First-ever Disney experience trip report!

[bbrown1226]

Well, our trip was last November, but I feel I owe it to the board to post our trip details and pictures since this board was so very helpful!!!!

Let me say this was the first time to any Disney park for our whole family, including me and my husband! We are Americans who grew up in MI still quite a distance from the FL and CA parks. So, needless to say, I was super excited to surprise my 2 daughters to a trip to DLP for Thanksgiving weekend!!!! I wasn't sure my hubby would go for it since he is not too keen on amusement parks, especially ones focusing on large amounts of other people's children! But, I promised a daytrip into Paris (which neither of us had ever been) and a stay at an apartment instead of Disney hotel, and he agreed.

Our trip started on Tuesday evening when we packed our family into our car for the 5 hour drive from Germany where we are currently living. Sitting in their carseats where princess backpacks filled with all kinds of Disney goodies. We still did not tell them where we were going. We arrived late into our apartment, and crashed! We figured if the girls knew where they were headed the next morning, none of us would get any sleep!!!

So, bright and early the next morning we head out to go to DISNEYLAND!! Our apartment was only about a 10 minute drive to the parks. Finally, the girls saw the signs and entrace and the sqeals followed!!!! Now, I knew I would be excited about going, but I had NO IDEA the feeling that overcomes you as you start walking closer and closer to the park entrance with the music playing. I felt like I was 5 again! I think I was pulling my daughters behind me as a ran to go in! Finally, after 29 years, I was finally at Disney.

We were there on a Wednesay at the end of November, and pleased that it wasn't crazy busy. It didn't take long to buy our tickets, and we were soon entering the park!

Here are my daughters very excited to be here!!!

Here is my son, the warmest and most comfortable of all! Unfortunately, he will not remember this trip.

I will add that I thought the weather was perfect!!!!!! We dressed in layers, but found at times we needed to remove our gloves! We were never uncomfortable, and it just added to the Christmas spirit!

So, our first impression of Main Street took our breath away. As soon as we walked in, the snow started falling. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, and low and behold, my husband was smiling like a child too! The look on his face let me know he was feeling the magic also!!!

As we reached the end of Main Street, the day-time train parade was just starting! Perfect timing! As first-time visitors, we just wanted to take it all in visually. The castle was just stunning!!!!!

We decided now would probably be a good time to purchase our annual passports, and we found this to be a pretty easy experience. It was nice that they had a movie area for the children to hang out in while we waited for our turn. By the time this was all done, it was time for lunch. Where to go???? I had planned on eating at the Agrabah Cafe, but unfortunately, it was not open. We decided to stop at the Lion King themed restaurant, and found it perfect for a quick lunch. The girls loved the decor, and the Lion Themed music playing in the background. Even dad was singing along! This was going to be a great trip!!! For about 28 Euro, this was our lunch which was hot and yummy...

After lunch, the sun came out and it turned into a GORGEOUS day! This is when the gloves, scarves, and hats came off! Dad and the girls went into the Swiss Family Robinson tree area, while I pushed Daniel around enjoying the views while he napped. Afterwards, we strolled over to FanstasyLand for the much anticipated ride on Peter Pan. I LOVED IT!!!!! The kids loved it, and the hubby loved it!!!!!! After a few rides on the carousel, etc, it was time to head out for the parade. This is when I captured this gorgeous shot of the castle which I plan on turning into a poster for my girls room.

The parade was so much fun, and soooo magical for the girls!!!!!! We had a pretty good view, but better for the girls on our shoulders. Boy, was I sour after that! But, it was worth it all, and every penny, for this expression...

After a ride on the teacups, we decided to call it a day and save the night-time activities to our 2nd day at the Park. Our first day at Disneyland couldn't have been more perfect, and I was ready to come back! I couldn't believe I was bummed that we were going to Paris the next day, instead of coming back here!!!!

 

[mrsj2b]

We're going to DLP in September for our honeymoon and taking our 2 kids aged 5 and 2,

Your experience sounds magical!!

its making me even more excited (if thats possible lol)

i love the photos! the excitement on your little girls face is just gorgeous

I hope my 2 love it just as much as your did!!

 

[bbrown1226]

Our 2nd day in the area was a trip into Paris! We took the train, and found it a pretty easy proposition. It was a LOVELY day, and another perfect first time experience!!

We found it important to keep it easy and take breaks for the kids to play! No museums for this trip! Just walks/rides around the Eiffel, and this great double carousel right across the bridge in front of the Eiffel!

I know it is the tourist thing to do, but so what! We are tourist!!!

We were able to sneak in a quick moment for the two of us...

I could take pictures all day of the tower!

 

[bbrown1226]

Our 3rd day was our 2nd day visit back to the parks! Yeah!!! Here is a picture of our apartment. We found it to be a fabulous deal at 100 Euro a night!! It had 2 bedrooms and a kitchen fully stocked with everything we needed! It helped to keep the costs down since we brought breakfast foods from home, and dinner items. I know the prices have gone up since then, but we had a great stay there!

O.k, so back to the parks!!!!! Unfortunately, we somehow never seem to make it out of our room before 11am!! So, it was a bit later start than what I would like. But, we made it on time for the Princess Meet and Greet. We waited in line about 20 minutes, and right before it was our turn, the Princess changed from the Little Mermaid to Jasmine. My girls where thrilled! They love all the princesses, but Jasmine is their favorite!!!

Let me say that they were soooooooo nice to our girls!! I thought it would be a quick picture opportunity, but they took the time to talk to each of the girls and really make them feel special!

Opps, forgot, here is the picture of us when we entered the park. Thought we should get at least one family shot!!

We were also right on time for the starting of the Sleeping Beauty story in front of the castle in FantasyLand. We were right in front, and again, the characters were so warm and friendly to my girls. Prince Phillip even snuck up behind our daughter to surprise her.

It was then time for lunch at Cafe Mickey! I thought for sure this was going to be crazy expensive, but it wasn't too bad at all! We decided to share pizzas so we ordered 2 pizzas, a good sized Ceasar Salad, a yummy drink for mom, milk for the kids, and a coke for Dad. I can't remember the exact price, but I believe it was around 50 Euro. The food was delicious, and the pizza was big enough where we couldn't even finish them. The kids loved the characters, even Daniel. He wasn't scared at all, and laughed everytime they came around.

After lunch, we headed over to the Studios. Though it is not as visually stunning and decorative as the parks, we had lots of fun riding rides, catching a few shows, and seeing tons of characters! The characters where everywhere!! By the time we were done in the Studio, it was time for Candlebration. We headed over a bit early to get a good area, and the hubby ran for hot chocolates. I will say, I was surprised at the grown adults who will push their way in front of children to get a better view. I finally had enough and put my stroller in a position to stop this from happening again. The night time castle was simply breathtaking, and we enjoyed every moment! We stayed to see the parade with all the floats lit up, but this was quite a wait since it started 15 minutes late. By then, the kids were cold and tired, but we still had an amazing time. As we walked away to leave the park, we couldn't stop turning around to take that one last look at the castle. So magical. It was a wonderful trip, and we were very thankful we bought the passports so we can come back. And we are - in June!!!

 

[Rachie B]

awwww gorgeous pics
and your children are just adorable!

sounds like you had a lovely trip with ideal weather etc too

Hope you have as much fun on your June trip

x

 

[Jonjo]

Thank you for the lovely trip report.

 

[Jeccaboos]

What a lovely report - you are a gorgeous family and your pictures are fantastic

 

[tennisfan]

A lovely report, thanks for sharing

 

[eeyorefanuk]

A great trip report and glad you had a great time.

Congratulations on converting DH to disney, disney and more disney

 

[Dianetigger]

Absolutely fantastic trip report, your children are gorgeous and the look on their faces - priceless!
So glad to hear you had such a magical time, enjoy June!

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

Awww what a lovely report!

Your little ones are adorable and there little faces say it all.

 

[Trilli-magic]

What a great report
You have a lovely family

 

[karenmoloney]

Not too long until you're back again in June. It sounds like you like you had a great time in November, thanks for taking the time to tell us about it. Your photos are beautiful - especially the night time ones of the castle & your children are lovely too.

 

[Ware Bears]

Great report and fabulous photos.

Hope you have a magical trip next time too.