London / Paris Here We Come!!! 9/2 - 9/10/11

[DisneyKevin]

I think Kevin and John will get their's first, followed by Christy N.

They are sent from the Disney offices in Celebration, FL.

I wonder if I can just go get mine.

 

[DisneyKevin]

And by the way....

Thursday night ABD Chat belongs to us now......

8pm ish.

 

[k5jm]

Putting it back out there since we are 30 days out!

Main Trip Info - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39010870&postcount=1
Facinator 101 - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41134298&postcount=747
Foxtrot Oscar Thread - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2721747
Buckingham Palace - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41032946&postcount=671
London Airport Security - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41121821&postcount=740
Ceremony of the Keys @ The Tower of London - http://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon/whatson/ceremonyofthekeys.aspx
International Reply Coupons - http://www.usps.com/prices/extra-services-prices.htm
Tube Map App - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39029289&postcount=46
Make Sure Kevin sends you a set of these - http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphoto...506206611257_1117025522_31127102_976629_a.jpg

 

[k5jm]

They are sent from the Disney offices in Celebration, FL.

I wonder if I can just go get mine.

Will Pete and Walter even see their box before they head out? Are they not on their "Travel-geddon?"

...wait, that was "Travel-palooza"

 

[k5jm]

And by the way....

Thursday night ABD Chat belongs to us now......

8pm ish.

I am sure that there will be a bunch of people living vicariously through us.

 

[belle41379]

I want to run up to the Queen of England and get a shot like this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5obMVBxAGA

Are you bringing your Segway too?

That's it. We will have to call you RoboMike.

Seriously though, that is really neat!

 

[k5jm]

I hope we can make it over and see this at DLP while we are there. It runs until 9/12...

***as pointed out, this is in Belgium and not DLP***

Disneyland Paris Sand Sculptures

Last night it was special opening night for the Sand Sculpture Festival Blankenberge 2011 based on the MagicalMoments Festival of Disneyland Paris. It was going to be a magical night and a beginning of a wonderful summer at the Belgium coast side. The VIP’s, Press, friends, Disney Cast Members, Disney Ambassadors and fans where invitedto see the opening of a fantastic display made out of… sand!

The opening ceremony started with a small introduction about the project. The idea started by one of the artist while working on an ice sculpture event in Paris. This man is Alexander Deman. He contacted Disneyland Paris, met up in January and only 5 months later he and his team created a fantastic sand sculpture display of Disneyland Paris attractions and some of Disney’s most beloved characters. Alexander came to the stage and talked about the work and invited all artist on stage who where welcomed by a big applause from the public. The 2 Disney ambassadors Régis & Osvaldo visited especially from Paris and where impressed about what they saw here in Blankenberge. They where thrilled about what they witnessed today and loved being a part of it.

After the introduction it was time to officially open the event and who better then Mickey Mouse himself would be given the honors to open the gates for the first visitors.

The sand sculptures are divided in multiple areas. The first area guest can visit once they enter the festival is the Main Marquee. In front of this big tent Mickey Mouse and Minnie are awaiting the guests next to Disneyland Railroad. These figures look amazing and are only a small treat to what is still to come. Inside the Marquee guest are invited to screens showing some scenes of Disneyland Paris before they go around the corner where a bigger screen shows them how the artist have worked on the sand creations the last couple of months. You will see how they work on the Disney Characters and how they set up the big Sleeping Beauty Castle. Worth checking out before entering the main hall of the tent where the real work is shown.

Once inside the main room guest will see Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse showing the way trough the sculptures. There are a total of 52 Sculptures or scenes in this tent alone. Some of them big, others even bigger. Just beside Walt and Mickey you’ll find Main street. The detail is amazing, including name shields, birds and decorations, as we come to know and love them by Disney. Here your trip starts around the sculptures that include Tangled, Casey Jr., Dumbo, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Aladdin, Cinderella, Beast’s Castle, Pocahontas, Mulan, Ariel, Alice in Wonderland and many more. The displays are amazing, big, beautiful and created with eye for detail. A wonderful adventure for everybody who enters. Alice’s Curious Labyrinth for example is fun and extremely creative. A fantastic job by the artists.

Once your visit in the main marquee comes to an end you’ll be welcomed to even more amazing sand sculptures. The next 19 displays are some of the most beautiful of them all. They include The Sleeping Beauty Castle, Phantom Manor and boot hill (my personal favorite), Space Mountain and the Tower of Terror. A stunning display!

But it doesn’t end there! There is more. Inside the Round Marquee you’ll find some of Disney’s favorite characters from Jungle Book, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Lion King. Don’t miss those amazing displays, especially Skull Rock.

The smallest tent is the Pixar Marquee. As the name already suggest, you’ll find some of Pixar most beloved characters like Buzz, Sulley, Ratatouille and Wall-E.

There are 125 sand sculptures and displays. Enough to keep you and your whole family entertained for a couple of hours.

It’s pure magic and everybody working on this project should be proud. Well worth a visit as you will be enchanted and will want to drive straight on to Disneyland Paris afterwards. I know I did.

After the tour and to end this special opening there was one more magical moment awaiting us. A fantastic Fireworks display. Especially for this event the fantastic music of Illuminations was used. This is my favorite Disney experience in Walt Disney World and it was the cherry on the cake for this wonderful and magical event.

The Sand Sculptures Festival is open until September 12 from 10 AM to 7 PM. For more information on the event visit www.zandsculptuur.be

A visit is highly recommended to anybody, even if you havn’t been to Disneyland Paris (yet). It will put a smile on the faces of both young and old…

 

[belle41379]

They are sent from the Disney offices in Celebration, FL.

I wonder if I can just go get mine.

It would probably be faster.

And by the way....

Thursday night ABD Chat belongs to us now......

8pm ish.

Ooo, we are definitely in on this!

I am sure that there will be a bunch of people living vicariously through us.

I bet so!

 

[k5jm]

Currency at DLP

Currency-Exchange
Money can be exchanged at different locations throughout the park and the Disney Village as well as the hotel receptions. But avoid changing small amounts to often as the exchange fee is not dpending on the amount exchanged! It is cheaper to use your credit-card or EC-Card to get money.

 

[k5jm]

Are you bringing your Segue too?

That's it. We will have to call you RoboMike.

Seriously though, that is really neat!

No Segway

I figured I would just jump off the back of the bus!

 

[Carrie_Cat]

The sand sculptures aren't at DLP they are in Belgium

There is a sand sculpture of the castle (thought I don't think it looks anything like it ) at Paris Plage this year from 21/7 - 21/8

http://www.paris.fr/english/english...he-10th-event/rub_8118_actu_103541_port_19237

Focus on... Sleeping Beauty’s castle

From 21 July to 21 August- Notre-Dame Bridge


For its first involvement in Paris Plages, Disneyland Paris is recreating its famous castle on the Georges Pompidou Expressway. To create this 5-metre high construction, seven sculptors from five countries will work for 300 hours and will use 40 tons of sand. The public will be able to take part in this work during the first two days of the event. The transitory sculpture will be completed and inaugurated on 23 July, in the presence of Mickey Mouse in person. Not to mention the sandcastle competition which Disneyland will organise every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

[belle41379]

I asked this question on my FB page, and thought some of you might like to read a few of the responses.

To anyone who has visited London or Paris - any must do things, outside of the obvious attractions, or tips you can offer?

London... My favorites were the Tower of London (see the crown jewels, so much history and the Beefeaters are hilarious!!) and the theater district! If you have time, see a show in the West End! I recommend Les Mis! Amazing! Harrod's is also really neat. Another favorite was a visit to Abby Road. Try to copy the album in a picture, but be careful, it's actually a busy street!! lol

Paris.... we were only there for one day so I only know the touristy things. But really enjoyed having lunch up inside the Eiffel Tower. Sooooo cool The Lourve was amazing to see also. The real Mona Lisa is small.

There is PLENTY to do that is on the "usual" tourist rout. Big Ben, Westminster Abby, and Parliament are all right by each other. 2 things we enjoyed that are not on the usual route: Hamely's Toy Store and Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Hamley's is like a 5 story toy store that your kids will LOVE! For tea at the Ritz, there is a dress code and you have to make reservations (if you want to do it you MIGHT be able to get them now; they book up in advance). With all the tea, sandwiches, and pastries, it is a lunch. Websites for both are below.
http://www.hamleys.com/
http://www.theritzlondon.c​om/tea/

The British Museum is AWESOME! And, it's free admission. You could spend a few days there if you really wanted.

Tower of London is really cool and the Tower Bridge (most call it London Bridge now) is right there too. Don't buy from the many street vendors near the tower; they are illegal and you can get in trouble for buying from them.

Last, GET A DAILY PASS FOR THE TUBE!!! The tube is safe and EASY to use! I would never visit London without one (and we lived only 70 minutes away).

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... go to Thornton's... it is a candy store that is everywhere! Try a bag of chocolate covered Toffee. British toffee is not like ours. Then pick up a bag for your good friend who gave you all these fabulous tips! lol

Get a tube pass

Get a tube pass

This answer was in response to the question is a tube pass better than an oyster card.

Don't know because we never used the oyster card. We left in 2005 and it was pretty limited usage then. The tube will get you everywhere around London, their maps are EASY to follow and many of the station names are named for the places nearby. Hence, St. Paul's, Oxford Circus, Picadilly Circus, etc. The maps are an icon now and are sold on all kinds of souvenirs. I don't know him much free time you'll have but even with an Oyster pass, i think you'll find yourself relying on the tube the most.

When my Mom and I visited Paris we really enjoyed the tour we took of The Palace of Versailles...my Mom loved visiting the Sacre Coeur Basilica(me not so much since I was 8months pregnant and those are some serious steps)...we also took a cruise down the Seine river at night that was beautiful!! A neat way to see Notre Dame...of course the bakery's are absolutely fabulous!! Doesn't matter where since they are everywhere!! So excited for you guys...I'm sure you will have a blast!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[belle41379]

No Segway

I figured I would just jump off the back of the bus!

Bring a skateboard and we can strap you to it. We will then thread a rope out one of the windows to tether you to the bus. This way you will still get some good motion footage.

 

[k5jm]

The sand sculptures aren't at DLP they are in Belgium

There is a sand sculpture of the castle (thought I don't think it looks anything like it ) at Paris Plage this year from 21/7 - 21/8

http://www.paris.fr/english/english...he-10th-event/rub_8118_actu_103541_port_19237

Focus on... Sleeping Beauty’s castle

From 21 July to 21 August- Notre-Dame Bridge


For its first involvement in Paris Plages, Disneyland Paris is recreating its famous castle on the Georges Pompidou Expressway. To create this 5-metre high construction, seven sculptors from five countries will work for 300 hours and will use 40 tons of sand. The public will be able to take part in this work during the first two days of the event. The transitory sculpture will be completed and inaugurated on 23 July, in the presence of Mickey Mouse in person. Not to mention the sandcastle competition which Disneyland will organise every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you for the correction!! I would have been looking everywhere for that!

 

[k5jm]

Bring a skateboard and we can strap you to it. We will then thread a rope out one of the windows to tether you to the bus. This way you will still get some good motion footage.

That just screams "Tourist!!!"

 

[DisneyKevin]

Bring a skateboard and we can strap you to it. We will then thread a rope out one of the windows to tether you to the bus. This way you will still get some good motion footage.

I'll bring band aids and Bactine.

 

[k5jm]

I'll bring band aids and Bactine.

...and splints, crutches, and something to pull me around with a skateboard.

 

[belle41379]

I'll bring band aids and Bactine.

Bactine might sting too much. I'll bring the kids Johnson and Johnson "ouchless" stuff. Although, I bet Mike would tough it up for the love of his craft.

 

[belle41379]

...and splints, crutches, and something to pull me around with a skateboard.

Mike, we have 2 Travel Pro duffle bags. Those are big enough...we can pull you around in it!

 

[Chropistopy]

I picked up a few books from my Border's run last week. I mostly bought them to be books I can thumb through after the trip, but a couple smaller, useful ones to take with me.

I bought the Rick Steves guides for both London and Paris, another Rick Steves pocket sized guide for London with fold-out map, and a pocket phrasebook that included French, German and Italian. I figured the French portion would be handy, and if I ever ventured to Germany or Italy someday, all the better.

I think Montmarte is the area of Moulin Rouge, right? And the Sacre Coeur (sp?) church, where people sit on the steps to get a panoramic view of the city below. I'd probably be up for that.

I still have to pick up some plug adapters for both countries. I figure I'm charging my phone or camera, so I won't need the converter.

Lori - You are correct about Montmarte...Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur, etc. I'm thinking our last day in Paris before heading to DLP is probably going to be the best day. Thoughts?