Trip Report A Bird's Eye View of London and Paris March 2012 TR NEW! The END 1/12 p35

[MEK]

Great update. Can't believe I totally missed it. I am loving the pictures. They are great. Wow - its like a whole other world. Those miniature castle and houses are so cute.

I love BTMMR - the description sounds so awesomely cool! Glad you were able to enjoy back to back rides.

Those hot dogs/ brats do look huge!

So looking forward to more.

 

[MeMom]

Yes, the hot dogs were pretty yummy! I liked the pretzel bun!

Sounds yummy! I am all about a salty pretzel.

So we had our 99 day countdown party last night! I made ribs a la Boma, potato wedges, and jungle juice! We were supposed to have animal crackers for dessert, but we forgot! Oh we also had a little corn on the cob (leftovers!). We reviewed the list of things to remember and to do for the trip. I've been making notes about things as I read other people's TRs and plans. We played Disney music, featuring selections from the Lion King! We played an animal rescue game that Sarah invented and ended our evening with a viewing of The Lion King! It was a lot of fun! I think one of our future parties will have to have a Hawaiian theme (Poly food, Lilo & Stitch) and/or Beach theme (OKW).

Disney parties are the best! We have had an 'Ohana/Poly party and a Beach Club/Beaches and Cream party. Very fun!

I am interested in the animal rescue game, since Brooklynn is having an Animal Kingdom birthday party in August. Is it something that can be scaled down for 5-6 year olds?

 

[petals]

That dragon dude is Chernabog. He's in the Kingdom Keepers books.. (Keepers of the Kingdom whichever way it's meant to be.. I'm on the fourth book and still don't know!)

Anyways hi joining in and all that.
Interesting to see your London tour.

Luvin all your disney pics.. Can't believe for two hot dog meals basically it was 20 euro

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Your 99 day party sounds fun and yummy Sheree! Have you managed to snag an October 'Ohana reservation? I try daily and nothing has opened up!

 

[eandesmom]

I can't believe I missed this update1

I have a HUGE soft spot in my heart for Casey Jr and Storybook circus from my childhood at Disneyland. So fun. BTMRR Paris sounds FABULOUS!!!

Some very quiet sections of the park huh?

That brat and pretzel roll look really really good to me right now, I'm starving!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Loved the 99 day party!! Great Idea,...one year we started the original 101 Dalmations book at our 101st day..it was a great read and the kids loved it... i may do it again this time..

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I was just going to post that! He's a villain in the Keys to the Kingdom books that Madison has read. I loved Fantasia as a kid, but Chernabog used to scare the pants off my little sister!!

The other castle you posted from Casey Jr. is Beast's castle!! Love that castle and can't wait to see it in the New Fantasyland at WDW!!!

Well, glad we got that straightened out. Love all the Disney experts here on the DIS!
Ah - Beast's castle! You'd think I'd know that since I've seen it about 1000 times!

That's how I remember his name!! I remember when the Chernobyl happened and that is stuck in my head--so his name is never at the forefront of my mind..only Chernobyl!

LOL!!

I do have a PTR going. It is/was for both trips this year. It's the second link in my signature. On the first post...the intro, towards the bottom it tells which page the Disney planning starts.

Thanks! I checked it out - now I'm checking out the Universal part of your TR from March - looks like fun!

Great update. Can't believe I totally missed it. I am loving the pictures. They are great. Wow - its like a whole other world. Those miniature castle and houses are so cute.

I love BTMMR - the description sounds so awesomely cool! Glad you were able to enjoy back to back rides.

Those hot dogs/ brats do look huge!

So looking forward to more.

Thanks - it was very cute - that Storybook was one of my favorite things there. Along with BTMRR, Phantom Manor, the castle...
Hopefully I can get another update out this weekend. BUSY week!

Sounds yummy! I am all about a salty pretzel.


Disney parties are the best! We have had an 'Ohana/Poly party and a Beach Club/Beaches and Cream party. Very fun!

I am interested in the animal rescue game, since Brooklynn is having an Animal Kingdom birthday party in August. Is it something that can be scaled down for 5-6 year olds?

Love the pretzels! Heck, we even get them at Target's snack bar!
Well, the animal rescue game was more of an animal TOSS game! We just had a couple small animals and took turns trying to toss them into little bins across the floor. We worked in pairs. So one would stand at the throwing spot, the other by the bin. Then if we threw it in the bin, the partner would take it and switch places for their turn. Sarah and I started slow, but we went on a hot streak and got like 7 or 8 in a row on our first toss, so we were running back and forth trading spots. Then Dave and Paige started cheating. It was quite funny!

That dragon dude is Chernabog. He's in the Kingdom Keepers books.. (Keepers of the Kingdom whichever way it's meant to be.. I'm on the fourth book and still don't know!)

Anyways hi joining in and all that.
Interesting to see your London tour.

Luvin all your disney pics.. Can't believe for two hot dog meals basically it was 20 euro

Hi! I should have know Chernabog since I read those first two KK books too! Yeah, I was warned that stuff was expensive, and I'd seen pictures of the menus. So we did a lot of sharing. It was rare that we'd buy four full meals.
I have about a million London pictures - I'll have to pare it down a bit and pick out the good stuff!

Your 99 day party sounds fun and yummy Sheree! Have you managed to snag an October 'Ohana reservation? I try daily and nothing has opened up!

Hey Kelli - thanks! We do have Ohana for Sunday 10/14 dinner. I was attempting to switch it to a different night and there was nothing else, so I left it alone. Too bad you won't be there yet (right?) or we could eat together!

I can't believe I missed this update1

I have a HUGE soft spot in my heart for Casey Jr and Storybook circus from my childhood at Disneyland. So fun. BTMRR Paris sounds FABULOUS!!!

Some very quiet sections of the park huh?

That brat and pretzel roll look really really good to me right now, I'm starving!

Glad you found it! Luckily, I don't do them too quickly, so you only missed the one!
It's funny - I went to DL when I was in high school, and the only things I remember is that I rode Matterhorn and Space Mountain! Granted, that was some time (ahem) ago, but still...
It almost seemed like that one section of the park was closed it was so deserted.
Pictures of food always look good when you're hungry, don't they? I should only read TRs AFTER I eat!

Loved the 99 day party!! Great Idea,...one year we started the original 101 Dalmations book at our 101st day..it was a great read and the kids loved it... i may do it again this time..

Thanks - Oh, 101 would be so cool! What a good idea! You can't be too far away can you? You're just a couple weeks or so after me right?

 

[petals]

Yeah, I was warned that stuff was expensive, and I'd seen pictures of the menus. So we did a lot of sharing. It was rare that we'd buy four full meals.

I may look up the menu's and that. I'm going in November only good thing is because i'm in Ireland I don't have to change currency but bad thing then is I know exactly how expensive it is as opposed to trying to convert it to another currency!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I think we are 4 weeks exactly behind you! my ticker is in the 3s now!!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hey Kelli - thanks! We do have Ohana for Sunday 10/14 dinner. I was attempting to switch it to a different night and there was nothing else, so I left it alone. Too bad you won't be there yet (right?) or we could eat together!

No, we won't be there until the next evening. (15th) Bummer! I'll keep on trying!

 

[the_princess]

Great TR... I'm looking forward to more

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great TR... I'm looking forward to more

and thank you! More is on the way!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Still on March 5!!!

I can’t believe I haven’t gotten us through this day yet!
Do they look cold to you?

I have to apologize if I happen to repeat a picture - I am just too lazy to go back and figure out if I already posted some. That's what I get for being less than organized and slow to get my updates up (I forget!).
The back side of the castle.

So – we’re off to Discoveryland!

Which is where you will find Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Orbitron, Star Tours, Captain EO, Autopia and Les Mysteres du Nautilus (sort of a walk through submarine thing – but it was closed). No one in our group was interested in Space Mountain, EO or Star Tours. We thought about Space for a while and toyed with the idea, but Sarah kept hearing people screaming and said “NO WAY”!
Space Mountain

Nautilus - or NOTilus!

So first thing we did was get FPs for Buzz. We got in line for Autopia (the “speedway”) and had about a 30 minute wait. It was really getting windy, and the queue was winding around – certain parts were less windy. Paige and I rode together, and Sarah went with DH.

It was fun, but it was outside – so we were more than ready to head back to use our FPs on an INSIDE ride – Buzz! We got in the FP line and waited our turn. At the point where the two lines converge, when we got to the front, the CM was a bit impatient and waved us to go in – saying something in French like “esh, esh” ! Never heard that before or since, and still don’t know what it meant. I thought maybe like “go go” or “hurry”, but my translation app didn’t have that or anything sounding like it. Oh well. Anyone know some French that it could be?

Eagle was ready to take on Zurg!!

I can't even tell if that's me or DH on that ride picture!! OY!

After we rode Buzz, we decided we’d had enough of the wind. We headed back toward Main Street. People were gathering for the Once Upon a Dream Parade, and Sarah was DYING to get some ice cream. So we headed to the ice cream shop on the corner. It was EMPTY. No one eating or working there! It was connected to the bakery, so we went there to find a treat. We got a package of Mickey cakes, donuts and a souvenir mug of hot chocolate.

I guess this is the guy making our hot chocolate! I don't remember taking this picture!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

cont.

Found more Autopia photos! (Here I go again with my lack of organization)

Paige was driving! 6 more years for real!

The parade was starting, so we sat inside and watched. We could see the tops of the floats, and the girls went out to sneak peeks between people. DH videoed over the heads. It seemed kind of short, but I really don’t know how long it lasted. It started at 5, and the park stayed open until 8.

Simba was looking the other way!

But a lot of people were leaving because of the rain. We made our way through the shops where I spotted a great hoodie that I thought I might purchase on this trip, but for tonight I let it stay in the store. I guess I didn't take any pictures on this shopping excursion. But don't worry - I have plenty from other days!!

We decided to walk out and go into the Disneyland Hotel and explore. It is just gorgeous! So pretty – and it was one of those places that had a scent – (a good one!) very fresh smelling. We saw their Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (it wasn’t open) and some shops to browse through.

The lobby - reminds me of Grand Floridian!

Aren't these cool?

Paige had another sighting of a stuffed Marie in the store – and another session of begging to get it. We held her off today!

I think Dave was glad they weren't open knowing how much it costs!!

Part of me wished we were staying there! It was just so PRETTY!!! We walked by the restaurants and a lounge/bar and it looked so nice!

We walked back through Disney Village looking for some dinner. Paige and I shared a long baguette ham and cheese sandwich with chips and drink for 10 euro. D stopped and got McDonald’s for Sarah (!!!). We just took it back to the room to eat.
No pictures I guess. You've seen McDonald's food before anyway.

Then we went to the lobby to ask the concierge about the excursion to Versailles. I really wanted to see it, but didn’t know what was all included in the trip, how long it would take, etc. I was concerned that we would be locked in to being there all day and what if the girls (or DH) got bored? Turns out we’d go from 8:30 to 5 and it would cost about $250. I wasn’t sure there was a cheaper way to do it on our own, and that seemed like a LOT of $. We decided to forego that trip. I felt sort of bad, because it is one of those places that I wanted to see, and thought we should, but I eventually got over it. This trip was supposed to be on a moderate budget, and I couldn’t justify spending that much $$ and dragging my kids to see a palace and gardens, especially if the weather was crummy.

So we headed to the pool! I had done my research, and knew it would be deep. But NOT THAT DEEP!!! It says 5 feet. (Maybe they meant meters?) DH stood flat footed and it was on his forehead!!! Now he’s not that tall, but he’s at least 5’ 6”. Plus, another big bummer – the dang hot tub was closed! BOO! That’s what I was looking forward to doing – soaking and warming up. So the kids got some floaties (at least those were available) and DH swam with them for a while. I wasn’t going to bother getting wet if I wasn’t in the hot tub. After they got tired out, we headed up to the room to call it a night around 9 p.m.

Since we passed on Versailles, we are going to spend tomorrow at Walt Disney Studios!! Anyone want to guess how the weather is?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Missed a couple replies!

I may look up the menu's and that. I'm going in November only good thing is because i'm in Ireland I don't have to change currency but bad thing then is I know exactly how expensive it is as opposed to trying to convert it to another currency!

I would do that - at least you'll have an idea of how expensive it is!! I gave up trying to do the math after a while. I knew it was expensive, but I think WDW is more expensive than non-disney places too, so it's just something I had to live with!

I think we are 4 weeks exactly behind you! my ticker is in the 3s now!!!!

WOOHOO!! Mine starts with a 2 now! Doesn't that feel better?

No, we won't be there until the next evening. (15th) Bummer! I'll keep on trying!

Shoot! Good luck! I'm sure something will open up!

 

[MEK]

The Disneyland Hotel IS gorgeous. Funny how so many things you saw were closed, like the hot tub at your hotel. WT...?

The parade looks really neat and so does Buzz Lightyear. It's so cool how all the attractions look so polished and new.

Was that French CM getting rude with you????

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was a couple updates behind - that hot dog/brat on the pretzel bread looks delicious! Even at 6:30 AM!

It's so fun seeing the park - I see elements from Disneyland in there!

I'm guessing the weather the next day was beautiful-perfect if you would have gone to Versailles.

 

[petals]

I would do that - at least you'll have an idea of how expensive it is!! I gave up trying to do the math after a while. I knew it was expensive, but I think WDW is more expensive than non-disney places too, so it's just something I had to live with!

I was looking last night and getting scared of the prices!

WDW counter service isn't to bad the table service are expensive but coming from Ireland we find America cheaper in general especially with merchandise like Mickey Mouse plushie in WDW is 18 dollars which is about 12 euro ish. Over here same mickey mouse except with disney store on his foot is 30 euro so bout 35-40 ish dollars! it's mental. We always go to America with a half empty suitcase and go to outlets and stock up on jeans and hoodies and the likes because the price difference is crazy...

Having said all that I can see from photos I'm going to have a problem picking one plushie from paris

 

[Mndisneygirl]

The Disneyland Hotel IS gorgeous. Funny how so many things you saw were closed, like the hot tub at your hotel. WT...?

The parade looks really neat and so does Buzz Lightyear. It's so cool how all the attractions look so polished and new.

Was that French CM getting rude with you????

Yeah, I'm not sure if it was supposed to be the "off" season or what. I think the hot tub may have been closed for other reasons.
Yeah, the park just celebrated 20 years, so it is relatively new. I thought the parade was cute.
The CM - I wasn't sure if she was rude, it sounded like it! She was rushing us through for sure! But then again, she was French!! HA!

I was a couple updates behind - that hot dog/brat on the pretzel bread looks delicious! Even at 6:30 AM!

It's so fun seeing the park - I see elements from Disneyland in there!

I'm guessing the weather the next day was beautiful-perfect if you would have gone to Versailles.

Glad you're caught up! I'm about to update again!! HA!
I'm looking forward to seeing DL in 2014 and comparing. I'll have to check out your TR!
Well, the weather had plans of its own this trip.

I was looking last night and getting scared of the prices!

WDW counter service isn't to bad the table service are expensive but coming from Ireland we find America cheaper in general especially with merchandise like Mickey Mouse plushie in WDW is 18 dollars which is about 12 euro ish. Over here same mickey mouse except with disney store on his foot is 30 euro so bout 35-40 ish dollars! it's mental. We always go to America with a half empty suitcase and go to outlets and stock up on jeans and hoodies and the likes because the price difference is crazy...

Having said all that I can see from photos I'm going to have a problem picking one plushie from paris

Yeah, the prices for the sit down places definitely were too high for us. We did not buy a meal plan (frankly it was confusing and just weird to me), so we ate counter service all the way. You have the benefit of stronger currency than we do. We just had to suck it up and spend our money. And it was pretty much all worth every penny!!

Just wait until you see all the pictures from the rest of the stores! You will be amazed at the stuff!!! I was okay that Paige picked Marie as the one she wanted because Marie is French, after all. But she has a small Marie at home. I thought it was silly to buy something we already had. Of course, her answer was, I need a big one from FRANCE, cuz she's FRENCH! She should go into marketing, that girl. She can sell it!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, we woke up and got to breakfast around 8 a.m. and had to wait a few minutes to be seated. Once we pigged out on chocolate croissants, or pain au chocolat, depending on your preferred language, we got ready to go and headed out. I was tired since I kept waking up during the night.

Of course it was raining! – there was a little peek of sun and we briefly rejoiced at that sight, but it didn’t stick around. It was drizzly most of the morning. We stopped at McDonalds for drinks and a minute or two of WiFi (so I could update on FB and check the weather). Then we headed to …


WALT DISNEY STUDIOS!!!

At this park it is a lot like DHS in theme – I suppose that’s rather obvious! Oddly enough, the Les Tapis Volants (Flying Carpets over Agrahbah) are in this park. It didn’t seem like it should be there, since it’s in Adventureland at MK. But they have a few things there that no one else has.

The Park is organized into four sections: Front Lot, Toon Studio, Back Lot and Production Courtyard. When you enter the park, you walk around a statue and fountain area before entering Studio 1 in the Front Lot.

There were some walls around the center area - I think they were replacing some bricks.

This building has information, guest services, shops and restaurants - some sit down, some food court style. There's a Hollywood Brown Derby!

Actually it's just an entrance. The food court is back behind there. Too bad, eh?

It’s decorated like a Hollywood set.

There's Walt and Mickey!

Looking around...

See anything familiar?

Where should we start?

We made our way through there and headed toward Toon Studio.

We thought we would go inside and see Animagique, a black lit show that is about 20 minutes long. But since there was some time before the next show, we hopped over to ride the flying carpets first! That was fun, even with a little drizzle! We just kept our hoods up!

Empty queue for Aladdin!

Animagique is a cute show, lots of music and the storyline was a little bit like Philharmagic.

The rest of Toon Studio has a great section of Pixar stuff, including this cool looking coaster ride – Crush’s Coaster. I figured we might not be up for it, and knew it would be closed during our visit, so we just took some pictures. The outside theming is so cool – reminds me of what they did at the Art of Animation resort.

We rode the Cars Quatre Roues Rallye – which is based on the Cars movie (duh) and was like riding a scrambler. That was a bit much for me, but the kids LOVED it.

Pictures from the queue

cont. in next post...