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

[MeMom]

Brag away! You have every right to be proud.

It's neat to see pictures of Disney things that I have never seen and most likely never will.

The room was about normal-sized, but my claustrophobia makes me 'need' either a balcony or a door that can open to the outside. That's the thing that will keep me from staying in an Art of Animation suite, most likely.

Your Earl of Sandwich pictures made me long for our first visit of the this trip to DTD.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Congratulations to both girls! Their accomplishments are awesome!

What exactly is the dad's dance?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Congratulations to both girls! Their accomplishments are awesome!

What exactly is the dad's dance?

Ah, the dad's dance! The dads actually go on stage with the girls and do a few "moves" and then the girls leave and the dads dance as a group! This year they "danced" to Eye of the Tiger! It was HYSTERICAL!!! They did pretty well, and seemed to mostly know what they were doing. They had practiced on Friday evenings for about 2 months, so they should know it!

My dancing girls (no dad in the pictures!)

Thank you all - it was very fun and exciting around here this weekend! I just had to share with my DIS family!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

aw! They are beautiful!! And look at Sarah's teeth!! They are looking great!!!!
I am so glad we have been finished with ballet for a few weeks...we were worn out! LOL!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Awesome update Sheree! Everything looks super cool. I can't wait to see more!! Thanks for sharing all the great pics. Your hotel looks nice!

Thanks! We thought the hotel was pretty good. Of course Disneyland Hotel is the DREAM place to stay!

Fabulous pictures. This is so exciting

Thanks! It's more exciting when we actually get inside the park! HA!

Great update!
I'm loving all the pictures, so exciting to actually be heading into Disneyland Paris!!!!

Can't wait for the next update and the big answer to POTC!!!

Thank you. I still pinch myself that we actually went to Paris! I'll try not to keep you all in POTC suspense much longer!

Got way behind here but making the most of our extra holiday (to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee) and catching up on the Dis

Seeing your DLP pictures is making me want to go back - but even from the UK it's pricey and even the fuzzy Disney maths isn't helping

Did you go into Annettes Diner in the Disney Village? The theming is great and there are waitresses on roller skates!

Looking forward to your next update - and I think I might have the answer to the POTC question

Well, you didn't miss much! I enjoyed a little bit of the jubilee too!
We never did make it into Annette's. Saw from outside, and tried to go tot he takeout window - but no one was ever there. That door was locked. It was odd. It looked cute and the menu looked like something we'd have liked.

POTC - I just HAD to get on that ride before it closed!!!

Cool stuff. Its so interesting to see the similarities and the differences. It's also so cool that you could walk to everything. The Disneyland Hotel (is that the name?) does look very, very cool and how fun to have an entrance there to the park.

Looking forward to more!

I loved comparing everything to "our" parks. I did try to appreciate the differences. I hope that some of their stuff comes to us!
Yes, that is the Disneyland Hotel. It's beautiful - I'll have some pictures from inside later.

Wow! How neat. Love your report. Can't wait to see if you rode pirates.

Thanks! I hope to keep up a little better on updating.

Awesome! Love the bedding in your room! The whole place looks really neat. Funny how everything in France is American themed, but I guess the French don't want French theming since they live that every day. The DL hotel looks wonderful too!

It's so funny to see the same places over there that are here, like EoS. I know you said the sandwich tasted the same, but it had to be better in Paris! Just think... you had an Italian sandwich in Paris, staying at a NY hotel! Multicuturalism at it's finest!!!

Yeah, it was pretty interesting to see the NY stuff and American themes around the parks etc. But then of course, you go into Paris, and it's a whole other world! (In a good way!)
I suppose for them it's like I feel when I go to World Showcase - I get a "taste" of other countries. They get the Disney America stuff.
Multiculturalism! Yeah, that's it!!! Good one! Just for the record, the mocha at Starbucks tasted the same too.

Oh I love the Disneyland Hotel.

We were at HNY 2 weeks ago, and while we enjoyed it it was no where near as nice as the WDW deluxes or the DLH.

Looking forward to seeing how you enjoyed PotC, we know WDWs is a lot older, but the Paris one is sooooo much better in our opinion.

Oh, how I wish I could have stayed there too! It is so beautiful! Yeah, HNY was nice enough, but definitely on par with the Moderates at WDW.
POTC - I'll try to get to the answers to that soon. I have heard many others say that DLP and DL versions are better than WDWs.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Brag away! You have every right to be proud.

It's neat to see pictures of Disney things that I have never seen and most likely never will.

The room was about normal-sized, but my claustrophobia makes me 'need' either a balcony or a door that can open to the outside. That's the thing that will keep me from staying in an Art of Animation suite, most likely.

Your Earl of Sandwich pictures made me long for our first visit of the this trip to DTD.

Sorry, I missed this one!
Thank you - I'm happy to share my experiences and pictures - I know not everyone gets to travel to Europe - I feel very fortunate and blessed. But of course, now I want to travel to even more places!!
There is something about having that access to the outside isn't there? Do the AofA suites open only to the inside hallway? I haven't researched it much although I saw some pictures on someone's (yours?) thread today of the pool and check-in areas that look beautiful!!
Your EOS is coming very soon!! Do you have a favorite there? I always seem to get the Italian. It's served me well...

 

[Charleston Princess]

The dad's dance does sound hysterical!!! I love that they practiced on Fridays even!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Congrats to your girls! That's awesome they they are so good at math. That will take them far in life. I know you are very, very proud!

I want to see that Dad's dance.

 

[michellekcm]

Just saw this - and am loving your trip report. We head over to England, Paris, and Disneyland Paris next week, and can't wait.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Sheree, the girls are so pretty! I'm glad the dancing went so well.

Your EoS looks GOOD!!! Yum! Cannot wait to hear even more!

 

[MeMom]

Sorry, I missed this one!
Thank you - I'm happy to share my experiences and pictures - I know not everyone gets to travel to Europe - I feel very fortunate and blessed. But of course, now I want to travel to even more places!!
There is something about having that access to the outside isn't there? Do the AofA suites open only to the inside hallway? I haven't researched it much although I saw some pictures on someone's (yours?) thread today of the pool and check-in areas that look beautiful!!
Your EOS is coming very soon!! Do you have a favorite there? I always seem to get the Italian. It's served me well...

I really would love to even see the western half of the United States, for starters.

The suites only open to the hallways. We will stay in the Little Mermaid section, where the rooms are like Pop's. I can do interior halls, if there is a balcony, like at WL and AKL. I need access to open air.

My favorite Earl creation is the special holiday sandwich.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Just saw this - and am loving your trip report. We head over to England, Paris, and Disneyland Paris next week, and can't wait.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.

and thank you! I'll try to get a few more pics up for you before you leave!! I hope you have a great trip! Please come back and tell me how it was!

Sheree, the girls are so pretty! I'm glad the dancing went so well.

Your EoS looks GOOD!!! Yum! Cannot wait to hear even more!

Thank you! It's a lot of fun and I really love watching them dance. We went back and watched some of the previous recital DVDs and it's pretty amazing how much they've learned and improved.

I like that EOS sandwich. I have a hard time picking anything else!

I really would love to even see the western half of the United States, for starters.

The suites only open to the hallways. We will stay in the Little Mermaid section, where the rooms are like Pop's. I can do interior halls, if there is a balcony, like at WL and AKL. I need access to open air.

My favorite Earl creation is the special holiday sandwich.

Yes, we are heading west next summer on our way to Alaska! We're driving out to Vancouver (assuming I can take a big chunk of time off) and stopping a couple places on the way to and/or from.
I don't blame you - I think it just feels better to have that open air! I've been seeing pictures etc of AofA and it looks so cute! I am going to stop over there in October for a visit!

The holiday sandwich - that's the one with the turkey and cranberry? I bet that's good!

Okay, I'm getting the next update ready! It's a rainy day, so I'm staying in and we will get into the park!!! FINALLY!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Heading into the park!!

We made our way inside and found ourselves walking right down the middle of Main Street USA!
Well, you know the song, start singing with me!!

Just like at WDW - construction walls! The center was barricaded for what apparently was some stuff they were doing to prepare for the 20th anniversary celebration for April (Dang, we just missed it!)

I spy a castle!!!

Around the other side of the walled area. The castle is absolutely stunning! It's so whimsical and colorful - just wait til you see the pictures I got on a sunny day! It's fabulous!!!

I felt like I was in sort of a dream of WDW, because it was so familiar, but still different.
We took a few pictures on the way in, but I knew which way we were heading…to Adventureland!

Isn't the entry cool?? Just inside there is the Aladdin attraction - Le Passage Enchante' d'Aladdin. More on that later on.

We found our way to Pirates! There was a 30 minute wait, and while I normally think that’s a long wait, I didn’t care. I knew we only had one day to ride POTC so we got in line. Around the outside of the entrance is a pirate ship, Skull Rock, and an beach/play area you can explore. Some of it was closed off but it looked really cool. The queue for POTC is well themed – dark and cave like, cool effects.
Skull Rock

Inside the queue - looking down at the loading area. There were lots of little places to take photos.

The ride – WOW! I loved it!! It’s longer than the ride at WDW and has 2 drops. It was so much fun! I have to say it’s better than WDW’s version. No Johnny Depp in this one though, so that could be considered a negative to some. We all enjoyed it, and decided we’d wander around a little bit more.

It had started to rain a bit, so it wasn’t the most pleasant day, but we obviously didn’t care! We went back around to Fantasyland and rode It’s a Small World. Here the entrance is outside (covered by umbrella like structures) and the ride has different countries/areas in the rooms than those at WDW. Ireland, China, The UNITED STATES…it was cool. I also thought this was better than at WDW, but it may just have been the differences and the fact that the WDW version is one I’ve done many times.

The covered queue

cont. in next post...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

More IASW pictures:

We then went over and rode Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains – Snow White to us English speakers! It was cute, but seemed very short.

Luckily there wasn’t much of a line. I think people were getting lined up to watch the parade. We saw some of it coming out of the backstage area next to IASW and it looked cute, but we figured we’d see it on another day. Plus it was raining.

To the left in the picture is the gate from backstage where the parade comes out. I guess these people were waiting already.

Next we hopped in a short line for Les Voyages de Pinocchio – this was also cute and short. The queue could be longer than the ride easily here.

After this, we decided that we had had enough of getting wet for today. Paige was wearing fuzzy UGG-type boots, that weren’t really very waterproof, despite having been sprayed. (I think I ran out) and so she was getting wet feet.

A view of the castle from the Fantasyland side. They have a sword in the stone too!

Nope, it didn't come out!


Inside the castle

I found out later (much later - like last week...) that you can go upstairs inside the castle and there are some beautiful stained glass windows with the Sleeping Beauty story. Guess I'll have to go back!!

After this, we decided that we had had enough of getting wet for today. Paige was wearing fuzzy UGG-type boots, that weren’t really very waterproof, despite having been sprayed. (I think I ran out) and so she was getting wet feet.

We did go inside a shop in Disneyland – I honestly don’t remember which one, it might have been in the castle, and found a cute figurine – Mickey and the Eiffel Tower! I can't find the picture at the moment, but I'll add it later on!
Little did I know they sold them at EPCOT! Sheesh! It even says Disneyland Paris on it!
Back at the hotel, Dave found some of the DLP merchandise was 50% off – so he got a hooded sweatshirt.
We decided we’d check out the pool. It’s nothing special – just a big rectangle. Good sized hot tub though. Problem is, we got there and it was CLOSED. They didn’t seem to want to say why, but it was going to be closed for at least 2 hours, which to me means that they had to disinfect something. GRRRR!

So we headed back to the room, got the kids bathed and to bed. I had a nasty headache (probably the weather attacking my sinuses) and a sore neck. I just can’t carry so much stuff in my park bag across my shoulder I guess. Dave was very nice, and helped massage some of my knots out of my neck!!!

Tomorrow – More Disneyland fun!!

I'm annoyed at this Reply thing. I keep trying to change the font and color and size and it won't let me. Maybe I can do it as an edit after I post....We'll see.
ETA:
Nope - That didn't work. Dang. Time for a break I guess. I hope the pictures all turn the right way too. I swear I rotated them!!!

ETA2: Yay! My drop downs work now! All better!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Awesome update Sheree!

The castle looks beautiful. Loving all the pictures and descriptions, I feel like I am right there with you!! I wish you would have had a nicer day. It looks so nasty! I hope you have sunnier days to come.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Nice update!

Now....can you send some of that rain that's keeping you inside our way? We are close to drought-like conditions around here and desperately need the rain! We're stating to water the lawn, only because people are starting to set off fireworks already.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Great pictures of DLP! I remember reading one of Emma's TR's about her time at DLP. That castle is SO beautiful!!! Of course, I'll always love Cinderella Castle, but the DLP castle is definately second. The one at Disneyland is just so small in comparison.

 

[ClaireW]

Glad you enjoyed POTC - I think the DLP version is more exciting too!
And the extra American parts of IASW are fun as well.

I'm looking forward to seeing those castle pictures taken when the sun is shining. I love the look of the DLP castle and we have a fabulous photo of it taken on a sunny day but many of our DLP photos looked a bit like yours from this latest update - grey and wet
I think the Florida sunshine is a major factor in our decisions to visit WDW, even though DLP is an awful lot closer!

It looks like you're taking it easy, knowing you can just pop back into the park to catch a parade another time, and that's one of the nicest things about DLP - it's so small there's never any need to tour commando style there

 

[dato63]

I'm working on a London/Paris vacation for 2014 - so am really enjoying your report. Your pics of Sleeping Beauty's castle have me so excited to see it in person.

Thank you for sharing and I can't wait for the next installment.

Deb

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I bet it is kind of like a dream. Similar yet so different! What a neat place to experience! Great update Sheree!