Highs & Lows...Nov 19th-22nd

[MissSkellington]

Sorry for the delay in posting....but between getting home from DLP, school work with DS and Thanksgiving, I've been a little behind...so down to business.

This was something of a last minute booking as we had just been for Halloween in October. But once we read that Jack Skellington would be appearing dressed as Sandy Claws, we had no choice but to return. Truly...no choice. So there wasn't much planning involved and I have to say, sometimes those make for much less stressful trips.

We were at DLP from November 19th-22nd...myself, DH and 11yo DS.
(SUPER) Highs:

*Hotel New York....for me, this was tops...I simply LOVED this hotel, and oddly i never really had a desire to stay there. And even after having stayed at the magnificent DLH, the HNY has won my heart. Great value for money, hot breakfast, short walk, excellent CMs. Room was clean, smelled good and had a lovely view of the bus stop/parking lot...lol...no matter though...I WILL be staying here again.

*Christmas Dreams!...we all were able to hold out and not look it up online, and I have to admit, that made it a hundred times better (as we usually cheat with firework shows and parades, watching them before going to the park)...I won't spoil it for anyone...but really, top notch. do yourself the favor, and try not to cheat also.

*Characters...we always have a great time looking for characters, just as much as the rides and shows. Some of the stand outs this time...Sandy Claws, the reason for the trip...and he didn't disappoint...DS was in heaven seeing him in all his creepy weirdness. And it was our first chance to meet Papa Noel...he had us cracking up the whole time we were in with him. He's bringing me a diamond as I promised to make him a chocolate cake for Christmas Eve, per his request.. I believe we met about 30 characters on this short trip.

*Dining...we had 'free' half board with our booking and we always try to dine at a new restaurant every trip. This time we tried The Silver Spur...pleasantly surprised! All three of us enjoyed both the food and atmosphere, as well as the live band. Also dined at Plaza Gardens and Walt's. Both very nice (albeit, very different!)...not our first time dining at either, will continue to return. Breakfast in the HNY was taken in the Diner 2 mornings, which was fantastic. And once in the main restaurant (name escapes me) which was much busier and noisy.

*City Hall...I always have to praise the CMs inside City Hall...they are always so kind and accommodating when we go in to acquire a pass for DS...I hope they know how much that is appreciated (as we do tell them! Lol) and how much nicer that pass makes the trip for DS.

*Crowds...VERY low...our first night there we never had to use DS's pass as there were never any lines! At most, 5 minutes...and that was for POTC, and simply because it takes that long to walk through the queue...lol no complaints! And no fights! Lol...for once I didn't have to sneer at anyone or nearly resort to fisticuffs this time...success! hehehee

*Vinylmations... As this is a huge thing for DS and we trade many Vinyls every trip...he managed to complete his new Nightmare Before Christmas set from start to finish there...buying a few and trading for the rest. He was thrilled, and as it was a 'Jack' initiated trip for us, that's a plus.

Lows:
I'll be honest, I can't think of any...no rides broke down, nobody got a cold or sick from the chilly weather...no icky overly disappointing food, or dirty restrooms (none I visited anyway)...no rude CMs or pushy guests.

I have to say, one of the easiest and most pleasant trips to date.
.....but now I need a new ticker....

 

[RoseBug]

What a fabulous trip. So jealous about you meeting Sandy Claws - we had hoped for next year but alas DH can't get time off.

So - when will the next ticker pop up?!

 

[Ms Poppins]

Welcome back, sounds like a fantastic trip Glad you liked the HNY too

Hope the quietness keeps up for us this week

 

[tennisfan]

Welcome back, looks like you had a great time

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Welcome home sounds like an idyllic holiday! know what you mean about HNY.....its our favourite too! :-D

 

[cherrymarzipan]

Welcome home and what a lovely trip! Makes me all the more excited for our stay in the HNY in just over two weeks. Like you we haven't peeked!

 

[Ware Bears]

Welcome home, so good to read about all highs and no lows!

 

[Jonjo]

Welcome back from a great trip. The parks are so much nicer in the quiet off seasons, can't wait for my trip in a few weeks time.

 

[kizzabel]

Welcome home. Sounds like you had a fantastic trip. Christmas Dreams must be amazing (I'm not looking at videos in the hope we catch it next year!). Lovely to read more and more reports of great trips with no hassle or problems and to read of people having lovely, relaxed holidays
We love HNY too - the smell is amazing!

 

[MissSkellington]

Thanks everyone!

Wishing all those yet to go...low crowds, clear skies and 'warmer' temps.

...I reallllly need a new ticker.

 

[amacspad]

Hi,we were there the same time staying at SL, had a brilliant time and also loved seeing jack skeleton! Our only downside was the waiting for the vea shuttle from the airport, waited for the first one for a while to open its doors, we put our luggage on and was then told it had broke down so had to unload and wait again for another and let's just say there was absolutely no queing system, nearly got my legs wiped out numerous times! But that was the only thing, everything DLP was brill and sooo Christmassy! even had mulled wine. )

Debs x

 

[shelleyhope]

Sounds great can't wait to go x