HELP!!!!!! More Disney Dreams to fulfill! 09/04 Exciting news!

[dizneeat]

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 4

But after the ride we were done with dealing with the crowds and decided to head out and have lunch in the Disney Village.
Right when we were back on Town Square we noticed the teetered balloon

and knew what we wanted to do during the rest of our time. We took a few last photos

of the Disneyland Hotel

and headed over to the Disney Village.

When we passed Annette’s the line was way out the door, and since we were not really hungry by then, we decided to take a ride on the balloon first.
So we walked through the Disney Village, peeked into one or two of the stores again and finally made it to the little lake that is home to the balloon. We got our tickets, walked out onto the little platform and waited for about two minutes when we were allowed to enter the balloon.

Everyone wanted to have a view of the castle, so we all flocked to one side, but the Cast Member in charge of the balloon made sure we all spread out to guarantee a smooth way up. Once we were up we were allowed to move around and started to snap pictures of the parks and the hotels.

To be continued ............

 

[dizneeat]

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 5

Unfortunately the ride in the balloon is a very short one and while we were still happily snapping away, the balloon started to go down again.
Before we knew it we were getting off again and found ourselves walking towards the Hotel New York.

They always have a lot of Jim Shore and Disney Classic Collection figurines on display, so we went to check those out. After that we decided to check out the Sequoia Lodge

as this is the one hotel that really peaks my interest, when it comes to Deluxe DLRP hotels. It was nice to walk through the hotel,

check out the lobby and store

and some of the outside areas.

It somewhat resembles the Wilderness Lodge, and looks nice enough to try one day. Once we were done exploring we still had two hours until we had to go to the airport, and since we thought the midday crowds would have subsided by now,

we were heading for Annette’s again.

To be continued ............

 

[Teri1]

Great pictures. I think DLRP is beautiful!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Wow, those pictures from the balloon are so great! What is that white tent like building?

Would you mind if I borrowed one or two? They really show the layout and how close everything is!

Too bad it was so crowded - at least you know you go more often so if you don't feel like standing in line, you don't have to worry about "missing" something.

I noticed a lot of people did the same thing with the BTMRR fast pass line too. Often in large groups, that ended up blocking the whole entry way and then the CM had to turn them back. They were pretty careful about checking the tickets for the correct return time too. I guess WDW is going to be more like that now.

 

[dizneeat]

Great pictures. I think DLRP is beautiful!

Thanks Teresa!
I think Disney did a great job creating the individual parks and the DLRP castle is just awesome.

Wow, those pictures from the balloon are so great! What is that white tent like building?

Would you mind if I borrowed one or two? They really show the layout and how close everything is!

Too bad it was so crowded - at least you know you go more often so if you don't feel like standing in line, you don't have to worry about "missing" something.

I noticed a lot of people did the same thing with the BTMRR fast pass line too. Often in large groups, that ended up blocking the whole entry way and then the CM had to turn them back. They were pretty careful about checking the tickets for the correct return time too. I guess WDW is going to be more like that now.

I am happy you like the photos! The white tent is their event venue - they have a lot of conventions and things going on, I guess this is where they hold some of them.

And feel free to use some of the photos - I really love that you can see how close together everything is. And the neighbouring villages are growing closer and closer.

It was a holiday that day and crowds were thick, so without a FP you were standing in line for a very long time and even WITH a FP it can take a while, as you noticed yourself.
They are quite strict about enforcing the FP return times too. Not a bad thing in my eyes either.

 

[dizneeat]

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 6

Once we were done exploring we still had two hours until we had to go to the airport, and since we thought the midday crowds would have subsided by now, we were heading for Annette’s again.
Now imagine, how surprised we were when the line was still out the door. We debated trying Planet Hollywood, but then decided against it and just got into line. And waited. And waited some more. And the line would not move.
After about ten minutes they started seating several parties and we made it to the entrance. The restaurant was FULL, really FULL and they did their best to seat people, but it would take its time. We decided to just wait since we had made it to the air conditioned inside of the restaurant. About 20 minutes later we were finally seated and handed a menu.
Our server came by and when we tried to place our Diet Coke order we were told they were out of it. So we went for a bottle

of Vittel still water. We both ordered

a Caesar Salad, Romaine lettuce, Caesar sauce, parmesan shavings, croutons. Tom ordered

the Double Rockabilly Burger, a Double burger, fried onions, bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce and French fries, while I ordered an old favourite

the The Fab'ulous Blue Cheese Burger, a burger, potato tortilla, blue cheese, bacon, cream, with coleslaw and French fries. Both burgers were delicious and really hit the spot.
They were very filling and there was no room left for dessert. Once we had paid the bill, we headed back to our car, paid for parking and said goodbye to Disneyland Paris for this vacation. In no time we were on our way to the airport.

It takes about 45 minutes to get to the airport and it was an uneventful ride, with no traffic jams. We arrived at the Hertz car return

and found an attendant who checked the car, checked that we had sufficiently filled up the tank and we were good to go.
We had been able to check in online, but since we don’t have a printer with us there was no way to print tickets and usually we have to print them ourselves at the Lufthansa kiosks at the airport and while Tom’s Lufthansa card works perfectly, mine usually needs several tries to work and this time it refused to work at all. I had packed all the paperwork and didn’t want to dig through the suitcase, so I headed over to the attendant, who usually is able to pull up a reservation using a passport.
She wasn’t and sent us to a help desk. Once there a very nice Lufthansa employee checked us in and when we told him that we wanted to check in three bags he gave us the spiel that you are only allowed 1 per person and that we would have to pay for the third piece. I was a bit surprised and asked if there had been a change in Business Class allowance and he was very apologetic and told us that we should not have had to wait at his counter but could have gone to the Business Class counter in the first place. Okay, so now we know for next time we fly Business Class.
The rest of the check in process was smooth sailing. Our luggage got priority labels again and we were handed our tickets and off we went. We knew we would be able to go to the Business Class Lounge, but we had one last treat still to have. Coffee, but not just any coffee, a Starbuck’s Coffee. There is a small Starbuck’s in the terminal, no people were in line, so we got our favourite treat,

a Caramel Frappuchino. We found a table right opposite the distribution point and Tom tried to connect to the internet, but it was weak to say the least. So we just sat there and enjoyed our drinks, then we walked over to the long moving walkway that went to our departure gate, went through security and were inside the secured area in no time.


To be continued ............

 

[dizneeat]

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 7

So we just sat there and enjoyed our drinks, then we walked over to the long moving walkway that went to our departure gate, went through security and were inside the secured area in no time.
We thought about skipping the Business Class Lounge, but since we had more than an hour until departure, so we went for it. You have to use an elevator to get to the ground floor, then check in at a special desk and we had reached the Lounge. We were stunned. There was a large buffet area, with fruit, chips and crackers, other nibbles and lots of different drinks to choose from. Tom got himself a beer and I had some Diet Coke and we had a plate full of chips and crackers.

They offered free Wifi, so Tom logged in with his ipad and I used our netbook. Now imagine my surprise and excitement when I log on and find an email telling me that there are general pubic discounts for our time frame. We only had the Contemporary resort stay without a discount and low and behold there was a 20% discount on Concierge level stays for our dates. I really was torn as there was no way to call in to change my reservation, so we quickly discussed the matter and agreed that I would make a new reservation and then just cancel the other one. A new reservation was made quickly and I went to the Disney site to cancel the other reservation and to my huge surprise I found out that you cannot cancel resort reservations online.
I was worried they would cancel my reservation before we would get home, but there was nothing we could do. And with all that excitement time had flown by and it was time to head back to our gate and get in line for the first of our two flights. It was a pretty short wait and we were allowed to get on board and take our seats. The plane took off on time

and it did not take long until we were served the dinner trays.

We ordered our drinks and started to dig in. We had

some kind of tomato salad with a slice of meat strudel on top as a starter. The main course was some

nicely seasoned white fish, with some curried cauliflower and horse radish puree. The dessert was

sponge cake with a vanilla cream filling and a jelly glaze accompanied by some really yummy rum raisins. We had just finished our dinner when it was time to hand back the trays and get ready for our descend onto Frankfurt.

Once we had reached our gate we quickly were off and on our way to the departure gate for our connecting flight home. We had to go to a different terminal and it can be quite a walk from one terminal to the other so we went there right away. Once we had reached it we again gave the Business Lounge a miss as it was on the far end of the terminal.
And after about 20 minutes it was time to get on the bus to our aircraft. Again, Tom and I were the only ones in

Business Class. And this time we were in row 1, even more legroom. As soon as we were at cruising altitude we were served another dinner tray.

There was

a nice mixed leave salad, a roll and some butter and

three small pieces of cheese on top of a cucumber salad. For dessert we were served

Semolina pudding with stewed apples on top. We were stuffed, but were even served some more truffles. The flight seemed even shorter than usual and we landed at our local airport.
We were off the plane first and in the terminal building. Our suitcases were delivered after a short wait and off we went after having paid the parking fees. I dropped Tom off at our house and went straight back home to my flat.
By then it was 11.30pm and I had to be up at 5.30 the next day, but one thing needed to be done before heading to bed. I called Disney to cancel the undiscounted reservation for the Contemporary Resort. Then it was finally time for bed and I was out like a light.


FINALLY DONE!!!!!!!!
Now on to the planning for our summer vacation (with a few photos of our trip to Italy thrown in there somewhere )!

 

[jedijill]

Fantastic report Karin! I love the little Mickey and Minnie icon on your GPS. I need that!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

Fantastic report Karin! I love the little Mickey and Minnie icon on your GPS. I need that!

Jill in CO

Thank you, Jill!
I think Tom uploaded the icon himself. He's very good with things like this!

 

[kmrein]

Hello, Hello! I have been away from the Dis for months (pesky real life gets in the way sometimes) and am finally catching up today! Lots to read from you from all your various trips and, as always, I'm enjoying your reports so much (except I made the mistake of reading while hungry, which is never a good idea!)

Thanks for the fun trip to Disneyland Paris, now off to read all the other reports!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I cannot believe the amount of food that Europeans get on their flights! We are lucky if we get peanuts!

I'm eagerly waitng for your August plans, maybe there you will have somethings I may want to follow!

 

[annmarieda]

No, Ann, I might have explained something incorrectly, but you do not enter POTC through a pirate ship. The ship is outside the POTC at Skull Rock (pics coming up). There is a tiny little lagoon where they used to have a Peter Pan/Captain Hook "showdown" , but it was only there for a year or so.

No... I just read late at night and misunderstood. I still think the Pirate ship is pretty cool even though you only walk on it briefly.

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 3


We thought there would be more to explore, but all you could do, was walk around the center, walk up to the ship’s wheel and leave again. So, we were done with it within a few minutes, then headed over towards Skull Rock. We both seem to have a fascination with the waterfalls there, as we took quite a few photos of them.



To be continued ............

I can see why. I think that is such a cool themed area!!!

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 4

But after the ride we were done with dealing with the crowds and decided to head out and have lunch in the Disney Village.
Right when we were back on Town Square we noticed the teetered balloon


To be continued ............

So I am gonna ask silly question. Please forgive me. My geography is not the best. I have never looked up to see exactly where DLP is... but I assume Paris. Looking at those shots though... it must be on the outskirts? Obviously not IN Paris, right? From one shot, I can kinda see some sprawl.. but no city skyline. How far away is Paris?

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 6

the The Fab'ulous Blue Cheese Burger, a burger, potato tortilla, blue cheese, bacon, cream, with coleslaw and French fries. Both burgers were delicious and really hit the spot.

Oh no! I can't believe it... your pictures of food always make me drool. This is the one thing I think I have ever seen that did not appeal to me. Tell me it tastes better than it looks

It takes about 45 minutes to get to the airport and it was an uneventful ride, with no traffic jams. We arrived at the Hertz car return


To be continued ............

And there is my answer to how far away is it, right?

Disneyland Paris, April 28 - May 1, 2012

Day 4, May 1

Flying High - Part 7

FINALLY DONE!!!!!!!!
Now on to the planning for our summer vacation (with a few photos of our trip to Italy thrown in there somewhere )!

I am glad you were able to cancel the non discounted flight once you were home.

Can't wait to see how your summer plans shape up!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Finally caught up Karin! Thanks so much for the wonderful report! Your pics are amazing - thanks for sharing so many of them. It feels like I got to take the tour myself. I am amazed that they have put so much into one park. It's like the best of everything all together! Definitely makes me want to visit DLP for sure!

I'm looking forward to seeing how your next trip comes together!

 

[dizneeat]

Hello, Hello! I have been away from the Dis for months (pesky real life gets in the way sometimes) and am finally catching up today! Lots to read from you from all your various trips and, as always, I'm enjoying your reports so much (except I made the mistake of reading while hungry, which is never a good idea!)

Thanks for the fun trip to Disneyland Paris, now off to read all the other reports!

Welcome back!
Let me tell you that it makes me very proud that you enjoy my verious reports. Makes it even more special for me to write and post them.
And one thing you always have to keep in mind - always read with a full stomach.

We really enjoy DLRP, a little bit of the US, right here in Europe!

I cannot believe the amount of food that Europeans get on their flights! We are lucky if we get peanuts!

I'm eagerly waitng for your August plans, maybe there you will have somethings I may want to follow!

Doris, this is not the "usual" food on short flights, we were flying business class and were therefore well fed!
I need to start posting my August plans, might even start today, but before that I have a little bit of news to share with you all.

No... I just read late at night and misunderstood. I still think the Pirate ship is pretty cool even though you only walk on it briefly.

The pirate ship is pretty neat - there used to be a playground (hm, come to think of it, I think there still is.
And it was cool to get on board and check it out, even though it was just a small area.

I can see why. I think that is such a cool themed area!!!

We just love all those waterfalls - even cooler in the winter when it is all frozen solid!

So I am gonna ask silly question. Please forgive me. My geography is not the best. I have never looked up to see exactly where DLP is... but I assume Paris. Looking at those shots though... it must be on the outskirts? Obviously not IN Paris, right? From one shot, I can kinda see some sprawl.. but no city skyline. How far away is Paris?

No problem, Ann. It's about 30 km from the airport, that's about 40 km from the city of Paris.

Oh no! I can't believe it... your pictures of food always make me drool. This is the one thing I think I have ever seen that did not appeal to me. Tell me it tastes better than it looks

I guess a burger with blue cheese on top is not everyone's thing, but I just LOVE blue cheese, so that was perfect for me and I really enjoyed it.

And there is my answer to how far away is it, right?

Yip, there you have it - 45 minutes from the airport!

I am glad you were able to cancel the non discounted flight once you were home.

It's a 300$ discount on our two nights stay, can't turn that down.

Can't wait to see how your summer plans shape up!

Summer plans and a "surprise" coming up soon!

Finally caught up Karin! Thanks so much for the wonderful report! Your pics are amazing - thanks for sharing so many of them. It feels like I got to take the tour myself. I am amazed that they have put so much into one park. It's like the best of everything all together! Definitely makes me want to visit DLP for sure!

I'm looking forward to seeing how your next trip comes together!

Wonderful that you are all caught up, Tammie. I updated a lot lately to get Paris out of the way, I only have 60 days left to post 30 days of planning!
Hope I get it done before we leave!

DLRP is actually 2 parks, but they are so close together (think DL!), so getting from one park to the other is easy.
And there is a lot to do and see ...... so please just hop on over!

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, before I start to post our plans for this summer I have some exciting news to share with you all!


It's all about our February vacation

A few days ago I was able to score flights at a rate doesn't break the bank. Now, ever since we have been discussing where to stay the night before the cruise and the two nights after the cruise.

While we are sure to go "value" the night before the cruise, (We will arrive around 7pm - it will take us at least an hour to go through immigration and customs and pick up a rental car) we would love to go back to a MK resort for the two days after the cruise.

We debated about using our DVC points again, but since we have two weeks to cover in summer on 2013 - and using points for February would have made us seriously short for summer, we decided to look into renting points. Well, that is what we did and today we got confirmation that we are booked at

YES!!!!!!! BAY LAKE TOWER again ...... LAKE VIEW! I am SOOOOOOOO excited!!!!!!!

 

[robin09]

Love your trip reports, drool at your pictures, but can't stand the suspense... what's your news?????

 

[dizneeat]

Love your trip reports, drool at your pictures, but can't stand the suspense... what's your news?????

Robin, I just posted it ...... while you were posting here - it's on the page before this one!

 

[dizneeat]

Now .........


let the planning begin!



Summer vacation 2012,
Key West, WDW, back to back cruises on the Disney DREAM, and another week at WDW.


Day 1:
Travel day

We will start our summer vacation like every year. We will have a nice leisurely breakfast at home,

then lock the house and a taxi will take us to the local airport, which is about a 20 minute drive. Once at the airport we will drop off our luggage, go through security and then wait until it’s time to board the plane.

At 10.30 we will hopefully take off and be on our way to Frankfurt. As always we will be served a little snack

before, 55 minutes later, we will already land in Frankfurt.

And like always the plane will be at an outside position, so we will all be loaded onto a bus and then driven to the main terminal. This is only a two hour layover, so we will make our way over to our new departure gate right away. After going to more security checks we will finally get to our gate, have a snack and a drink, have a biological break and then board the plane for the second leg of the trip.
Once we are at cruising altitude, they will serve some snacks and drinks, followed by lunch and more drinks.

I guess after lunch we will both pop some sleeping aid and try to get through most of the flight sleeping.

About an hour before arrival we will be served some light dinner and at around 6.30 we will hopefully arrive at Orlando International airport.
Then we will queue up for immigration and pick up our luggage. Once we have gone through custom we will then make our way over to the Hyatt in the airport to check in for the night.

After placing our luggage in the room

we will walk back into the airport and have a look around to find out which food courts are still open. We are hoping for Nathan’s,

as I really want to try their hot dogs.

We hope to pick up some drinks and something to nibble(or order from room service) before we retreat to our room to watch a little TV and get to bed early.



Link to Day 2

 

[Teri1]

Yay! Karin, time to plan! Got up at midnight last night and got Palo Brunch for our Dream cruise!!! You were right, there was plenty of times available.

 

[annmarieda]

for booking at BLT!!!

I think I knew there was a hotel in the airport... but wow, I didn't realize it was so nice.