crim1978
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2004
- Messages
- 300
Monday 19th – Day Two
The gang are as follows:
Me (29) Disney-holic, been to WDW twice, first time in DLP
DW - Debbie (27) been to WDW three times but first time to DLP.
DS, Liz (Yay) Been to WDW once and DLP twice, big fan of parades.
BIL, Martin Has to pay for five people.
Niece 1, Josie (14) Disney mad, Eeyore fan.
Niece 2, Christy (11) Adrenaline junky in the making and huge Tinkerbelle fan.
Niece 3, Naomi (9) Big Princess fan and enjoys all parts of the Disney magic.
So onto the trip.
Monday was our first full day at the parks and was also an Extra Magic Hour day, so we had planned for an early start and to hit the parks running. It didn’t quite work out as planned for two reasons; Firstly the hotel’s buses (replacing the striking Disney buses) were running from 8:30 onwards so would get us there for 8:00 obviously and secondly due to yesterday’s travelling and lack of sleep we weren’t up in time. We chatted very briefly about walking to the park for 8:00 but that was never really going to happen so we arrived at about 8:45 by bus.
This was where my ride planning was supposed to kick in and we should have hit Discoveryland and Fantasyland during the extra magic hour and blast through the rides. The gang and Goofy both had very different ideas, they were in need of food so we went to the Main Street bakery for a supposed quick coffee and croissant, and we didn’t leave until 9:30. Then we spotted that Goofy Santa was due to arrive at 10:00 so we queued up for photos and autographs (after buying said autograph books) but Goofy is a favourite so not a problem. We strolled (when I wanted to run) up Main Street, looked in a few shops and looked around the castle, which is amazing, and into Fantasyland. It is now 11:00 and we are yet to get on a ride, I am not amused but keeping it cool and trying to just soak up the magic telling myself we are here for a week.
I think the girls went on Dumbo and then out of desperation to ride something (anything) I joined them on the Tea Cups and even the Carousel. Towards 12:00 we ride Thunder Mountain and pick up an FP for it for half an hour later aswell then visit the Phantom Manor, ride TM again and was queuing to have photos and autographs with Woody whilst waiting for Santa. Now Debbie and I are big fans of the Haunted Mansion at WDW and were reasonable happy with the PM but thought the French commentary in the stretching room spoilt it a touch. But the differences between the two rides were nice and over all everyone enjoyed, although Liz didn’t think it was very Disney but she isn’t a ghost fan. We then met Woody and then the Big Man in red, who was excellent and told Debbie (DW) that he was going to be keeping an eye on her (a very wise man). We then met Jessie on the way out and trundled back to Thunder Mountain. En route Martin and I picked up FP’s for all to ride Peter Pan but the return time was 12:50 so we skipped it as we have the reservations at Lucky Nugget. Six of us rode TM which is still a firm favourite, we were to ride it about six times through the week and it just gets better everytime. Martin bought the Photo of us all laughing and squealing away and it set the tone for some very enjoyable “big” rides throughout the week.
By now it was time for the Lucky Nugget so after finding the door, which wasn’t easy we enter just as Pinocchio is leaving the stage and the band are finishing off. We get excellent seat on the first raised level at eye level with the stage; our waiter takes the drinks order and explains the buffet process, and takes our photo, nice chap.
Martin and I share a bottle of Bordeaux, Debbie, Liz and the girls have various soft drinks and we go and fetch our starters – a really nice selection of pasta, salads, nibbles and dips. For anyone who hasn’t visited; the Lucky Nugget is a Tex-Mex Character Buffet set up in a sort of Wild West grand saloon with rag time music and lovely Christmas decorations and a nice tree. During eating our starts the band are back and there are really really good. There is a pianist, fiddle player (should that be fiddlist?), drummer, double bass and three brasses – they really are very good. For the main course we had a selection of a pasta bolognaise, white fish, chicken and wraps, various sea food, vegetables, chicken nuggets and chips etc. Then for dessert crepes, tarts, jelly and ice cream, trifle, fruit and sweets. There must have been more but memory fails me.
At the same time along with the band we were visited by Eeyore, King John, Captain Hook, Pinocchio, Mickey, Chip and or Dale, Friar Tuck, Goofy and Pluto at least twice each. We got photos and autographs and had some really good interaction, a lot of messing around and quality time with each character. The only annoyance from was people bringing their kids to our table and pushing them at the characters rather than just waiting for them to come to their table – not a problem just irritating.
After AP discount I think the meal cost Debs and I (along with the win and a coke) about 70 euros which we though was pretty good for three courses, drinks and the characters.
After leaving the Lucky Nugget people wanted to do something fairly sedate so we popped off to Fantasyland to ride Snow White, Peter Pan and It’s a small world – the last of which scares me. I’m happy with the rollercoaster’s but there is just something about small world that I don’t like, it may be the music or the way the eyes of all those dolls follow you – it just scares me a little. I often wake up in a cold sweat after dreaming that I’m stuck on the ride or that the hundreds of dolls are chasing me – lol.
We all now head back to Main Street to get into PP (Parade Position) for the Once upon a Dream parade, which I have to say (as not rally a parade fan) is very good indeed. The floats are excellent, the characters brilliant and when Santa comes along with real reindeers and it snows and the nutcrackers march it was all very Christmasy and Magical in a big way.
After this I practically carry everyone to Discoveryland as I am very keen to try and rescue the ride quota for today, and I succeed. We ride Space Mountain twice, Buzz, Orbitron and Star Tours before getting back in a slightly poor PP for Candlebration. Christy stakes her claim as adrenaline junky of the year loving Space Mountain which she has never ridden before and begging to go back on, everyone loves Buzz with Liz getting a suspicious sounding 120,000 that no-one actually witnesses. Star Tours is a classic made funny by it being in French apart from Red Leader who speaks English and Naomi is a big Orbitron fan and loves the ride. We miss Autopia much to Josie’s disappointment as it appears not to run for the rest of the week, but on the whole a good ride day.
We watch Candlebration from half way between the stage and the castle but behind a crowd due to cutting it a little fine to make PP and don’t get the best view but will do better next time. Never the less we enjoy the show completely and the all agree that the castle looks amazing lit up and twinkling and that Main Street is even more beautiful by night.
We leave the park after the Candles and visit Disney Village for the first time, as this is mine and Debbie’s first trip so our first view of the village. I can’t help but be slightly disappointed (sorry) by a few little aspects. We didn’t like the six or seven soldiers carry machine guns around and I think they are completely unnecessary, if the French government are trying to make a point then they are making the wrong one, in my opinion. Anyway whinge over – there are also not as many shops as I was expecting but this is not always a bad thing.
We visit a few of these establishments before jumping back on the bus and heading back to the hotel for a rest. We think that we have achieved a good amount, picked up some very important autographs and photos, a few purchases have been made, Naomi has already nearly spent up on Pins alone and everyone is happy.
Back at the hotel we decide to go for a swim, the pool is very nice and there is only us seven and one other lady briefly then it is ours completely, but it is rather cold. After about 40 minutes we have to give in and go back up stairs, Martin and I pick up a couple of beers (1664 of course) and a tray of baguettes which ironically the French man behind the bar doesn’t understand and instead calls then Parisian Sandwiches.
Anyway whatever they are called they are very nice and along with the beers, real tea made from tea bags that we bought with us a milk from the bar (no-one likes the powered milk from the hotel) followed by raiding Martin’s box of wine again we have a pleasant evening planning tomorrows activities.
We plan on a morning at the Studios, an afternoon at Disneyland Park then we have reservations for Buffalo Bills at 18:30.
Everyone gets an early night with visions of Nutcrackers in their dreams and ‘Just like we dreamed it’ running through their heads.
The gang are as follows:
Me (29) Disney-holic, been to WDW twice, first time in DLP
DW - Debbie (27) been to WDW three times but first time to DLP.
DS, Liz (Yay) Been to WDW once and DLP twice, big fan of parades.
BIL, Martin Has to pay for five people.
Niece 1, Josie (14) Disney mad, Eeyore fan.
Niece 2, Christy (11) Adrenaline junky in the making and huge Tinkerbelle fan.
Niece 3, Naomi (9) Big Princess fan and enjoys all parts of the Disney magic.
So onto the trip.
Monday was our first full day at the parks and was also an Extra Magic Hour day, so we had planned for an early start and to hit the parks running. It didn’t quite work out as planned for two reasons; Firstly the hotel’s buses (replacing the striking Disney buses) were running from 8:30 onwards so would get us there for 8:00 obviously and secondly due to yesterday’s travelling and lack of sleep we weren’t up in time. We chatted very briefly about walking to the park for 8:00 but that was never really going to happen so we arrived at about 8:45 by bus.
This was where my ride planning was supposed to kick in and we should have hit Discoveryland and Fantasyland during the extra magic hour and blast through the rides. The gang and Goofy both had very different ideas, they were in need of food so we went to the Main Street bakery for a supposed quick coffee and croissant, and we didn’t leave until 9:30. Then we spotted that Goofy Santa was due to arrive at 10:00 so we queued up for photos and autographs (after buying said autograph books) but Goofy is a favourite so not a problem. We strolled (when I wanted to run) up Main Street, looked in a few shops and looked around the castle, which is amazing, and into Fantasyland. It is now 11:00 and we are yet to get on a ride, I am not amused but keeping it cool and trying to just soak up the magic telling myself we are here for a week.
I think the girls went on Dumbo and then out of desperation to ride something (anything) I joined them on the Tea Cups and even the Carousel. Towards 12:00 we ride Thunder Mountain and pick up an FP for it for half an hour later aswell then visit the Phantom Manor, ride TM again and was queuing to have photos and autographs with Woody whilst waiting for Santa. Now Debbie and I are big fans of the Haunted Mansion at WDW and were reasonable happy with the PM but thought the French commentary in the stretching room spoilt it a touch. But the differences between the two rides were nice and over all everyone enjoyed, although Liz didn’t think it was very Disney but she isn’t a ghost fan. We then met Woody and then the Big Man in red, who was excellent and told Debbie (DW) that he was going to be keeping an eye on her (a very wise man). We then met Jessie on the way out and trundled back to Thunder Mountain. En route Martin and I picked up FP’s for all to ride Peter Pan but the return time was 12:50 so we skipped it as we have the reservations at Lucky Nugget. Six of us rode TM which is still a firm favourite, we were to ride it about six times through the week and it just gets better everytime. Martin bought the Photo of us all laughing and squealing away and it set the tone for some very enjoyable “big” rides throughout the week.
By now it was time for the Lucky Nugget so after finding the door, which wasn’t easy we enter just as Pinocchio is leaving the stage and the band are finishing off. We get excellent seat on the first raised level at eye level with the stage; our waiter takes the drinks order and explains the buffet process, and takes our photo, nice chap.
Martin and I share a bottle of Bordeaux, Debbie, Liz and the girls have various soft drinks and we go and fetch our starters – a really nice selection of pasta, salads, nibbles and dips. For anyone who hasn’t visited; the Lucky Nugget is a Tex-Mex Character Buffet set up in a sort of Wild West grand saloon with rag time music and lovely Christmas decorations and a nice tree. During eating our starts the band are back and there are really really good. There is a pianist, fiddle player (should that be fiddlist?), drummer, double bass and three brasses – they really are very good. For the main course we had a selection of a pasta bolognaise, white fish, chicken and wraps, various sea food, vegetables, chicken nuggets and chips etc. Then for dessert crepes, tarts, jelly and ice cream, trifle, fruit and sweets. There must have been more but memory fails me.
At the same time along with the band we were visited by Eeyore, King John, Captain Hook, Pinocchio, Mickey, Chip and or Dale, Friar Tuck, Goofy and Pluto at least twice each. We got photos and autographs and had some really good interaction, a lot of messing around and quality time with each character. The only annoyance from was people bringing their kids to our table and pushing them at the characters rather than just waiting for them to come to their table – not a problem just irritating.
After AP discount I think the meal cost Debs and I (along with the win and a coke) about 70 euros which we though was pretty good for three courses, drinks and the characters.
After leaving the Lucky Nugget people wanted to do something fairly sedate so we popped off to Fantasyland to ride Snow White, Peter Pan and It’s a small world – the last of which scares me. I’m happy with the rollercoaster’s but there is just something about small world that I don’t like, it may be the music or the way the eyes of all those dolls follow you – it just scares me a little. I often wake up in a cold sweat after dreaming that I’m stuck on the ride or that the hundreds of dolls are chasing me – lol.
We all now head back to Main Street to get into PP (Parade Position) for the Once upon a Dream parade, which I have to say (as not rally a parade fan) is very good indeed. The floats are excellent, the characters brilliant and when Santa comes along with real reindeers and it snows and the nutcrackers march it was all very Christmasy and Magical in a big way.
After this I practically carry everyone to Discoveryland as I am very keen to try and rescue the ride quota for today, and I succeed. We ride Space Mountain twice, Buzz, Orbitron and Star Tours before getting back in a slightly poor PP for Candlebration. Christy stakes her claim as adrenaline junky of the year loving Space Mountain which she has never ridden before and begging to go back on, everyone loves Buzz with Liz getting a suspicious sounding 120,000 that no-one actually witnesses. Star Tours is a classic made funny by it being in French apart from Red Leader who speaks English and Naomi is a big Orbitron fan and loves the ride. We miss Autopia much to Josie’s disappointment as it appears not to run for the rest of the week, but on the whole a good ride day.
We watch Candlebration from half way between the stage and the castle but behind a crowd due to cutting it a little fine to make PP and don’t get the best view but will do better next time. Never the less we enjoy the show completely and the all agree that the castle looks amazing lit up and twinkling and that Main Street is even more beautiful by night.
We leave the park after the Candles and visit Disney Village for the first time, as this is mine and Debbie’s first trip so our first view of the village. I can’t help but be slightly disappointed (sorry) by a few little aspects. We didn’t like the six or seven soldiers carry machine guns around and I think they are completely unnecessary, if the French government are trying to make a point then they are making the wrong one, in my opinion. Anyway whinge over – there are also not as many shops as I was expecting but this is not always a bad thing.
We visit a few of these establishments before jumping back on the bus and heading back to the hotel for a rest. We think that we have achieved a good amount, picked up some very important autographs and photos, a few purchases have been made, Naomi has already nearly spent up on Pins alone and everyone is happy.
Back at the hotel we decide to go for a swim, the pool is very nice and there is only us seven and one other lady briefly then it is ours completely, but it is rather cold. After about 40 minutes we have to give in and go back up stairs, Martin and I pick up a couple of beers (1664 of course) and a tray of baguettes which ironically the French man behind the bar doesn’t understand and instead calls then Parisian Sandwiches.
Anyway whatever they are called they are very nice and along with the beers, real tea made from tea bags that we bought with us a milk from the bar (no-one likes the powered milk from the hotel) followed by raiding Martin’s box of wine again we have a pleasant evening planning tomorrows activities.
We plan on a morning at the Studios, an afternoon at Disneyland Park then we have reservations for Buffalo Bills at 18:30.
Everyone gets an early night with visions of Nutcrackers in their dreams and ‘Just like we dreamed it’ running through their heads.
!
every time! I can just imagine the furore if a British bobby was seen having a ciggy while in uniform and on duty.
)
