40th Birthday trip 7-11 May 12

[Mrs Mickey]

Cast
Me (Jane-39 at the start)
Tink (because her surname is Bell - My sister – older )
B (13 year old DD)
GG (10 year old DS)
G (Grandma aka Mum)
G (Grandad aka Dad)
I know all these ‘G’s may seem confusing- GG is what my sons football team call him and it stuck and my Mum and Dad will through be referred to as G&G.

Sorry it’s taken me a while to get round to writing the report but every time I had a free minute to do it I got really down about the fact the fabulous trip was over. I have just made myself a lovely cocktail in my Disney souvenir glass with my flashing blue ice cube so I am feeling up to it. (written last night)

Day 1
It seemed like a good idea at the time and the logic was that we would be at Disney for lunch but getting up at 5am to get a 7am Eurotunnel crossing didn’t seem so brilliant. But we were all really excited that no one really cared. We left home at 5:15 and with a brief stop for McD breakfast (practically next door to our house) we were at the check-in by 6:15 and booked on an earlier crossing. Yippee.
Crossing uneventful and quiet and we were soon zooming along the autoroute to the Magic.
Now we normally go every year in January or February so we all felt it was long overdue. We just stopped once for a quick toilet break and arrived at the Hotel New York at 11am. We were meeting G&G at the hotel as they are very busy retired people currently on a 10 week tour of various vineyards of France in their caravan (oh to be retired).
We handed over the bags and car keys to the lovely CM at the door and went in.
I should explain that for the last few years we have stayed at the SL (my kids favourite), but last year due to a fab offer and because it was the first time we had ever been in school hols (and I thought everywhere would be packed) we booked HNY which is my favourite. This year G&G and Tink decided to treat me for my special birthday. I do lurve DLH but since we last stayed there the price has become ridiculous and although its fab I don’t personally think it’s worth it – also the pool plays a big part in our hols and it just doesn’t cut it at DLH, the kids also really missed walking through Disney Village each night.
So anyhoo, back to HNY – we went straight up to check in and were swiftly moved round to Empire State reception, which was lovely. We were checked in and given our tickets but the rooms weren’t quite ready. Never mind we wanted to go and have lunch so no problem there.

G&G had just arrived so we met them and headed straight in to the Studios. Now my Dad is a bit fussy when it comes to food (well everything really and when I say a bit I mean really) so I knew the usual dining plans I make when we go without them just wasn’t going to work this trip. I had warned the kids and so were all prepared to be led by Dad. This time to Blockbuster café – he just loves the croque monsieur. We knew because of the French holidays it would probably be busy and it was but we got a table straight away. Devoured lots of food and drink then strolled through the studios. G&G hadn’t been for a few years so hadn’t seen the Toy story land so we headed there and the kids and I joined the 2 min queue for Slinky dog. It looked longer than 20 mins but we thought we would join anyway and after about 15mins it broke down so we left. Kids went on Cars but everything else was packed so we decided to hit a few shops and then check out our rooms.
My mum is in a wheelchair so we collected her pass and went back to the hotel. We were given adjoining ground floor rooms with doors out to a little garden overlooking the skating rink. There was a goofy toy in our room and a Mickey Mouse mug and sweets in G&Gs room. We also had slippers and robes and comp bottles of water. And best of all a little note and birthday balloons for me.

After collapsing on the bed and watching “10 things to do “ the kids wore us down and we agreed to go swimming. It was lovely weather so we were all looking forward to it and we headed down the corridor in our slippers lol. Pool was v quiet and for the first time ever (given we normally go in freezing cold (and often snowy) January THE OUTDOOR POOL was OPEN! We went to the indoor first and it was as cold as I remembered and we quickly decided to give the outdoor pool a quick go before heading to the lovely warm spa. It actually felt much warmer outside and we stayed there for a while (before heading to the lovely warm spa). After about an hour we dragged the kids out and went back to the room.
G&G (who had spent the previous 3 weeks reading and drinking wine) were exhausted from their trip so decided to stay in the room and eat bread and cheese (and no doubt drink wine) while we went out to eat and to the park.
We thought we would wander past Annettes and see how busy it was and eat in the park if there were queues.

It was only about 6pm but we were v surprised to find it practically empty. We were seated straight away, ordered and getting drunk on Mess Around cocktails before we knew it. My food reports are going to be fairly rubbish as I forgot to take pictures in all but 1 place for the whole trip but I do remember I had a rockabilly burger here and it was lush.

Finally we were heading towards the park and Phantom Manor was our first stop (decided by GG) – I couldn’t quite believe I had been at Disney for about 8 hours and still hadn’t been on a ride!
Then POTC and Star tours followed by a quick drink and sit down in Vipeopolis. This became quite a common practise throughout our stay and was really enjoyed by all, especially as it was really warm during our stay and we needed lots of drink stops.
We went on Buzz and all decided this was definitely the time to do the park as nothing had more than 10-15min queue, some practically walk on.
We wanted to try and stay for Dreams but we were all exhausted and people were waiting everywhere so we decided to go back to the hotel (via the shops – kids had been saving for the trip and so another common theme throughout the week).
We decided to pop into McD to get drinks and used the self-serve machine which was great but B was mightily annoyed because they didn’t do milk shakes.
Then bed – having decided we would leave G&G to sleep in while we did EMH and then come back for breakfast.

 

[HappyPanda]

That sounds like a very nice first day, don't blame you for not waiting up for Dreams after your VERY early start!

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[Mrs Mickey]

Day 2
Up early and ready for EMH. We managed to get there about 8.15 and straight to Peter Pan which we did twice in a row. Stopping on the way of course for the obligatory sword in the stone pic.

Then Dumbo and tea cups (again twice). Everywhere was walk on and we were really pleased to have got up early. After leaving the teacups we stumbled across Mickey and got a fab picture.

I don’t recall having seen characters during EMH before – it was great because there were hardly any people and not the usual scrum that we avoid. We went on Buzz and then jumped in the limousine for a trip down Main Street.

Then back to the hotel for breakfast. The ground floor rooms with doors were turning out to be brilliant as the kids could run ahead and get G&G sorted out and it saved an extra bit of a walk.
Breakfast at HNY is the best- I love it in any of the locations. This year they decided it wasn’t possible for Mum to use the Manhattan restaurant with her wheelchair (hasn’t been a problem previously and is my Mums favourite but it wasn’t really a problem). Today we were in the Park Side diner. We had a great breakfast and then went back to the room to give Grandad his cards and presents for his 65th birthday.

We headed off to the park and as I had bought shares for G&G for their birthdays and spent the last week getting their temporary certificate sorted out (as I left it all to the last minute) we decided they needed to go to Salon Mickey. We knocked and were pleased to find that it was really quiet and we went in. Despite the huge breakfast we had all eaten, we managed a little something in here and a drink and were able to sit down on the sofa round the table. Lovely.
After leaving we strolled through some shops and headed for frontier land for Molly Brown (one of Mums favourites). It started raining a bit while we waited but it was only light and we were undercover so no problem.

Unbelievably after that the kids were hungry and B decided on a chocolate waffle and G a slush. It had stopped raining and we strolled round taking in all the atmosphere before settling on buying chips and having a sit down in Videopolis to watch cartoons.
After leaving here we were perfectly timed for the 20th anniversary train to arrive.

We waved at lots of characters and then went back to the hotel for a quick swim before dinner. Dad got to pick as it was his birthday and he chose the Parkside diner. We hadn’t eaten here before and we all loved it (lots of choice though strangely there was no potato product which was a bit weird).
We left G&G at the hotel and headed back into the park and straight to Phantom Manor followed by POTC. We then decided to get drinks and pick our spot for Dreams. We had originally decided not to bother tonight because it was a bank hol in France but in the end we decided we would try and not worry too much if we couldn’t see too much. It was packed and where ever we stood someone would come and stand in front. We sadly aren’t a tall family so pretty much everyone is taller than us so we didn’t have a spectacular view but in the end I don’t think it mattered. Dreams was breath taking. I decided we would definitely be doing it again. (Sadly I was out voted and every night everyone else we too tired by 10:30 so that was the only time – I didn’t mind at the time but now I do regret that a little bit.)

We went back to the hotel and had Champagne to finish off the fabulous day.

 

[Mrs Mickey]

Day 3
We decided to have breakfast first today which was in one of the conference rooms (which we prefer actually as its easier with Mums chair). Then in to the park for the last hour of EMH. We collected our VIP fast pass from Salon Mickey but didn’t stay as we had just eaten – this proved to be a bit of a problem for G&G as they went back later for a drink and sit down and had to persuade the CM that we hadn’t actually visited earlier just popped in.
Kids went on Orbitron (which Tink and I no longer have to do as they can go on alone – DS is a nightmare going up and down and I have previous come off in tears, laughing hysterically and having sworn nearly the whole ride as I was sure he was going to kill us both, much to the amusement of he waiting queue).
Then we all went on Buzz.

We went round the park on the train and then G&G left to go back to salon Mickey for a snack for lunch and then back to the hotel.
We headed back over to frontier land. Now I had decided I had to get brave before I was 40. I was encouraged by all you nice folk on the disboards and was feeling ok about it so we headed to BTM.
We used our fastpass and join the queue at the top of the stairs. When we got to the front I was terrified. As it started I thought OMG what have I done. But as it started I loved it. It is now my new favourite ride.

Don’t know if you can tell from the photo but my sister was less impressed and decided she wouldn’t be trying that again.
We had a quick trip to Phantom manor then off to Cowboy Cookout for our reservation. This was DS choice. I wasn’t sure but actually we all loved it. The characters were great (Woody, Tigger, Pluto,Daisy, Goofy and Donald), the food was lovely (the starter salad was huge) and it was well worth it. One thing that we couldn’t get over was a large group of 3 money and 8 children arrived and got all settled next to us. We figured the dads must be getting the food. The mums were really pushy getting their kids to the characters first and spending a lot of time having loads of photos, the after about half an hour, they left. They had checked in and got their little slip of paper to get food, then just hadn’t! They just got sat down, spent half an hour with characters for free then left. Cheeky.

After that we headed back for a swim.
After a brief rest we headed for the Studios for tea – DD choice of En Coulisse. This has been DD favourite CS since she was 2. It all centred on a coca cola neon light with sounds. Over the years it has worked less and less and this year it didn’t work at all. She is now 13 but still loves it all the same. Burgers eaten and we decided to go over to watch the 7pm parade. For some reason this year we did next to nothing in the Studios – I don’t know why because we love all the shows, there aren’t many rides that we go on but we didn’t do any this year. just means we will have to go back soon.
The parade for fabulous – some floats were the same but all the new characters dancing and the new floats made it as magical as ever.

G&G were exhausted and headed back to the hotel. We did the Alice in Wonderland stuff then headed over to Peter Pan. Then we a quick stop at Au Chalet de la Marionnette for Pretzel Brioche (lovely but not anywhere near Mickey Brioches) and then the Christmas shop in the Castle where we always go and buy 1 ornament each.
Then back to my new favourite ride BTM. Yippee – twice in a row with no queue thanks to our fab VIP fast pass.

Back via the shops in DV for Champagne in the room.

 

[Mrs Mickey]

Day 4
Happy Birthday to me!
G&G decided the sleep in and a late breakfast was best so we got up and went in for EMH without them. Gorgeous weather today so lots of castle photos.

Then straight on Buzz – disappointingly my teenage DD now beats me on this every time.

Then all the usual’s Peter Pan, Dumbo, Tea cups (snow white and Pinocchio weren’t open in EMH, though it said they would be). Then back down mainstreet in the limo to Salon Mickey for a drink and our VIP fast path ticket.

Then Breakfast, presents and cake!
Eventually back in the park we went on G&Gs favourite again Molly Brown. Then we persuaded Dad to try out Phantom manor which he loved. The kids and I had a quick go on BTM (love that fast pass). Then lunch at Chalet de la Marionnette, a quick shop and candy floss then back to the hotel for a swim. It was really hot that day and as we had expected rain all week we weren’t really prepared for it. The outdoor pool was spectacular again and we sent a good while here. Then DS had his hair cut in the salon. The saga of DS hair has been on-going for many weeks with many a row over whether it should be cut or not. I finally persuaded him to get it cut at Mickeys barber (Dapper Dans – who we pay a visit to most years, but who was annoyingly on holiday the whole time we were there). So I booked him in at the hair dressers at HNY and he was less than impressed at going to a girls hairdressers but he was v pleased with the result so well worth the 15euros. Didn’t do a before and after photo sadly.
More champagne was drunk and then we headed over to the Blue Lagoon for my birthday dinner.
I love this place and would normally get a water side table but we were 1 level up from there and it was lovely. Here is the one and only food photo that I remembered to take during the whole week, which is a miracle given than I had had champagne and was well into my blue glowtini at this point.

Dad hadn’t been looking forward to this meal but ended up loving it – though being a true Yorkshire man it didn’t compare in value to the all you can eat buffet at the HNY.
G&G left us and we headed back to POTC, no queue- Peter Pan with our VIP fast passes and then Tink and DS left me and DD to spend dusk going on BTM 4 times in a row pulling different poses at the photo point. It was so beautiful as it got darker and darker. Wow.

We then had a stroll round the park in the dark and decided against watching Dreams again as we were exhausted.

 

[Mrs Mickey]

Last Day
Up early again – this was starting to take its toll (we aren’t use to these long hours – in January EMH isn’t on everyday and then the park closes at a7pm) but still it was our last day and we had to make the most of it. It was raining today but really hot still.
We went up main street on the bus and then all the usuals. Then back for breakfast and Mums presents. I had already packed most things and we decided to put them straight into the car.
Then we headed over to the Studios but it was packed so we swiftly left again and went over to the main park. We were planning on eating at Plaze gardens so I used my free birthday ticket to get into the park. We went to visit the dragon which is loving wonderful now and a bit brighter so easier to get photos then G&G took the lift up from here to the top of the castle which they hadn’t seen before and were very impressed. Mum got quite emotional. We left them with DD to get the lift back down while we used the stairs. But after a while it was apparent there was a problem – the lift didn’t work from the top and needed a CM to enter a code (but there weren’t any in sight) so DD dashed back down the stairs to the dragon to ride the lift up to collect them. Sorted!

We then went over to Star Tours which we had done most days but I seem to have missed it out of my report – anyway the queue wasn’t too long but I think they must have had a problem because it was slow moving. Here we encountered the only slight negative of the whole trip. It was a family behind us in the queue. They had 2 little kids both younger than mine and not causing any problems but the mum kept smacking the kids, we didn’t know what for because we didn’t understand but at one point she nearly battered my DS while her son was trying to escape the whacks. He was quite upset by it. Not used to seeing smacking. I just told him to remember how lucky he was to have such a fab mum. Lol. Apart from this I can honestly say we didn’t come across any queue pushing, rude guests or CMs or smoking in queues.

Time to say goodbye to G&G who were eager to visit 1 last time to Salon Mickey and then head back to their exhausting life of caravan, reading and wine.
We had used all 6 park tickets for fast passes so we went on BTM for our last 2 goes of the trip – I cant believe I have missed out on this for the last 12 years! Last POTC then over to Plaza Gardens.

Plaza Gardens - I think this is lovely and great value by Disney standards, and even better now refills of drinks can be included.
It was just after 3 so we headed back via the shops in Disney Village to the hotel. My DD managed to spend all her money on pins and Vinylanimations. DS had yet another gun and various other cool Disney things. I got lots of 20th anniversary things – jigsaw yet to be made.
We were all very sad to leave – it had been quite a different trip than usual there were lots of things we would normally have done that we didn’t this time but it was by far the best trip yet and a great way to celebrate a 40th birthday.

Well now I well and truly need to start planning my next trip as I am missing it more than ever.

 

[Ms Poppins]

What a lovely trip report We were there the same week at HNY too, but only from the Sunday to Wednesday.

Great idea to celebrate all those family birthdays. I've never seen any characters at EMH either, well done on seeing Mickey in the park without a scrum

We almost did Cowboy Cookout, but there were too many 'must do' restaurants on this trip I think we'll do it next time, thanks for your review. Very cheeky of those going in for pics with characters but not eating!!

Sounds like a lovely relaxing trip with chill out time by the pool

Thanks for sharing, great tr

 

[DLPdaft]

Brilliant trip report - a real family affair and loads of birthdays as well . I loved reading it all, thanks for posting it .

 

[rugrats]

Fab trip report

 

[Mrs Mickey]

Thanks for all the lovely messages. Glad you enjoyed reading it. I love reading people's trip reports - its the only way I get through the year waiting for the next visit.

 

[Ms Poppins]

I love reading people's trip reports - its the only way I get through the year waiting for the next visit.

Me too!