February Break Trip at Sequoia

[grizbuzz]

Just wanted to share notes from my trip which is still underway. Here is first bit from Feb 16. I'm posting from iPhone (from lobby of Sequoia lodge) so sorry for weird formatting. Will try to post more later....


Tell everybody we're on our way! It's almost 9am and we are on board the TGV taking the fast train from Strasbourg to Disneyland Paris.

We left our home town of Baden, Switzerland yesterday at noon and arrived by train after almost three hours to Strasbourg where we spent the afternoon and evening. The lovely old town with its grand cathedral, Alsatian charm and beautiful river did not fail to impress and I cannot wait to go back both at Christmas time to enjoy the markets and in spring or summer when all is in bloom.

We woke up bright and early before 6am today to pack up and eat breakfast. The Best Western Monopole served a lovely breakfast in a stunning dining room which filled our bellies in preparation for our journey. Kids and I ate quicky, then bundled up and grabbed our bags for the three block walk to the train station. Amazing what the promise of Disney can do. My little hooligans who couldn't walk five steps without getting into trouble yesterday were perfect angels this morning. They simply were not willing to risk their trip to the happiest place on earth!

So we are on the train now just an hour and a half from our destination. We will be staying at the Sequoia Lodge for five nights. This is our second trip to Disneyland Paris but our first staying on property. We were at the Dream Castle last trip and while I thought the hotel was fine and good value, I want to see if there is a little more Disney magic onsite.

Turning out to be a sunny day -- forecasted to be our only one this week. So we are hitting the parks as soon as we can to enjoy the good weather while it lasts. Don't know what the crowds will be like. Looks like it's winter break not only in Switzerland but in other parts of Europe as well, including Britain, so I'm not expecting the parks to be empty.

And details on those traveling
Me (mom)
DS 4 (to be five next week and looking forward to his birthday cake at Cafe Mickey)
DS 6
And DH who is still at work but will be joining us in a couple of days

We are an American family living in Switzerland for two years with annual passes at DLP (which seem to do us no good when booking vacations to stay onsite, but I won't get into that now). We love Disney and most often visit Disneyland in our home state of California. Now that we are in Europe, we plan on visiting DLP as we can and love exploring and discovering different parts of France as well.

 

[DLPdaft]

Great start - I love reading the "live" reports from DLP

 

[mommy2ash]

i hope you have a lovely trip cant wait to hear more

 

[grizbuzz]

End of first day in Disneyland Paris. I am beyond exhausted. We had a good day with a decent dose of magic. Can't say it was easy, but then again I am here solo with the two kids, so no travel could be easy.

High points of the day:
-Lunch at Walts: good food, beautiful restaurant and I was simply charmed to see DS Max so excited to eat at "Walt's place." Got the full three course meal with half board plus voucher and decided on Caesar salad with chicken, the very yummy (and very buttery) ravioli and the delicious chocolate cake/souffle dessert. I also ordered a glass of champagne. It was a wonderful start to our Disneyland Paris vacation!

-Pirates adventure island: Kids just love running around here and all the caves are good fun. Plus no ines. Too bad the waterfalls were all frozen.

-Mickeys Winter Wonderland: an enjoyable show with a ice skating, some singing and a lot of characters.

-Après park coffee/hot cocoa at the lodge. We came back early before the crowds descended at end of the day and dare I say enjoyed a small bit of peace and quiet.

-The arcade at the hotel. Not that the games were anything extra special but just enjoyed watching kids play and have so much fun with air hockey.

Low points:

-The crowds in the park. The long line waiting to rent a stroller. The long ride lines (we only did one ride: Small World).

-The little bits of garbage and dirt and chipped paint around which I just haven't seen at other Disney parks.

-Check in at the hotel. Lines were long and process was not fun, especially with two restless boys. Missed the tv's with kids shows in the other Disney lobbies which entertain the kids while parents check in.

-Dinner. We didn't make a reservation for dinner and there is simply no place to get food at the hotel. Wish there was some kind of counter service or even some healthy snacks in the store. Note to self: cannot "play it by ear" when it comes to dinner at Sequoia Lodge.

Here's the plan for tomorrow:
7am breakfast at Sequoia
8-10am early entry
Pirates and maybe phantom manor
12 noon lunch at Walt's
Maybe pop over to WDW Studios
And Dinner somewhere, somehow

 

[grizbuzz]

Believe it or not, we made it up bright and early and were first in line for the 7am breakfast buffet start time. Not only was it good to get a head start on the day, but I was glad to get first dibs on the food after watching several kids cough all over the buffet. Decent spread of meats, breads, cereals, yogurt, juice and coffee which filled us up. Kids weren't up for sitting and relaxing so we were up and outside before sun came up. It was drizzling which delighted Max and Nico as it gave them a chance to use their umbrellas.

We made it to security before eight and had to wait for park to open. First stop in park was stroller rental. There was no line but it took some time as they were just opening the shop. Found out that it's possible to do a multiple-day rental and take stroller to and from hotel with a seventy euro deposit. This is a lifesaver as walking to and from the hotel with two wandering and complaining youngsters was quite a challenge. Having the little one in the stroller allows me to set the pace and the second one seems to follow, as opposed to the two egging each other on to go astray.

We got our stroller and headed straight to Buzz. This is youngest son's favorite ride and he was so disappointed that we couldn't go on it yesterday due to hour long lines. Great ride!

Next stop Orbitron or whatever that spinning rocket ride is called. I was relieved that the two boys could ride it alone as it's a little bit too spinny for me.

From Discoveryland we headed to Peter Pan in Fantasyland to wait in line.

Kids were having fun looking for hidden Mickeys and enjoyed trying to spy them while in line. Once on the ride, looked for the hidden Mickey which is supposedly on the roof after the nursery scene, but we didn't find it. I really enjoyed the ride. Peter Pan in Paris definitely surpasses the other Disney Parks. Then ent to tea cups which was fun.

At this point we just waited in the shelter from the pouring rain watching the cast members test the Pinnochio ride. There was some kind of problem and a couple different engineers came by to find and fix it. We couldn't see what the issue was but we saw the cast members get on the ride vehicles and go in and then emerge a few minutes later with a thumbs up or a thumbs down. Little Nico was fascinated and didn't want to leave. Either he's a budding mechanical engineer or he just was looking for protection from the rain.

We never did make it on Pinnochio as the ride didn't open by 10am which was the time that early entry ended and the rest of the park opened. We were off to Pirates, as were many many people who rushed to the ride and waited for it to open. And waited. And waited. In the pouring rain. We kept waiting.

Seems another technical difficulty kept this ride from opening as well. I was cold and wet but determined to get on the ride, so I decided best option was to go to Pirate ride store to get warm and wait it out. After about ten or fifteen minutes the Pirates of the Caribbean. It did open and we rode twice to secure ample fun memories to outweigh those wet and "cold waiting in line" memories.

Walt's once again impressed and Max and Nico enjoyed looking at all the Walt pictures and memorabilia and then the fine lunch.

Inspired by Walt, we headed to the Art of Animation. Must have been there an hour and a half as kids sketched and played with the computers. Finally had to drag them out as my batteries were winding down, as well as their's.

Stopped by Mc Donalds for takeaway burgers on way back to hotel. Had some food when we got back to room and then headed to pool which felt like pure chaos to me with loads of people, chilly water and constant fear of the little one going too deep. But kids adored it and can't wait to go back.

They are now having a blast in the arcade while I sit outside watching the and using wifi on the iPhone. Just taking a moment to catch my breath. We'll see how long it lasts.

So overall I give the day a thumbs up. Plans for tomorrow are early morning entry for Dumbo and Pinnochio. DH arrives tomorrow night (yippee!)

More later...

 

[disney_princess_85]

-Dinner. We didn't make a reservation for dinner and there is simply no place to get food at the hotel. Wish there was some kind of counter service or even some healthy snacks in the store. Note to self: cannot "play it by ear" when it comes to dinner at Sequoia Lodge.

You don't usually need a reservation to eat in the Sequoia Lodge restaurants. Also, they serve snacks at the bar.

Thank you for the live report by the way, it's really interesting. I'll be there on Sunday.

 

[grizbuzz]

You don't usually need a reservation to eat in the Sequoia Lodge restaurants. Also, they serve snacks at the bar.

Thank you for the live report by the way, it's really interesting. I'll be there on Sunday.

We tried the bar and they were out of food and server told me reservations needed at restaurant. Maybe it was a particularly busy night or maybe server didn't like me.

 

[grizbuzz]

The ice is melting on the lake and the sun is peaking through the clouds. Not going to say it's exactly balmy, but it isn't bitter cold or raining which is very very nice.

We made it up and out of bed for 7 am breakfast again. Tried the other restaurant in Sequoia which had exactly the same breakfast. Park felt less crowded this morning and we went on Peter Pan and Dumbo with five minute wait, walk on the carousel

And then went to Buzz, as Pinocchio and Snow White weren't open this morning either. Wait for Buzz was a longish twenty five minutes which was much more than older son Max was willing to bear without serious complaining. We then made it back to Pinocchio which opened up right before early entry. Then to Pirates right at 10am opening for our third ride in front seat and a short walk to Pirate Island and the treehouse for a good hour of play. A walk thru Aladdin and then kids wanted to go again to Walts. Seeing this is the only restaurant we've been to other than the breakfast buffet, I made the executive decision to try elsewhere and we walked to Rainforest Cafe which the boys also adored. We arrived there before noon and got a choice table right at an elephant who entertained us throughout the meal.

Kids gave the Rainforest Cafe a big thumbs up and the only thing that would gave made it better was if I had purchased a toy for them at the store. But I held strong to the rule - boys get their toy of choice last day at the parks.

I got my Starbucks and we all headed back to WDW Studios for Animagique, which we enjoyed. Boys insisted on returning to the Art of Animation for another hour.
Then we accidentally caught the Stars and Cars parade for second time which my younger enjoyed.

Walked back to the hotel and are now taking a rest waiting for DH to arrive at 17:00. We have dinner reservations at Blue Lagoon tonite and will do whatever DH wants, since he missed first days here. Can't wait to see him.

Great day with no rain, no kid breakdowns and lots of smiles.

Update: DH arrived! We went to park for an almost walk on ride on Pirates and then a lovely dinner at fantastic table at Blue Bayou. Quite fun to walk through closed and empty Adventureland after the meal. Great end to a great day!

 

[DLPdaft]

You were sounding a bit frayed round the edges before DH got there - so glad you had a better day on day 4 . It does sound like the parks are quite busy this half-term.

 

[grizbuzz]

Day 5: Nico's Disney Birthday

It's a little after 3pm on Friday and I am in the lounge at Sequoia having some down time as DH has his turn at the pool with the kids.

It's been a great day with an early start at the park. First thing, we stopped by City Hall for a birthday sticker and a birthday call from
Mickey. Nico was thrilled!

Also, today I got to go on Phantom Manor, as boys were willing to try it with Dad here to protect them. The haunted house is much scarier and creepier in Paris than the US Disney parks, for sure! But it was fun

At noon it was time for the birthday celebration. Thanks to advice herein the boards, we booked Cafe Mickey. Nico thoroughly enjoyed the characters and his birthday cake and song, as well as the box of Disney goodies I got him. We had a great time!

Now we are taking some time at the hotel to rest and then will go back to park for dinner at Silver Spur.

Will try to check in after dinner...

Had a very nice surprise waiting in room when I came back from the lounge. There were Snow White toiletries, two Winnie the Pooh Bears, chocolates and a rose waiting for us in the room.

I guess my DH and Nico ran into a manager on the way to the pool and Nico told him it was his birthday (I also told reservationist when booking hotel). In addition they left two fluffy robes in the bathroom to use and the came back and did turn down service before bed.

I'd say we got an extra dose of Disney magic today!

 

[DLPdaft]

Ooooh treats in your room - I'm sitting here clapping to myself, how lovely . Sounds like it was a great birthday day too .

 

[grizbuzz]

Day 6: Paris

It's 7:30am and I am the only one awake. Letting DH and the boys sleep in as we are not going to early entry. Instead we are going to Paris! I am so excited! DH speaks French and has some ideas on where to go and I can't wait! Plan is to make it back to the parks for dinner.

Update: It's nighttime and boys and DH are sleeping. We had a wonderful afternoon in Paris. Kids were not excited to leave the parks and little one actually cried on the train to the city. But once we got there they both quickly got into the swing of things. We went to the Centre George Pompidou Art Museum and then to a nearby cafe for a lovely lunch. On way back little Nico was skipping along singing "I think I like Paris!"

We went straight to Disneyland Park after the train ride. On our walk down Main Street, we saw Dapper Dan's was empty so DH got a shave and a haircut.

We took a quick ride on Pirates and then went to dinner at Walts, since DH hadn't yet been. After dinner thought we were going home but instead we decided to go on one ride which turned into two and a half hours of rides (all basically walk on). We even got to go on Pinocchio and Snow White two times in a row without getting off. There were very few people in the parks tonite. Did everyone think it closed at 8pm and not 10pm! It was a great evening!

 

[Mum to Belle]

Sounds like you are having an AMAZING time!!!!

Love the special magic touches in your room brought a tear to my eye!

Glad to hear your boys enjoyed Paris too!

 

[jesuslovesyou]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[grizbuzz]

We are back home in Switzerland now, recovering from our lovely trip to Disneyland Paris.

Our last day in the parks went just fine. My DH took the boys to early entry and I stayed back to pack up the bags and get ready for our departure.

We met at 10:30am and went to WDW to see Cinemagique. My almost 7 year old loved it, but my 5 year old didn't like it as much. I think Animagique was more his speed. After the show we went to the buffet with Remy and got to see the animated mouse and have some pretty good food. At this point my DH had to go collect the bags and bring them to the train station and I went back to DL with the boys to return the stroller and to let them pick out their toy of choice. It is nice leaving the toy to the last day, as it gives them a reason to be happy that the vacation is coming to an end.

Our train trip home went very smoothly.

Took a little over five hours with a few transfers, but the boys did fine. And it is so much easier with two parents then dealing with the kids and the luggage alone.

All in all, we had a wonderful trip. I will try to include some pictures, just as soon as I have the time. I'm trying to catch up on life here and prepare for DS's fifth birthday - which is infact tomorrow.

Thanks for reading along.

-Jen

 

[QueenDoOver]

Great report Jen. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see the pics.

 

[Mum to Belle]

Welcome home!

Look forward to seeing some photos!

 

[zinderella]

What a great TR! I love the live ones...makes me so excited!!!! Can't wait to see your photos.

 

[grizbuzz]

Pictures posted!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

End of first day in Disneyland Paris. I am beyond exhausted. We had a good day with a decent dose of magic. Can't say it was easy, but then again I am here solo with the two kids, so no travel could be easy.

High points of the day:
-Lunch at Walts: good food, beautiful restaurant and I was simply charmed to see DS Max so excited to eat at "Walt's place." Got the full three course meal with half board plus voucher and decided on Caesar salad with chicken, the very yummy (and very buttery) ravioli and the delicious chocolate cake/souffle dessert. I also ordered a glass of champagne. It was a wonderful start to our Disneyland Paris vacation!

-Pirates adventure island: Kids just love running around here and all the caves are good fun. Plus no ines. Too bad the waterfalls were all frozen.

-Mickeys Winter Wonderland: an enjoyable show with a ice skating, some singing and a lot of characters.

-Après park coffee/hot cocoa at the lodge. We came back early before the crowds descended at end of the day and dare I say enjoyed a small bit of peace and quiet.

-The arcade at the hotel. Not that the games were anything extra special but just enjoyed watching kids play and have so much fun with air hockey.

Low points:

-The crowds in the park. The long line waiting to rent a stroller. The long ride lines (we only did one ride: Small World).

-The little bits of garbage and dirt and chipped paint around which I just haven't seen at other Disney parks.

-Check in at the hotel. Lines were long and process was not fun, especially with two restless boys. Missed the tv's with kids shows in the other Disney lobbies which entertain the kids while parents check in.

-Dinner. We didn't make a reservation for dinner and there is simply no place to get food at the hotel. Wish there was some kind of counter service or even some healthy snacks in the store. Note to self: cannot "play it by ear" when it comes to dinner at Sequoia Lodge.

Here's the plan for tomorrow:
7am breakfast at Sequoia
8-10am early entry
Pirates and maybe phantom manor
12 noon lunch at Walt's
Maybe pop over to WDW Studios
And Dinner somewhere, somehow

Years ago at the SL there was a pizza takeaway with the hotel where you could buy to take back the room. All made fresh ... really handy for days when too tired to stay out for meal - shame they got rid of it.