..and we're back too, June half term break.

[MummyMinnie]

We got back home yesterday after yet another great trip. We were there from 3-8th June myself, hubby, DS12, DD9. Now for my highs and lows:

Highs:

Number one without a doubt is Dreams, no words to describe how magnificent it is, if you're thinking should you go I'd say definitely, it's one not to miss. It is late being at 11pm but for obvious reasons it needs to be dark. Wasn't sure where the best spot to stand was so we opted for the centre of what was the hub and had a great view - well was until Mr 6ft plus stood in front and put his tall daughter on his shoulders! but we moved a little and all was fine. We stood there from an hour before and there was still room in front as it began. We really were speechless at the end and yes I cried, have some quite good pics from it too.

All cast members were lovely as usual had some really good interaction with them, very funny too.

Loved Mickeys new 'home' ended up going twice as forgot to use my flash the first time, by going the second time we discovered Mickey is not alone!!! (or maybe you all know that?).

We did like the new Princess Pavillion and lucky that both times we went it was only a 60 minute queue - we went the last hour 6-7pm both times. Did feel a little claustrophic at times though. The cast members there were brilliant both times, were informing people at the door that we didn't know who we would see but when we got to the front were asked if we've been before and if we'd missed out on a particular princess and so DD was lucky enough to meet her favourite - Snow White - she squealed for ages afterwards! I understand though that if you've never been before and really want to see a particular one that it can be frustrating.

The parade - we enjoyed it and liked the new additions and costumes and like our new viewing spot just at the bottom of Small World where the parade starts, great for pics.

Met Cinderellas ugly sisters and step mother for the first time - just roaming in the park, didn't have our autograph book as just arrived but got good pics, they were really in character, very funny.

Shareholders VIP fastpass - loved loved it, did feel a VIP with it.


And could go on, we really do love our second home, believe this was our 10th trip and never tire of it.

Lows:

Ummph unfortunately this time we got caught up with the scrum on the bus to the Explorers, I had stood by the side of the door and guided my DD on we were all being very British and orderly at that point! When all of a sudden from nowhere this guy comes along the side of the bus pushes me and my DD out of the way and boards the bus, then reaches out his arm to his partner and tried to pull her on afterwards trapping my DD - was really really frightening, she was screaming. I went mad, got on the bus and you know when you're so cross/upset you can't speak? I just kept saying to him 'you're rude,' you're so rude'!!! - couldn't think of anything else at that point He didn't even have the manners to apologise just stared at my DD and didn't say a word!! Hubby and son had a right go too! Some lovely passengers at the back got us some seats and think we all spent the rest of the journey glearing at him .

And coming back to Calais we were due to sail 8pm Friday night got there to be told there was a major delay because of the adverse weather. Total, total chaos, I realise it's nobodys fault it was the lack of communication that was the issue, and very rude P & O staff. Will NEVER sail with them again. We ended up staying in a hotel overnight and booking the tunnel for the next day, so not a good way to end the break.

Both of our lows aren't going to make any difference to our trip, they've been gone, dealt with and forgotten now.

One small 'niggle' wonder what other shareholders thought about the fact we have to wait EVERY time for a manager to authorise the till for discount?, getting really fed up now, sometimes waiting ages. Going to email about it!

Went into Paris on the Tuesday had great day and thanks to Carrie I saw the tip on getting of at the Trocedaro stop, really recommend the view of the Eiffel Tower from there was amazing - so thanks Carrie.

First two nights we booked the Chanteloup on Brie hotel - think will do a review as looks like one not been done. Won't stay there again, it was 'ok'.

Minnie meet in the Studios - were any of you there when there was outrage about the queue/non-queue - ended up being quite funny, again being British we all stood our ground and stood together and organised a very orderly queue much to the team leaders disgust!

Right if anybodys got this far, thanks for reading, I've enjoyed reading all the other half termers highs and lows, interesting to get different peoples opinions when you're all there the same time. We were lucky with the weather - only got caught in light showers.

 

[JustJonathan]

We got back home yesterday after yet another great trip. We were there from 3-8th June myself, hubby, DS12, DD9. Now for my highs and lows:

Highs:

Number one without a doubt is Dreams, no words to describe how magnificent it is, if you're thinking should you go I'd say definitely, it's one not to miss. It is late being at 11pm but for obvious reasons it needs to be dark. Wasn't sure where the best spot to stand was so we opted for the centre of what was the hub and had a great view - well was until Mr 6ft plus stood in front and put his tall daughter on his shoulders! but we moved a little and all was fine. We stood there from an hour before and there was still room in front as it began. We really were speechless at the end and yes I cried, have some quite good pics from it too.

All cast members were lovely as usual had some really good interaction with them, very funny too.

Loved Mickeys new 'home' ended up going twice as forgot to use my flash the first time, by going the second time we discovered Mickey is not alone!!! (or maybe you all know that?).

We did like the new Princess Pavillion and lucky that both times we went it was only a 60 minute queue - we went the last hour 6-7pm both times. Did feel a little claustrophic at times though. The cast members there were brilliant both times, were informing people at the door that we didn't know who we would see but when we got to the front were asked if we've been before and if we'd missed out on a particular princess and so DD was lucky enough to meet her favourite - Snow White - she squealed for ages afterwards! I understand though that if you've never been before and really want to see a particular one that it can be frustrating.

The parade - we enjoyed it and liked the new additions and costumes and like our new viewing spot just at the bottom of Small World where the parade starts, great for pics.

Met Cinderellas ugly sisters and step mother for the first time - just roaming in the park, didn't have our autograph book as just arrived but got good pics, they were really in character, very funny.

Shareholders VIP fastpass - loved loved it, did feel a VIP with it.


And could go on, we really do love our second home, believe this was our 10th trip and never tire of it.

Lows:

Ummph unfortunately this time we got caught up with the scrum on the bus to the Explorers, I had stood by the side of the door and guided my DD on we were all being very British and orderly at that point! When all of a sudden from nowhere this guy comes along the side of the bus pushes me and my DD out of the way and boards the bus, then reaches out his arm to his partner and tried to pull her on afterwards trapping my DD - was really really frightening, she was screaming. I went mad, got on the bus and you know when you're so cross/upset you can't speak? I just kept saying to him 'you're rude,' you're so rude'!!! - couldn't think of anything else at that point He didn't even have the manners to apologise just stared at my DD and didn't say a word!! Hubby and son had a right go too! Some lovely passengers at the back got us some seats and think we all spent the rest of the journey glearing at him .

And coming back to Calais we were due to sail 8pm Friday night got there to be told there was a major delay because of the adverse weather. Total, total chaos, I realise it's nobodys fault it was the lack of communication that was the issue, and very rude P & O staff. Will NEVER sail with them again. We ended up staying in a hotel overnight and booking the tunnel for the next day, so not a good way to end the break.

Both of our lows aren't going to make any difference to our trip, they've been gone, dealt with and forgotten now.

One small 'niggle' wonder what other shareholders thought about the fact we have to wait EVERY time for a manager to authorise the till for discount?, getting really fed up now, sometimes waiting ages. Going to email about it!

Went into Paris on the Tuesday had great day and thanks to Carrie I saw the tip on getting of at the Trocedaro stop, really recommend the view of the Eiffel Tower from there was amazing - so thanks Carrie.

First two nights we booked the Chanteloup on Brie hotel - think will do a review as looks like one not been done. Won't stay there again, it was 'ok'.

Minnie meet in the Studios - were any of you there when there was outrage about the queue/non-queue - ended up being quite funny, again being British we all stood our ground and stood together and organised a very orderly queue much to the team leaders disgust!

Right if anybodys got this far, thanks for reading, I've enjoyed reading all the other half termers highs and lows, interesting to get different peoples opinions when you're all there the same time. We were lucky with the weather - only got caught in light showers.

Welcome back and sounds like you also had a good trip over-all!

It's such a shame you get these sorts of people around the parks, we had a few minor run-ins.. both of a certain nationality who obviously felt they were more important then everyone else.. one pushed past us in PoTC and another was dancing around pre-dreams show and knocking into EVERYONE... great example to her kids.

Re the shareholders thing, I must admit... this trip i noticed it more too, we were waiting for at least 5 minutes to buy a pen (was 3 euros and all the discount helps).. I guess you just need to look at it that you're getting a good discount for the time waiting.

Another thing we've now clocked on to, rather than ask for the bill then give your card, ask your bill AND give your card.. this way they don't have to run back and re-calculate with discount.

 

[tinkertaylor05]

Glad you still loved the magic, I do wonder if we'll get the same feeling after going a few times but I think ts just sheer addiction and it always comes

Shame about rude people, on our last trip we waited for an hour for the Alice Meet and greet, we were first in line with a lovely spanish couple. finally very late the characters showed up by which time there was quite an unorganised mob. We got our meet but I had to usher dd forward as people were pushing in, some British bloke who'd just walked up started shouting at people and swore at me! He was trying to get his kids to the front, I was dumb founded and embarrassed to be British

Anyways needed to get that off my chest lol glad you had a great trip and dreams sounds amazing

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Welcome back and glad yet another half-termer had a great time.

It is really interesting reading all these views of the same period. Mostly I think we all concur and then I read things like "Mickey not being alone" and Lady Tremaine and the ugly sisters being out and I think, hang on, I didn't notice THAT!

We had very unhelpful and off-hand staff with DFDS ferries (not to mention our return crossing moved back an hour and a half without being informed so we missed it) so what with your experiences with P&O that's us definitely back to the Tunnel from now on.

 

[tennisfan]

Welcome back, glad you enjoyed most of the trip. Regarding the shareholder thing, a manager has had to come & authorise the transaction for a while now. I've only ever had to wait a few minutes & then the CM has always apologised.

 

[bonhoga]

Thank you for posting, but it is now making me a bit anxious about the crowds in July we have always missed all the pushing, shoving and rude people, going at low season [well I'm sure rude people go then too, but probably because theres more room you just don't notice them so much ] . I think I may have to put on my Disney blinkers and just hope that everything is fine . At least you still had a great trip . Is the VIP fastpass for shareholders still available, I know i should know about this but I can't remember any iof the details ?

Kaye

 

[Ms Poppins]

Welcome back

Sounds like a great trip

The shareholders thing annoys me too. One CM I spoke to on a previous trip said that they used to just have a button on the till, but now needed a manager. A CM in the shop in HNY did not even know what the card was and refused it until I asked her to get a manager to authorise it.

I've been thinking about the princess pavilion, as many just back have mentioned this being hit or a miss. I wonder why they didn't organise it like they used to do Woody's Roundup? You would queue to get through, and meet various characters in different sections as you went along. It was a very easy way to meet several characters in a relaxed, queued way. Very strange that they've not used this method again, so easy to achieve and the potential to meet all the princess' in one go.

Glad you liked Dreams too - amazing

Thanks for posting

 

[lilacgems23]

We got back home yesterday after yet another great trip. We were there from 3-8th June myself, hubby, DS12, DD9. Now for my highs and lows:

Highs:

Number one without a doubt is Dreams, no words to describe how magnificent it is, if you're thinking should you go I'd say definitely, it's one not to miss. It is late being at 11pm but for obvious reasons it needs to be dark. Wasn't sure where the best spot to stand was so we opted for the centre of what was the hub and had a great view - well was until Mr 6ft plus stood in front and put his tall daughter on his shoulders! but we moved a little and all was fine. We stood there from an hour before and there was still room in front as it began. We really were speechless at the end and yes I cried, have some quite good pics from it too.

All cast members were lovely as usual had some really good interaction with them, very funny too.

Loved Mickeys new 'home' ended up going twice as forgot to use my flash the first time, by going the second time we discovered Mickey is not alone!!! (or maybe you all know that?).

We did like the new Princess Pavillion and lucky that both times we went it was only a 60 minute queue - we went the last hour 6-7pm both times. Did feel a little claustrophic at times though. The cast members there were brilliant both times, were informing people at the door that we didn't know who we would see but when we got to the front were asked if we've been before and if we'd missed out on a particular princess and so DD was lucky enough to meet her favourite - Snow White - she squealed for ages afterwards! I understand though that if you've never been before and really want to see a particular one that it can be frustrating.

The parade - we enjoyed it and liked the new additions and costumes and like our new viewing spot just at the bottom of Small World where the parade starts, great for pics.

Met Cinderellas ugly sisters and step mother for the first time - just roaming in the park, didn't have our autograph book as just arrived but got good pics, they were really in character, very funny.

Shareholders VIP fastpass - loved loved it, did feel a VIP with it.


And could go on, we really do love our second home, believe this was our 10th trip and never tire of it.

Lows:

Ummph unfortunately this time we got caught up with the scrum on the bus to the Explorers, I had stood by the side of the door and guided my DD on we were all being very British and orderly at that point! When all of a sudden from nowhere this guy comes along the side of the bus pushes me and my DD out of the way and boards the bus, then reaches out his arm to his partner and tried to pull her on afterwards trapping my DD - was really really frightening, she was screaming. I went mad, got on the bus and you know when you're so cross/upset you can't speak? I just kept saying to him 'you're rude,' you're so rude'!!! - couldn't think of anything else at that point He didn't even have the manners to apologise just stared at my DD and didn't say a word!! Hubby and son had a right go too! Some lovely passengers at the back got us some seats and think we all spent the rest of the journey glearing at him .

And coming back to Calais we were due to sail 8pm Friday night got there to be told there was a major delay because of the adverse weather. Total, total chaos, I realise it's nobodys fault it was the lack of communication that was the issue, and very rude P & O staff. Will NEVER sail with them again. We ended up staying in a hotel overnight and booking the tunnel for the next day, so not a good way to end the break.

Both of our lows aren't going to make any difference to our trip, they've been gone, dealt with and forgotten now.

One small 'niggle' wonder what other shareholders thought about the fact we have to wait EVERY time for a manager to authorise the till for discount?, getting really fed up now, sometimes waiting ages. Going to email about it!

Went into Paris on the Tuesday had great day and thanks to Carrie I saw the tip on getting of at the Trocedaro stop, really recommend the view of the Eiffel Tower from there was amazing - so thanks Carrie.

First two nights we booked the Chanteloup on Brie hotel - think will do a review as looks like one not been done. Won't stay there again, it was 'ok'.

Minnie meet in the Studios - were any of you there when there was outrage about the queue/non-queue - ended up being quite funny, again being British we all stood our ground and stood together and organised a very orderly queue much to the team leaders disgust!

Right if anybodys got this far, thanks for reading, I've enjoyed reading all the other half termers highs and lows, interesting to get different peoples opinions when you're all there the same time. We were lucky with the weather - only got caught in light showers.

What was the explorers like? We're staying here next week

 

[lilacgems23]

Thank you for posting, but it is now making me a bit anxious about the crowds in July we have always missed all the pushing, shoving and rude people, going at low season [well I'm sure rude people go then too, but probably because theres more room you just don't notice them so much ] . I think I may have to put on my Disney blinkers and just hope that everything is fine . At least you still had a great trip . Is the VIP fastpass for shareholders still available, I know i should know about this but I can't remember any iof the details ?

Kaye

We went last July and it wasn't that busy.

 

[MummyMinnie]

Welcome back and glad yet another half-termer had a great time.

It is really interesting reading all these views of the same period. Mostly I think we all concur and then I read things like "Mickey not being alone" and Lady Tremaine and the ugly sisters being out and I think, hang on, I didn't notice THAT!
It's funny isn't it there are things we missed too. Mickey is at least a 'twin' if not a 'triplet' with at least two rooms to greet people!
We had very unhelpful and off-hand staff with DFDS ferries (not to mention our return crossing moved back an hour and a half without being informed so we missed it) so what with your experiences with P&O that's us definitely back to the Tunnel from now on.

Sorry to hear you had troubles too, I'm going to write to complain, they really need to organise themselves better some people wre really angry there, could've turned quite nasty.

Welcome back, glad you enjoyed most of the trip. Regarding the shareholder thing, a manager has had to come & authorise the transaction for a while now. I've only ever had to wait a few minutes & then the CM has always apologised.

Yes I've noticed it everytime we've been since I've had the card but it's just starting to really annoy me now they can authorise annual passes without a manager so I can't see the difference

Thank you for posting, but it is now making me a bit anxious about the crowds in July we have always missed all the pushing, shoving and rude people, going at low season [well I'm sure rude people go then too, but probably because theres more room you just don't notice them so much ] . I think I may have to put on my Disney blinkers and just hope that everything is fine . At least you still had a great trip . Is the VIP fastpass for shareholders still available, I know i should know about this but I can't remember any iof the details ?
Please, please don't let my tale put you off, we've been going for about 10 years now and this is the first time, including our trips in high season July/August we've NEVER had a problem before. It really was 'just one of those things' and at the end of the day DD wasn't seriously hurt or anything just shook up and over it all now. We've been pushed at events at home too so it's not exclusive to Disney! The Shareholders VIP pass is available to book there are so many per day I believe, once you have confirmation email you have the passes you take the email to Salon Mickey, you can just go and ask for them on the day.

Kaye

Welcome back

Sounds like a great trip

The shareholders thing annoys me too. One CM I spoke to on a previous trip said that they used to just have a button on the till, but now needed a manager. A CM in the shop in HNY did not even know what the card was and refused it until I asked her to get a manager to authorise it.
Will email this week and let you know what they say, I'm finding it a hinderance now more than a privelidge!

I've been thinking about the princess pavilion, as many just back have mentioned this being hit or a miss. I wonder why they didn't organise it like they used to do Woody's Roundup? You would queue to get through, and meet various characters in different sections as you went along. It was a very easy way to meet several characters in a relaxed, queued way. Very strange that they've not used this method again, so easy to achieve and the potential to meet all the princess' in one go.
That would be much better I agree.

Glad you liked Dreams too - amazing

Thanks for posting

What was the explorers like? We're staying here next week

Really love it there, great rooms, pool/play area for the kids and nice breakfasts. The pizzas are a great addition too. Have stayed there before and would do so again.

 

[tennisfan]

Welcome back

Sounds like a great trip

The shareholders thing annoys me too. One CM I spoke to on a previous trip said that they used to just have a button on the till, but now needed a manager. A CM in the shop in HNY did not even know what the card was and refused it until I asked her to get a manager to authorise it.

I've been thinking about the princess pavilion, as many just back have mentioned this being hit or a miss. I wonder why they didn't organise it like they used to do Woody's Roundup? You would queue to get through, and meet various characters in different sections as you went along. It was a very easy way to meet several characters in a relaxed, queued way. Very strange that they've not used this method again, so easy to achieve and the potential to meet all the princess' in one go.

Glad you liked Dreams too - amazing

Thanks for posting

I think it was bought in like this to prevent abuse of the system. That's quite bad that someone working there didn't know what it was, the only problem I encountered was in the UK & that was when I first got mine 11 years ago.

 

[bonhoga]

Thanks MummyMinnie and lilacgems.......slightly reassured
kaye

 

[Ware Bears]

Welcome back glad you had a great time.

We've stayed at the Explorers for all but one of our DLP trips and were always happy with it.

 

[tennisfan]

Yes I've noticed it everytime we've been since I've had the card but it's just starting to really annoy me now they can authorise annual passes without a manager so I can't see the difference

I think that's down to AP's have a photo on them & shareholder's card don't, so in theory anyone can abuse the shareholder's card even if its not the named person

 

[MummyMinnie]

I think that's down to AP's have a photo on them & shareholder's card don't, so in theory anyone can abuse the shareholder's card even if its not the named person

True and good point, in fact for the first time I was asked twice this trip for ID to go with my card so maybe they're clamping down.

 

[tennisfan]

True and good point, in fact for the first time I was asked twice this trip for ID to go with my card so maybe they're clamping down.

This was the first time in ages that I haven't been asked for ID. I don't mind being asked though

 

[jothp]

Glad you had a great trip overall and didn't let your lows get you down.

 

[Mum to Belle]

Welcome back! Another great trip!

 

[lilacgems23]

Whats the breakfast like at The Explorers?

 

[MummyMinnie]

Whats the breakfast like at The Explorers?

Really nice - fresh chunks of fruit (was a choice of 3 per day like pineapple, melon, oranges). Cubes of cheese and meat. Pancakes, sliced bread, rolls, pastries. Also usual choice of hot and cold drinks. You're escorted to a clean table too. You could also have a hot English breakfast for a 4 euro supplement.
Have taken some pics of the hotel for a friend if you want to see them?