jillrobinson
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2005
- Messages
- 6,953
I have been nagged into cracking on with Day Two so a little late but here goes. Reid could you add them to the Trip Reports for me please, part one is here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1649307 Thanks.
The Cast:
Jill (me) DS Jamie and DS Liam, sister Ann and niece Jessie.
Sunday morning and I was awake before our 6.30 call, I love waking up in Disney and the beds are so comfortable, I decided to get up, shower and be all ready so the boys could have the bathroom to themselves. In anticipation of us not falling over each other now, I changed their alarm to 6.45am, what a kind mum I am !
It took me a while to get going, everything was so stiff - the none stop walking yesterday had taken it's toll on my knees and ankles, luckily Ann had thought to bring some strong painkillers, which came in very handy.
By the time Goofy called I was ready, plus I had the boys clothes put out and my bag sorted for the day, I wondered if Jessie would get up given the previous late night, but pretty soon I heard her in the room next door and we were all down at breakfast by 7.15am.
By the time the announcement came over that "Disneyland Park is now open" we were already getting ready to leave the hotel.
Initial plan was that Ann and the boys weren't taking their coats, until we got halfway down the lake, it wasn't very pleasant this morning dark, drizzly and cold, so Ann & Jamie went back to get them whilst me, Liam and Jessie carried on to the park, stopping in an almost empty village for a photoshoot. Through the window of Cafe Miceky we watched as Prince John and Robin Hood squared upto each other, giving the breakfast diners quite a performance.
When we got to the park entrance I realised I had Ann's hotel ID in my purse, which she'd need for the EMH, so we had to wait for those 2 to arrive before we could make our way in. I had brought the camcorder today although I don't think Spielberg has a lot to worry about! Having finally made a decision on today's main meal I called into City Hall, firstly the CM didn't know anything about the Steakhouse Character brunch but a colleague found it, then it came up fully booked on the computer and although he tried ringing the restaurant for me there was no reply. So a change of plan was in order, we had to have a character meal because Jessie needed to say thankyou to Minnie for her postcard, Minnie hadn't shown up at Cafe Mickey last night, it was going to have to be the Lucky Nugget, which some of you may have read previously my sister didn't like last time, although my DS's rank it as their favourite restaurant.
As per Jessie's request we headed straight for Peter Pan, then I braved the Teacups !
and then we waited to film Jessie and Ann on Dumbo.
It was over to Buzz for another pop at Emperor Zurg before heading back to Frontierland to book the Lucky Nugget and thankfully they could fit us in. We joined the queue to watch Mickey's Winter Wonderland show and I was blown away by it, the first time I'd been in this theatre and what a fabulous show, everyone was agreed on that.
When the show finished we had a about 3/4hour to kill before lunch.
Jessie decided to go and see Santa, whilst me and the boys did BTM. Jessie changed her mind about Santa when the other Jessie turned up at her photoshoot and by all accounts they legged it over there for an autograph and photos, in actual fact Jessie did mention that she didn't think it was the real Santa, because he wasn't fat enough, adding that perhaps he'd been to Slimming World like mum!
I did a little shopping in Frontierland, lots of NBC stuff for the boys Christmas stockings and a lovely Santa Jack Skellington for the top of my dining room Christmas tree. Liam fancied a Cowboy hat at 65 euros but I managed to steer him away to a more reasonably priced one which meant he'd be able to have the rifle too - phew !!! I noticed that there were some limited edition pins in a box behind the counter and Yessssssssss they had the October released Maleficent one, Jamie settled for a couple of POTC pins. We came out just in time to catch up with the others and headed over to the Lucky Nugget, boy it was busy, there were already half a dozen families waiting, but I handed over my little reservation slip and we were seated almost straight away and right next to the stage, just where the characters come down. Our waiter was lovely and brought me a fabulous "Phantom Manor" cocktail, it's a spooky green colour and it tastes divine, I have a thing for Disney cocktails in case you didn't know. LOL. The meal was perfect, even Ann was won over, and Jessie got to meet lots more characters, collect autographs and say "Thankyou" to Minnie for her postcard. I've posted a little report and a couple of pics, in the restaurant thread.
I had a tap on the shoulder from this guy as I was taking photos of the food, Jessie was helping me by opening up the trays, goodness knows what he thought. LOL
It was 3.15pm and I was determined to stake out my spot for the Christmas OUAD, so Jessie and I made our way out to Main Street with the others choosing to stay behind to ride BTM and PM. We got a nice spot on the pavement at the entrance to Frontierland, which along with a lovely French family next to me I fought to keep for the next 1/2 hour. How rude and inconsiderate people are, with young children sat on the pavement they still insist on crossing over and pushing through, I can't imagine how many little fingers get trodden on. The lady next to me had a rather heated altercation with someone behind in French and I spent the rest of the time trying not to fall forward with a buggy rammed into the back of my legs, I didn't dare move because I knew I'd be shunted forward off the pavement and we'd end up having to move, so it was legs apart and brace yourself. Eventually we had a couple of female CM's turn up whose job appeared to be to stop people crossing over the road, this of course only works when people listen to them, and I'd say 60% chose not to including a group of 4, 30 something men who thought it was funny that 2 of their group managed to dodge past the CM's and squeeze through by us, however despite their calling and encouraging the other 2 in the group to do the same, they didn't get past the rather large male CM who had arrived and who I got the feeling had been called in to help manage the situation.
Anyway the music had started and just as I could see Mickey & Minnie coming around the castle, Jessie says "I've got a nosebleed" and poor thing she wasn't joking. luckily she was so excited by the parade that she was happy to watch whilst I pinched her nose and managed to get it to stop temporarily, her nosebleeds can be really bad and she sometimes gets quite upset, so I was relieved as I didn't see how we would be able to get out of the crowd if I couldn't stop it, there and then for her. The parade was wonderful we had a super view, if I'd known the princess stop was just by Adventureland we would have gone a little further upto watch, as it was, they didn't come down quite as far as us, which was a shame as Jessie was enthralled by it all. I was a little disappointed at the Chante C'est Noel mix, I had been so looking forward to hearing the song for real, having listened to it so many times at home.
After the parade we managed to find the others and headed back over to Discoveryland for Buzz, then I did a little more filming whilst the others went into the Nautilus, Discoveryland is superb at night with it's futuristic lighting this evening, accompanied by a red sky, it was "out of this world". We got the train to Main Street, where a discussion ensued on our next movements, with some of the group wanting to return to the hotel, to be honest, my feet, ankles, knees, back were all aching so much I knew that once I got in the hotel I wouldn't come back out, so I wanted to stick it out, especially as the Enchanted Candelabration was starting in half hour, (if only time would go as quickly when I'm in work as it does in Disneyland). I got my way and we headed back up Main Street, the ceremony had just started and it wasn't possible to get a good view but I was determined that Jessie would be able to see it, so she got up on my shoulders and guided me into place so she got a good view, she was thrilled when one of the party poppers exploded close by and she got to catch some of the streamers that she'd been asking me about that are caught in the trees there. I loved the Christmassy outfits Mickey and gang were wearing, very pretty and I heard Jessie gasp when the fairydust shot across the sky from Tinkerbell's wand, it is a fabulous feeling to experience these things through a child's eyes.
It seemed a fitting end to the holiday to watch Fantillusion from the Royal Castle Stage with some fresh Popcorn, and another nosebleed, which again I managed to stop temporarily, we had a super view and this is probably my favourite parade, I didn't take any photos though, I've tried before and they never do it any justice.
Then we had time for one very last ride on Buzz, to say this is now our favourite ride is an understatement and on this occasion Liam broke the family record scoring 344,399, putting his older brother to shame whose top score so far has been 255,399 and Liam will probably never let him forget it. Another nosebleed ensued but this time Ann was there to sort it out properly and once Jessie had passed quite a large clot it stopped completely.
We stopped off at Main Street for some beautiful glass Christmas Tree baubles the boys had fancied, which amazingly we got home intact and Jessie who hadn't spent her money yet, bought one of everything in the shop I'm sure.
At the sleigh and I took photos and it started to snow, we'd forgotten all about the snow, it was lovely, a perfect end with the DLH, Main Street Station and City Hall looking wondeful all lit up, it was a very beautiful scene.
We were all shattered by this time 12/14 hours park time is hard work, if we'd had another day I think I would've spent it in bed, we hobbled in and out shops up through the village and the Minnie Mouse train was waiting at Cafe Mickey. Despite the fact that everyone on the train was moaning at having to pay 2 euros to ride it, they did all agree with me that if the driver had asked for 10 or even 100 euros it would've been worth considering, so obviously everyone's feet were complaining as much as ours.
At the hotel I left everyone in the rooms and went to the shop.
I needed stamps for our postcards and to post them off from reception.
The bar area looked very inviting I must say and the temptation was very great, but I overcame it and went back to the room to pack, I passed Minnie on the way, who looked absolutely stunning in her Sequoia Lodge uniform.
All to soon it was morning, breakfast, one last quick look around the hotel and then outside ready for the coach home.
The trip home was long, for some reason we had different people on our coach and we ended up going a long way out of our way to drop them off, in fact we did 4 hours straight with no break from Dover, with a group at the back of the coach complaining it was cold, hence the heating was turned up for them and just as we finally turned into a service station, Liam was ill which wasn't very nice and embarressing for him. To give the Leger drivers their due, they were fabulous, obviously not the first time it's happened as they were more than prepared with mops and buckets and they got my cases out so we could get clean clothes, but I definately won't be going by coach again and I'm quite relieved that Leger have left Tesco's Clubcard Scheme, so I won't be tempted by the offer of a free holiday.
All in all I loved the Christmas Season, the shows were excellent and the decorations stunning, but I think I prefer Halloween, just for the feeling of fun in the park.
I hated the crowds, the pushing and the rudeness of so many people and the arrogance of those who completely disregarded the Cast Members, not nice at all, but the Park was as wonderful as always, characters, meals, Cast Members, service all top notch, if only I could get rid of the other guests it'd be perfect.
The Cast:
Jill (me) DS Jamie and DS Liam, sister Ann and niece Jessie.
Sunday morning and I was awake before our 6.30 call, I love waking up in Disney and the beds are so comfortable, I decided to get up, shower and be all ready so the boys could have the bathroom to themselves. In anticipation of us not falling over each other now, I changed their alarm to 6.45am, what a kind mum I am !
It took me a while to get going, everything was so stiff - the none stop walking yesterday had taken it's toll on my knees and ankles, luckily Ann had thought to bring some strong painkillers, which came in very handy.
By the time Goofy called I was ready, plus I had the boys clothes put out and my bag sorted for the day, I wondered if Jessie would get up given the previous late night, but pretty soon I heard her in the room next door and we were all down at breakfast by 7.15am.
By the time the announcement came over that "Disneyland Park is now open" we were already getting ready to leave the hotel.
Initial plan was that Ann and the boys weren't taking their coats, until we got halfway down the lake, it wasn't very pleasant this morning dark, drizzly and cold, so Ann & Jamie went back to get them whilst me, Liam and Jessie carried on to the park, stopping in an almost empty village for a photoshoot. Through the window of Cafe Miceky we watched as Prince John and Robin Hood squared upto each other, giving the breakfast diners quite a performance.
When we got to the park entrance I realised I had Ann's hotel ID in my purse, which she'd need for the EMH, so we had to wait for those 2 to arrive before we could make our way in. I had brought the camcorder today although I don't think Spielberg has a lot to worry about! Having finally made a decision on today's main meal I called into City Hall, firstly the CM didn't know anything about the Steakhouse Character brunch but a colleague found it, then it came up fully booked on the computer and although he tried ringing the restaurant for me there was no reply. So a change of plan was in order, we had to have a character meal because Jessie needed to say thankyou to Minnie for her postcard, Minnie hadn't shown up at Cafe Mickey last night, it was going to have to be the Lucky Nugget, which some of you may have read previously my sister didn't like last time, although my DS's rank it as their favourite restaurant.
As per Jessie's request we headed straight for Peter Pan, then I braved the Teacups !
and then we waited to film Jessie and Ann on Dumbo.
It was over to Buzz for another pop at Emperor Zurg before heading back to Frontierland to book the Lucky Nugget and thankfully they could fit us in. We joined the queue to watch Mickey's Winter Wonderland show and I was blown away by it, the first time I'd been in this theatre and what a fabulous show, everyone was agreed on that.
When the show finished we had a about 3/4hour to kill before lunch.
Jessie decided to go and see Santa, whilst me and the boys did BTM. Jessie changed her mind about Santa when the other Jessie turned up at her photoshoot and by all accounts they legged it over there for an autograph and photos, in actual fact Jessie did mention that she didn't think it was the real Santa, because he wasn't fat enough, adding that perhaps he'd been to Slimming World like mum!
I did a little shopping in Frontierland, lots of NBC stuff for the boys Christmas stockings and a lovely Santa Jack Skellington for the top of my dining room Christmas tree. Liam fancied a Cowboy hat at 65 euros but I managed to steer him away to a more reasonably priced one which meant he'd be able to have the rifle too - phew !!! I noticed that there were some limited edition pins in a box behind the counter and Yessssssssss they had the October released Maleficent one, Jamie settled for a couple of POTC pins. We came out just in time to catch up with the others and headed over to the Lucky Nugget, boy it was busy, there were already half a dozen families waiting, but I handed over my little reservation slip and we were seated almost straight away and right next to the stage, just where the characters come down. Our waiter was lovely and brought me a fabulous "Phantom Manor" cocktail, it's a spooky green colour and it tastes divine, I have a thing for Disney cocktails in case you didn't know. LOL. The meal was perfect, even Ann was won over, and Jessie got to meet lots more characters, collect autographs and say "Thankyou" to Minnie for her postcard. I've posted a little report and a couple of pics, in the restaurant thread.
I had a tap on the shoulder from this guy as I was taking photos of the food, Jessie was helping me by opening up the trays, goodness knows what he thought. LOL
It was 3.15pm and I was determined to stake out my spot for the Christmas OUAD, so Jessie and I made our way out to Main Street with the others choosing to stay behind to ride BTM and PM. We got a nice spot on the pavement at the entrance to Frontierland, which along with a lovely French family next to me I fought to keep for the next 1/2 hour. How rude and inconsiderate people are, with young children sat on the pavement they still insist on crossing over and pushing through, I can't imagine how many little fingers get trodden on. The lady next to me had a rather heated altercation with someone behind in French and I spent the rest of the time trying not to fall forward with a buggy rammed into the back of my legs, I didn't dare move because I knew I'd be shunted forward off the pavement and we'd end up having to move, so it was legs apart and brace yourself. Eventually we had a couple of female CM's turn up whose job appeared to be to stop people crossing over the road, this of course only works when people listen to them, and I'd say 60% chose not to including a group of 4, 30 something men who thought it was funny that 2 of their group managed to dodge past the CM's and squeeze through by us, however despite their calling and encouraging the other 2 in the group to do the same, they didn't get past the rather large male CM who had arrived and who I got the feeling had been called in to help manage the situation.
Anyway the music had started and just as I could see Mickey & Minnie coming around the castle, Jessie says "I've got a nosebleed" and poor thing she wasn't joking. luckily she was so excited by the parade that she was happy to watch whilst I pinched her nose and managed to get it to stop temporarily, her nosebleeds can be really bad and she sometimes gets quite upset, so I was relieved as I didn't see how we would be able to get out of the crowd if I couldn't stop it, there and then for her. The parade was wonderful we had a super view, if I'd known the princess stop was just by Adventureland we would have gone a little further upto watch, as it was, they didn't come down quite as far as us, which was a shame as Jessie was enthralled by it all. I was a little disappointed at the Chante C'est Noel mix, I had been so looking forward to hearing the song for real, having listened to it so many times at home.
After the parade we managed to find the others and headed back over to Discoveryland for Buzz, then I did a little more filming whilst the others went into the Nautilus, Discoveryland is superb at night with it's futuristic lighting this evening, accompanied by a red sky, it was "out of this world". We got the train to Main Street, where a discussion ensued on our next movements, with some of the group wanting to return to the hotel, to be honest, my feet, ankles, knees, back were all aching so much I knew that once I got in the hotel I wouldn't come back out, so I wanted to stick it out, especially as the Enchanted Candelabration was starting in half hour, (if only time would go as quickly when I'm in work as it does in Disneyland). I got my way and we headed back up Main Street, the ceremony had just started and it wasn't possible to get a good view but I was determined that Jessie would be able to see it, so she got up on my shoulders and guided me into place so she got a good view, she was thrilled when one of the party poppers exploded close by and she got to catch some of the streamers that she'd been asking me about that are caught in the trees there. I loved the Christmassy outfits Mickey and gang were wearing, very pretty and I heard Jessie gasp when the fairydust shot across the sky from Tinkerbell's wand, it is a fabulous feeling to experience these things through a child's eyes.
It seemed a fitting end to the holiday to watch Fantillusion from the Royal Castle Stage with some fresh Popcorn, and another nosebleed, which again I managed to stop temporarily, we had a super view and this is probably my favourite parade, I didn't take any photos though, I've tried before and they never do it any justice.
Then we had time for one very last ride on Buzz, to say this is now our favourite ride is an understatement and on this occasion Liam broke the family record scoring 344,399, putting his older brother to shame whose top score so far has been 255,399 and Liam will probably never let him forget it. Another nosebleed ensued but this time Ann was there to sort it out properly and once Jessie had passed quite a large clot it stopped completely.
We stopped off at Main Street for some beautiful glass Christmas Tree baubles the boys had fancied, which amazingly we got home intact and Jessie who hadn't spent her money yet, bought one of everything in the shop I'm sure.
At the sleigh and I took photos and it started to snow, we'd forgotten all about the snow, it was lovely, a perfect end with the DLH, Main Street Station and City Hall looking wondeful all lit up, it was a very beautiful scene.
We were all shattered by this time 12/14 hours park time is hard work, if we'd had another day I think I would've spent it in bed, we hobbled in and out shops up through the village and the Minnie Mouse train was waiting at Cafe Mickey. Despite the fact that everyone on the train was moaning at having to pay 2 euros to ride it, they did all agree with me that if the driver had asked for 10 or even 100 euros it would've been worth considering, so obviously everyone's feet were complaining as much as ours.
At the hotel I left everyone in the rooms and went to the shop.
I needed stamps for our postcards and to post them off from reception.
The bar area looked very inviting I must say and the temptation was very great, but I overcame it and went back to the room to pack, I passed Minnie on the way, who looked absolutely stunning in her Sequoia Lodge uniform.
All to soon it was morning, breakfast, one last quick look around the hotel and then outside ready for the coach home.
The trip home was long, for some reason we had different people on our coach and we ended up going a long way out of our way to drop them off, in fact we did 4 hours straight with no break from Dover, with a group at the back of the coach complaining it was cold, hence the heating was turned up for them and just as we finally turned into a service station, Liam was ill which wasn't very nice and embarressing for him. To give the Leger drivers their due, they were fabulous, obviously not the first time it's happened as they were more than prepared with mops and buckets and they got my cases out so we could get clean clothes, but I definately won't be going by coach again and I'm quite relieved that Leger have left Tesco's Clubcard Scheme, so I won't be tempted by the offer of a free holiday.
All in all I loved the Christmas Season, the shows were excellent and the decorations stunning, but I think I prefer Halloween, just for the feeling of fun in the park.
I hated the crowds, the pushing and the rudeness of so many people and the arrogance of those who completely disregarded the Cast Members, not nice at all, but the Park was as wonderful as always, characters, meals, Cast Members, service all top notch, if only I could get rid of the other guests it'd be perfect.
!
