Another Eurotunnel success story!

[cherrymarzipan]

We seem to have taken almost an identical journey to beth01dog, leaving early Sunday morning and arriving home last night. Despite falling on ice on my own driveway getting to the car laden with last minute packing in the dark (what timing!), we had a good run to the tunnel. We arrived in plenty of time and hoped to board an earlier train but delays with the weather backlog and a train with problems in the tunnel meant we were loaded an hour later than our actual booking time. Like beth we arrived to falling snow and as she describes, the traffic kept moving although the drivable lanes kept reducing (and changing) and we passed stacks of heavy goods vehicles which had been forbidden to drive. One stack was parked on the lane nearest the middle of the road and I counted 58 lorries I think. The going got slower and slower and it was dark again before we reached the outskirts of Paris and raining I think by then too. That drive down to Disneyland from Calais normally takes us around three hours and this time it took us six hours.

We stayed in the Cheyenne, our first timet here, and although check was the predictable long queue (the CM told us as many people were trying to stay extra nights as they were unable to leave as new arrivals like us)and we were able to reschedule the dinner reservation at the HNY we had by now long missed.

We woke up the next morning to this beautiful winter wonderland when we saw our surroundings for the first time. The shuttle buses couldn’t run so we had an exciting first walk to the park which was probably much better than the hit-and-miss views from the scrum on the navettes that we later got used to.

Well here are our highs and lows:

Highs:

The gorgeous snowy start and the bittersweet enjoyment of a relatively quiet park as we acknowledged that other less fortunate families were stuck in airports or Eurostar terminals.

Being able to make the most of the wintry weather through being thoroughly prepared thanks to the advice from people on here with regards to thermals, fleeces, skiwear and snow boots.

Having adjoining connecting rooms at the Cheyenne.

Delicious meals – we ate at the Manhattan, the Agrabah, Walt’s and the Blue Lagoon.

Meal vouchers plus – probably not the cheapest way of doing things now I have my shareholders club but with independent teenagers it was so easy to give out the vouchers each day and let them choose when and where to eat. They ate with us at the Blue Lagoon on the last day but otherwise chose Annette’s, Lucky Nugget and Steakhouse all of which they loved.

The beautiful decorations – our first visit in this season.

Those brave characters who stood in freezing conditions to meet and greet with a special thank you to the Beast (as the prince) who with Belle was so nice to my son and remembered that we had told him we would be looking out for him in the parade from our table in Walt’s. He looked for us and waved especially which made our day.

Salon Mickey – felt very special.

Toy Story Land – a first again for us and DS loved the Slinky ride.

Lows:

Nothing that spoilt the holiday although this first gripe was pretty annoying – lack of hot water in the Cheyenne. Out of four nights we had two evenings where it was impossible to shower or bath at all. The water was better in the mornings but after a long cold day we needed baths then. The CM who brought our pillows (no pillows supplied with bunks for some reason) said to let it run but after filling the bath twice with cold water we gave up and it got no better throughout the stay.

Missing Rapunzal – we never did find her. Something to do next time.

So that’s it... but fortunately I am going with DD2 again at the end of January – yey!

The journey home by the way was really good; the roads were completely clear and dry although much of the countryside was covered in snow. The lorries were on the road again but it wasn’t difficult to pass them. We arrived at Calais early and were offered an earlier train so were home in good time.

We had a great time and will be playing our Chante, c’est Noel CD all Christmas.

A very happy Christmas to everyone.

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Oh, I forgot, two more highs: watching Fantillusion Parade from the best vantage point we've had so far and a park breakfast at Plaza Gardens. And then there was seeing the parade from above (from Walt's) and noticing different things. That's three already, I'd better stop thinking about it.

 

[markpsych]

Fab

We had a similar experience, arriving back in the UK via the tunnel early hours last Sunday.

The parks were beautiful, espcially at nightfall, and really quiet!

Definitely aiming to go at the same time next year

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Welcome home - sounds like you had a fabulous holiday! Delighted it all went so well for you and your family!

 

[beth01dog]

That's funny us both travelling at the same times! We are shareholders too - maybe we passed in Salon Mickey! They were very good to us there as you are only meant to take in 4 people plus shareholder and we were 6 as my mum came with us but they let us all in each day.

 

[Ware Bears]

Welcome back! Glad you had a great time, but at no hot water, especially in such cold weather.

 

[Ross_Jenkins]

Oh, I forgot, two more highs: watching Fantillusion Parade from the best vantage point we've had so far and a park breakfast at Plaza Gardens. And then there was seeing the parade from above (from Walt's) and noticing different things. That's three already, I'd better stop thinking about it.

Hi glad you had a nice time. Where is the best vantage point?

Thanks

Ross

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Thanks Ross. No secret, I think it was simply that this time we were on the outside of a curve rather than the inside! We were actually near the drink stand to the right of where you come out from Adventureland near the castle but the curve meant we could see the parade coming towards us and leaving for longer. We also managed to maintain a kerb front stand too without being pushed out!