A skip across the pond - DLP/UK Trip Report

[absolut_mandy]

We had an early start this morning. Our train was at 10 am but we were concerned about getting into London before the rush hour hit. We arrived at St. Pancras Station with lots of time to spare. We walked over to the check in area and it was chaos. We heard over the annoucements that the checking was not for our train so we headed over to get some breakfast and check out the station.

Here are a couple of pics around the station:

We were lucky to be on the Eurostar that went straight to Marne la Vallee. As you can imagine this was a train full of families and it was a great atmosphere. Any of you that have ever traveled with yoru family, you kno no matter how organized you think you are, travelling is crazy. Luckily while we were in line a Eurostar employee came up to us and asked if were knew the process for the check in and proceeded to tell us what the next steps are. The most important tidbit that she mentioned was to ensure that we picked Ciara up a travel pack at the information booth. The information pack was a little bag with Mickey on it. In the bag was an activity book (for the train and in the park), a pencil crayon and a puzzle. It was a nice touch from Disney and Eurostar.

We only waited about a half an hour until we boared the train and set off to DLP.

The ride on the train was smooth sailing. Both Duffy and Ciara looked out the window a bit but the travel pack kept her busy most of the trip. We had a couple of stops in England but then set off in the chunnel.

What was Ciara's reaction? Nothing. She noticed that it was dark out but kind shrugged her shoulders when I asked if she thought that it was cool that we were under the water. I always find it amazing that we think that something would be great for a kid and they have no reaction. I did make her pose for a pic under the Channel though (sorry about the flash)

up next DLP info

 

[absolut_mandy]

Before I go into our adventure at DLP, I want to be clear that I love DLP. I love France and if I could, France would be the place I would move to. If I seem critical of things, I don't want to people to be offended. I feel that I am fortunate to have WDW as my "home" park and I know that people are fiercely protective of their home park but it is impossible not to compare them. This is why I love to read trip reports b/c you learn what people like and dislike about certain parks. Thanks for being patient with my opinions.

Booking the hotel : We booked our trip from the DLP website when they had a 40% off sale with a Eurostar promotion. My sister and I have been to DLP twice before and each time we stayed on site. I find the perks of on site are great and really too easy. The first time that we visited DLP, we stayed at the Sequoia Lodge and the second time we stayed at the Sante Fe. Both of the hotels are completely different. Our stay at the Sante Fe was okay. Nothing special to us b/c to us, it is lacking the Disney theming that we love so much! The main reason that we stayed there was b/c the price was right. We woudl stay there again but it would have to be significantly less money.

So this time, we decided to go back to the Sequoia Lodge. We loved our stay the last time we were there and it has a pool/hot tub - the 2 things that Ciara would love! I will give a more detailed report on the room in a couple of posts.

Booking with the DLP website was easy for me b/c I didn't do it. My sister is a UK resident so she arranged the whole booking. The main reason that we booked the trip through DLP is b/c the Eurostar was included in the quote. The perk for this is that on the train, a rep from DLP gives you your tickets and magical express tags on the train (so that you can drop you luggage and go straight to the parks). The magical express process is really easy. Once the train arrives, you follow all of the other families with luggage to the top floor of the station and drop your bags off at the hotel drop off point.

up next: An afternoon at DLP and a dinner with a mouse

 

[Disney_Mama]

So exciting.... Thanks for sharing.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Lovin' the updates! Keep them coming!

 

[Debbie]

So cool! I didn't know that there was a direct train from London to DLP....and with Disney reps! Thanks for bringing me along on your trip!

 

[hcoker1]

I'm excited to learn more about DLP. We are travelling to Europe next summer (to see battlesites....) so maybe I can convince DH for a one day stop.