Christmas at Hotel New York Pre trip report

[Danauk]

The cast:
Me, Karen
DH, Pete

Date: 21st - 23rd December

So, we had decided that we weren't having a Disney trip this year. We were having a family summer trip with SIL, BIL, niece and nephew instead (which we did on the East coast of England where I grew up and had lots of fun and created a tonne of memories.) But, as summer drew to a close and a few coaster days at Alton Towers (with our annual passes) passed DH asked for me to take a look at DLRP costs. So, without hesitation, I looked at a few dates. Being teachers we have to stick to school holidays so I looked at Halloween and Christmas. Christmas (much to my surprise and delight) was cheaper. So, having already agreed to host our family Christmas day, we booked 21st-23rd December at the hotel New York, where we have stayed before and enjoyed our time.

So, the plan. 21st December we leave home very early and I drive to the tunnel. We catch the 5:50am crossing and then DH takes over driving to DLRP arriving at around 10:30am. We check in, store the bags and head off to the Disneyland Park (via Salon Mickey, we will need a coffee by now!). We have no real plans for the day apart from grabbing FP's, eating lunch at Blue Lagoon (I love the atmosphere, much better that Blue Bayou at Disneyland, IMHO), watching the afternoon parade and dinner at Inventions. My other must for the day is to ride BTMRR in the dark and hopefully watch Fantillusions (depending on timings, we may need to catch it later.)

22nd December, early entry to Disneyland Park, then over to the Studios for opening. Ride Crush, RnRC and check out Toy Story Playland. Then, do the tram tour and Cinemagique (in all our trips we have yet to see this, so it is my must do for this trip.) In the evening we have dinner booked at California Grill (our must do for every trip to WDW and DLRP) then back into the Disneyland Park.

23rd December, early entry again, must attempt to get a better score that DH does on Buzz! Then go where ever take our fancy. I love photography so if I haven't got the shots I want we will try to get them, maybe catch the stunt show, or go shopping in the village, or maybe stop by Salon Mickey for a break. We have lunch booked for 12pm for Walts, I want to soak up the Christmas cheer and ride what we can. In the afternoon we will do what we fancy doing. In the evening catch Fantillusions if we have not already seen it. Then leave the park for the journey to Calais where DH will drive. Then catch the shuttle back to England, arriving at about 11:30 pm. Then I have the drive home, sleep what ever we can only to get up on the 24th December to get the house ready for both sets of parents, SIL, BIL, nephew and niece to arrive for Christmas day (yes, we are hosting the full turkey family Christmas dinner.) On Christmas day I will have lots of family fun and look at the Disneyland Paris 2010 bauble that is now hanging on my Christmas tree. It will remind me, amongst the mountatins of washing up in my kithcen sink, of the fun I was having in the parks 24 hours previously!! Then I will give my niece and nephew their Christmas presents (some of which I will buy at DLRP!) and enjoy my time with all my family, whilst looking at my trip pictures that are now being displayed on the digital photoframe in my living room.

 

[loladelorean]

Wow this sounds like a great trip, taking in the best restaurants and getting you all set for Christmas in the best possible way!
It will be a rush when you get home, but having that many people for dinner would always be stressful and your amazing Disney trip will be worth it! I love the bit at the end about looking at your bauble and your photos....I have not one but four lovely DLP baubles in pride of place on my tree from our November trip, that already feels too long ago.
Can't wait to see your photos when you get back, have a great trip and a merry Christmas

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Wow that sounds like such a plan - I love your restaurant choices - we are hoping to do Blue Lagoon on our first day too! Dying to know how you get on in the HNY as thats where we are heading to in February!

I love my Disneyland Paris tree baubles too! I always place them in prominent spots that catch my eye!

Looking forward to reading all about your trip when you get back!

 

[tennisfan]

Sounds like it will be a great trip Karen, hope you have a fab trip

 

[A Small World]

Have a great trip Karen - I cant believe youve never seen cinemagique.

 

[Danauk]

I know, I can't believe we have never seen it either. I guess the timings have never been right and we have just somehow not got around to it!

Disneyfanswicklow, I have dated baubles from all my Disney trips. They are all on my 7ft tree that is only decorated in Disney decorations!!

Well my renewed shareholders card arrived today, although I had my temporary certificate I was hoping my actual card would arrive before we left. I have also been looking at the weather forcast, so far not too bad. We have decided to make sure we pack blankets, a spade, a flask of coffee, bottles of water and some food just in case! I also bought some thermal leggings to take as my friend from work was there last weekend and she said it was bitterly cold (much colder than here.) I remember it being like that when we last went in October/November time. I needed to get them anyway for our skiing trip when we go to Australia in July (I'm guessing I won't be able to get thermals in July!).

 

[Danauk]

With all the snow and ice over the past few days we went out this morning and bought some grit to take with us in the car. Also with the reports of lots of slush from the snow in the parks we also decided to go out and buy some snow boots this morning and some ski socks. I think we will also set off a few hours earlier than normal to get to the tunnel in time. I would rather be there early and sleep for a while in the car park than be rushing to get there. So, hopefully this time tomorrow I will be in the parks!!

 

[Jonjo]

Good luck with your trip. We took thermals and were so glad we did, it was sooooo cold there.