Cazgals "Our Lucky Nugget Trip" - Day Two

[Cazgal]

Cast

Me 36, loves Disney, been to Anaheim when I was much younger, but not yet been to DLRP.

DH 43, never been to Disney .... bless !

DD 7, like me loves all things Disney.

Tuesday 8th April

We have called our trip report “Our Lucky Nugget” because so many “lucky” things happened during this trip and when our DD was small we gave her the nickname “Nugget” because she was solid gold . On the last day, when we were sat outside the Lucky Nugget waiting to go in for our last meal she said “We really have had a lucky trip Mum – I must be your Lucky Nugget” …. and so our trip was named !

I was already awake and showered when the alarm went off at 4.00am .... only having about two hours sleep I was amazing awake - but very snuffly - looks like my cold had arrived. Adrenalin kicking in, DD8 was up and ready much quicker than on a school day . DH was also up and raring to go - we were ready to leave the Travel Lodge as planned at 4.30am.

When we got outside the car was completely iced over - something we hadn't planned for! So while DH loaded the boot and got the packed breakfasts bits together, I concentrated on scrapping the ice of the car . Luckily within a few minutes we were ready to go.

We headed down to the EuroTunnel check in, which is only about 10 mins or so from the Travel Lodge (very handy) and proceeded to check in - very smooth with no problems. Having never been on the ET before we were a bit nervous about what to expect, but it was all very simple and easy. Within a few minutes we were on the train - which was an experience in itself and well worth doing.

The train left on schedule at 5.48am and within 35 mins we were in France. DH then drove all the way to DLRP (DD fell to sleep for a good way of the journey, which was great as it would mean she would be able to enjoy her first day at Disney more).

At around 10.30am we saw the sign for the turn off to DLRP ! It had only taken us around 3 hours to get there ! Much quicker than we had expected ! The tolls were easy to navigate through (we paid by card) and the directions we had printed out were accurate and easy to follow.

By now DD had woken up, so she was able to enjoy the ride into the resort itself - seeing the huge Disney balloon was really exciting! After all this time of planning and talking about out trip we were finally her ! It all seemed a little surreal especially when we pulled into the car park at the Hotel Cheyenne.

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008327.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008327.jpg" border="0" alt="Sign Cheyenne"></a>

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008535.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008535.jpg" border="0" alt="Cheyenne"></a>

Outside the hotel at the area where you can have your photo taken with the characters was Pluto (to become one of DD favourites) ... I quickly went into reception to book us in as a coach had just also arrived from the airport with lots of people in it. Luckily there were only a few people ahead of me in the queue and I was quickly seen to.

DH and DD came in a few minutes later, just as I was being "served”.... DD was standing next to me when someone tapped her on the shoulder and messed her hair up! It was Pluto. DD face was priceless. Pluto waved to her and then disappeared into a doorway at the side of Reception. We continued to check in - making sure our meals etc had been booked - when would you believe it our walked Mickey Mouse of the same door Pluto had just gone through. DD didn't see him at first as she was watching the lady who was checking us in..... when again "someone" tapped her on the shoulder - her face was a picture as she realised who it was! “Mum ! Its Mickey” she whispered as the Mouse went off to his photo spot.

Checking in complete, we quickly raced into the Hotel shop and bought her an autograph book – she was so excited …. We then waited to get his autograph – what would be her first of many. She was a little shy at first, but loved meeting him.

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008578.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008578.jpg" border="0" alt="Mickey 1"></a>

As we were quite early (11am ish) our room was not ready, so we left our luggage with the baggage holding place and then walked to the bus stop to wait for the next bus. Within a few minutes it was there and by 11.30am we were walking through the gates to the Disneyland Park.

The first view of the castle really takes your breath away – DD was so excited to be there – there was just so much to take in … Mary Poppins and her penguins just as we walked in, the huge castle dominating the background and skyline …. And the music! Wow! It was a priceless moment.

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008581.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008581.jpg" border="0" alt="MP parade"></a>

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008583.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008583.jpg" border="0" alt="Castle"></a>

We had decided many weeks ago that our first ride would be BTMR – so to Frontierland we headed. We grabbed a FP (only 30 mins till our FP time) and then walked round Frontierland taking in all the sights and sounds – a very nice relaxing start to the trip. We saw quite a few characters including Pluto and Radcliffe, around the Woody Round Up Area. DD got a few more signatures for her Autograph book.

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008585.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008585.jpg" border="0" alt="Pluto"></a>

DD played for a while in the Pocahontas Play Area, but before we knew it, it was time to return to the BTMR for our FP time.

DD was a little wary of the ride and I thought at first she may refuse to go on once we reached the head of the queue – she has a “fear” of fast rides, but she was very brave and went on it. She loved every second of it and wanted to go straight back on … which of course we did! We were amazed at how short the queues actually were and the park was fairly quiet – a very good sign.

We then strolled into Adventureland and went on PotC (a walk on) and looked around Adventure Island.

At that point we realised that we had left the half board vouchers in the car (arrgghh) so DH sped back to get them before our meal reservation at 2pm at the Silver Spur Steakhouse. In the meantime DD and I did some shopping in Main Street (the first purchase of many) – we also managed to see the Disney Character Train – which was lovely. (I am still singing the tune now !!)

Luckily DH made it back just in time for our reservation at 2pm. The Silver Spur Steakhouse was really nice inside, very opulent, dark and warm. I have reviewed the meal under the SSS thread (it was good). After we had finished our meal, we headed across to the Studios to catch the HSM2 parade. Before that though, we had time to do the Flying Carpets of Agrabah (5 mins wait).

I thought the parade was only outside Cinemagique, but luckily we also discovered it was first outside the Aerosmith Rock and Roller Coaster … then the parade moves down to outside Cinemagique where they do the whole show again.

The HSM show/parade was brilliant – well worth while seeing. My DD loved this show (while we watch DH went on Armageddon) – so did I. It was great and very well put together.

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008629.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008629.jpg" border="0" alt="HSM&lt;2"></a>

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008639.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008639.jpg" border="0" alt="hsm2"></a>

After the show had finished outside Aerosmith, the parade moved off towards Cinemagique, where they did the show again – however, we used this time to go on the Tram Tours (a walk on now – where before the wait had been 30 minutes). The Tram Tours was great – DD made DH sit on the left as she knew he would get wet – which he did ! (well just a little).

We then spend time wandering around the Studios – playing with the Umbrella (spent ages here as my DD loved this).

<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/?action=view&current=EuroDisney2008627.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/Cazgal/EuroDisney2008627.jpg" border="0" alt="umberella"></a>

We also saw Cruella De Ville and Sully.

By this time we were all starting to feel tired after being up so early, so we headed out into the Disney Village. DH and I picked up a sandwich and DD had a McD and we headed back to our room to collect our key, unpack and collapse into bed.

DD spend a while colouring in a Minnie picture to give to her or Mickey tomorrow morning at our Cafe Mickey breakfast - hope they take it from her !

All in all a great first day – even though we were all very tired, it had been a truly perfect first day.

 

[DLPdaft]

Absolutely brilliant first day in the parks trippie - more please !!

Elaine

 

[MazdaUK]

Fantasatic first day. We love the shuttle - so much quicker and easier (and less -making ) than a ferry!

 

[angelamc]

looking forward to the next installment

 

[tennisfan]

Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading the rest

 

[A Small World]

We are also fans of the tunnel now. The travel lodge is so handy and great to break up the long drive from the North and means we can get an early tunnel crossing which in turn means we arrive earlier at DLP

 

[hildasmuriel]

Great start - off to read the next bit.

 

[MJ_always]

Awww what a fantastic day! Sounds really perfect and magical. That was so sweet with the characters when you were checking in! Lovely photos.

luv
#ashleigh#

 

[JC Butterfly]

Love your shot of the Cheyenne lobby, looks so "homey" inside and what a wonderful surprise for your daughter to have so much character interaction right away!

Glad she braved BTM, such an awesome ride!

The umbrella picture is a hoot, will have to make sure I have Rihanna's tune loaded in the Ipod for full cheesy effect in that photo op.

sounds like a wonderful start to your vacation (and no mention of you feeling sicker, yet, that's great)

 

[britchic4]

I thought the tunnel was great too. Now on a mission to find that umbrella in May! Great trippie.

 

[Ware Bears]

What a lovely start to your trip with your DD meeting both Pluto and Mickey.....and you hadn't even made it into the parks!!

The first view of the castle really takes your breath away

Doesn't it just!! And it still has the same effect on me each visit.

 

[Dianetigger]

Fantastic! Love the fact that Pluto and Mickey appeared just at the right time at your hotel - lovely pictures of your daughter.

 

[ynwa19]

Great first day. We always use the ET when we go as well. I love the drive down to DLP and you have no weight restrictions on what you bring back - if it fits in your car, its ok

 

[amandajim36]

brilliant report and great pics

 

[Cyrano]

Sounds like we should consider the Travel Lodge rather than the HI Express at Canterbury; although we like the fact that breakafst is included.

I'm impressed with how much you got to do on your first park day, given teh early start

 

[A Small World]

Sounds like we should consider the Travel Lodge rather than the HI Express at Canterbury; although we like the fact that breakafst is included.

I'm impressed with how much you got to do on your first park day, given the early start

The Travel Lodge is so convenient- 10 minutes away. You can buy breakfast there (kids are free) but as its so close its good to do a very early crossing and get brekkie on route.
They are building another hotel on the same leisure park next to TL but not sure what that is going to be - maybe a HI Express

 

[ynwa19]

The Travel Lodge is so convenient- 10 minutes away. You can buy breakfast there (kids are free) but as its so close its good to do a very early crossing and get brekkie on route.
They are building another hotel on the same leisure park next to TL but not sure what that is going to be - maybe a HI Express

Me and my other half use the Travel Inn that is next to the Eurotunnel. Literally 2 mins drive. I think that you can get the Travelodge cheaper though and it is pretty much the same thing.