from a brilliant trip. Once I get myself sorted I will do a trip report.
But just a few quick notes for those leaving soon.
Travelled by Eurostar from Ashford. We stayed the Saturday night at the Ashford Travelodge. This was your typical Travelodge, basic room, tea making facilities. It is located off Junction 9 of the M20 close to a Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny's. To get to the station it is actually easier (on Sundays any way) to travel through the town rather than going to Junction 10 as directed. It takes about 5 minutes follow the signpost for Stations. Makes sure though that you get to Ashford in plenty of time as it took us about 35 - 40 minutes for us to get through Passport control and the baggage check as only one scanner was working.
Used the "Disney Express Luggage Service". This meant we could go straight into the park and we did not see our luggage again until we got to our room. I don't know if the service works the same in all Disney hotels but in the Disneyland hotel they deliver the luggage to your room so it is waiting for you when you get there. When leaving, at the end of your stay, you contact the Luggage Service and they then collect the luggage from the room. Don't forget to tear off one of the sections from the tags you put on yours cases before they are taken, so that you can collect them at the station.
Stayed at DLH, it is an amazing hotel. The detail in this hotel makes it so special. DD was amazed by the chocolate coins left on our pillows every night and DH liked the bathrobe. Other than the fact we could not get into the hotel on the Sunday evening, due to "an exercise" we could not fault this hotel. It would be nicer if it was cheaper, but we feel that we did get value for money.
(With regards to "the exercise", which was the official response to why we were not allowed into the hotel, there was a strong smell of burning (even on the next day) and a Cast Member when asked if there had been a fire said "That could be the reason but we have been told to tell you that it was an exercise".)
The Christmas Parade is a nice parade (4.00pm), but the Fantillusion parade (7.00pm) is a must see, it is fantastic. I would reccomend that if possible try to watch Fantillusion from Main Street near to the Christmas tree, as once it finishes everybody heads for the exit if the park is closing at 7.00pm. If you are near the top of Main Street you have a slight head start of the masses. If the park is closing later then Central Plaza is a good place to watch this parade.
Another thing that you really should try to watch at least once is the Enchanted Fairytale Show, this takes place on the stage in Central Plaza at 5.30pm. The best place to try and watch this is in front of the stage so that you can see the stage, the Castle, the christmas tree and down Main Street. If you stand at the back of the castle in Fantasyland, looking down Main Street you get to see all the characters up close as they wait to go down to the stage, but will miss the castle being lit.
Best Bits:
Fantillusion and Enchanted Fairytale
Disneyland Hotel
Short queues on Monday & Tuesday
Warm weather, ended up wearing only a T-shirt under my winter coat
My DD walking through Fantasyland holding Snow White's hand.
Salon Mickey - So gentile, so relaxed, so nice.
Worst Bits:
Rain on Monday morning, Monday night and Tuesday night
The DLH "exercise"
BTM breaking down on last day
SMOKING !!!!!
But just a few quick notes for those leaving soon.
Travelled by Eurostar from Ashford. We stayed the Saturday night at the Ashford Travelodge. This was your typical Travelodge, basic room, tea making facilities. It is located off Junction 9 of the M20 close to a Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny's. To get to the station it is actually easier (on Sundays any way) to travel through the town rather than going to Junction 10 as directed. It takes about 5 minutes follow the signpost for Stations. Makes sure though that you get to Ashford in plenty of time as it took us about 35 - 40 minutes for us to get through Passport control and the baggage check as only one scanner was working.
Used the "Disney Express Luggage Service". This meant we could go straight into the park and we did not see our luggage again until we got to our room. I don't know if the service works the same in all Disney hotels but in the Disneyland hotel they deliver the luggage to your room so it is waiting for you when you get there. When leaving, at the end of your stay, you contact the Luggage Service and they then collect the luggage from the room. Don't forget to tear off one of the sections from the tags you put on yours cases before they are taken, so that you can collect them at the station.
Stayed at DLH, it is an amazing hotel. The detail in this hotel makes it so special. DD was amazed by the chocolate coins left on our pillows every night and DH liked the bathrobe. Other than the fact we could not get into the hotel on the Sunday evening, due to "an exercise" we could not fault this hotel. It would be nicer if it was cheaper, but we feel that we did get value for money.
(With regards to "the exercise", which was the official response to why we were not allowed into the hotel, there was a strong smell of burning (even on the next day) and a Cast Member when asked if there had been a fire said "That could be the reason but we have been told to tell you that it was an exercise".)
The Christmas Parade is a nice parade (4.00pm), but the Fantillusion parade (7.00pm) is a must see, it is fantastic. I would reccomend that if possible try to watch Fantillusion from Main Street near to the Christmas tree, as once it finishes everybody heads for the exit if the park is closing at 7.00pm. If you are near the top of Main Street you have a slight head start of the masses. If the park is closing later then Central Plaza is a good place to watch this parade.
Another thing that you really should try to watch at least once is the Enchanted Fairytale Show, this takes place on the stage in Central Plaza at 5.30pm. The best place to try and watch this is in front of the stage so that you can see the stage, the Castle, the christmas tree and down Main Street. If you stand at the back of the castle in Fantasyland, looking down Main Street you get to see all the characters up close as they wait to go down to the stage, but will miss the castle being lit.
Best Bits:
Fantillusion and Enchanted Fairytale
Disneyland Hotel
Short queues on Monday & Tuesday
Warm weather, ended up wearing only a T-shirt under my winter coat
My DD walking through Fantasyland holding Snow White's hand.
Salon Mickey - So gentile, so relaxed, so nice.
Worst Bits:
Rain on Monday morning, Monday night and Tuesday night
The DLH "exercise"
BTM breaking down on last day
SMOKING !!!!!
Sounds a great trip.
