Knights & Lights questions

[sayhello]

So I'm starting to actually plan this trip!

First question I have for those of you that have taken the Knights & Lights trip is: how fancy did you have to dress? For the dinners, for the theatre, what did you folks wear?

Any other essentials I need to know?

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[Pakey]

Well I'm known for being a carry on only traveler so I don't pack a ton of extra things that can only be worn once.

For the theater and our last dinner at Laduree, I wore black slacks and a dressy top. I was on an adults only, completely full tour. I think one woman wore a skirt, one couple dressed very casual ; everyone else was in slacks.

 

[beachcat]

Hello Sayhello

The whole trip was pretty casual for me. We were in Europe for two weeks so it was difficult to carry any really nice clothing. Laduree is the most formal night. Patti and I did dress up for that dinner.

Be sure to ride the London Eye and take a boat trip down both the Thames and Seine Rivers. All a great way to see the city. I loved the Thames Clipper boats fast and scenic.

Have a good trip.

 

[sayhello]

Well I'm known for being a carry on only traveler so I don't pack a ton of extra things that can only be worn once.

For the theater and our last dinner at Laduree, I wore black slacks and a dressy top. I was on an adults only, completely full tour. I think one woman wore a skirt, one couple dressed very casual ; everyone else was in slacks.

Cool! Thanks! Black slacks and a dressy top I can do. (Honestly, I'm all about re-wearing stuff. There's no way I'm bringing different outfits for every day, plus different outfits for dinner! I mix & match & re-wear. I don't need to impress anyone on vacation! I just want to look nice & look appropriate!)

I'm pretty sure our trip is Adults Only (so far, only Adults have signed up, although I'm not positive it's specifically designated as "Adults Only". We have 27 folks on the trip so far.

So what did the "very casual" couple wear? Were they being stubborn, or did they not think to bring anything even a little dressy?

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

We were on K&L over Christmas (2008)--long coats/gloves hid everything else! But for the theatre night and the dinner night in Paris we dressed up a bit, and I brought a dress shirt and tie, with a Christmas sweater. Frankly I didn't notice a lot of fancy wear by the locals at the theatre.

The London Eye was great--we were surprised with tickets to it by our guides, so I'm glad I didn't pre-purchase. Not sure if they still do that, though--I'd try to get the tickets in advance to avoid a long line.

There are Oyster Cards for tube use--load up the card, discounted tube rides, etc. I overloaded mine and to this day am not sure what the best approach to it is (re the amount to put on it). You'll have some free time in London but not alot, so I'd plan to walk to things from the hotel.

We loved our time at DLP (Christmas Day with ABD and then a post-trip add-on)--but the rides were much more intense (the roller coaster rides) than those in the states! Are you staying at the Hilton Arc de T? If so--easy walk to the Arc--go there at night and go up to its top (cool little museum up top, and the view from the roof is great!) There is also a great public park nearby--if time, definately worth a stroll.

Great trip!

 

[sayhello]

Hello Sayhello

The whole trip was pretty casual for me. We were in Europe for two weeks so it was difficult to carry any really nice clothing. Laduree is the most formal night. Patti and I did dress up for that dinner.

Be sure to ride the London Eye and take a boat trip down both the Thames and Seine Rivers. All a great way to see the city. I loved the Thames Clipper boats fast and scenic.

Have a good trip.

Thanks, beachcat. I'm going to be there almost 2 weeks, also.

So the ABD doesn't do the London Eye? I'll have to be sure and do that. I'm staying pre-tour near Waterloo Station, and it's supposed to be walking distance to the London Eye. I've heard it's really cool. And a boat trip on the Thames sounds great. I thought the trip includes a boat trip on the Seine, but I could be mistaken. I need to check on that!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[Pakey]

Cool! Thanks! Black slacks and a dressy top I can do. (Honestly, I'm all about re-wearing stuff. There's no way I'm bringing different outfits for every day, plus different outfits for dinner! I mix & match & re-wear. I don't need to impress anyone on vacation! I just want to look nice & look appropriate!)

I'm pretty sure our trip is Adults Only (so far, only Adults have signed up, although I'm not positive it's specifically designated as "Adults Only". We have 27 folks on the trip so far.

So what did the "very casual" couple wear? Were they being stubborn, or did they not think to bring anything even a little dressy?

Sayhello

The casual couple: The husband was in denim shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and she was wearing long pant jeans (not nice ones) with a sweatshirt that had a political sentiment that probably wasn't very popular in France at the time.

They were clueless. Nice people but clueless. If they were bothered by being so underdressed compared to the rest of the group, they covered it well.

The theater night was probably our favorite evening on the trip. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Pakey]

When we went, AbD did give us complimentary passes for the London Eye. We were in London a day early, staying at the AbD hotel, and we were given them at check in when we met our guide. We used it on that first free day.

I agree, the boat rides are really nice. However, we spent most of our London free time at the British Museum which led to my falling in love with the Egyptian artifacts, forcing another vacation.

I don't remember if a boat trip on the Siene was included. I know we took a boat to visit the Museum de Orsay during our free time.

 

[WeLoveABD]

Another thing--the hotel we stayed in with ABD (Renissance--sp?) was within a nice walking distance of the British Museum (if you go out and turn left) and St Paul's (turn right). When we did the ABD tour we walked by St Paul's but did not go in--so on a different trip we stayed at the same hotel and walked to St Paul's--worth the walk! Nice self tour inside--and a really cool deli/coffee stop in the basement near the crypts.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I think I remember reading a trip report where a river cruise on the Seine was included, but I had the impression that was not usually the case. I would love to do that.

Laurie

 

[Chropistopy]

I think I remember reading a trip report where a river cruise on the Seine was included, but I had the impression that was not usually the case. I would love to do that.

Laurie

I thought I read a trip report with the river cruise included also. I think it was included on an Adults Only trip in place of a night when there was usually a kids activity.

 

[beachcat]

I thought I read a trip report with the river cruise included also. I think it was included on an Adults Only trip in place of a night when there was usually a kids activity.

I was on the May 14, 2010 adults only trip. The boat trip took the place of the kids movie night.

Waterloo station was amazing. Described as organized chaos. I want to go back to do the St. Pauls tour. The Westmeister Abbey tour narrated by the local guide Steven was incredible. Patti was intimidated by all the graves in the church and who they were i.e. " I can't believe I just walked over Charles Darwin's and William Shakespeare's graves.

Versaille is crowded but worth seeing.

Have fun

 

[sayhello]

We were on K&L over Christmas (2008)--long coats/gloves hid everything else! But for the theatre night and the dinner night in Paris we dressed up a bit, and I brought a dress shirt and tie, with a Christmas sweater. Frankly I didn't notice a lot of fancy wear by the locals at the theatre.

The London Eye was great--we were surprised with tickets to it by our guides, so I'm glad I didn't pre-purchase. Not sure if they still do that, though--I'd try to get the tickets in advance to avoid a long line.

There are Oyster Cards for tube use--load up the card, discounted tube rides, etc. I overloaded mine and to this day am not sure what the best approach to it is (re the amount to put on it). You'll have some free time in London but not alot, so I'd plan to walk to things from the hotel.

We loved our time at DLP (Christmas Day with ABD and then a post-trip add-on)--but the rides were much more intense (the roller coaster rides) than those in the states! Are you staying at the Hilton Arc de T? If so--easy walk to the Arc--go there at night and go up to its top (cool little museum up top, and the view from the roof is great!) There is also a great public park nearby--if time, definately worth a stroll.

Great trip!

Heheheh! Coats cover a multitude of sins. I don't think it's going to be quite that nippy in September. I'm glad folks don't dress to the nines for theatre like they do some places in the US.

I've heard people mention the Oyster cards. I definitely need to check into that, as I'll be in London 2 days before the tour. I wish I knew for sure if we'd get the tickets for the London Eye or not. I really want to do it, but, damn! the tickets are pricey! I think I may buy them ahead of time anyways. I'd rather do it twice than not at all!

The rides are more intense at DLP? As in rougher? I have a bad back, and can't ride things like Rockin' Roller coaster any more. Shoot. How bad *are* they?

We *are* staying at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. Thanks for the tip about the Arc at night. I'll definitely check that out.

Another thing--the hotel we stayed in with ABD (Renissance--sp?) was within a nice walking distance of the British Museum (if you go out and turn left) and St Paul's (turn right). When we did the ABD tour we walked by St Paul's but did not go in--so on a different trip we stayed at the same hotel and walked to St Paul's--worth the walk! Nice self tour inside--and a really cool deli/coffee stop in the basement near the crypts.

I'd heard the tour doesn't include St. Paul's. I definitely plan on hitting it during my pre-days. I've heard so many incredible things about it. Thanks for confirming it's not included.

I'm really looking forward to this!

Sayhello

 

[Pakey]

The coaster rides are definitely more intense at DLRP. Space Mountain is more intense than Rockin Roller Coaster here. Big Thunder was definitely faster/steeper. Crush's Coaster is the most amazing ride. I'm not sure I'd do it with a bad back but dang it, it's so unique, I hate to think you are going to miss it.

Other than the coasters, the other rides are fine.

 

[WeLoveABD]

The coaster rides are definitely more intense at DLRP. Space Mountain is more intense than Rockin Roller Coaster here. Big Thunder was definitely faster/steeper. Crush's Coaster is the most amazing ride. I'm not sure I'd do it with a bad back but dang it, it's so unique, I hate to think you are going to miss it.

Other than the coasters, the other rides are fine.

When we went to DLP on Christmas Day as part of the ABD tour (our schedule was a bit different due to holiday closures--but DLP was open, so we had a VIP tour with dinner at Walt's on Main Street--great restaurant by the way, and be sure to check out the dining area upstairs!). The VIP tour split us into two groups: roller coaster types and not-so-much types. I went with the roller coaster group--thunder mountain goes under a body of water (tunnel) and really whips around; space mountain shoots you forward much like the coaster in California Adventure; the pace and intensity of these rides in notably more than at Disneyland or WDW.

So much so that (and the kids love this story) after one too many rides, I found another use for my Mickey Christmas hat (red santa hat with Mickey ears). Our guide Eddie was nearby and horrified--but no fuss no muss, other than having to say goodbye to my hat. But I felt much better after that!

One more recommendation: easy train ride and back to Hampton Court, which is walkable from the train station near the castle.

It is all great!!

 

[sayhello]

The casual couple: The husband was in denim shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and she was wearing long pant jeans (not nice ones) with a sweatshirt that had a political sentiment that probably wasn't very popular in France at the time.

They were clueless. Nice people but clueless. If they were bothered by being so underdressed compared to the rest of the group, they covered it well.

The theater night was probably our favorite evening on the trip. I hope you enjoy it.

Cool! I'm really looking forward to it. It was one of the attractions of this trip for me!

When we went, AbD did give us complimentary passes for the London Eye. We were in London a day early, staying at the AbD hotel, and we were given them at check in when we met our guide. We used it on that first free day.

I wish I knew for sure if it was going to be included or not... It sounds really neat. Hmmm...

I agree, the boat rides are really nice. However, we spent most of our London free time at the British Museum which led to my falling in love with the Egyptian artifacts, forcing another vacation.

I will definitely be checking out the British Museum. Everyone seems to mention it as a must-do.

I don't remember if a boat trip on the Siene was included. I know we took a boat to visit the Museum de Orsay during our free time.

I guess I'll find out on that one!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

I think I remember reading a trip report where a river cruise on the Seine was included, but I had the impression that was not usually the case. I would love to do that.

Laurie

I thought I read a trip report with the river cruise included also. I think it was included on an Adults Only trip in place of a night when there was usually a kids activity.

I was on the May 14, 2010 adults only trip. The boat trip took the place of the kids movie night.

I do remember reading that now, about it being substituted on an Adults Only trip. I think our trip is Adults Only, isn't it Laurie & Christy? I hope we get to cruise the Seine at night.

Waterloo station was amazing. Described as organized chaos. I want to go back to do the St. Pauls tour. The Westmeister Abbey tour narrated by the local guide Steven was incredible. Patti was intimidated by all the graves in the church and who they were i.e. " I can't believe I just walked over Charles Darwin's and William Shakespeare's graves.

Versaille is crowded but worth seeing.

Have fun

I'm staying right by Waterloo, so I'll definitely need to check it out! I'm looking forward to Westminster Abbey. There *are* a whole lotta famous people buried there. I wonder if it will have recovered from Prince William & Kate's wedding by September?

I'm looking forward to Versailles also. I hear the gardens are magnificent. But I likely won't bike it!

Sayhello

 

[WeLoveABD]

You must bike it! We biked in the dead of winter and were pretty cold--but what a great experience; in Sept I bet it will still be nice enough for a bike tour. Fairly flat, beautiful grounds and no better way to see it! (And a very nice lunch at the restaurant on the grounds--one of the influences for a restarant on the Disney Dream, I have heard).

 

[sayhello]

The coaster rides are definitely more intense at DLRP. Space Mountain is more intense than Rockin Roller Coaster here. Big Thunder was definitely faster/steeper. Crush's Coaster is the most amazing ride. I'm not sure I'd do it with a bad back but dang it, it's so unique, I hate to think you are going to miss it.

Other than the coasters, the other rides are fine.

Well, at least I know that other than the coasters, I'm fine... But man, it's going to be hard to skip the coasters. Especially this "Crush's Coaster". I'm going to have to think about that. Maybe bring a back brace or something... I love, love, LOVE roller coasters, and it's been so sad having to give a lot of them up.

When we went to DLP on Christmas Day as part of the ABD tour (our schedule was a bit different due to holiday closures--but DLP was open, so we had a VIP tour with dinner at Walt's on Main Street--great restaurant by the way, and be sure to check out the dining area upstairs!). The VIP tour split us into two groups: roller coaster types and not-so-much types. I went with the roller coaster group--thunder mountain goes under a body of water (tunnel) and really whips around; space mountain shoots you forward much like the coaster in California Adventure; the pace and intensity of these rides in notably more than at Disneyland or WDW.

So much so that (and the kids love this story) after one too many rides, I found another use for my Mickey Christmas hat (red santa hat with Mickey ears). Our guide Eddie was nearby and horrified--but no fuss no muss, other than having to say goodbye to my hat. But I felt much better after that!

OK, see, coasters don't make me sick. What they do is make my back spasm and hurt like a son of a gun... It's mostly the ones that start up fast, or change speeds a lot (like Rockin' Roller coaster). I'm so torn...

One more recommendation: easy train ride and back to Hampton Court, which is walkable from the train station near the castle.

It is all great!!

Someone else mentioned Hampton Court. It's definitely on the list!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[Chropistopy]

I do remember reading that now, about it being substituted on an Adults Only trip. I think our trip is Adults Only, isn't it Laurie & Christy? I hope we get to cruise the Seine at night.

Sayhello

Our trip is not technically an "Adults Only" trip b/c it was open to children. I do think that you are right and we only have adults signed up for the trip at this point. I would think that ABD would take note of that fact and treat this as one of their official "Adults Only" trips. I hope so...I'm looking forward to a cruise on the Seine.