Day 2
Woke up feeling great and looked at time on my mobile 7.05. Thats OK I thought time enough for a civilized wake up yet still early enough to make a good start on the parks. The other two were awake by 7.30 and I opened my cards from them with hand luggage wed left the rest at home. Looking out on the park it was another nice day and we were surprised to see people coming in already must be going for character breakfasts I said, as the park doesnt open until 8.00. I had a shower and looked at the time on my watch 8.45 blimey, that was a long shower. Nope Id put my watch to French time but not my mobile wed actually woken up after 8 not 7, so we speeded up a bit.
Went down for breakfast in the Castle Club lounge. The food itself is identical to that downstairs in the DLH but a lot less busy. Also characters come around to the tables rather than just outside the doors. After breakfast we quickly packed up and left our bags for the porter then checked out. They gave us a key for the lift etc. so we could continue to use all CC facilities for the rest of the day. I asked the concierge if there was any special trick to getting a CC reservation as wed always found them booked up when wed tried before. Also I know some hotels keep rooms back for guests who ring up with the special codeword. Sadly no such luck but he did say that youre best phoning the suites line in France as they can book all of the rooms only a certain number are released to the English operation.
We decided to start with the Studios and got there about 10.15 going straight to have a proper look at Toon Studio. The queue for Crush was already out into the park way beyond the 75 minute marker so although it looked great we werent going to wait. Shame some more thought wasnt gven to Fastpass in the design process. Cars, however had a very short queue so we joined it. Sadly, the loading on this also needs work as by the time riders leave, the next lot join and seatbelts are checked, the downtime is at least twice as long as the ride. Our very short queue took over 20 minutes Id hate to be there if it was longer. As for the ride itself, it was OK, a bit of a cross between tea cups and those rocket type things you get at travelling fairs that seem as if theyre going to crash into each other as they spin around. Not bad, but not really a highlight.
After this we went round the back of Cars and seeing that the Studio Tram Tour had a short ride decided to have a go as wed only been on it once before. Unfortunately, the tram in front of us got stuck in Catastrophe Canyon so we were taken round the side. Just then it got freed so we were brought back into the Canyon. The engineers couldnt get it going so out we went again and got the bit of the commentary where they tell you how it was done even though we hadnt had the experience. They tried third time lucky and took us in again. This time it worked, the story was messed up, but we got to see the tanker explode and the water cascade.
We were just in time for the 11.30 showing of Cinemagique which is a must do for us. It was as good as ever and wed forgotten some bits like the fact that you get rained on. Now it was the time Id been part building up to and part putting off Tower of Terror. The Fastpass worked really well on this attraction and we were straight into the first bit where they show you the Twilight Zone video. The theming on this ride is superb the queing areas very entertaining. So we (me and DD, DW sat this one out too) got into our seats and seatbelts on how awful was it going to be?................
I thought it was absolutely brilliant, the whole experience was great, very well done, and to me it didnt feel as high as it looks from the outside. I think DD was a bit more shaken than me but she still enjoyed it, and we bought a Hollywood Hotel reception desk bell in the gift shop.
Wed have ridden it straight away again but it was time for our 1 pm reservation in Walts so we left the studios for Disneyland Park. Walts was less busy than usual, and we felt it maybe didnt have quite the edge it has had before. Maybe weve just been there enough now but the tomato tartare is still excellent. Next time we must try a couple of restaurants that are new to us, maybe Auberge de Cendrillon or Plaza Gardens. Its still brilliant to have food of this standard and a nice glass of Chablis inside a Theme Park.
As we came out, the afternoon character float was coming up the street so we watched that before having a look in the shops to let our dinner go down. We came away with the ubiquitous pins and snow globe pins, we got a 2008 one (we try to get the year ones) and a sparkly Micky ears hat with 15 in the centre. The snowglobe was a pirates one this time ( I collect these from all round the world not just Disney, and have them from places including Sagra da Familia, Barcelona; Sydney opera house; London bridge; New Zealand, Las Vegas I especially like really tacky ones of very famous serious places)
We had to do BTM one last time, and the park was obviously quite busy now as even the Fastpass queue was longish. Then over to Discoveryland to do the other mountain. Fastpass certainly seems to operate at its best on SM. I advised DD to brace herself and not flop about and this helped not so much head banging this time. I really wanted one last go on ToT as this had been the highlight for me the others were in need of a swim, so I headed off to ride it on my own. Sadly the Fastpass system had gone awry and there was a long queue just to get to the ticket checker. I was also hot so decided to cut my losses and join the others in the pool. It was just what we needed before travelling home. Others have commented that the pool at DLH lets it down, but we like it, it feels more like a private health club and is a respite from the parks rather than a continuation of the excitement. We may be Disney lite but we appreciate a bit of down time even on a short break.
We went up to the Castle club lounge one last time for complimentary afternoon tea. Hot and cold drinks (you must pay for alcohol) and a good selection of sandwiches, canapés, cakes and biscuits. How civilised to be taking tea and watching the parade coming down Main Street. It was then sadly time to get our luggage and head up to the station as were taking the TGV back to CDG. The journey home was pretty straightfcrward, the only hiccup being a one hour delay before we got on the plane. Train from Marne la Vallee and connection from T2 to T1 very easy indeed. Our airport transfer was there for us at Birmingham and he sped us home. Eventually home at 11 UK time tired but having had the best 40th birthday weekend you could wish for.
The only problem is, wed already spoiled ourselves by having our first visit to DLP in the DLH. After that wed have found it difficult to stay anywhere else. Now weve really gone and done it because how were going to be able to go and not stay in Castle Club I dont know. I think the answer may be shorter but more luxurious trips one night was good, but 2 nights would probably be just about right for us as weve been on longer trips before. In fact were already planning our next one.
Woke up feeling great and looked at time on my mobile 7.05. Thats OK I thought time enough for a civilized wake up yet still early enough to make a good start on the parks. The other two were awake by 7.30 and I opened my cards from them with hand luggage wed left the rest at home. Looking out on the park it was another nice day and we were surprised to see people coming in already must be going for character breakfasts I said, as the park doesnt open until 8.00. I had a shower and looked at the time on my watch 8.45 blimey, that was a long shower. Nope Id put my watch to French time but not my mobile wed actually woken up after 8 not 7, so we speeded up a bit.
Went down for breakfast in the Castle Club lounge. The food itself is identical to that downstairs in the DLH but a lot less busy. Also characters come around to the tables rather than just outside the doors. After breakfast we quickly packed up and left our bags for the porter then checked out. They gave us a key for the lift etc. so we could continue to use all CC facilities for the rest of the day. I asked the concierge if there was any special trick to getting a CC reservation as wed always found them booked up when wed tried before. Also I know some hotels keep rooms back for guests who ring up with the special codeword. Sadly no such luck but he did say that youre best phoning the suites line in France as they can book all of the rooms only a certain number are released to the English operation.
We decided to start with the Studios and got there about 10.15 going straight to have a proper look at Toon Studio. The queue for Crush was already out into the park way beyond the 75 minute marker so although it looked great we werent going to wait. Shame some more thought wasnt gven to Fastpass in the design process. Cars, however had a very short queue so we joined it. Sadly, the loading on this also needs work as by the time riders leave, the next lot join and seatbelts are checked, the downtime is at least twice as long as the ride. Our very short queue took over 20 minutes Id hate to be there if it was longer. As for the ride itself, it was OK, a bit of a cross between tea cups and those rocket type things you get at travelling fairs that seem as if theyre going to crash into each other as they spin around. Not bad, but not really a highlight.
After this we went round the back of Cars and seeing that the Studio Tram Tour had a short ride decided to have a go as wed only been on it once before. Unfortunately, the tram in front of us got stuck in Catastrophe Canyon so we were taken round the side. Just then it got freed so we were brought back into the Canyon. The engineers couldnt get it going so out we went again and got the bit of the commentary where they tell you how it was done even though we hadnt had the experience. They tried third time lucky and took us in again. This time it worked, the story was messed up, but we got to see the tanker explode and the water cascade.
We were just in time for the 11.30 showing of Cinemagique which is a must do for us. It was as good as ever and wed forgotten some bits like the fact that you get rained on. Now it was the time Id been part building up to and part putting off Tower of Terror. The Fastpass worked really well on this attraction and we were straight into the first bit where they show you the Twilight Zone video. The theming on this ride is superb the queing areas very entertaining. So we (me and DD, DW sat this one out too) got into our seats and seatbelts on how awful was it going to be?................
I thought it was absolutely brilliant, the whole experience was great, very well done, and to me it didnt feel as high as it looks from the outside. I think DD was a bit more shaken than me but she still enjoyed it, and we bought a Hollywood Hotel reception desk bell in the gift shop.
Wed have ridden it straight away again but it was time for our 1 pm reservation in Walts so we left the studios for Disneyland Park. Walts was less busy than usual, and we felt it maybe didnt have quite the edge it has had before. Maybe weve just been there enough now but the tomato tartare is still excellent. Next time we must try a couple of restaurants that are new to us, maybe Auberge de Cendrillon or Plaza Gardens. Its still brilliant to have food of this standard and a nice glass of Chablis inside a Theme Park.
As we came out, the afternoon character float was coming up the street so we watched that before having a look in the shops to let our dinner go down. We came away with the ubiquitous pins and snow globe pins, we got a 2008 one (we try to get the year ones) and a sparkly Micky ears hat with 15 in the centre. The snowglobe was a pirates one this time ( I collect these from all round the world not just Disney, and have them from places including Sagra da Familia, Barcelona; Sydney opera house; London bridge; New Zealand, Las Vegas I especially like really tacky ones of very famous serious places)
We had to do BTM one last time, and the park was obviously quite busy now as even the Fastpass queue was longish. Then over to Discoveryland to do the other mountain. Fastpass certainly seems to operate at its best on SM. I advised DD to brace herself and not flop about and this helped not so much head banging this time. I really wanted one last go on ToT as this had been the highlight for me the others were in need of a swim, so I headed off to ride it on my own. Sadly the Fastpass system had gone awry and there was a long queue just to get to the ticket checker. I was also hot so decided to cut my losses and join the others in the pool. It was just what we needed before travelling home. Others have commented that the pool at DLH lets it down, but we like it, it feels more like a private health club and is a respite from the parks rather than a continuation of the excitement. We may be Disney lite but we appreciate a bit of down time even on a short break.
We went up to the Castle club lounge one last time for complimentary afternoon tea. Hot and cold drinks (you must pay for alcohol) and a good selection of sandwiches, canapés, cakes and biscuits. How civilised to be taking tea and watching the parade coming down Main Street. It was then sadly time to get our luggage and head up to the station as were taking the TGV back to CDG. The journey home was pretty straightfcrward, the only hiccup being a one hour delay before we got on the plane. Train from Marne la Vallee and connection from T2 to T1 very easy indeed. Our airport transfer was there for us at Birmingham and he sped us home. Eventually home at 11 UK time tired but having had the best 40th birthday weekend you could wish for.
The only problem is, wed already spoiled ourselves by having our first visit to DLP in the DLH. After that wed have found it difficult to stay anywhere else. Now weve really gone and done it because how were going to be able to go and not stay in Castle Club I dont know. I think the answer may be shorter but more luxurious trips one night was good, but 2 nights would probably be just about right for us as weve been on longer trips before. In fact were already planning our next one.
) That's why 1 night would not be enough for me.
