccies of DLH

[Linda67]

Thanks for reading along

Thanks for joining in, photos coming up real soon

[Linda67]

So I was up bright and early and excited about my day ahead.

DH drove me the short distance to the train station and once I had bought my ticket the train to Paddington was just pulling into the Station

After a 20 minute journey I arrived in London and took a quick walk through to the Hammersmith & City line and arrived at St Pancras just a few minutes later.

The last time I had taken the Eurostar, the trains left from Waterloo and I have to say that St Pancras is a much nicer departure point.

There are plenty of good places to eat and some great shops to look around so I would suggest that if you arrive at the station early you would have more to do by staying in this area for as long as possible before checking in as there really aren’t many facilities once you are in departures

I still had loads of time before I needed to check in so I headed to ‘Le Pain Quotidien’ for some breakfast. I highly recommend this chain, there is a branch close to my office and I have always really enjoyed the food and service there.



I ordered a Latte as well as a Granola, Yoghurt and Fresh Berries Parfait which was absolutely delicious.

After a quick look around the shops it was time to check in which all went very smoothly. There was a huge school party ahead of me in the queue so I thought it would take ages but the teachers made sure that the kids were ready with passports etc and they moved through really quickly.

Once I was through Passport Control I headed to Caffé Nero for another shot of caffeine and had a quick read of my book.



Just as I took the last sip of coffee an announcement came over the loud speakers saying that the train was now ready to board

The train didn’t seem to be that busy and there were only a couple of other families in my carriage so I settled down with my book and enjoyed the journey

As I was staying at the Disneyland Hotel there didn’t really seem much point in booking the Magical Express Service as it literally only took five minutes to walk from the station wheeling my bag happily behind me

I had never been into the Disneyland Hotel during my previous visits and upon entering the lobby I was really impressed with the look of the place.



Nobody else was checking in ahead of me and the Cast Member behind the counter was really friendly and welcoming

I hadn’t called ahead with any room requests but I was hoping to be fairly close to reception as I was travelling on my own and my wish was granted when I was handed a key card for room 1114

As I headed to the lift Chip & Dale appeared in the lobby and Chip decided to escort me to my room!

He jumped in the lift with me and when we arrived on the first floor he kindly pointed me in the right direction and jumped back in the lift!



As soon as I entered the room I heard the familiar sound of a train pulling into Main Street Station and when I dashed to the window I could see the train with steam pouring out of the funnel, what a great room location, I couldn’t believe my luck



The room was lovely but I was so excited about getting into the parks so I popped my passport etc into the safe and headed to The Studios

Coming up next – Lights, Camera, Action!

[Linda67]

I wouldn't hesitate to travel solo again, it was great being so selfish

I've got lots of pics of the hotel so I will be sure to post them

[Linda67]

Bathroom



Window View



TV & Mini Bar



Door Detail



Lobby



Displays In Lobby





Exterior

[rottie155]

What a fantastic start! I'm really looking forward to reading more of your trip as I have been toying with the idea of travelling solo throughout this year too but keep talking myself out of it!

[J Marley]

Brilliand photos thanks so much for posting them I want to go by myself too

[ben1993]

Love it! I'm so jealous that you got to stay at DLH though

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Fabulous photos! Sounds like a lovely relaxing trip! Can't wait to read more.

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Oh my goodness - LOVE this hotel thanks for sharing the pics.

[Isila]

wonderful, wonderful wonderful photos. Simple love it. What a wonderful trip

[madmish]

thanks for sharing, what lovely pictures.x