Help -I need to stop dithering

[jillrobinson]

Looking for your opinions folks.

My DS's have asked if we can go to DLRP for their birthday treat.
DS1 will be 13 on 1st April
DS2 will be 8 on 12th March
DM - Disney mum that's me will be over 21 again on 17th March
DH isn't coming which leaves room for DS1's friend whose never been to a Disney Park.

The only way we're going to be able to do this if we go with Leger courtesy of Tesco clubcard deals, which means a coach trip and the boys are happy with this idea. Eldest DS has been to France before by coach/ferry so knows what to expect, youngest is really excited about going on the ferry.

First query is on hotels - do I pick the Cheyenne or Travel Explorers, little one will share with me but the other 2 need seperate beds. I'm leaning towards the Explorers because of the pool, but it means of course that we can't have the GMF breakfast, or another thought I had was book the SL and take a campbed and sleeping bag for eldest DS or am I going to get into trouble for that ? The room we had at the NPB last time would be ideal but that's out of the budget.

and then dates:

11th March would give us 3 whole week days in the park, more than enough time to do everything, bearing in mind most of us have done everything several times over in the past (apart from Buzz - we're really looking forward to trying that) and then I guess we could make use of the hotel pool in the evening. For the 3rd time youngest DS gets to spend his birthday in the park.

24th March same as above but it's nearer to oldest DS's birthday which would be a bit fairer and a bit warmer, perhaps, plus we may get to see the Castle decorations.

Or we could do the weekend of the 17th St. Patricks Day, we'd have 2 full days Friday and Saturday and fireworks on the Saturday too, the first time we'll have seen Disney fireworks - my Birthday again.

or the 30th, 2 full days, as above but we'd get to see the preview of the new parade on the 31st and of course that's the day before DS's birthday.

It has to be March we go because of my work commitments, but I really can't decide when. Bearing in mind the journey time a day to get there and a day back - I'm thinking let's spend as much time there as we can and go for 3days rather than 2 and I'm put off the 2 day breaks because they fall on a Saturday - or do you think with careful planning the Saturday could be OK ?

Your opinions will be very greatly appreciated, I think DH is likely to kill me if I ask him what he thinks one more time.

 

[chrismoo]

If I was going on a coach I would want the maximum time there to compensate for this.

I personaly hate it when things get too busy and feel disapointed at times on weekend days.

How long does the coach take?

But its allways a hard one when there is specifc entertainment on on certain dates, however due to journey time 3 days seems the best bet.

 

[wideeyes]

It is a tough one, if it was me I would go with the 11th or the 24th as it gives you more time and if you are staying at the explorer you will have the time to use the pool.

I also think it depends on when you plan to go to DLP again as the anniversary runs until end of March 2008, if you don't think you will be going before then and if you feel like you will be missing out I would go for the 30th, it will be busy with the Easter holiday however you have been to DLP before so have an idea of what you want to do and where to go etc, If you go during this weekend I would go for the Cheyenne so you can get in the park earlier and can walk to the park if the buses are busy.

 

[higgy66]

I'd definitely go for the option of the longest time awailable in the parks. You'll be a long time travelling so it needs to be worth while.

Also from your notes the longest option is also mid week so a double bonus!

I'd go for the 11th and explain your reasons to your sons so they know it's only coincidence it falls on your youngest sons birthday.

I don't think the weather will be that different 2 weeks later......

Lay all the facts down with your sons and see what they come up with. I bet they'd go for 3 days in the park!

Good luck and let us know what you decide

 

[Ware Bears]

Ooh, it's a tough one but I think I'd also go for the 3 days midweek giving you more park time with less crowds. It won't matter so much staying at the Explorers and not having GMFB then because you will have less crowds to deal with plus the pool for the evening plus separate beds for the older boys. I'd also go for the 24th so its in the middle of all your birthdays.


Good luck deciding.

 

[jillrobinson]

I'm so glad you're all thinking the same way as me
It's got to be maximum time in the parks hasn't it ?

I definately hope that we can get another trip in before the celebrations end, but can't be sure as DH's job is possibly in jepoardy at the moment (90 days discussion period) and we won't know the outcome of that until beginning of April.
This is partly the reason why I want to book with Leger - I have enough Tesco points to almost pay outright for the holiday with them, there's nothing else I want through the deals so it's the obvious choice.

and I think we'll go with the Explorers, with the park closing at 6.00 it's a long time to bedtime, I was thinking of taking them to the Nex Arcade and possibly the Cinema, but the pool would be handy for the other evenings. The boys both agreed that to do Buffalo Bill's again would be overkill, I might just see how the money goes and if we've some left over book for the last evening - it's always good fun

 

[Cyrano]

Ooh, it's a tough one but I think I'd also go for the 3 days midweek giving you more park time with less crowds. It won't matter so much staying at the Explorers and not having GMFB then because you will have less crowds to deal with plus the pool for the evening plus separate beds for the older boys. I'd also go for the 24th so its in the middle of all your birthdays.


Good luck deciding.

can't add to everyone's excellent ideas. Personally GMFB is not enough to swing it from the Explorer

 

[chrismoo]

Cocktail hour between 8-9 in the explorers bar is good,

Buy one get one free, has to be the same type though.

So you can order 2 for yourself then non-alcoholic ones for the kids.

Hic!

 

[jillrobinson]

Cocktail hour between 8-9 in the explorers bar is good,

Buy one get one free, has to be the same type though.

So you can order 2 for yourself then non-alcoholic ones for the kids.

Hic!

OK - you've sold the hotel to me too!

 

[tinknme]

Jill I just looked at your pictures from your March trip & they are wonderful! I can't wait to be there

OK - you've sold the hotel to me too!

 

[disneyangel]

I'd go for the three nights too.

I think older DS will accept that his birthday treat is bringing his friend so this should compensate for not having his actual birthday there , even if his brother gets to have his there.

I hope Dh's job situation works out ok and that you have a great trip

 

[jillrobinson]

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip tinknme, those photos bring some lovely memories back, and you must come back and show us your pics and tell us how you got on.

Thanks for the good wishes disneyangel, DH is trying to stay positive - it's a turkey processing company - we've been through this before in January, usual story - production is cheaper abroad, profits down at christmas. We shall just have to wait and see what the outcome of the talks are.

DH was so pleased when he came home tonight and I told him I'd come to a decision, he made the collage for the disquiz question this evening for me.

 

[Ware Bears]

for your DH, Jill ~ so it's him to blame for tonight's question then??!!