This is rather long as it is the entire trip in one thread
Participants
Me Bev 37 (the driver)
Husband Phil 38 (the camerman)
Son Nicolas 10
Son Elliott 3
Daughter Phoebe - 2
Tuesday 22nd December
Got up at around 4.30 to pack car, all had breakfast and then tried to set off from Hull for the long drive to Dover at around 7am, got in the car but when Nicolas tried to Zip up his coat there was no Zip, so had to go back into the house to get him another coat.
Panic over and set off for Dover, I was a bit worried due to all the problems with the Euro star and the Stack up of the lorries on the M20, but saw very little snow on our journey and on the M20 the only evidence of the lorries were the portaloos on the side of the Motorway.
Anyway around 7-8hours later arrived at the Premier Inn in Dover (what a godsend car DVD players are for the kids), as it kept them entertained throughout the journey. Had dinner in the restaurant attached to the hotel (very good offer of 2 meals for £10), then all went to bed for the next day as we had a 6.40am crossing to Calais.
Wednesday 23rd December
This morning didnt go quite to plan as everyone was fully awake at 2.30am and wouldnt go back to sleep so there was no other choice other then trying for an earlier crossing, the good thing about the hotel is that it only takes a few minutes to got to the ferry from the hotel, so set off about 3.45am to see what ferry we could get.
Arrived at the port and was waved through for a search of the car (well more of a boot open and asked if we packed the boot ourselves) and then we were able to get on to the 4.25 crossing (which actually left Dover at 5am.
Calm crossing apart from me not remembering to take note of which level the car was on ha ha.
I was a bit nervous about driving in France, but it was very very easy and I really enjoyed the drive (apart from the sat nav near the end taking us through the Val d Europe shopping Centre).
Arrived at Disney around Lunchtime, but room at Santa Fe was not ready so got park tickets and signed in then headed to the village for some lunch. Went into Rainforest Café, as we have never been in here before. I thought the food was great I had the Salmon Caesar Salad, the kids had chicken nuggets, and Phil had a steak, cant remember the puddings, but was very nice (though I got sick of eating lettuce, as there was loads).
We then had a walk around the village to pass the time until 3pm when we could go back and get the hotel room (Block 20, room number 15).
I was a bit worried after lately all the reports about the hotel and the rooms, but everything was fine they already had the cot in for phoebe, the only thing was that they only put in 1 soap and 1 shower gel and never replaced them (good job we took our own).
After getting sorted and was quite pleased that I could park near the room, we decided to set off the parks (it was around 4.30pm at this time). We decided to go into the Studios as we have never been to this park (last visit was 7½ years ago).
Now I have to apologise for anyone that went and was maybe near us in the queues as I found out during this trip that Elliott does not like waiting in queues and was screaming and crying to go on the rides every time we queued for one.
I took the kids on flying carpets and Cars, the queues for anything else were around 30 mins and it would have been cruel to make them wait in the cold. On the way out we got the last showing of Playhouse Disney, which everyone enjoyed (but I am still finding the bloody streamers and leaves everywhere lol).
As the studios were closing we decided to look round the main park, and there was a show going on (I think it was the lighting of the castle), so had a quick look round visiting to say hi to the dragon under the castle, and decided to call it a day, as we were leaving the fantillusion parade was just starting, so stayed to watch that.
Cant remember where we eat for tea.
Christmas Eve (24th December)
7.30am breakfast (each day) and then a meet with Minnie Mouse in the hotel reception, then decided to go back to the studios to see it in the light and for Phil (cameraman for the holiday) to take some of the obligatory photos.
Kids met Pluto and Santa Goofy , then thinking about it didnt go on much today, all went on Armageddon and Studio Tram Tours, watched the cars and stars parade. Tried to go on Rock N Roller Coaster but Nicolas was not tall enough.
Persuaded everyone to go to the back lot Café for lunch, and guess what Jack Sparrow walked in so ran to get my photo with him (Yesss, I absolutely love the Pirates of the Caribbean Films and cant wait for the next one, no its not Johnny Depp that I like it is just the Character of Jack Sparrow and his mannerisms). Made Phil take pictures of all the Pirate film posters around the studio.
Decided to book for a buffet meal at the hotel, but had not realised that it was a special one and never took our camera, so was a bit disappointed when Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and some Mexicans started to come around the tables. The buffet was lovely Phil loved the lamb thing they did and I just tried about everything that was going. We paid for just 3 as they did not charge us for the 2 little ones.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Breakfast again and decided not to meet the hotel character as it was Minnie mouse again. And went back to the hotel as it was chucking it down with rain, did some packing of the car in readiness for tomorrow (well there was nothing else to do). Rain stopped around 10am, so we ventured out to the main park for the next 2 days.
Couldnt believe the queue and thought we would get nothing done today, but was just the queues for the bag checking, was not that bad to get into the parks.
As it was now around 11.30 the first thing on the agenda was lunch so off to Buzz Lightyears Pizza Planet (we always come here), and as were are walking through the door Woody is just stood around with no one around him (the place was virtually empty), so all had photos with him, then about 30 minutes later Jessie came out so more photos. Food was alright but kids concentrated on playing more than eating.
Then off to its a small world (5 min waiting), have never been on this ride again, and Phil says it will be his first and last time, but the rest of us loved it.
Then we went for a walk around Alices curious labyrinth, which seemed to take ages, then on to the teacups (10 mins), (I love this ride), the queue for Dumbo was quite big so went on to the carousel instead.
Walked round to do Pirates of the Caribbean (5 mins), I am embarrassed to say I have never been on this. I was a bit disappointed as I thought there could have been more to look at was you were waiting in the queues.
Next the kids went to play on the adventure playground near the pirate ship for about 1hour.
Next we walked to BTM but the queue was 45 mins and to long for the little ones to wait for Nicolas and I, so went on Molly Brown instead.
Watched once upon a dream parade and love the smells that come from the float, but there was this French couple with a pram who wanted to push in and because we wouldnt decided to let a Mickey balloon float into our view continuously.
By this time it was around 5pm so decided to go into the village and look for somewhere to eat, we decided on Planet Hollywood. I had prawn pasta, Phil had beef Bourguignon and mash and the kids had hotdog, I also had a Spiderman ice cream drink yum.
Boxing Day (26th December)
Packed all the car up before going for breakfast and checked out, no character on this morning at the hotel!
Decided to drive to the main park this morning as it was a shorter walk to the park and we were leaving for Calais as soon as we had finished.
Got to the main car park and as Phil was getting out of the car he dropped his cameracorder, but only later did we realise that the battery had popped out of its slot (when we returned to the car later we did find it under the car, phew).
Got to the park earlier today around 9.00am, it was funny to see people trying to get through the barriers with there normal park tickets.
First stop was buzz lightyear lazer blast (5 min), I got 27,500, Nicolas got 31,400 and Phil got 25,300 (he was taking pictures as well), Elliott got a couple of hundred (well his is only little lol).
Then Nicolas and I went on Space Mountain 2 (5 min) (this is his first ever big rollercoaster and I think he enjoyed it).
Then I took the kids on Orbitron (5 min) (this is where we realised the battery was missing from the Cameracorder).
As we walking to fantasyland we bumped into Cinderella, I just wanted a photo of her and phoebe, but the two boys muscled there way in (oh well just the excuse to go again).
Then off to dumbo (5 min), love this ride.
We then went for a walk to frontier land but the queue once again for BTM was 40 mins so went to phantom manor and was able to walk straight to the front door. Then went for a walk around the graveyard and listened to the beating heart.
Then walked back through the castle popping in to see the dragon again and then on to Au Chalet de Marionnette for something to eat (the kids got these great Mickey lunchboxes and I am getting sick of Mickey Mouse cheeseburgers).
Decided to spend the rest of the time shopping and as we were walking to Main Street it started to snow (bubbles) and we caught Minnies party train twice. After raiding the shops it was time to go back to the car and drive back to Calais.
We stopped in the train station to stock up on drinks and sandwiches and then left Disney (sob).
Got to Calais early and was booked on the 8.40pm ferry but drove straight on to the one leaving at 6pm. The journey back was a bit choppy and it was fun to see the kids trying to walk. Spent the last of our money in the shop and arrived back in Dover.
After Dinner and baths it was bed (caught the at worlds end on BBC).
27th December
Had all you can eat breakfast at Premier Inn before setting off for Hull and getting home around 3.45pm, just in time for the Hull City V Manchester United Match (Friends had borrowed our season passes).
On the way home Phil mentioned about going back to Disney in 2 years at Halloween, so have been checking next years brochure, I was thinking of the Adagio self catering but after looking further it states that it is not free parking (website quotes 15 Euros a day, so it looks like it may be the Davy Crockett Ranch.
With 2 small children and Phil has prolapsed discs, we probably didnt get much done for the amount of time we stayed there, but hope to go for 4 nights 5 days next time and with the little ones being 2 years older, it might go a bit better.
On a positive note I did not encounter any queue jumping, pushing or smoking as stated on other sites.
We budgeted around 300 euros a day for spending and food and this was enough for all 5 of us.
Shopping Lists
Nicolas
Star Wars Figures (3 different lots)
1 gun
Pirate Mickey plate and breakfast bowl
Mickey placemat
Special Popcorn container
Elliott
Bump and go wall-e
Wall-e plush
Toy story Figures
Special Disneyland Stitch Beaker
Buzz Lightyear gun
Pirate Mickey plate and breakfast bowl, cup
Mickey placemat
Phoebe
Plush Princess Minnie
Princess Castle
Tinkerbelle Doll
Sleeping Beauty Doll
Minnie plate and breakfast bowl, cup
Special Disneyland Stitch Beaker
Me
Disneyland Paris Bag
2 Mickey head bracelets
Mickey Mouse fountain and Biro pen
Jack Skellington Pen
Jack Skellington blanket
Pirate of the Caribbean Key ring
Pirates of the Caribbean mug
Big slab of x-mas Chocolate
Disneyland Paris gloves
Home
Mickey Mouse X-mas Tree Topper
2 espresso cups
Mickey ears salt and pepper pots
Mickey head pan stand
Disneyland Paris mug
Disneyland Paris photo frame
Presents for others
Mickey wine glass
Minnie wine glass
Bottle opener
Bottle stopper
5 various key rings
7 packs of Disney lollies
Pics will be posted on my Facebook account
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/tink1971?ref=profile
Participants
Me Bev 37 (the driver)
Husband Phil 38 (the camerman)
Son Nicolas 10
Son Elliott 3
Daughter Phoebe - 2
Tuesday 22nd December
Got up at around 4.30 to pack car, all had breakfast and then tried to set off from Hull for the long drive to Dover at around 7am, got in the car but when Nicolas tried to Zip up his coat there was no Zip, so had to go back into the house to get him another coat.
Panic over and set off for Dover, I was a bit worried due to all the problems with the Euro star and the Stack up of the lorries on the M20, but saw very little snow on our journey and on the M20 the only evidence of the lorries were the portaloos on the side of the Motorway.
Anyway around 7-8hours later arrived at the Premier Inn in Dover (what a godsend car DVD players are for the kids), as it kept them entertained throughout the journey. Had dinner in the restaurant attached to the hotel (very good offer of 2 meals for £10), then all went to bed for the next day as we had a 6.40am crossing to Calais.
Wednesday 23rd December
This morning didnt go quite to plan as everyone was fully awake at 2.30am and wouldnt go back to sleep so there was no other choice other then trying for an earlier crossing, the good thing about the hotel is that it only takes a few minutes to got to the ferry from the hotel, so set off about 3.45am to see what ferry we could get.
Arrived at the port and was waved through for a search of the car (well more of a boot open and asked if we packed the boot ourselves) and then we were able to get on to the 4.25 crossing (which actually left Dover at 5am.
Calm crossing apart from me not remembering to take note of which level the car was on ha ha.
I was a bit nervous about driving in France, but it was very very easy and I really enjoyed the drive (apart from the sat nav near the end taking us through the Val d Europe shopping Centre).
Arrived at Disney around Lunchtime, but room at Santa Fe was not ready so got park tickets and signed in then headed to the village for some lunch. Went into Rainforest Café, as we have never been in here before. I thought the food was great I had the Salmon Caesar Salad, the kids had chicken nuggets, and Phil had a steak, cant remember the puddings, but was very nice (though I got sick of eating lettuce, as there was loads).
We then had a walk around the village to pass the time until 3pm when we could go back and get the hotel room (Block 20, room number 15).
I was a bit worried after lately all the reports about the hotel and the rooms, but everything was fine they already had the cot in for phoebe, the only thing was that they only put in 1 soap and 1 shower gel and never replaced them (good job we took our own).
After getting sorted and was quite pleased that I could park near the room, we decided to set off the parks (it was around 4.30pm at this time). We decided to go into the Studios as we have never been to this park (last visit was 7½ years ago).
Now I have to apologise for anyone that went and was maybe near us in the queues as I found out during this trip that Elliott does not like waiting in queues and was screaming and crying to go on the rides every time we queued for one.
I took the kids on flying carpets and Cars, the queues for anything else were around 30 mins and it would have been cruel to make them wait in the cold. On the way out we got the last showing of Playhouse Disney, which everyone enjoyed (but I am still finding the bloody streamers and leaves everywhere lol).
As the studios were closing we decided to look round the main park, and there was a show going on (I think it was the lighting of the castle), so had a quick look round visiting to say hi to the dragon under the castle, and decided to call it a day, as we were leaving the fantillusion parade was just starting, so stayed to watch that.
Cant remember where we eat for tea.
Christmas Eve (24th December)
7.30am breakfast (each day) and then a meet with Minnie Mouse in the hotel reception, then decided to go back to the studios to see it in the light and for Phil (cameraman for the holiday) to take some of the obligatory photos.
Kids met Pluto and Santa Goofy , then thinking about it didnt go on much today, all went on Armageddon and Studio Tram Tours, watched the cars and stars parade. Tried to go on Rock N Roller Coaster but Nicolas was not tall enough.
Persuaded everyone to go to the back lot Café for lunch, and guess what Jack Sparrow walked in so ran to get my photo with him (Yesss, I absolutely love the Pirates of the Caribbean Films and cant wait for the next one, no its not Johnny Depp that I like it is just the Character of Jack Sparrow and his mannerisms). Made Phil take pictures of all the Pirate film posters around the studio.
Decided to book for a buffet meal at the hotel, but had not realised that it was a special one and never took our camera, so was a bit disappointed when Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and some Mexicans started to come around the tables. The buffet was lovely Phil loved the lamb thing they did and I just tried about everything that was going. We paid for just 3 as they did not charge us for the 2 little ones.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Breakfast again and decided not to meet the hotel character as it was Minnie mouse again. And went back to the hotel as it was chucking it down with rain, did some packing of the car in readiness for tomorrow (well there was nothing else to do). Rain stopped around 10am, so we ventured out to the main park for the next 2 days.
Couldnt believe the queue and thought we would get nothing done today, but was just the queues for the bag checking, was not that bad to get into the parks.
As it was now around 11.30 the first thing on the agenda was lunch so off to Buzz Lightyears Pizza Planet (we always come here), and as were are walking through the door Woody is just stood around with no one around him (the place was virtually empty), so all had photos with him, then about 30 minutes later Jessie came out so more photos. Food was alright but kids concentrated on playing more than eating.
Then off to its a small world (5 min waiting), have never been on this ride again, and Phil says it will be his first and last time, but the rest of us loved it.
Then we went for a walk around Alices curious labyrinth, which seemed to take ages, then on to the teacups (10 mins), (I love this ride), the queue for Dumbo was quite big so went on to the carousel instead.
Walked round to do Pirates of the Caribbean (5 mins), I am embarrassed to say I have never been on this. I was a bit disappointed as I thought there could have been more to look at was you were waiting in the queues.
Next the kids went to play on the adventure playground near the pirate ship for about 1hour.
Next we walked to BTM but the queue was 45 mins and to long for the little ones to wait for Nicolas and I, so went on Molly Brown instead.
Watched once upon a dream parade and love the smells that come from the float, but there was this French couple with a pram who wanted to push in and because we wouldnt decided to let a Mickey balloon float into our view continuously.
By this time it was around 5pm so decided to go into the village and look for somewhere to eat, we decided on Planet Hollywood. I had prawn pasta, Phil had beef Bourguignon and mash and the kids had hotdog, I also had a Spiderman ice cream drink yum.
Boxing Day (26th December)
Packed all the car up before going for breakfast and checked out, no character on this morning at the hotel!
Decided to drive to the main park this morning as it was a shorter walk to the park and we were leaving for Calais as soon as we had finished.
Got to the main car park and as Phil was getting out of the car he dropped his cameracorder, but only later did we realise that the battery had popped out of its slot (when we returned to the car later we did find it under the car, phew).
Got to the park earlier today around 9.00am, it was funny to see people trying to get through the barriers with there normal park tickets.
First stop was buzz lightyear lazer blast (5 min), I got 27,500, Nicolas got 31,400 and Phil got 25,300 (he was taking pictures as well), Elliott got a couple of hundred (well his is only little lol).
Then Nicolas and I went on Space Mountain 2 (5 min) (this is his first ever big rollercoaster and I think he enjoyed it).
Then I took the kids on Orbitron (5 min) (this is where we realised the battery was missing from the Cameracorder).
As we walking to fantasyland we bumped into Cinderella, I just wanted a photo of her and phoebe, but the two boys muscled there way in (oh well just the excuse to go again).
Then off to dumbo (5 min), love this ride.
We then went for a walk to frontier land but the queue once again for BTM was 40 mins so went to phantom manor and was able to walk straight to the front door. Then went for a walk around the graveyard and listened to the beating heart.
Then walked back through the castle popping in to see the dragon again and then on to Au Chalet de Marionnette for something to eat (the kids got these great Mickey lunchboxes and I am getting sick of Mickey Mouse cheeseburgers).
Decided to spend the rest of the time shopping and as we were walking to Main Street it started to snow (bubbles) and we caught Minnies party train twice. After raiding the shops it was time to go back to the car and drive back to Calais.
We stopped in the train station to stock up on drinks and sandwiches and then left Disney (sob).
Got to Calais early and was booked on the 8.40pm ferry but drove straight on to the one leaving at 6pm. The journey back was a bit choppy and it was fun to see the kids trying to walk. Spent the last of our money in the shop and arrived back in Dover.
After Dinner and baths it was bed (caught the at worlds end on BBC).
27th December
Had all you can eat breakfast at Premier Inn before setting off for Hull and getting home around 3.45pm, just in time for the Hull City V Manchester United Match (Friends had borrowed our season passes).
On the way home Phil mentioned about going back to Disney in 2 years at Halloween, so have been checking next years brochure, I was thinking of the Adagio self catering but after looking further it states that it is not free parking (website quotes 15 Euros a day, so it looks like it may be the Davy Crockett Ranch.
With 2 small children and Phil has prolapsed discs, we probably didnt get much done for the amount of time we stayed there, but hope to go for 4 nights 5 days next time and with the little ones being 2 years older, it might go a bit better.
On a positive note I did not encounter any queue jumping, pushing or smoking as stated on other sites.
We budgeted around 300 euros a day for spending and food and this was enough for all 5 of us.
Shopping Lists
Nicolas
Star Wars Figures (3 different lots)
1 gun
Pirate Mickey plate and breakfast bowl
Mickey placemat
Special Popcorn container
Elliott
Bump and go wall-e
Wall-e plush
Toy story Figures
Special Disneyland Stitch Beaker
Buzz Lightyear gun
Pirate Mickey plate and breakfast bowl, cup
Mickey placemat
Phoebe
Plush Princess Minnie
Princess Castle
Tinkerbelle Doll
Sleeping Beauty Doll
Minnie plate and breakfast bowl, cup
Special Disneyland Stitch Beaker
Me
Disneyland Paris Bag
2 Mickey head bracelets
Mickey Mouse fountain and Biro pen
Jack Skellington Pen
Jack Skellington blanket
Pirate of the Caribbean Key ring
Pirates of the Caribbean mug
Big slab of x-mas Chocolate
Disneyland Paris gloves
Home
Mickey Mouse X-mas Tree Topper
2 espresso cups
Mickey ears salt and pepper pots
Mickey head pan stand
Disneyland Paris mug
Disneyland Paris photo frame
Presents for others
Mickey wine glass
Minnie wine glass
Bottle opener
Bottle stopper
5 various key rings
7 packs of Disney lollies
Pics will be posted on my Facebook account
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/tink1971?ref=profile
sure space mountain has a taller min limit than rnr (my sons fav ride lol)
