Abbey's Birthday Trip - Day 1

[Ms Poppins]

Pre-trippie here

Abbey's Birthday Trip - Day 1

Sunday 6 May

The Cast
Me, Julie - 37
DH, John - 41
DD, Abbey - 15
DS, Lewis - 7

We started the morning nice and early to celebrate Abbey's Birthday She opened her presents and we sorted out some last minute packing before saying bye to Mark who was staying at home.

We left the house right on time at 1pm. It was a lovely sunny day and the pink blossom outside reminded me of DLH

Although we only live about 20 minutes drive from the airport, we had decided to park the car in the long stay car park as it was cheaper than a taxi and less hassle than asking family to drop us off or pick us up. We got the shuttle bus that the car park runs to the airport and were first in line when the check in desk opened to drop off our case We got through security and Lewis watched some planes take off and land for a while.

There are a few shops and things whilst waiting for the flight. Abbey and DH went to Starbucks for some tea/cookies and then Abbey and I had a wander round some shops. The time passed quickly and we were soon boarding. We managed to get seats together and left at the scheduled time 16:05. It was Lewis' first time on a plane and he was a bit nervous but ended up loving it

Flight landed early and we were through security quite quickly. Our case was also through quickly and as we headed out of the queues I thought we'd have to wait for our driver, but John from Ezyshuttle was waiting for us with a big sign with my name on it. He guided us out of the airport, via a toilet stop, and to the car park. I have to say this whole process was great and took all the stress of airports away, which I usually find confusing Can't recommend Ezyshuttle enough

Arrived at Hotel New York about 19:45 and as we walked through the door Abbey had a huge smile on her face and said 'Mum, we're home' That's how I felt too. We checked in and left our credit card details so that we could use the Hotel Easy Pass charge system. The CM checking us in said that the hotel was full tonight, so advised us to take breakfast slots. We took 9:30 for each day. Our room was Midtown, 7201. I had sent an email to the hotel a few days previously saying that it was Abbey's Birthday and that as we were going to be later in the day hoped we could still get a nice room

As we came out of the lifts and walked towards our room, I could see from the numbers that our room was on the car park side. Oh well, no lake view. The room was lovely though. A Goofy soft toy on the bed, and beds turned down with chocolate coins. There was a kettle and tray with various teas, and espresso machine, bottled water, rose in the bathroom, basket with bath salts/toothbrush etc and bathrobes and slippers There was also an iron/ironing board in the wardrobe. Having been here 4 times previously, we've never had any of this before so I can only assume these were extras provided just for us!

 

[RoseBug]

I have been waiting up to catch the start of your TR! So much for my early night!

Fab start and can't wait to read the rest...!

 

[Ms Poppins]

Photo of the hairdryer, just for Ware Bears

And Abbey demonstrating it.....

Feeling hungry now we headed for Annettes. The Village was heaving and the queue was about 30 or 40 people long so decided to go into the park and try for Plaza Gardens buffet. It was also really, really busy. We debated a bit and ended up just going for counter service at Café Hyperion. I know a lot of people don't rate it, but we've always found the food to be good. Tonight was good too. John and I had Angus burgers, Abbey and Lewis had chicken nuggets.

We came out of here and got fast passes for Buzz and headed to Adventureland as Lewis was desperate to do Priates.

Our first proper view of the castle

Lewis loved this Jack hat/wig

Given how busy everything was we thought it was best to book a meal for tomorrow and decided on Blue Lagoon. So we popped in after Pirates to book.

It was our fast pass time for Buzz and after this we found a place to watch Dreams. It was about 9:45 and the show started at 10:30. Central Plaza was really busy with people everywhere either on the pavement or on the main part of the street. We just stood to the right of Central Plaza on the street between Discoveryland and the Central area. To be honest, I think it's easy to forget that the castle is elevated quite high, so standing on the street with people in front is actually fine for watching Dreams. Lewis found it harder to see and John lifted him at times, but generally we got a great view.

I've watched Dreams many times on youtube etc but I have to say the real thing is absolutely stunning. It was just breathtaking and I could watch it a million times over. I've taken some photos, point and shoot as I wanted to enjoy every second of it. If you don't want to know anything about it - look away now.....






'The second star to the riggghhhhttt'

 

[Ms Poppins]

After this we went to City Hall to get a birthday badge for Abbey, although she didn't want to wear it, much to my dismay....We then headed to Disney Village. Abbey wanted to try and get wifi in Starbucks and John was peckish so we waited for a while in a very long queue that didn't move. Abbey couldn't get the wifi to work on her phone so we just left and headed back to the hotel room via many shops and Lewis was looking for Marvel stuff, of which there was none

Lewis was in bed and sleeping in minutes and John ordered pizza and coke from room service. Not a massive selection to choose from, but ok for a snack. I'll put more details on the hotel review thread.

After an amazing and exhausting day we settled down to sleep. EMH tomorrow anyone?

 

[DLPDreams]

You have to hold the record for the quickest TR Julie!

I'm really loving reading this... What a lovely room you had at the HNY with all those nice extras - the coffee in particular would have been welcome by us!

 

[Ware Bears]

What a fabulous start to your holiday - seeing all your lovely photos is making me very excited for ours.

Photo of the hairdryer, just for Ware Bears

Thank you thank you thank you

And Abbey demonstrating it.....

Love this one!!

 

[loladelorean]

I can't believe you've started your trip report already, I'm so excited!
Your Dreams photos are incredible, can't wait to see it for myself.
My favourite bit of this first installment was Abbey saying "We're home" - I feel like that at DLP. At HNY too, really, but back to SL this year
Lovely treats in your room, you've reminded me I need to email to tell them its my dad's birthday during our trip....just in case....

 

[Mum to Belle]

My favourite bit of this first installment was Abbey saying "We're home" - I feel like that at DLP. At HNY too, really, but back to SL this year

Me too!!!

I really want to read the rest now I've started but I'd better get back to work now....

 

[jothp]

What a lovely start to your TR. The extras in the room were a nice touch, we had the same when we were upgraded to a suite last year. We didn't really use them much but it was nice to feel special.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Thank you thank you thank you

and all with your own hairdryer model

I can't believe you've started your trip report already, I'm so excited!
Your Dreams photos are incredible, can't wait to see it for myself.
My favourite bit of this first installment was Abbey saying "We're home" - I feel like that at DLP. At HNY too, really, but back to SL this year
Lovely treats in your room, you've reminded me I need to email to tell them its my dad's birthday during our trip....just in case....

It's amazing how familiar it all feels. Hope you get lucky with your Dad's birthday

Me too!!!

I really want to read the rest now I've started but I'd better get back to work now....

Blinkin' work

What a lovely start to your TR. The extras in the room were a nice touch, we had the same when we were upgraded to a suite last year. We didn't really use them much but it was nice to feel special.

We didn't use them much either to be honest, but the Goofy was a nice touch. Abbey gave this to Lewis as she said her special present was seeing the Castle and Dreams from the room

 

[Mum to Belle]

i wanted to add that reading your TR has made me think, "There just HAS to be another offer on so that I can upgrade our booking to HNY!"

 

[donna307]

Your trip report has made me all excited!!

Did you ask for a lake side room? How did you manage to get all those extras? The robes, slippers etc? Did you e-mail ahead? When we go in September, it will be my friends birthday. She doesn't want me getting a badge or anything because she would hate the attention but might be nice to have some extras in the room? All tips appreciated!

How amazing dreams looks I can't wait to watch it over and over again

 

[Ms Poppins]

Yes, I just emailed guest relations a few days before and mentioned that we loved HNY and that it was our daughter's birthday on our arrival date. I didn't get a response, but I think that must be why we had all the extras.

It's not a lake side view - it's on the other side of the hotel facing the car park, so it's really a car park view But on looking to the left, we were lucky to see the castle.

 

[donna307]

Oh great! I might just do that then. Even if your not using the robes etc, its a nice touch Have just finished reading your whole trip report. Sounds like you really have had an amazing time. All that planning pays off

 

[Ms Poppins]

Oh great! I might just do that then. Even if your not using the robes etc, its a nice touch Have just finished reading your whole trip report. Sounds like you really have had an amazing time. All that planning pays off

It sure does

 

[scampbunny]

wow fab start & interested to see ur pics....... love the dreams ones and gives me a bit of hope for our trip (altho stayin up to 11pm is gonna be soooooooooo hard lol)

hope my pics are half as good as urs!!!!

and abbie not wanting her birthday badge???? lol

 

[Ms Poppins]

wow fab start & interested to see ur pics....... love the dreams ones and gives me a bit of hope for our trip (altho stayin up to 11pm is gonna be soooooooooo hard lol)

hope my pics are half as good as urs!!!!

and abbie not wanting her birthday badge???? lol

Don't even consider doing EMH and Dreams every day/night - madness

She wasn't keen on getting extra attention by wearing it, but at least we've got it for the photo album

 

[grad06]

Loving your trip report.

We don't go till August but your report is really putting me in the mood and now starting to get excited.

I think I will email customer relations as we have asked for a room near the reception/main building, staying in NB, as husband is not too well. Also it is our wedding anniversary and my birthday so might drop that information in the email.

Where did you get the email address from?

Also you photos of dreams are fab. What camera do you use great quality.

Thanks for the greta report.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Loving your trip report.

We don't go till August but your report is really putting me in the mood and now starting to get excited.

I think I will email customer relations as we have asked for a room near the reception/main building, staying in NB, as husband is not too well. Also it is our wedding anniversary and my birthday so might drop that information in the email.

Where did you get the email address from?

Also you photos of dreams are fab. What camera do you use great quality.

Thanks for the greta report.

Thanks

I sent an email to the general dlp address, dlp.guest.communication@disney.com

However, if you need a special request, such as quiet room, I'd suggest calling the hotel directly about 5 days before you visit, to request this.

The camera is quite basic actually, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. I turned the flash off and just held it up and pointed - no skill required

 

[grad06]

Thanks

I sent an email to the general dlp address, dlp.guest.communication@disney.com

However, if you need a special request, such as quiet room, I'd suggest calling the hotel directly about 5 days before you visit, to request this.

The camera is quite basic actually, a Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. I turned the flash off and just held it up and pointed - no skill required

Thanks for the information. Never thought of phoning the hotel before. Silly question but will they be able to get some that speaks english on the phone, I can hardly rememberany of my school french. I do try when there but on the phone they will not see my hands explaining what I mean.

Well your photos are great and I hope I manage to get some good ones.