Happy happy Halloween

[Roon]

Day 1. We woke up early at theHoliday Inn Express at Luton and had a light breakfast at 4.00. If ever anyone is flying from Luton early morning, I would recommend staying at this hotel. The parking at Luton was going to cost me about £65-00. A night at the holiday inn with Breakfast and five nights parking cost £89-00. I think that was good considering we didn't have to travel through the night.

We arrived refreshed at CDG. No probs getting luggage and heading straight out of the terminal to get the VEA. DS was hungry, as is always the case, so they nipped back in to get a mac. I waited for the shuttle. Was surprised that a vehicle stopped and offered to take me to Disney at the same price as the shuttle. He wanted to know how many of us there were and he would wait for DS an DH to come back. I told him I already had pre-paid tickets for the VEA and I was fine. He was quite persistent. In the end he went. Didn't see any markings on his vehicle though. Would have been worried I think getting in. He could have taken us anywhere. That could just be me though. Over cautious.

Bus arrived and took us to the VEA which was just ready for leaving so no hanging around. First stop Newport Bay, which is a hotel I have never stayed in and always love the look of it. I have said if we ever go in Summer that is the place we will stay. Next stop Santa Fe, Sequoia and then Cheyanne.

I was so exited. First time at Cheyanne. When we walked in the hotel it was absolutely heaving. I think three coach loads must have arrived at once.

The boys sat and I queued. Didn't take long and there is so much to look at. The staff were brill and yee hawed at every opportunity. I finally got to the Reception and received my tickets and was given the choice of Wild Bill Hickock or Jesse James. I wanted first to go to Wild Bill Hickock as I had watched Calamity Jane the weekend before, but didn't as Jess James was on the River side of the street.

The room was lovely and faced the river with the beautiful trees all different shades of green and orange. It was great to get the room straight away as it was only 12.00. Unpacked and settled in and then decided to go for a safe at reception on our way out.

These are free of charge. However, once I had signed the form at reception the lady told me that if I lost the key I would have to pay 100 Euros. I started to wonder if it was worth it, as i am so forgetful and always seem to be losing things. They key was massive.

We went straight for the bus on this occasion as we wanted to go straight to the parks and not walk through the village.

It now seems to be tradition with us but we go to the Studios first. Normally first stop is Rock N Roller Coaster, but I wanted to Tower of Terror as this ride is just brilliant. The Studios was so busy, I have never been in all seven years and seen the place so busy. The wait time for Tower of Terror was 50 minutes and no fast pass option. DH is not a queuer so we didn't get on that.

By now DS was hungry again and we all had grande hot dogs with mustard and chips. Cafe Au Lait, which I love there. Just as we were finishing the Stars and Cars Parade started which I hadn't seen before. This was great, the cars are so good and match the characters.

Raced then to Rock N Roller Coaster and the boys got on that. Fast pass was working but it was only 20min wait anyway. They had two go's on that. I like to sit and watch the goings on when they are on this ride. I used to love riding it myself but seem to be getting a bit of a wuss in my old age.

Stunt Show next and I had forgotton how fantastic this show is. Absolutely brilliant, jaw dropping stuff. Bit chilly there, but soon warmed up at the end with the fire.

We then decided we would head to Planet Holywood for our tea, stopping in all the shops as we went. The studio shop I love for the clothes. The shop outside looks so pretty. Golden Christmas trees and big Mickey and Minnie baubles at the entrance to the shop. The Christmas trimmings for sale are so pretty and it is hard to choose which ones to buy.

Planet Hollywood was great as usual. Then a relaxed walk back to the Hotel passing through the shops in the Village.

Short day today but so busy. All I could think was I hope the rest of the week isn't going to be as busy. Wait and see for tomorrow. Monday.

No sign of Manx yet.

 

[the_princess]

Very good report
I took one of the unofficiel vehicle from the airport once. It took us to Disney without any problems, but I'm not sure if what they are doing is legal.

 

[Roon]

Day 2

Up bright and early, bathed and ready and the other two still in bed. I watch a bit of Disney Chanel while they get ready. It is back on now. No Disney chanel yesterday, problems with the transmission.

Lovely to look out of the window, and a lovely day as well.

Breakfast was great, ham and cheese for the rolls and marmalade and butter for the croissants. I always eat far too much at these breakfast buffets. If you can't do it on holiday, when can you do it?

No scrums whatsoever in the restaurant, all very civilised, Got a lovely window seat.

Got the shuttle today as we were going straight into the park. Was getting very exited about going to the park today as we were going for our first Salon Mickey visit. We found the door, round the right hand side near the entrance to the Disneyland Hotel and the left luggage. We knocked and waited. Felt quite nervous, not knowing what to really expect, I had read lots of things on the site but still nervous. A lovely man answered in a very welcoming way, I handed my card and entrance tickets and he beckoned us in. We weren't hungry as we had had breakfast but I had a coffee, an orange juice and a mickey mouse chocolate brioche. I know I am greedy.

Jason had a water and Bill a coffee. We sat for a while just enjoying the peacefulness of the place. Quite a small place but beautifully furnished, took photographs and then we entered the park through the back door.

So thrilling going back to Disney I always get butterflies and can't stop smiling. We turned the corner onto Main Street and the Castle was there in all it's glory, sooo beautiful. The Pumpkinmen and women and their in abundance and main street looks fabulous. We headed down to Frontierland where all the pumpkin action is.

Went straight to Thunder Mountain to get the fastpasses and then walked straight through for the boys to go on Indianna Jones. No fast pass working on this ride today. Sat in the sun to watch the world go by while they had their ride.

It was now time for our ride on Thunder Mountain. I love this ride, it is my favourite. It was also very dark this time. I don't know why but we seemed to be in the dark for ages. Either there used to be lights in the tunnels or they have made the tunnels longer Not complaining though it was great.

The Molly Brown steamer was next and it was lovely to sit on the lower deck in the sun. You wouldn't think it was nearly the end of October.

By now it was hotdog time again. The most fantastic thing while I was in the queue. A car drove by and the character was the Snow White witch, complete with her apple basket. She was amazing, I couldn't take my eyes off her. She has a photo shoot and we all queued to have a picture. If you are going for the Halloween season you will love her. She talks and pulls faces. Just brilliant.

Phantom Manor next which is just so lovely. I think I would live here if I could choose to live anywhere at Disney. I think this ride has also had a bit of a refurb as everything seemed so perfect. The holograms were all working and there seemed more detail somehow.

Nice pleasant stroll through Frontierland up to the train station. So many pumpkins. Jack and Sally have their meeting point at this end this year. They weren't there though when we went for the train. We had missed the timings.

The train station was soooo busy, so we decided not to bother with this and headed back through to Frontierland. I couldn't contain myself Jack and Sally were there. Jase had a lovely picture with Sally and Jack was so chatty and posed for pics and gave autographs. I didn't want to leave this area. By now the time was getting quite late and we wanted to do POC. We headed through Adventureland and had a good laugh as Bill always goes the wrong way. You would think he knew where to go after seven years.

POC was as good as ever and also looked to have been spruced up.

We then had a nice leisurly stroll up Main Street and had our main meal, in Planet Hollywood, again.

Bit of shopping in the evening. They have an offer at the moment a fabulous Jack Skellington fleece blanket can be bought for only 9.90 euros if you spend 20 euros. It isn't hard to spend 20 euros. Couple of christmas decs. Which are absolutelybeautiful this year and very hard to choose which to have. Some hair bobbles and a pin.

The best day I have had at Disney I would say. Lovely time.

Still no sign of Manx.

 

[disney_princess_85]

Great so far! Looking forward to reading more.

 

[poppyolivia]

awwww your report is putting mine to shame...delete it now!!!

I loved the cheyenne when the staff shouted yeeee haaaa....I was scared at first though!!!

Hope you managed to keep the key safe!!!!

 

[Bolanette87]

Loving reading your TR!! I'm quite interested to see that you really rate Planet Hollywood... Seeing as how you recommend it so highly, I may reconsider it at some point in the future!

Bob xoxoxo

 

[Dianetigger]

Fabulous trip report, my son would love to meet Jack and Sally mind you as we always go in the summer I don't think that's going to happen!

We ate at Planet Hollywood two years ago and it was fabulous!

 

[hildasmuriel]

I'm enjoying reading this. You are getting me in the mood for next week.

 

[Mrsweasley]

Great report

I find it hard to pick out the decorations to bring home . I love them so much

Have never gone to Planet Hollywood, must give it a go !

 

[Roon]

DAY 3

A leisurly start to today. Lovely breakfast and some photo taking around The Cheyanne. The colours of the trees today are so beautiful, the sun is shining but I think it's cold today. We walked along the river today and fed the birds with our leftovers from breakfast. So many sparrows and so cute, until the bigger birds started to want a look in.

Had to stop off at Macdonalds on the way in as Bill needed to check in with work on the computer. No wifi at the Cheyanne, not that we actually asked, perhaps we should have. Anyway, had a coffee and a sit for a while. Felt all bunged up today, couldn't stop my eyes running and my nose twitching. Think it's my allergies. Something making my eyes sore.

Left there and today is the day to head to Discoveryland. Stopped to take pics on the way and I went straight to Buzz to get our fast passes. Such a fun ride. The fast pass for Space Mountain was working, however the wait time was only 15 mins and then went down to 5 mins. The boys went straight in and did two in a row, unfortunately though the ride got a glitch and there were hold ups. Was waiting for the Stitch Dance thingy to start a few times today but it never happened. Don't know if this is because it seemed to be very quiet today. Little disappointed as I like the shows.

When the time came for the fast pass, which wasn't long at all, we queued and loved looking at Buzz and all the pics on the way in to this ride. I had a spaceship on my own and did a lot better than normal as we had about three stops on the way round. Can anyone else manage to hit the targets? Jason does very well, I am hopeless but love the ride anyway, so much fun.

After this, Jason realised that he had lost his bag. Wallet in there and his new packet of custard creams Didn't know where he had left it but it must have been on Space Mountain so we headed back there. Wasn't really bothered for his money and the custard creams, more the back pack bag which he has had a while from another memorable holiday. Unfortunately no sign of the bag, so disappointed. We were told to ask at City Hall on our way out. We therefore went to Pizza Planet to have a nibble and a drink to drown our sorrows.

The cutest thing on the table next to us were four chinese or japanese girls (teenagers). Each had the full fur minnie hats on with the ears. The red one with white spots and the red bow, the leopard one, the black one and the white one. they looked so lovely, I took their picture sneakily. Don't know how to post pictures on here, would love to show some of ours.

Each time we go in this Pizza Planet I always get the impression they have moved something else out of there. It now is like a big aircraft hanger. Wouldn't really recommend this place now for anything really. When Jason was little he loved the play area and it all seemed cosier and warmer. Now it isn't very welcoming at all. Wish we had gone to the Bella Notte now.

We gave Honey I shrunk the audience a miss this year as we find the wait time too long. If you have never seen this though it is an absolute must. The first time we saw this we were amazed.

Star Tours, yippee, this ride always makes me laugh and smile, probably because I love Star Wars so much. Brilliant ride. Even though there were no fast passes we weren't waiting too long and it was well worth the wait.

Bit of a looksy in the shops and then It's a Small World is usually our next stop. On the way we saw Tweedledum and Tweedledee, who i haven't seen before. They were great, Jase had his pic with one of them, think it was Dee, I had mine with Chicken Little, sooooo cute. He was adorable and I didn't realise that he wanted a hug, when I went back to Jase and Bill they said Chicken Little is crying, when I looked round he was crying and then holding out his arms. I had to go back and give him a hug. My family are not letting me forget that I made Chicken Little cry. Gepetto was there as well, he is sooo lovely with the children, just like Gepetto, well he is Gepetto after all.

Virtually walked straight on to it's a small world and again loved every minute of this. The little boy in front of us seemed to be more interested in us going awww and ooooh than the ride itself.

A good look around all the lovely quaint buildings in this area was next. I was hoping to see Belle here but it obviously wasn't the right time. She is beautiful and I remember her from last year.

Some lovely tables and chairs outside Alices Labyrinth, all colours and fancy chairs, with a kiosk. I had one othe teatime specials. A large Cafe Au Lait in a special Disney mug with an iced donut for only 6 euros. I thought that was a bargain, as I now have a lovely coffee mug for work.

It was getting nearly time for the parades by now and I wanted to see these today so the boys said farewell. (I really do think I will try a visit on my own one day). I loved being able to walk around and do exactly as I wanted without thinking Jase should be on a white knuckle type ride. They went off to do their thing and I went straight to the castle to get a pitch for the parade. I was going to cut through the castle but it was already sectioned off. I decided to watch from one of the balconies at the castle. A great pitch. Not long to wait and the Nightmare before Christmas music started and the Pumpkins were great dancing, and then Jack and Sally. Just wonderful. Next time though I will definitely get a view from Main Street as you miss all the dancing stops that the parade does.

The main parde was spectacular, the music just makes me cry, I get so emotional when I hear the Disney parade music and see the characters. I'm sure people must think I'm a big softy.

Just the greatest bit of Disney I think. the Parades.

When it had all finished I looked in some of the shops I haven't looked at in seven years as the 'boys' don't do Fantasyland.

The Snow White shop with the pond and the animals is so lovely. Saw the glass blower, the prices in the glass shop are frightening, said hello to the Dragon. The Christmas shop is as lovely as ever and full to busting with the most beautiful decorations.

Had a ride on the Snow White ride, Pinnochio and then said my farewells to Fantasyland and headed for the Plaza. Mickey's magical party was about to start in five minutes. Got a great standing position and waited. Mickey in his silver sequinned suit looked brilliant with the lights shining on him. The boys and girls dancing was amazing and then Balloo, Tigger, Goofy and others came out all to do a song and a dance. Just great. When that had finished I went for a shop. Bought a couple more trimmings and another pin and a magnet, and another Jack Blanket for my friend. Must have been in their ages as when I came out, Mickey was on stage again singing and dancing and all of Main Street was lit up with thousands of bulbs and the castle was twinkling and changing colour. IT WAS JUST THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!! I took pics and did not want to go back to the hotel. I left reluctantly as I was feeling a bit cold by now and wanted something to eat. I had every intention of going to Annettes tonight but the village was heaving and I didn't want to wait.

Don't laugh, I went to the station shop and bought a sandwich, large bag of Barbeque crisps and bottle of Rose wine and headed back to the Cheyanne. I had my own little picnic watching Zack and Cody and Hannah and the Witch one. Can't remember which one was on but they all make me laugh. A perfect end to a perfect day. The boys were already home when I got there and looked as if they had been in a while.

No luck with Jason's bag and custard creams unfortunately, try again tomorrow.

Still no Manx sighting.

Night Night.

 

[Roon]

Oh by the way guys, it's DH and DS that rate Planet Holywood. I would rather go to all the Disney ones,seeing as that's where we are.

 

[poppyolivia]

aww what a great day you had...the leaves WERE amazing eh? I took pictures of them for the craic but it doesn't look so good as it did in real life!!

love reading your report...

you can upload your pics to photobucket and copy and paste the IMG code they give you (its in a drop down under the piccie)

 

[Roon]

Thanks for that I will have a go at doing a few pics later this evening. I managed to get a lovely pic of the leaves. I'll try to show it.

Will also write day four later tonight.

 

[scampbunny]

fab report so far!!! sorry to hear bout the bag tho - u kinda hope that sum1 wud find it and hand it in....

yes, would love to see sum pics too

 

[mommy2ash]

what a great trip report. i am really enjoying it. what a shame about the bag.

 

[Roon]

Will do day four tomorrow, going to bed now. Night night.

 

[Stitch's Girl]

Great report so far, cant wiat to read more!

 

[Roon]

DAY FOUR AND OUR LAST FULL DAY.

Wednesday and it is our last full day, where does the time go. Booked our first ever buffet this morning at the Chuckwagon and I really can't wait for this. It also means that we can stay in the park longer. DH never wants a crowd to wait for his meals.

After booking we got on the bus and went to the Studios today. It was raining today, but this was forecast and I was expecting it so wasn't too disappointed. We aren't early birds so when we got there, even though it was morning, the queue for Crush was 75 minutes Absolutely unbelievable. We had ridden this last year so we didn't bother. What we did go on was the Cars. We were queueing with the youngsters and I felt a bit daft but it looked a great little ride. The three of us, two quite round and one extra long must have looked a bit odd in one car, but I loved this. It's great. Quite spinny and you get extremely close to the other cars on the spin.

After that we got the fast passes for the Tower of Terror. Brilliant ride.
Headed to the Rock n Roller Coaster and DH and DS went on quite a few times. I sat, even though it was raining, on the bench under my umbrella and watched Goofy signing autographs and having pics. It was quite sad really as there was one family who just stood waiting so patiently, the little girl was so exited with her autograph book. It seemed to take forever for Goofy to see them, as people were just racing to him. I know it is very difficult for the characters to see the little ones but there is also always a cast member guarding the character who could step in every once in a while. The only time I see them getting involved is when it is time for the character to leave.

Needless to say, the family managed it in the end and the little girl was squealing with delight. I also went for a looksy in the newly refurbished Backlot Cafe. It is sooo good. All Highschool Musical with massive pictures, flags and a band playing in there. the menu is rather nice looking too. baguettes, scrumptious.

The lads finally had enough of Rock n roller and then we headed for our fastpass ride on Tower of Terror. The whole build up to this is so good. Our man for the seating of the ride was amazing and so in character. He really earns his wages. Fantastic. I had forgotton from last year just how much in the air you lift. Everything lifts up, your hair, your lanyards, necklaces. It is F.A.B.

We had a nibble in the cut through area and it was heaving, I think because of the rain.
It's not the best of places, but it was warm and filled a little hole.

We also did Stitch which the boys hadn't seen last year. It is just so good isn't it. He knows everything what is happening. One of the people he was talking to was behind us and I will always remember poor Rene from Holland.

Another great show which I had forgotton how good is is, Cinemagique. Wow. I was blubbing as usual, so utterly romantic. Fabulous.

We were running out of time and didn't even get chance to do our usual drawing which we always enjoy doing.

Another ride on Tower of Terror and I dragged the lads to the main park to see the parade. I wasn't letting them get away with not watching it at least once.

Had a lovely time have a good old singsong and then thought we would go to City Hall and ask about the bag. Glad we did, it was there. How absolutely marvelous is that and doesn't it restore your faith in human nature. The bag, the wallet with all D.S.s money. The large packet of custard creams had gone but hey ho, a small price to pay. Who can resist a packet of custard creams.

I had one pin I didn't want on my lanyard and managed to do a swap with one of the City Hall cast members and I was thrilled. Took some more pics and then we headed back to get ready for our Buffet.

At first I didn't think I would like it. Seemed Cafateria ish. However, the food I though was marvelous. I had a plate of salady things, Coleslaw (divine), pasta in pesto. Olives, Green and Black and a potato salad. For the hot items I had Meat Balls with spanish rice and plain rice. A coke. What more can you ask. The puddings were very grand looking and very french. Beautiful. We really had our fill. While we were there twice the cowboys came out with birthday cakes and we all sang the happy birthday song. I thought this is my chance to finally meet Manx, but unfortunately no. The cakes weren't for him.

We never got to see him, which felt a bit sad as it would have been nice to say hello.

Back at the room I did not want to pack at all and got very miserable.

Went to bed

Some photos I took during our five days.

Hope that worked.

Day 5

Unfortunately there wasn't really enough to time to have a last visit to the parks, so I staked my claim on a seat and watched the world go by. Very envious of the people checking in. Oh and I didn't lose the key for the safe just nearly forgot to give it back and get the passports and my English money.

A most fantastic trip. I really do hope I get back to Disney, after seven years it has become like visiting a very old friend and I don't really know what I will do without it.

Thanks for reading, and I love this forum.

 

[Roon]

I can't do the photos, what a dope.

 

[manxtatt2]

great trippie

Glad you had a good time , sorry we didnt get to say hello

We said this was out last trip to disney , as i want a sun holiday nexy year lol

but im tempted to book for the christmas season next year