must be the time of year, but having just returned from DLP, ive come to the conclusion that theres no such thing as being over prepared.
having spent months researching what to do, where to go, what not to miss, etc. i seemed to have overlooked the minor points, like making allowances for tired children, grumpy people, the weather, and just plain circumstances beyound our control.
the trip got off to a bad start, when the disney express check-in could find none of our paperwork. all i had from the tour operator were my eurostar tickets and a letter detailing my hotel. the staff kept asking for a 'form/ticket' which we didnt have, and nor did it seem anyone else who was travelling using the same tour operator, however their tickets were waiting for them, just not ours. we were told to just get on the train, and someone would come and see us. finally someone did turn up, and they had our tickets, seems someone with a similar name as ours, had checked in and taken our tickets already
so we finally arrived, only to find lifts werent working, and we had to use the escalators. not ideal with a baby in a pushchair, espec when some people in their wisdom, decide to just stand at the top of the escalators blocking the way with cases, and let us all topple down the escalators in the ensuing backlog, until someone had the sense to press the stop button - honestly the fear we felt when you have nowhere to go on a moving escalator, was way greater than any ride we went on - perhaps this should be Disney's new terror ride lol
So we finally make our way into the park, its drizzling, but what the heck, its disney, the sparkle cant be diminished. seems i spoke too soon. the heavens opened, ok, bit of rain wont hurt, lets just stand it out, and wait for the parade. wrong move! were now talking torrential rain, the streets are ankle deep in water, all doorways are blocked by people sheltering, we cant get in anywhere as theres no room, noone will move out the way to let us in either, so we just stand there in the freezing cold, kids crying, baby screaming, and have no idea what to do. so with no other option, we decide to head to the hotel. having heard nice reports on the stroll to the NPB through the village, we make a leg for it. seems there is little drainage in the village for rainwater, were now wading through a river, up the hill, the wind is blowing a gale, the rain is getting heavier, and im trying to run with a pushchair, keep the kids up to my speed, and make it back to somewhere dry.
we finally arrive at the hotel, drowned rats, shivering, walk into the lower lobby, and find there is only one lift, which fits one pushchair in (there are at least 10 in the queue ahead of us). hubby walks up to reception, checks in, and waits for me and kids to arrive. 1hr later were in the room. baby hungry so i go to make a bottle, hmm no kettle. quick ring to housekeeping, no-one seems to understand my request for a kettle, but finally i think penny drops, and they say one will be sent up. 1hr goes by, still no kettle. ring through again, still no idea what a kettle is (darn i wish id paid more attention in french lessons at school). decide to go for a walk and after chatting to another parent with baby, they give me a carton of formula they have - thank you again if you are reading this - baby fed, were totally pooped and go to bed. having been given a nice early breakfast time of 7am, book a wake up call and drift off. seems like 5mins later, im woken by a very loud telephone ringing, it cant be morning already!
head down to breakfast, had a nice big bowl of olives, not my typical morning food, but what the heck im on holiday. little did i know this would be the only 'greens' i would eat for the next 3 days. its amazing, we dont eat that much veg/fruit at home, but boy do you miss it, after a couple of days of snack foods, what i wouldnt give for a jacket potato or a plate of cabbage
popped back up to reception, as we noticed the previous night, that although we have paid for a character meal, you still have to confirm it again on arrival. receptionist is very sorry, but shes just tried for another guest, and the restaurant are taking no more bookings, even though we have paid. she says to speak direct to the restaurant when we are in the park, as its beyond her control
so we head off to the parks, the suns shining, the skys blue, it couldnt be more different to the previous day. head straight to plaza gardens to sort things out, finally get a table booked but not at the requested time, but that doesnt really matter. so all sorted, back to the rides. fantastic!!! i was amazed at how many you can take a babe in arms on. ive always found the idea of IASW a bit too cheesy, but i think i can say as a family we enjoyed this ride the best, closely followed by POTC. Also the queues were so small. compared to the sunday when we arrived, and you couldnt move for people, it was nice to be able to wander around and take your time, and not have to push and shove.
having missed the parades the day before due to the weather, we decided to camp out early. Got settled, nice clear view, and not too cold either, but within 5 mins of the parade announcement, we had been surrounded by a family, who proceeded to move us out the way. they trod on dd who was sitting on the floor, and actually moved the pushchair over, so they could get to the front. any polite objection on our behalf was met with turned backs and them totally ignoring us. i dont mind kids being pushed to the front, as i know they want to see things, but for adults to need to get to the front too, it totally blocks the view for everyone.
the parade was great, nice and loud, and colurful (will i ever get that song out of my head?). we then had to go for our character meal. well worth the money, we had a great time, and lots of good character interaction. the look on dds face when tigger cuddled her is a picture to behold (unfortunately our camera must have died due to getting wet in the storm the day before, as now we are home ive found we have no pics
)
so meal done, we head off to watch the candelebration/fantillusion, unfortunately the heavens open again, within five mins of the parade starting, so we make a run for cover, an announcement is made the parade is now cancelled, and we head back to the village in the wet to have a meal. decide on Rainforest Cafe due to the amazing surroundings (anyone know if you can buy their tables anywhere, as i loved the fish ones). Food tasty but for the price, a bit of a let down, but then again, with 3 kids, its a long time since i had a restaurant meal, so perhaps im out of touch!
So, went back to the hotel, full, and very tired. anyone else have trouble getting kids out of the hotel room? we dont have the disney channel at home, so back to back Hannah Montanna was a bit of a lure for my 3 girls lol. im sure they would have stayed in the room all day if they could, but then again, so could i, the room was lovely. infact the theming of the whole hotel, was spot on.
so woke up the next day, cant believe its time to go home already. after a quick breakfast we headed to the village for a bit of retail therapy. its so hard to tell a 6yr old, they cant actually have everything in the shop, espec when i was getting so tempted by things too, and i am usually so not a souvenir person (yes i bought the T-towel lol)
decided to try the studios today. not really what we were expecting. perhaps its aimed more at adults, as my kids were soon very bored. although it was worth the visit, just to ride the Rock n Rollercoaster. Its hard to sing and scream at the same time
Also, anyone know how you are supposed to get onto one of the high stools in the backlot food hall, and then be able to pull yourself in near the the table? But it was worth it, as i spotted my first hidden mickey here, and id been looking at everything that was round, since arriving in the parks 2 days earlier lol
so once the parade was over, we headed back to the main park. i now see the reasoning behind watching the parades one day, to leave you free on other days to do the rides whilst they arent so busy. the difference in waiting times is vast. we went round POTC 3 times, without having to get off, personally i could have gone round all day, but we had to get back to the station and head home
now the logistical nightmare. how do you carry your bags, two tired children, a pushchair and a couple of large helium baloons, through customs, down a long flight of stairs, and onto a train. Seems others found it more stressful than me, as there was fisticuffs/foul language on the train when we arrived, as someone had the nerve to sit at a table, that someone else had numbered tickets for. The tour operator we travelled with had basically booked a carriage and you could sit wherever you wanted, so obvioulsy those who got on the train first took the table seats. it had caused problems on the way out, but that was more the fact that those who got on at ashford, had to split up as a family, as there werent any seats together left. heres hoping they change that policy and you sit where youre given tickets for.
But other than that, i dont want to come across as a moaning minnie (get it?), but we had a great time, and will definitely be going back. the sooner the better, as we missed out so many things.
Flea
having spent months researching what to do, where to go, what not to miss, etc. i seemed to have overlooked the minor points, like making allowances for tired children, grumpy people, the weather, and just plain circumstances beyound our control.
the trip got off to a bad start, when the disney express check-in could find none of our paperwork. all i had from the tour operator were my eurostar tickets and a letter detailing my hotel. the staff kept asking for a 'form/ticket' which we didnt have, and nor did it seem anyone else who was travelling using the same tour operator, however their tickets were waiting for them, just not ours. we were told to just get on the train, and someone would come and see us. finally someone did turn up, and they had our tickets, seems someone with a similar name as ours, had checked in and taken our tickets already
so we finally arrived, only to find lifts werent working, and we had to use the escalators. not ideal with a baby in a pushchair, espec when some people in their wisdom, decide to just stand at the top of the escalators blocking the way with cases, and let us all topple down the escalators in the ensuing backlog, until someone had the sense to press the stop button - honestly the fear we felt when you have nowhere to go on a moving escalator, was way greater than any ride we went on - perhaps this should be Disney's new terror ride lol
So we finally make our way into the park, its drizzling, but what the heck, its disney, the sparkle cant be diminished. seems i spoke too soon. the heavens opened, ok, bit of rain wont hurt, lets just stand it out, and wait for the parade. wrong move! were now talking torrential rain, the streets are ankle deep in water, all doorways are blocked by people sheltering, we cant get in anywhere as theres no room, noone will move out the way to let us in either, so we just stand there in the freezing cold, kids crying, baby screaming, and have no idea what to do. so with no other option, we decide to head to the hotel. having heard nice reports on the stroll to the NPB through the village, we make a leg for it. seems there is little drainage in the village for rainwater, were now wading through a river, up the hill, the wind is blowing a gale, the rain is getting heavier, and im trying to run with a pushchair, keep the kids up to my speed, and make it back to somewhere dry.
we finally arrive at the hotel, drowned rats, shivering, walk into the lower lobby, and find there is only one lift, which fits one pushchair in (there are at least 10 in the queue ahead of us). hubby walks up to reception, checks in, and waits for me and kids to arrive. 1hr later were in the room. baby hungry so i go to make a bottle, hmm no kettle. quick ring to housekeeping, no-one seems to understand my request for a kettle, but finally i think penny drops, and they say one will be sent up. 1hr goes by, still no kettle. ring through again, still no idea what a kettle is (darn i wish id paid more attention in french lessons at school). decide to go for a walk and after chatting to another parent with baby, they give me a carton of formula they have - thank you again if you are reading this - baby fed, were totally pooped and go to bed. having been given a nice early breakfast time of 7am, book a wake up call and drift off. seems like 5mins later, im woken by a very loud telephone ringing, it cant be morning already!
head down to breakfast, had a nice big bowl of olives, not my typical morning food, but what the heck im on holiday. little did i know this would be the only 'greens' i would eat for the next 3 days. its amazing, we dont eat that much veg/fruit at home, but boy do you miss it, after a couple of days of snack foods, what i wouldnt give for a jacket potato or a plate of cabbage
popped back up to reception, as we noticed the previous night, that although we have paid for a character meal, you still have to confirm it again on arrival. receptionist is very sorry, but shes just tried for another guest, and the restaurant are taking no more bookings, even though we have paid. she says to speak direct to the restaurant when we are in the park, as its beyond her control
so we head off to the parks, the suns shining, the skys blue, it couldnt be more different to the previous day. head straight to plaza gardens to sort things out, finally get a table booked but not at the requested time, but that doesnt really matter. so all sorted, back to the rides. fantastic!!! i was amazed at how many you can take a babe in arms on. ive always found the idea of IASW a bit too cheesy, but i think i can say as a family we enjoyed this ride the best, closely followed by POTC. Also the queues were so small. compared to the sunday when we arrived, and you couldnt move for people, it was nice to be able to wander around and take your time, and not have to push and shove.
having missed the parades the day before due to the weather, we decided to camp out early. Got settled, nice clear view, and not too cold either, but within 5 mins of the parade announcement, we had been surrounded by a family, who proceeded to move us out the way. they trod on dd who was sitting on the floor, and actually moved the pushchair over, so they could get to the front. any polite objection on our behalf was met with turned backs and them totally ignoring us. i dont mind kids being pushed to the front, as i know they want to see things, but for adults to need to get to the front too, it totally blocks the view for everyone.
the parade was great, nice and loud, and colurful (will i ever get that song out of my head?). we then had to go for our character meal. well worth the money, we had a great time, and lots of good character interaction. the look on dds face when tigger cuddled her is a picture to behold (unfortunately our camera must have died due to getting wet in the storm the day before, as now we are home ive found we have no pics
)so meal done, we head off to watch the candelebration/fantillusion, unfortunately the heavens open again, within five mins of the parade starting, so we make a run for cover, an announcement is made the parade is now cancelled, and we head back to the village in the wet to have a meal. decide on Rainforest Cafe due to the amazing surroundings (anyone know if you can buy their tables anywhere, as i loved the fish ones). Food tasty but for the price, a bit of a let down, but then again, with 3 kids, its a long time since i had a restaurant meal, so perhaps im out of touch!
So, went back to the hotel, full, and very tired. anyone else have trouble getting kids out of the hotel room? we dont have the disney channel at home, so back to back Hannah Montanna was a bit of a lure for my 3 girls lol. im sure they would have stayed in the room all day if they could, but then again, so could i, the room was lovely. infact the theming of the whole hotel, was spot on.
so woke up the next day, cant believe its time to go home already. after a quick breakfast we headed to the village for a bit of retail therapy. its so hard to tell a 6yr old, they cant actually have everything in the shop, espec when i was getting so tempted by things too, and i am usually so not a souvenir person (yes i bought the T-towel lol)
decided to try the studios today. not really what we were expecting. perhaps its aimed more at adults, as my kids were soon very bored. although it was worth the visit, just to ride the Rock n Rollercoaster. Its hard to sing and scream at the same time
Also, anyone know how you are supposed to get onto one of the high stools in the backlot food hall, and then be able to pull yourself in near the the table? But it was worth it, as i spotted my first hidden mickey here, and id been looking at everything that was round, since arriving in the parks 2 days earlier lol
so once the parade was over, we headed back to the main park. i now see the reasoning behind watching the parades one day, to leave you free on other days to do the rides whilst they arent so busy. the difference in waiting times is vast. we went round POTC 3 times, without having to get off, personally i could have gone round all day, but we had to get back to the station and head home
now the logistical nightmare. how do you carry your bags, two tired children, a pushchair and a couple of large helium baloons, through customs, down a long flight of stairs, and onto a train. Seems others found it more stressful than me, as there was fisticuffs/foul language on the train when we arrived, as someone had the nerve to sit at a table, that someone else had numbered tickets for. The tour operator we travelled with had basically booked a carriage and you could sit wherever you wanted, so obvioulsy those who got on the train first took the table seats. it had caused problems on the way out, but that was more the fact that those who got on at ashford, had to split up as a family, as there werent any seats together left. heres hoping they change that policy and you sit where youre given tickets for.
But other than that, i dont want to come across as a moaning minnie (get it?), but we had a great time, and will definitely be going back. the sooner the better, as we missed out so many things.
Flea
you will just have to return to take some more!! 
