Chante c'est Noel- trip report day 1

A Small World

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Chante c’est Noel!!!!

Th 27th Dec – Journey to DLP and first experience of Christmas at DLP

Cast:
Me (21 x2 plus extra) – 4th trip
DH (21 x2 plus extra) – 4th trip
DD – 8 – Loves Princesses, POC and BTM and Disney – 4th trip
DGM (Grandma. My Mum) – 76. 1st trip to DLP


After an awful nights sleep (cars and people seemed to be coming and going all night) we were up at 5.00am (Aghhhhh!!!!!!!!!) We gathered our few bits together and piled into the car for the last few miles to the tunnel. We were booked on the 7.20 shuttle but hoped we might be able to get an earlier one. However when we arrived it seemed as though 7.20 was the first one so we could have had a bit longer in bed. However it meant we had time to wander round the terminal and look in the shops. DD bought a book to read in the car and we tried several perfumes. We then decided we were a bit peckish so went for a croissant for breakfast. It didn’t seem long before our letter was called so we headed back to the car and onto the train. Before we knew it we were through the tunnel and in France.
The journey from Calais was uneventful. The roads were clear as they usually are in France and the only hold up was at the Peage- toll booths. I don’t know why but we hit a queue here in summer as well. It must have taken almost 30 minutes to get through!!!! At one point myself, DGM and DD all fell asleep – fortunately DH didn’t!!!
We negotiated the area round CDG easily with the help of Gladys the Sat Nav. We knew this was where we would see the first road sign for DLP so started to get excited looking out for it.
Before we knew it we were leaving the motorway and passing familiar places.
We headed for Hotel New York where we wanted to park- oh the power of the Dream AP – flash it and you are just waved through. We parked the car and added layers not sure really how cold to expect it (As it turned out it wasn’t as bad as we’d imagined).
Layered up we then headed into New York to use the toilets before starting. Of course once we were inside the hotel it was warmer so layers started to come off and seemed to take much longer for toilet visits with layers to negotiate.
Anyhow we were really impressed with the decorations in New York- massive tree in the entrance and smaller trees along the corridors as well as lots of others decs.
We walked out of New York and saw another massive tree outside and the ice rink – “It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas……..”

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As it was 12.30ish we had decided to have lunch before going into the park so headed towards Annettes on route stopping to look at the frozen lake and take photos.
We arrived at Annettes and realised there was a queue – we have often eaten here at lunchtime and never really queued before – obviously an indication that the whole resort was going to be very busy. It wasn’t too bad though (we waited about 15 mins) and then were seated in a booth towards the back. We’ve never managed to get a booth before, we’ve usually been just at a table.
DD had the childrens burger and chips, DH had a mega burger, I had the Rock and Roll burger and DGM had the onion burger. All with chips of course and a portion of onion rings to share. Delicious as always. This is fast becoming one of our favourite restaurants and I would say definitely our favourite in the Village. DD had the childrens waffle for dessert – it was massive with ice cream and chocolate sauce, DH and I had the café Gourmand I think its called: Choice of coffee (we both had espresso), It then comes with 2 chocolate brownies, a doughnut and a mini vanilla milkshake. Ive had this dessert every time we’ve been to Annettes as its just the right amount for me after a big meal. (Ive not really got a sweet tooth I prefer savoury.)
As we left at about 2.00 the queue was still long. We glanced at the Christmas stalls set up around the Village but decided to leave them til later and head into the park. Through the bag check, through the gates (We had our APs and we’d bought GMs pass from Disney Store before we went 4 days for 3) and we were finally there.

We had decided to head for Frontierland first to try and get FP for BTM and to try and see Mickeys Winter Wonderland show. DH wanted to call into City Hall to check directions to get to DCR so the rest of us strolled slowly down main street looking in the shop windows. DD was delighted as one was specially decorated in yellow with lots of Belle things. We waited at the top near Caseys for DH. He caught us up quite excited saying Ive just seen Annette – I was confused at first as we’d just been to Annettes but then realised he meant Kevankiki. He’d recognised her hat and stopped to chat to her.
It was really busy round central plaza but we realised it was because the character express was there and the characters were doing meet and greets. We avoided those crowds and headed into Frontierland. DH grabbed BTM FPs which were for 6.00 and we wandered towards Woody’s Roundup. The queues for Santa were really long and DD wasn’t too bothered about seeing him but we could walk right in to see Woody. There were about 5 others in front of us and the CM warned us that Woody was going soon but Jessie was coming however DD managed to meet Woody before he went. We sneaked a look through the window into Santas grotto and saw him sitting there. As we were walking out Jessie was coming in so we snapped a quick photo, then we saw Santa walking towards the area. DD was a bit confused so we said he must have been cold sat there so had gone for a quick walk to keep warm and has a special door out of his grotto near where we were. Not sure how they did the change over as Im sure some children must have been able to see the 2 Santas from where they were.

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We then went to queue for the Winter Wonderland show as we wanted to try and get good seats. We were surprised that it wasn’t as cold as we’d expected but when we were sitting watching the show I was glad Id taken a couple of blankets with me as the seats were very cold especially for DGM and there was quite a chill in the air.

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After this we decided to go and try to check into DCR. At first DH was just going to go on his own but as it was dark we decided to all go to help him find it.
We headed out of the park which was still really crowded every where and into the Village. We decided to browse round the Christmas market which was quite nice. I got some hot wine which was delicious- a massive cup full compared to the tiny amount you often get. DH and DGM then got some hot chocolate from another stall. There were massive slabs of chocolate there and you could choose which type of chocolate you wanted but they just went for the milk chocolate one as DD was going to share it as well. We wandered back through the Village to New York to collect the car and noticed the ice rink was open. DD really wanted to go on- she’s never been skating before (neither have I come to that but that’s a different story!!!!!- coward!!!!!!) so DH decided to take her on. It’s a long time since DH went as well (over 25years) so neither of them got far from the edge. DGM and I stood and watched admiring the Christmas feel to the hotel. It was a shame there wasn’t a stall nearby selling hot chocolate- an opportunity missed by Disney – as there were quite a few people obviously standing waiting for others. We managed to drag DD off the ice eventually but only after we promised she could go again at Easter when we go.

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We got in the car and headed towards DCR- that’s when the fun began. It had suddenly turned really foggy and dark and you couldn’t see in front of you at all. We’ve never been to DCR so were relying on signs once we got off the motorway- I’m sure there’s a sign here somewhere!!! In fact come to that I’m sure there’s a road here somewhere!!!!!!!! Got there eventually. Checked in and were given all the paperwork. We were in Timber trail. We found it quite easily even in the fog but it seemed a long way after reception before we saw anything and at one point we were wondering if we’d gone the wrong way. We were expecting the cabins to start immediately.
Impressed with the cabin- the heater had been left on so it was very cosy and warm. Quickly unpacked the car and DD changed her jeans- She had discovered when you spend a lot of time on your bottom and knees on the ice you get wet!!!!!
We put the kettle on for a much needed cup of tea and then tried to decide what to do for the rest of the evening. Unfortunately as it had taken getting there than we’d expected (unplanned skating experience) we realised we wouldn’t get back into the park in time for Candlebration. This was a shame as we weren’t sure if we’d catch it the next night either. However as the park was open til 10 we decided to go back in and try and do some rides.
We parked again at New York and were pleased to see hordes of people leaving the park as we were going back in. We walked up Mainstreet – getting caught in the snow on route- round the side of the castle towards Small World. We knew DGM would like this ride as she remembered it from WDW. The queues were non existent and it was a walk on. We avoided a near disaster when people in the boat in front were turning round shouting and waving their scarves in the air. We were ignoring them thinking they were messing round then a man further back in our boat leaned forward in the boat with GMs scarf which had been dangling in the water (still round her neck) and was probably dangerously close to getting tangled in the machinery.
After escaping unharmed we wandered through Belles village (all closed) to POC. This and Small World are 2 rides we really like doing at the end of the day. Walked straight onto POC and went round a 2nd time as well. The swinging pirate was swinging furiously. There were still massive queues at all other rides in Fantasyland so we wandered through to Frontierland to go on PM (having realised we’d missed our FP slot for BTM)
After this we decided to call it a day and head out but as we reached mainstreet we decided we were hungry so cut across everyone else heading out of the park (Fantillusion had just finished) and into Market St Deli. DD and DGM had ham and cheese baguettes and DH and I had croque monsieurs. We sat in the arcade to eat them and whilst we were there heard the announcement that the park is now closed. On the way out Mickey was standing up on the station waving good bye to everyone.

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We made our way wearily back to New York to the car envying those in DLH. The walk from DLH to New York seems so far last thing at night.
We then headed back to the ranch, found the cabin and flopped into bed for a good nights sleep ready for another fun filled early day tomorrow.
 
Great trip report. Looking forward to more.
 
What a fun and great trip report. It is good to know that someone spotted GM' scarf dangling in the water to prevent a possible mishap! Great pictures too!

Pokey
 

Brilliant first day :thumbsup2

Did you have it all planned out or did you just go to the different places as you saw fit. Did you just let it unfold?

Can't wait for the next day. Quality pics there. :thumbsup2 :goodvibes
 
Brilliant first day :thumbsup2

Did you have it all planned out or did you just go to the different places as you saw fit. Did you just let it unfold?

Can't wait for the next day. Quality pics there. :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

Thanks. We tend to have a bit of a plan but change as we go along. We knew we wanted to try and do Winter Wonderland show on the first day so palnned other things around the timing of that. We also like to do Small Worls and POC in the evening as queues are usually non existant and so you often get an extra ride. Other things like the ice skating were totally unplanned and unexpected.
 
What a great first day, you packed in so much, and your photos are lovely, they brought back lots of memories from our trip. The resort is truly magical at Christmas. :lovestruc

I always walk out of the park saying "We're definately staying in this hotel next time, imagine just walking in there" - One day I'll get there :cloud9:
 
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What a great start to your trip!
A perfect 'night before trip' read :goodvibes

I'll look forward to reading the rest when we get back :thumbsup2
 
Great report on your first day in the park, had to laugh at your confusion when your DH was all excited about meeting 'Annette' :laughing:
 
Great TR! The title got me singing! Chante! C'est Noel! Singalong Sing a song for Christmas, Chante! C'est Noel! It's a wonderful time of year! :laughing:

Great photos too! We also love Annette's - I always get the Rockabilly Burger and the Happy Days Brownie! Mmmm!
 
Great report on your first day in the park, had to laugh at your confusion when your DH was all excited about meeting 'Annette' :laughing:

Im very easily confused :rotfl: :rotfl: and as we'd just eaten at Annettes my mind was still on the food
 
Great TR! The title got me singing! Chante! C'est Noel! Singalong Sing a song for Christmas, Chante! C'est Noel! It's a wonderful time of year! :laughing:

Had written the report and was trying to think of a good title. DH had put the new CD on and it suddenly became obvious what the title should be.:santa:
 
Im very easily confused :rotfl: :rotfl: and as we'd just eaten at Annettes my mind was still on the food

I quite understand, my mind is always on food at Annette's too, I can't have a MacDonald's any more without wishing I was back at Annette's :lmao:
 
What a a fantastic day - I was exhausted just reading it :goodvibes
 

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