Birthday Madness TR (Days 0 to 04) COMPLETED WITH PICS! And now a FB link!

[kizzabel]

Hi all,
Sorry i've take so long to get organised and start my TR.
Lifes been pretty hectic with two lunatic children plus family staying and caring for two nieces as their Mom recovers from surgery.
I must admit Ive been down, missing DLP alot but im back to normal and wishing November gets here soon so I can return to the magic and introduce my son Jimmy (2) to DLP while celebrating his sisters 6th birthday (surprise trip) and dragging my OH to DLP again!!

And so on to my TR.....

Trip Background:::
Myself and BFriend Elaine brought my DD and her DSis to DLP last May and thought it would be a master stroke to use our birthdays (both 25) as an excuse to return!! So after much planning and talking and number crunching we worked out when to go and where to stay. We booked 3 days too early and missed free dining but got a great deal on accomadation, flights etc so were more then happy with our holiday. This would be a kid free trip and a chance to do all the thrill rides

Cast:::

Me: Kizzy, almost 25, DLP addict with a wish to try every ride/attraction/show, a love of Alice and the princess films.

Bfriend: Elaine 25, loves Eeyore, Monsters Inc and browsing the shops.

Day 0:::

I got up at 7am to get DD out to school, kissed DS and DP goodbye and set out to get the tickets and my money from my Mams house (safer to leave them there!!) and then collect Elaine at 11am.
We set out for Dublin and were in the shopping centre an hour and a half later, having made great time! We did some shopping and bought the boys (our other halfs) some non Disney clothing. We then had a fab lunch in Pizza Hut (with half price vouchers thanks to my mobile phone provider - Bargain!).
We then set out for the Travelodge - another bargain at €19 for the room for the night! After check in we discovered there was a lovely shopping centre down the road so we did a little more window shopping and had dinner. We also got a couple of cans of nice cider - start as you mean to go on
I managed half a can when we were settling down before going to sleep and lost my interest. With all the excitement I tossed and turned most of the night and only got 3 hours sleep before my alarm went off at 4am!


Day 1:::

So after my alarm woke us up we got up and did our hair and make up before checking out of the Travelodge and heading for the airport car park.. This is where the fun started. I got lost, went to the wrong carpark, was almost talked into making an illegal right turn (thankfully i ignored Elaine as the police were behind us we then discovered!!!), then I almost killed us at a roundabout, red light means STOP methinks!!! After all this excitement we finally got to the red long term carpark and got the shuttle to Dublins shiny new terminal 2.
After the obligatory overweight weigh in of suitcases (overweight going, underweight coming home - always happens - always baffles me!) we had a last ciggarette before heading thru security, setting off alarms with all my bangles and having a laugh with the security man. We had chocolate for breakfast while sitting at the gate.
I was getting nervous waiting to board so I had my friend Mr. Valium to see me right. Our flight was perfect. I wonder why im such a scaredy cat!
We got our bags in CDG and sprinted for the CDGval to take us to the TGV station in Terminal 2. No need as we had an hour to spare! I always worry about being on time but it was great being able to get our barings. We went to the Relay shop to get a few bits and caught the 11am TGV to MLVC.
8 minutes later we were in DLP!!!
We got the shuttle to the Cheyenne to book in and were told to leave our bags in the luggage room and come back after 3pm. And as a bonus... we got GMFLB for every morning. I was on Cloud 9 but had an inkling as to what this meant...


We got to the park entrances and there was a good crowd walking around... I hoped it was just many indecisive people wandering from one park to another but when we eventually made our mind up and choose to head to WDS 1st as a break in tradition we discovered the parks were very very busy eeeeek

We decided to do Tram Tours (a 1st for both of us!) It was good but could be great if there were more effect scenes like castrophe canyon. We waited about 30mins to ride it
We then decided to get some lunch as we'd skipped breakfast well we had chocolate but i dont think that counts!
So on we went to Cafe des Casadeurs.... which was closed
So we headed to Blockbuster Cafe instead. I had a yummy Croque followed by beignets which were tasty which as part of a deal with crisps and a drink came to €12, thought it was good value for money and very filling. Elaine had pasta and garlic bread which she liked too.
We then strolled to TSPL for a look and as RC was showing a 30min wait we said we'd start the trend that continued for the trip aaaaand QUE
RC was brilliant, scary in a kind of think my heart stopped way but we loved it. We spent alot of time over the next few days watching people (men mostly) on RC with pale faces!! Very funny seeing reactions!

We then went to DLP as it was time for a wal thru after which we rode IJ... Ok here the villain in me made an appearance. I lied, said it didnt go upside down and Elaine almost killed me with her handbag in a jovial kinda way when we got off!!
We then discovered that Les Pays and Casey Jr were open yaaaaaaaay!!
We rode Les Pays which was great my dd is going to adore it on our next visit. Its a pity its not open all year. We said we'd do Casey Jr at some stage in the following days but never got back to it. Another reason to book more visits lol
We then rushed back to the Cheyenne to get our room and get ready for BBWWS.
When we got back we were given a room in the Sundance block - 1009. We walked down openned the door and it was filthy
I rang to reception to ask for a change and walked back up to get our new room key. We were given room 1015 which seemed fine (that night we discovered that the wall light was hanging off the wall and making buzzing noises!!) and quickly changed and headed to BBWWS.

We watched the pre show and ordered a........COCKTAIL!!
Elaine had the Cactus Jack which was very nice infact I would quite like one now!
It was made from Vodka, i think melon liqeur (cant read my notes!) OJ, passionfruit nectar and strawberry syrup

I had the Festival, which was sour! Not so nice but ok.
It was made of Citrus Vodka, Get 27, lime and sprite. Both cost €8

We had been given Blue hats and ook our spot for the show. We munched on Corn bread (fab) and nice nachos before being served ''Chill Con wheres the meat'' Lol. We search high and low and ate almost all of it but couldnt find the meat!! The sauce was nice although i think it may not have agreed with me (I shant blame the cocktails!) as i was up at 2am being sick .. This was followed by a chicken leg, sausage, some very nice wedges, ribs and sweetcorn. We also had some beer with the meal. It was an ok show. I wouldnt go again but we got the bargain tickets so it wasnt so bad

After the show we decided to go to the DLH for more cocktail goodness (on second thoughts we should have ditched the cowboy hats! not such a refined look lol)

We got to the very lush fantasia bar and ordered more coctails.

I had the Ponchielli - by far my favourite. It contained Bacardi, Black Raspberry liquer, peach and pineapple juices and grenadine. It was €14 and so so so nice

Elaine had a Strawberry Margarita which I liked but she didnt it was nice and slushy and made of Tequila, strawberry puree, strawberry syrup and juice and cane sugar and I think it was around €13

I could very honestly have spent the eveing relaxing here were it not for the ridiculous prices! But it was on to Lake Disney and the lovely surroundings of The HNY. I love a things Art Deco so this was right up my street. We were seated in the bar and had a look at the cocktail menu....

I ordered the Rendez Vous which was Vodka, green apple liqeur, passionfruit nectar, apple juice and it was meant to have cinnamon syrup but i asked for grenadine instead as i dont like cinnamon. It was €11

Elaine ordered a Pina Colada which is standard so i wont give ingredients!

This was also €11 and both came with some funky garnish - sweets, flogs and free fruit. We were also given nuts and olives. Now as this trip was all about firsts i decided to try an olive...... disgusting bleugh!

We returned to the Cheyenne after this to get the whoozy heads down for the night... but of course we decided to walk thru the HNY carpark which we thought would be handy, it would have been except it took ages to find the right way out!! We had a great nights sleep in very comfy beds![/COLOR][/COLOR]

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Yay you've started your trip report! Sounds good so far, can't wait for more!

 

[kizzabel]

We were up at 6.45 thanks to Mr Mouse!

We showered and dressed and strolled to DLP for EMH and brekfast in Plaza Gardens.
We were at the park at 8.10 and rode SM and Buzz (level 3 45,000 not the best but hey) before heading to Plaza for our 8.45 time slot.
Breakfast was good but trays were no where to be seen so i managed to spill cereal all over my coat
From here after a consultation with the to do list we decided to try Dumbo, another 1st. I really liked this!! While in the que it hit 10am so we headed for PM after Dumbo.
Loved this as usual but there was a wee girl behind us and my heart went out to her as she was petrified.
Next on the list - Captain Eo. I thought this was going to be another 20minute homage to kodak but thankfully the preshow is very short now and we really enjoyed this slice of 80s imagining!
There was one thing that always annoyed me and that was not getting to do Autopia and thats where we went next. The que looked deceptively short but we had rolls and yoghurts from brekkie so we munched away while waiting!
I managed to crash into every inch of the track rail i think!! Infact if the authorities want to revoke my driving license thats ok, i kinda deserve it after Autopia!!
Elaine said Nautilius was next on the to do's. This was so cool! We both enjoyed the detailing and spent a good lenght having a look around.

We wandered over to Frontierland to have a sit down and a good natter as id hurt my ankle exiting PM and it was getting quite sore.
We whiled away 30minutes until it came time for our birthday lunch in Walts.
We had 3.30 reservations and were seated in the Main St room but asked for a window seat when some other diners had left. This was no problem.
We looked at the menus and wanted to try everything!!
I had the Caesar Salad which was very nice. Elaine also had this but did not like the boiled eggs! Elaine then had the steak which she loved and i had the chicken with morel mushrooms and the most delicious sweet potatoe gratin. Elaine had the chocolate cake for dessert and i had the most devine cheesecake with toffee popcorn and a dark chocolate circle latisse (sp?). The crunch caramel biscuit base was so nice. Walts is on the honeymoon list!!
In total, with two soft drinks and standard vouchers we paid €13.50 each! Bargain!
We walked to WDS after dinner and after much coaxing Elaine agreed to do ToT!!!! Another 1st!
We waited about 20minutes before we got to the loading area where we met our bellboy. He looked us up and down as if we were dirt. We were not welcome in his elegant hotel! Elaine was at this stage shaking with fear and he asked if she was afraid to which she said yeah! His response - Most survive, most!!!!
He made the ride and was hilarious!
We loved every second of it! Elaine held onto my hand so tight i had nail marks all evening!! To say we screamed, especially when the doors opened for the 3rd time and we were looking out over the park! I had o buy a souvenir so i bought a room key, some drinks glasses and we both got photo keyrings. We both thought the Tot shop was the best by far of all the ride shops with the most unique and themed merchandise.
Next was RnRC. Where i lied again, ' it just goes fast, not upside down!'
Cue more handbag bashing when we exited! Elaine did enjoy it though.
It was now time for 1st aid as i couldnt deal with the paine anymore. I also lied here. It was a white lie. The injury had happened at 11am, it was now 8pm so i didnt want to face the wrath of the doctor and said the injury had only just happened! She bandaged my foot and gave me some paracetemol which helped alot but to be honest I was in pain for a few days even after getting home.
We picked up meals in New York Sanwiches which were fine and headed back to the Cheyenne. Before taking my tablets we snuck in a quick cocktail!! Im terrible i know!
I had the Jesse James which was Vodka, passion fruit liqeur, apple juice and grenadine. It cost €8

Elaine had the Pony Express which was her favourite of all the cocktails. It was made from Strawberry puree, peach liqeur, vanilla liqeur, passionfruit and pineapple juices and also €8

We retired to our room and slept well

 

[DLPdaft]

great so far - more please, loving it .

 

[kizzabel]

We were again awoken by Mickey, this time as 6.30am as we had to wash hairs and we headed to Plaza again for our 8.15am brekkie.
When we got to the Castle there was a lovely tarp covering the scaffolding

This was again fine with plenty in abundance and we again apcked rolls and yoghurts for snacking on.
1st today was Teacups

We got a slow cup and our hands were too cold to give it much effort!
Next we went to SM which wasnt too busy at this stage (90minutes at 11am )
This was great and seemed very fast. Elaine didnt seem to mind this ride as much as RnRC!!
The parks were mad busy at this stage so we headed for WDS and decided to watch some shows.
1st was Stitch in french which we straight away went to see in english after watching the french show!!
Elaine refused to be Stitches girlfriend!!! How rude of her!! We really enjoyed this show. Stitch was at his best.
We went to see Playhouse Disney next as Crush was showing 90 min waits
Definately one for the kids but we clapped along regardless!!
After a wander about looking at ridiculous wait times we went back to DLP and climbed the Cabane Robinson. This was good. Elaine freaked when we got up high so we sped back down the steps!
And ran / hobbled to POTC.
We sat in the front and it seems faster and a bigger drop, especially with our hands up! It now a firm favourite of mine, so long as i ride at the front!
Time for Iasw as we hadnt done it yet. Sang the song for the rest of the day!!
We were peckish at this stage and Elaine had been really looking forward to Toad Hall so it was fish and chips for lunch, with a large drink and fruit salad for €12 each. The nicest thing i have ever eaten. EVER!!!! We lashed on vinegar and squeezes of lemon and with mayonaise for dipping i was in heaven!
We used our hot drink receipts for tea and coffee in Fuento del Oro and im going to try their Taco Salad on my next trip. It looked yummy.
We were about to get fast passes for BTM but they were all gone
We ventured back to WDS for Art of Animation which was spectacular. We recorded a song..... hilarious!! Im never going to win X Factor!!

Some concept art from Bambi, The Little Mermaid and Alice in Wonderland.

It was time to head back to the Cheyenne and get changed for dinner and some cocktails. We had a reservation for Beaver Creek Tavern for 8.30pm. We went to Red Garter Saloon at the Cheyenne!
I had the Annie Oakley which was made of Bacardi, peach liqeur, passionfruit juice, banana juice and blue caracoa. Elaine has another Pony Express and both were €8.

This is the Annie Oakley and the Pony Express. When i remembered to snap a pic of it!!


Next was the Santa Fe where we ordered more cocktails after a bit of hot air with a woman over the que system - there was none. People were standing around while it was clear the bar staff were servng people that came to them. So i went to the middle of the bar and this woman screamed at me that there was a que!! The barman informed her that there was no que system as it wasnt a counter service restaurant and people sat at the bar!! But i insisted she go ahead of me cause she was a little scary looking and we ordered and had lots of chat and laughs with our server Giuesippe.
Elaine had an Arroyo which was made of Bacardi rum, guava, passoa liqeur and pineapple juice

Mine is the short cocktail.
I had the El Sombero which was melon liqeur, cara de blem (?) cachaca (?) apple juice and raspberry syrup and was absolutely vile, bless poor ol Giuseppe's heart! I think both were €7 or 8. We were getting sloppy at this stage!

Next we headed over to the S.L for dinner at Beaver Creek which was a starter buffet, main off the menu and a dessert buffet.

We had some salad bits for starters which were fine but there was sot of fish the salad dressing was nice though!
We both had steak for mains which came with potatoes and roast veg. Both were requested very well done but only mine was so Elaine asked for hers to be cooked a bit longer and it was fine when she got it back.
We stuffed ourselves over dessert. I had floating islands which were yummy and we also had some bavrois (sp?). There was alot to choose from and we ended up with eyes bigger then tummys. The food was ok but i dont know if I would return. Maybe we'll try the Hunters Grill full buffet the next time It came to €17 with our half board standard vouchers and two soft drinks!

We headed up the stairs for.... you guessed it! More Cocktails!!!

We found a far too comfy couch and sat down with our cocktails to relax.
Elaine had a Yellow Stone and I had a Forest edge (Violet flavour). Between all the food and perhaps all the cocktails i had no inclination to write what either drink contained. They were very nice, very strong and both €11.

The lovely bartender, Christian i think, gave us both a shot glass of the others cocktail to try! Lovely man!


We were so comfy and tired we almost fell asleep so we left the S.L and went 'home' to bed!!




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[miss_bell]

Great trip report, I really enjoyed the speciality cocktails at the Cheyenne, the Jesse James was my favourite.

 

[kizzabel]

Thanks Miss Bell,
only one more day to fill in and im done! must get back to reading your TR too!

after a bit all the cocktails blended into one! but we had fun trying them!!

 

[kizzabel]

We again were gotten up by Mr Mouse! Hello 6am, Mickey was not my friend at that hour of the morning
We finished the last bit of packing and dropped our key to reception.
We then caught the shuttle to MLV station and left our bags into the luggage room - a bargain €9.50 for two big suitcases and two large carry on bags in one locker (for up to 72 hours!)

We were in Plaza for breakfast at 8.15am and again packed a roll. It was a bit busier this morning but we ate at our leisure and were sated for our last morning in the park.
We had a walk around and decided to que for WDS opening so we could do the elusive Crush!
We que'd at 9am and were let in around 9.35 and we then raced to Crush. We waited until about 10.10 to ride and it was well worth all the wait! it was brilliant. When we got off (10.15am) the wait time was 90 mins
Back to RnRC as Elaine was feeling a bit adventurous! No wait here
It was then time to see Animagique which was great and a welcome break after all the walking on this trip.
We trotted over to Cinemagique to prolong the rest!! Elaine hadnt seen this before and really enjoyed it.
It was time to head back to DLP after deciding we neither liked the look of Parachutes or wanted to test our fear of heights!
We had elevenses in the Bake House with us getting a tea, coffee and two biscuits and doing a spot of people watching. We walked out to the characters parade in Main St Transportation vehicles. Chip and Dale in the Paddywagon! Very apropriate methinks!
We had a look at the Dragon and then relaxed in a sunny spot to watch the Showtime Spectacular. My kiddies are going to love this in November!! It was great.
We next went to the Silver Spur and walked out after two very rude staff were downright ignorant - I tried to get a waiters attention and i got a talk to the hand response. He didnt reappear after 5 mins so we walked and had a totally tasty meal in Annettes
I had wings (yum bar the blue cheese dip - had Elaines BBQ instead!) followed by The Chicken and Sweet Boeuf Burger. Elaine had Onion Rings followed by the Rock n Roll Burger. We couldnt fit dessert and with half board standard vouchers it cost €3!!! So enjoyable, we were impressed with the service and price.

It was time to colect our bags and get our TGV.
Where is the lift in MLV!?!?!?!? Had to hawk the suitcases down stairs

We caught our TGV and were in a very giddly/tired mood. We got the CDGval from T2 to T1 and flew home to Dublin at 10.10pm and home to beds with heavy heart.

 

[DLPdaft]

brilliant trip report - I'm very impressed you managed to get up so early every morning (I'd rather have an extra hour in bed and just bung my hair in a bobble lol ).

The Showtime Spectacular isn't on any more - its changed now to Mickeys Magical Celebration, and so far its only on once a day, in the evening.

 

[LoodlesNoodles]

Brilliant TR!
How did you manage to drink so many cocktails though? I think I'd have been stumbling all over the place

 

[Ware Bears]

Ooh what a little liar you are hope Elaine has forgiven you by now!!

Brilliant TR!
How did you manage to drink so many cocktails though? I think I'd have been stumbling all over the place

A great report and I especially approve of all the cocktail sampling although I'd have been stumbling along with Louise too

 

[kizzabel]

Lol im a terrible friend i know!! Ah it helped her get over her fears but saying that neither of us wanted to face into Parachutes. Im no good for suspended heights. She never minded going on an indoor coaster really. It was so funny stood que-ing for IJ - I had told her it didnt loop upside down and I was stood in the que watching it go upside down for about 5 minutes while Elaine, too engrossed in chatter didnt notice! I was hoping she wouldnt turn around!!

Every time i lied i warned her when the ride took off. She called me the loveliest of names!!

As for the cocktails I think the only way we managed was without kiddies. We wouldnt have had the stamina otherwise and even at that we were sloppy giggling messes half the time! After one cocktail we would get giggley and a bit tipsy but we never got outright drunk.

Our 1st trip mine was tied up all week without a second thought! We said we'd go all out and throw on slap every morning and do our hair seeing as we were celebrating a quarter century! All alot of fuss in the end. If I could have worn my PJs to the park id have been in heaven!!

Loved the girly trip - it was such a giggle but im really looking forward to a family trip next.
Thanks for all the kind comments and all the advice too!

 

[kizzabel]

Will be adding a link to facebook for my other pics tomorrow. Just have a few more to upload

 

[kizzabel]

ive uploaded my pics to facebook...
heres the link http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150161158198480.306793.681403479

feel free to add me!