otwidalepda
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2010
- Messages
- 179
NOW WITH PHOTOS!
Sunday 29th August
So today was travel to Disneyland Resort Paris via a coach on the Euro Tunnel. The coach picked us up at our destination on time at 4:30AM and we had another two pickup locations after us. From the last one (Darlington) we only had two service stops before the Euro Tunnel which meant that the drivers did break the rules about only being on the coach for having a service stop every 2-3 hours; however, everyone on the coach including the people who smoke agreed that this was better. As a result we got on a 2 hour early train through the tunnel. Once in France, we had one service stop and then straight through to DLRP. But at one of the Toll Stations, the computer allowing you through the station without paying did not work and there was no member staff on duty at out station – so a security guard had to stop their station to let us through haha!
So in the end, the coach ride to the Resort was better and quicker than we expected and allowed us to arrive 3 hours early at our hotel. I cannot say what check-in is like at the Hotel Santa Fe as our drivers went in and got everyone’s breakfast tickets, room keys etc. which meant no queuing for any of us! However, the staff through our stay where lovely and very helpful.
We got to our room quickly and easily (block 33, floor 1) as a result of me studying the park and hotel for 6 months straight lol! Everyone else didn’t read the HUGE map at reception, got lost, and followed us. Our rooms was clean, tidy and spacious (two as only 4 per room and 5 of us went) which where also adjoining rooms allowing us to be together in one room and get to the other without going in the corridor and using two room keys. We dumped everything on the beds and headed straight into the Disney Village for something to eat. We opted to walk and check out what is was like and seeing the other hotels on the way there was good too. It was clearly signposted and practically impossible to get lost. Once we arrived at the village, we checked out the prices of each restaurant (relying on myself to know where each one is, of course) and choose Billy Bob’s Country Saloon. Everyone got the same which was a half a chicken with chips and BBQ sauce, a drink (Coca Cola/Water/Fruit Juice/Beer) and a chocolate brownie for only €19.95 each! Our meal was delicious, fresh chicken and full cut chips of which we even got a show. There was a circus to begin with called ‘The Little Circus’ which was really fun and kept all of our attentions. The circus was followed by line dancing and live music by ‘Billy Bob’s Band’. After seeing the show we decided to browse the shops and get an idea of what souvenirs are sold before heading back to the hotel. We opted again for walking IN THE RAIN!
Monday 30th August
We woke up at 6:30 to get ready for our 7:00 breakfast. It was a continental breakfast consisting of croissants (plain and chocolate), crusty buns, selection of flavoured jams, cheese, ham, salami, cereals and toast. The restaurant was large but did get crowded by 7:30. Afterwards we headed for the shuttle bus to meet Minnie Mouse in reception! Photo Time!
After photo’s we headed over to the bus. People do push on and don’t care about trampling over the top people, even though there is another one arriving in 10 minutes. Got to the park quickly for Extra Magic Hours and hit the castle; taking photos along Main Street USA.
We had a quick look around Fantasy Land and made our way over to Discovery Land to ride Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. I have to say that this ride was a BLAST HERE! and so much fun! Next was Space Mountain Mission 2. This coaster was really fast, intense and well themed inside; so much so I still feel like I have been into space. By this time it was 9:50 and the park was going to open soon and the line for Star Tours was already quite big so we joined it. At 10:00 the ride opened and I have to say that it is THE BEST simulator I have ever been on. Everything just felt so real inside. So from this half an hour had been and so the characters where out on Main Street. So off we went to see… MICKY MOUSE!
On the way there, the train for All Stars Express was at the stage in Central Plaza and so we stayed to hear an annoying but highly catching song as the train departs. Once down near the entrance WE COULD SEE MICKY and we joined the ever growing queue. 20 minutes later was photo time…
We decided not to queue for any more photos as it was already 11:30 (where was the day going?) and we didn’t want to queue and then they walk off. So of to Frontier Land and straight to Big Thunder Mountain for a fastpass. But what we seen when we got there was quite funny… The line for fastpasses was longer than the queue to the ride! 90 minutes queue or 2 hour wait for a fastpass to come back at after 5:00! We opted for the queue and too eat some ham and cheese buns we took from breakfast. The ride was really good and exciting, but overall – worth the wait! While my Mam and Dad went off to get a tea/coffee, we three headed to Phantom Manor. This was quite a good ride. The pre show where we see the walls expand and pictures get longer and unhappy was very clever with the ride itself being really good.
We then met up again outside of The Last Chance Café to get Ice Cream and go on the Thunder Messa Steamboat. The boat ride was good and the views go got from any of the three floors was really good.
Once the ride had finished, we decided to hit Adventure Land for Indianna Jones and De Temple of Peril. The theming on the queue and the ride is excellent, however the ride was extremely short and we where all expecting more – quite a let down considering we queued for 45 minutes (expected and don’t mind) to be on the very fast ride for only less than 30 seconds. I probably wouldn’t ride this one again unless it gets an expansion - now theres an idea! After the ride we decided to wonder around Adventure Isle. The area was very well themed (again) and was really fun going across the bridges (sadly the unique-to-Paris suspension bridge was closed) and seeing Captain Hooks Ship and Skull Rock.
Next we went over to Fantasy Land to ride the Mad Hatters Tea Cups of which we all thought went surprising fast for something also recommended for young children. This was simple ride but nevertheless – quite amusing. Once done here, we went to secure our place for the Once Upon A Dream Parade at Central Plaza at 4:30 for the 5:00 showing. The parade was really good, the floats where amazingly lifelike and the characters got really into it. The music was great and made the atmosphere even better with the overall parade being brilliant! After the show finished, it was 5:30 and the Showtime Spectacular was on at 6:00, so we stayed in our positions opposite the stage. The show was great with having the music put together fantastically and the dance routines really well choreographed.
Next we decided to head on over to Space Mountain again as we had 30 minutes until closing. This time the ride went even fast and our head where more battered than in the morning – safe to say we all came off dizzy and needed something more SLOW. BUT it was 7:10 and the park should have close at 7:00, so we went to Fantasy Land again for a relaxing ride on the carousel; a simple ride, traditional ride that was a good end to the day.
By now it was astonishingly 8:00 and the park was closing. So off we decided to go to the Disney Village to get ready for the evening show. I had booked for us to go and see the 9:30 viewing of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show featuring Micky and Friends. The queue was already starting to get long by this time and we were allowed to check in at about 8:45. Check-in was busy but quick and the member off staff didn’t mind that we were English despite me purchasing the discounted French tickets. We where in the blue section and sat at F5. Great view and close at the exit of the row. Staff started to come round with drinks of which only Water, Coca Cola or Beer was served. We knew that Fruit Juice was only served to those in 1st Class seating and we were 2nd but the menu did state tea or coffee being served. My Mam is unable to have fizzy drinks and must have a hot drink on a regular basis so asking for Tea was a problem as we were it is only served once and later on in the show. This meant that my Mam had to wait for a cup of Tea and needed to pay €5 for a small glass of Orange Juice. Barring this hiccup, the show was great and we would see it again if the opportunity arises and the food was good consisting of chilli con carne, chicken, sausage, BBQ ribs, wedges, apple crumble and ice cream with unlimited top-ups on drinks.
After the show we went to do shopping and buy our souvenirs. We found that even the shops in the Village where very well themed. As for prices, some where high and some where low – it all depends on what you buy. Clothes and toys where the most expensive while key rings and kitchen utensils seemed to be the lowest – but all in all, we got a good selection.
Tuesday 31st August
The same routine as Monday, wake up 6:30, breakfast at 7:00 and shuttle bus at 8:00 and we met Donald Duck. Only this time, we decided not to use Extra Magic Hours at the Disneyland Park and join the hustle and bustle of the crowd forming outside the gates to Walt Disney Studio’s. We where aloud into the park at 9:30 and after a few initial photos we headed for Crush’s Coaster but seen a queue stretching to the Art of Animation attraction. So we decided to go to Toy Story Playland. The theming here was excellent, but the queues where not. We queued for 110 minutes for Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and decided to leave the land – that meaning Tower of Terror. The same as Thunder Mountain, the fastpass queue was longer than the 45 minute wait that we opted for. My Mam couldn’t go on this ride and so she went to seek fastpasses on Rock n Roller Coaster while we went on the ride. I have to say that yet again, the theming of the attraction inside and out was spot on and amazing. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it but I do not like drop towers and mixing that with horror is not my cup of tea – I would have left it out but was told I have to ride by my parents (you wouldn’t think that I am now 18 lol).
After the fright, we sat down at the picnic area and had some more buns we stole from breakfast again and was told that sadly, Rock n Roller Coaster has a major technically problem and will not be working for a while. So we hit the Studio Tram Tour. While everyone else was reluctant to ride to but me, everyone thought that the experience was really good and it was the canyon scene that made the ride. We then went down to Crushes Coaster to brace the 2 hour queue. Although a very long wait, we thoroughly enjoyed it and understand why it is always busy – the best ride in the whole resort is our opinions. After this awesome ride we had missed both the Motours… Action! Stunt Show and the Stars and Cars Parade HERE! so me and brother headed off to RC Racer with only a 80 minute wait – not bad. Bud did it work out that way… NO! It broke down so a 15 minute wait…
Once fixed the queue started moving and we finally go on the ride. We pulled our harness down. We attached the seatbelt. We took a deep breath. Then we were told to exit the ride. NOT COOL. Maintenance came and after an anxious wait of another 15 minutes, we got back on and enjoyed the ride. It is very basic but overall a good ride. By now it was 6:00 and we where leaving a 7:00 and so we went for last minute shopping strolls in Studio 1 before heading for Hotel Santa Fe to collect our luggage and head home on the bus, arriving home at 9:00 Wednesday morning (again, 3 hours early).
Overall, a great holiday where we all enjoyed ourselves. But the let down has to be Walt Disney Studio’s. We all feel like our last day was not as magical as the first because of the queues. We expect queues at theme parks and expect them even longer at Disneyland but I feel like having more than 3 rides with fastpass and Extra Magic Hours would help reduce this issue. I believe that it is not only bad for the guests but very damaging to the park considering that they are already in debt and could course people not to return. Also, people care not able to enter the virtual queues like the Disneyland Park and be distributed to others areas to enjoy themselves and SPEND MONEY. Furthermore, there are not enough toilets in the park. There are plenty in Disneyland Park but only 3 in Walt Disney Studios and NONE in Toon Studio.
Sunday 29th August
So today was travel to Disneyland Resort Paris via a coach on the Euro Tunnel. The coach picked us up at our destination on time at 4:30AM and we had another two pickup locations after us. From the last one (Darlington) we only had two service stops before the Euro Tunnel which meant that the drivers did break the rules about only being on the coach for having a service stop every 2-3 hours; however, everyone on the coach including the people who smoke agreed that this was better. As a result we got on a 2 hour early train through the tunnel. Once in France, we had one service stop and then straight through to DLRP. But at one of the Toll Stations, the computer allowing you through the station without paying did not work and there was no member staff on duty at out station – so a security guard had to stop their station to let us through haha!
So in the end, the coach ride to the Resort was better and quicker than we expected and allowed us to arrive 3 hours early at our hotel. I cannot say what check-in is like at the Hotel Santa Fe as our drivers went in and got everyone’s breakfast tickets, room keys etc. which meant no queuing for any of us! However, the staff through our stay where lovely and very helpful.
We got to our room quickly and easily (block 33, floor 1) as a result of me studying the park and hotel for 6 months straight lol! Everyone else didn’t read the HUGE map at reception, got lost, and followed us. Our rooms was clean, tidy and spacious (two as only 4 per room and 5 of us went) which where also adjoining rooms allowing us to be together in one room and get to the other without going in the corridor and using two room keys. We dumped everything on the beds and headed straight into the Disney Village for something to eat. We opted to walk and check out what is was like and seeing the other hotels on the way there was good too. It was clearly signposted and practically impossible to get lost. Once we arrived at the village, we checked out the prices of each restaurant (relying on myself to know where each one is, of course) and choose Billy Bob’s Country Saloon. Everyone got the same which was a half a chicken with chips and BBQ sauce, a drink (Coca Cola/Water/Fruit Juice/Beer) and a chocolate brownie for only €19.95 each! Our meal was delicious, fresh chicken and full cut chips of which we even got a show. There was a circus to begin with called ‘The Little Circus’ which was really fun and kept all of our attentions. The circus was followed by line dancing and live music by ‘Billy Bob’s Band’. After seeing the show we decided to browse the shops and get an idea of what souvenirs are sold before heading back to the hotel. We opted again for walking IN THE RAIN!
Monday 30th August
We woke up at 6:30 to get ready for our 7:00 breakfast. It was a continental breakfast consisting of croissants (plain and chocolate), crusty buns, selection of flavoured jams, cheese, ham, salami, cereals and toast. The restaurant was large but did get crowded by 7:30. Afterwards we headed for the shuttle bus to meet Minnie Mouse in reception! Photo Time!
After photo’s we headed over to the bus. People do push on and don’t care about trampling over the top people, even though there is another one arriving in 10 minutes. Got to the park quickly for Extra Magic Hours and hit the castle; taking photos along Main Street USA.
We had a quick look around Fantasy Land and made our way over to Discovery Land to ride Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. I have to say that this ride was a BLAST HERE! and so much fun! Next was Space Mountain Mission 2. This coaster was really fast, intense and well themed inside; so much so I still feel like I have been into space. By this time it was 9:50 and the park was going to open soon and the line for Star Tours was already quite big so we joined it. At 10:00 the ride opened and I have to say that it is THE BEST simulator I have ever been on. Everything just felt so real inside. So from this half an hour had been and so the characters where out on Main Street. So off we went to see… MICKY MOUSE!
On the way there, the train for All Stars Express was at the stage in Central Plaza and so we stayed to hear an annoying but highly catching song as the train departs. Once down near the entrance WE COULD SEE MICKY and we joined the ever growing queue. 20 minutes later was photo time…
We decided not to queue for any more photos as it was already 11:30 (where was the day going?) and we didn’t want to queue and then they walk off. So of to Frontier Land and straight to Big Thunder Mountain for a fastpass. But what we seen when we got there was quite funny… The line for fastpasses was longer than the queue to the ride! 90 minutes queue or 2 hour wait for a fastpass to come back at after 5:00! We opted for the queue and too eat some ham and cheese buns we took from breakfast. The ride was really good and exciting, but overall – worth the wait! While my Mam and Dad went off to get a tea/coffee, we three headed to Phantom Manor. This was quite a good ride. The pre show where we see the walls expand and pictures get longer and unhappy was very clever with the ride itself being really good.
We then met up again outside of The Last Chance Café to get Ice Cream and go on the Thunder Messa Steamboat. The boat ride was good and the views go got from any of the three floors was really good.
Once the ride had finished, we decided to hit Adventure Land for Indianna Jones and De Temple of Peril. The theming on the queue and the ride is excellent, however the ride was extremely short and we where all expecting more – quite a let down considering we queued for 45 minutes (expected and don’t mind) to be on the very fast ride for only less than 30 seconds. I probably wouldn’t ride this one again unless it gets an expansion - now theres an idea! After the ride we decided to wonder around Adventure Isle. The area was very well themed (again) and was really fun going across the bridges (sadly the unique-to-Paris suspension bridge was closed) and seeing Captain Hooks Ship and Skull Rock.
Next we went over to Fantasy Land to ride the Mad Hatters Tea Cups of which we all thought went surprising fast for something also recommended for young children. This was simple ride but nevertheless – quite amusing. Once done here, we went to secure our place for the Once Upon A Dream Parade at Central Plaza at 4:30 for the 5:00 showing. The parade was really good, the floats where amazingly lifelike and the characters got really into it. The music was great and made the atmosphere even better with the overall parade being brilliant! After the show finished, it was 5:30 and the Showtime Spectacular was on at 6:00, so we stayed in our positions opposite the stage. The show was great with having the music put together fantastically and the dance routines really well choreographed.
Next we decided to head on over to Space Mountain again as we had 30 minutes until closing. This time the ride went even fast and our head where more battered than in the morning – safe to say we all came off dizzy and needed something more SLOW. BUT it was 7:10 and the park should have close at 7:00, so we went to Fantasy Land again for a relaxing ride on the carousel; a simple ride, traditional ride that was a good end to the day.
By now it was astonishingly 8:00 and the park was closing. So off we decided to go to the Disney Village to get ready for the evening show. I had booked for us to go and see the 9:30 viewing of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show featuring Micky and Friends. The queue was already starting to get long by this time and we were allowed to check in at about 8:45. Check-in was busy but quick and the member off staff didn’t mind that we were English despite me purchasing the discounted French tickets. We where in the blue section and sat at F5. Great view and close at the exit of the row. Staff started to come round with drinks of which only Water, Coca Cola or Beer was served. We knew that Fruit Juice was only served to those in 1st Class seating and we were 2nd but the menu did state tea or coffee being served. My Mam is unable to have fizzy drinks and must have a hot drink on a regular basis so asking for Tea was a problem as we were it is only served once and later on in the show. This meant that my Mam had to wait for a cup of Tea and needed to pay €5 for a small glass of Orange Juice. Barring this hiccup, the show was great and we would see it again if the opportunity arises and the food was good consisting of chilli con carne, chicken, sausage, BBQ ribs, wedges, apple crumble and ice cream with unlimited top-ups on drinks.
After the show we went to do shopping and buy our souvenirs. We found that even the shops in the Village where very well themed. As for prices, some where high and some where low – it all depends on what you buy. Clothes and toys where the most expensive while key rings and kitchen utensils seemed to be the lowest – but all in all, we got a good selection.
Tuesday 31st August
The same routine as Monday, wake up 6:30, breakfast at 7:00 and shuttle bus at 8:00 and we met Donald Duck. Only this time, we decided not to use Extra Magic Hours at the Disneyland Park and join the hustle and bustle of the crowd forming outside the gates to Walt Disney Studio’s. We where aloud into the park at 9:30 and after a few initial photos we headed for Crush’s Coaster but seen a queue stretching to the Art of Animation attraction. So we decided to go to Toy Story Playland. The theming here was excellent, but the queues where not. We queued for 110 minutes for Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and decided to leave the land – that meaning Tower of Terror. The same as Thunder Mountain, the fastpass queue was longer than the 45 minute wait that we opted for. My Mam couldn’t go on this ride and so she went to seek fastpasses on Rock n Roller Coaster while we went on the ride. I have to say that yet again, the theming of the attraction inside and out was spot on and amazing. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it but I do not like drop towers and mixing that with horror is not my cup of tea – I would have left it out but was told I have to ride by my parents (you wouldn’t think that I am now 18 lol).
After the fright, we sat down at the picnic area and had some more buns we stole from breakfast again and was told that sadly, Rock n Roller Coaster has a major technically problem and will not be working for a while. So we hit the Studio Tram Tour. While everyone else was reluctant to ride to but me, everyone thought that the experience was really good and it was the canyon scene that made the ride. We then went down to Crushes Coaster to brace the 2 hour queue. Although a very long wait, we thoroughly enjoyed it and understand why it is always busy – the best ride in the whole resort is our opinions. After this awesome ride we had missed both the Motours… Action! Stunt Show and the Stars and Cars Parade HERE! so me and brother headed off to RC Racer with only a 80 minute wait – not bad. Bud did it work out that way… NO! It broke down so a 15 minute wait…
Once fixed the queue started moving and we finally go on the ride. We pulled our harness down. We attached the seatbelt. We took a deep breath. Then we were told to exit the ride. NOT COOL. Maintenance came and after an anxious wait of another 15 minutes, we got back on and enjoyed the ride. It is very basic but overall a good ride. By now it was 6:00 and we where leaving a 7:00 and so we went for last minute shopping strolls in Studio 1 before heading for Hotel Santa Fe to collect our luggage and head home on the bus, arriving home at 9:00 Wednesday morning (again, 3 hours early).
Overall, a great holiday where we all enjoyed ourselves. But the let down has to be Walt Disney Studio’s. We all feel like our last day was not as magical as the first because of the queues. We expect queues at theme parks and expect them even longer at Disneyland but I feel like having more than 3 rides with fastpass and Extra Magic Hours would help reduce this issue. I believe that it is not only bad for the guests but very damaging to the park considering that they are already in debt and could course people not to return. Also, people care not able to enter the virtual queues like the Disneyland Park and be distributed to others areas to enjoy themselves and SPEND MONEY. Furthermore, there are not enough toilets in the park. There are plenty in Disneyland Park but only 3 in Walt Disney Studios and NONE in Toon Studio.
) and that you missed the Stunt Show. Queues for Crush are crazy and that eats so much of your day away. I love seeing Animagique and Cinemagique and especially Stitch, but there are only so many hours in a day.
Can I just ask, does Billy Bob's still do the buffet, or just the 19.95 menu you had? It's just I thought it was a buffet, it was when we last went, unless I've got it confused with another restaurant in which case never mind! 
! But it is just the queues and I think the thoroughput of the park has been made as good as the main park. I think just more fastpasses and thought and the park will be there. We also seen many characters see below...
.
I knew I could make the perfect plan. Everyone else wanted the take it as we go idea but after a moan they accepted my plan, went with it and are now thankful - - - I am always right 
!
!
