Trip Report Now day 4 updated. Photomagique! April 2013

[AlisonUK]

Cross-posted to another forum and VERY photo heavy!

Thursday 4th April

A quick intro first - we are Alison, Nigel and Stephen (13).


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr

The trip report name comes from the point where Nigel commented on the DLP habit of adding 'magique' to a noun to make an attraction name - Cinemagique, Animagique, Panoramagique ...

We are Disney mad, having done several trips to DLP, 4 to WDW and 2 Disney cruises. We hadn't really planned to go to DLP but a combination of factors saw us sneak in a crafty trip! We are keen photographers so this is likely to be photo heavy! We love the challenge of finding new angles to take photos and trying to get shots on dark rides (without flash, of course!) I don’t do thrill rides so am generally found in the warmest spot possible with a hot chocolate in hand – and this was the trip where Stephen officially became too old for characters. Sob.

This trip didn't start off so well. I came back from the hairdresser the day before and Nigel was complaining of chest pains and breathing difficulties. A quick trip to the GP and a dose of steroids for his asthma, with instructions to call 999 (!) if there was any change and he was set. I came down with a stinking cold and was up most of the night. Sigh.

Anyway, we left home about 8.15 and drove down to Ashford. The journey was uneventful apart from the fact that it started snowing! It was due to be several degrees warmer in Paris, though, so we were keeping our fingers crossed.

We arrived and parked up with plenty of time to grab a coffee. We couldn't believe how empty it was - every other time we've been, it has been absolutely heaving. They have stopped doing the goody bags for the kids, which is a bit of a shame, although Stephen is way too old for them now. Even when the train pulled in with the St Pancras passengers on, there were still plenty of empty seats.

The boys plugged in to various gadgets and ate inordinate amounts of Marmite rolls while I tried to catch up on a bit of sleep - I was still feeling pretty rotten. When we emerged into France, we were delighted to see the sun was shining - this was looking positive!

We decided to walk around the lake to the hotel, rather than wait for the bus. We were interested to see the new (to us) security arrangements with bags being x-rayed on entrance to the park and the hotels. We were glad we decided to walk - it was absolutely empty when we arrived and we were able to get into our room straightaway. We were in Yosemite Lodge. We quickly sorted all our stuff, put the electronics in the safe and headed back to the parks. As we left the hotel, there was the hugest queue - an airport coach had arrived as well as the people from the Eurostar. We went to concierge to change a couple of reservations and to arrange for our pillows to be changed for foam ones and then headed off.

As we walked through the village, we were surprised to be tapped on the shoulder by a family from church. We hadn't known they were going to be there - in fact, they spotted us from their hotel room!


Lake Disney by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Minnie by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Mickey by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We headed on into Disneyland Parc. The 20th celebration decorations were really effective.


Disneyland Hotel by limegreenlife, on Flickr


20th anniversary by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Castle view by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Stephen had first choice of ride and decided on Phantom Manor as Pirates was currently down. He really didn't remember it from our last visit and we enjoyed the story linking it to Thunder Mesa.


Phantom Manor by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Weatherbeaten by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Chandelier by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Grim Grinnin' Ghosts by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Nigel Day 1-21 by limegreenlife, on Flickr


'Til Death Do Us Part by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Thunder Mesa by limegreenlife, on Flickr

While we were queuing, we saw that Big Thunder Mountain had broken down right at the top of the hill and they were evacuating people from it. So we decided to wander into Fantasyland.


Le Carrousel de Lancelot by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Alison Day 1-30 by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Dragon by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Sssh - dragon sleeping ... by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

We were really surprised how quiet it was - we walked on to Snow White. Stephen pointed out that now he was taller than me, I had to sit on the inside!


Small by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Nigel Day 1-33 by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Wicked queen by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Happily Ever After by limegreenlife, on Flickr

The boys got peckish and decided to try the waffles with chocolate sauce. Verdict - quite nice but would like to try the crepes next!
Once they’d finished, it wasn’t too long until the parade so we staked out a spot near Small World and waited. It didn’t get too busy at all and we enjoyed it. I am always amazed how, within a couple of minutes of a parade passing by, all signs of it have disappeared and the crowds have dispersed. It’s like a flash mob!


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Flora by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Merlin by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Ariel by limegreenlife, on Flickr


I'm Late! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Got no strings by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Hakuna matata by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Celebrate by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Minnie by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

Magical by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Fairies by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Once Upon a Dream by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Cinderella by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Rapunzel by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Off with his head! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Green army man by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Cheeky! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Parade by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Mickey by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Tinker Bell by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Anyway, we were able to walk straight on to It’s a Small World.


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Home Sweet Home by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Hippo by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We headed off into Discoveryland, taking photos on the way.


Avast, ye landlubbers! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Skull Rock by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Space Mountain was down (this was a recurring theme this trip!) I went into Videopolis to have a rest (I was to spend quite a bit of time in there this trip!) while the boys went to ride Star Tours.

 

[AlisonUK]

We were getting tired now – possibly something to do with being awake most of the night – so decided to go over to Plaza Gardens and see if we could get in early. It was about 6.00 b now and our reservation wasn’t till 7.00, so we weren’t sure if it would be OK but though it was worth a try. When we got there, the queue was huge but someone quickly opened a side door and called in people with reservations. Being early was no problem at all and we quickly ordered our drinks and were shown to our table. I was gutted that I was still feeling so rubbish – I really fancied one of the little carafes of wine!

The food here is really lovely – there is a huge variety and it is really fresh. No, it’s not fine dining but we were happy with it and everyone seemed to enjoy a huge variety. Nigel discovered the joys of mustard on freshly carved ham and Stephen was really good about trying lots of new things. I loved the salad bar and the cheese board in particular – mmm.

Heading back, we popped in to Pinocchio and Pirates


Puppet on a string by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Donkey by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Pigs by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Treasure by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Castle at night by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Twinkly by limegreenlife, on Flickr

before deciding to take the bus, as we were shattered. We stopped off at the station for drinks and, once we got to the hotel, picked up some beers from the shop. Considering this was mainly a travel day, we had done loads of rides! Time for a couple of drinks and we were all soon fast asleep.

 

[Christieand]

Wow! You definitely did a lot on your first day. Your pictures are great too

 

[fairydustmummy]

love the photos cant wait for more of ur trip

 

[stargatebarbie]

loved the photos great report so far you where there when we where ,it got colder didnt it we got lots done as well the wait times where pretty good xx

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

smaller riders go on first....lol this year will be a first for me as my 14 yr old towers over me! Loving your trip report and photos! Can't wait for more X

 

[PinkLemonade7503]

Beautiful photos! I love that your son is still happily traveling to DLP with you, even if he is over the characters! I got a bit choked up thinking of my daughter being too old for them!

I thought Ariel looked very French! I have only ever been to WDW, so I loved seeing what DLP was like! I will make sure to check in on your further updates.

 

[AlisonUK]

Thanks for all the lovely comments, everyone! On to day 2!

Friday 5th April

None of us slept particularly well last night and waking up at 6.45 was a bit of an effort! We all got washed and dressed and I took some more pills - still feeling pretty grotty.

We headed down to breakfast - and Nigel instantly headed back as he had forgotten the Marmite! (He is addicted and takes a pot everywhere we go!)

We filled our boots with fruit salad, cold meats and pastries then went and brushed our teeth and headed off for EMH in the park. It was a bit warmer today but still really cold and we were all wrapped up with lots of layers.

I'd been really achy yesterday and really not felt like taking many photos so this was my chance. I had my wide angle lens and wandered around the castle and Fantasyland taking shots.


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


City Hall by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Welcome by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Refreshing by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Wrought iron by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Enter by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Fantasyland by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Sept Nains by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Make a wish by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Cinderella's coach by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Trois Fees by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Curious Labyrinth by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Dumbo by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Sir Mickey's by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Cinderelly by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Even more beautiful from the back by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

While I was doing my David Bailey act, the boys went off and rode Buzz. (Space Mountain was down - this was to be a regular feature of our trip )


To infinity - and beyond! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Discoveryland by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Peepo! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr

When we met up again, we headed to the Studios and got there about 9.30 - top tip that they generally seem to open then, despite advertising a 10.00 opening!


Walt Disney Studios by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Studios by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Big red car by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Partners by limegreenlife, on Flickr

The boys headed straight off to Crush and got on with just a 10 min wait. It was fab - everything was opening just as we got to it. They went on the Cars rally - great little ride and the queuing area is so well themed.


Luigi's by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Lightning McQueen by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We then headed to Toy Story Playland - this was new to us and we loved the theming of the whole area, from the fences made of K-Nex to the benches that looked like wooden railway tracks and the giant footprint on the floor to remind us that we had all shrunk down to toy size!


Raaaarrrrrrr! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


RC by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Parachute drop by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Toy Story Playland by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Luxo ball by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Rex by limegreenlife, on Flickr


RC Racer by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

We then headed off to get fast passes for Tower of Terror and then stopped for crepes and a hot chocolate for me.


Hollywood Tower Hotel by limegreenlife, on Flickr


We can fly! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


All started with a mouse by limegreenlife, on Flickr


No vacancies by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Toon Studio by limegreenlife, on Flickr

I was ready to sit I inside for a bit now so we went over to Cinemagique. I don't know if anyone reading this hasn't seen it yet but, just in case, I won't spoil the surprise! Suffice to say, Stephen was slightly concerned at the beginning that there was a vital part missing but it did appear eventually. We loved all the new effects, too!

We then went straight into Animagique - Stephen was very disappointed that they no longer do the opening line about how it was 'going to get dark - not scary dark, just really dark!' We had the song stuck in our heads for the rest of the day - it's worse than Small World for that! Altogether now, la la la la Animagique!

We were hungry now so decided to just pop into the restaurant en Coulisse. Stephen had a burger, Nigel had nuggets and I just had a few chips.

It wasn't quite time for the parade when we came out but there were lots of characters out - Mary Poppins and Bert, Mulan and Mushu, Snow White and Ariel. It felt a bit sad that Stephen wasn't interested in meeting them anymore! We went and watched the films in the Art of Animation but, sadly, they weren't running the drawing class - we love doing that!

We came out and found a spot for the parade. Just before it started, the family standing behind us asked very politely if their two little girls could watch it from in front of us. If course we said yes and we got lots more attention and photo opportunities from the characters with two cute little ones in front of us than we do when it is just us!


Daisy by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Snow White by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Jolly Holiday by limegreenlife, on Flickr


A whole new world by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Woody by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Remy by limegreenlife, on Flickr


M and M by limegreenlife, on Flickr

The boys then went and used their Tower of Terror fast passes and Nigel did the trick with the coin - but then lost it! Stephen wasn't impressed as it was his coin!

We then headed back to the hotel for a rest as we planned to watch Dreams later that night.

Everyone felt better after sleeps and showers and we went off to have tea at the Earl if Sandwich. This was new to us as we had not been to the one in Florida. Nigel had the Italian (no cheese, no tomato - sigh ...) Stephen had the Cannonball and I had a Hawaiian. Delicious! We'd only taken a couple of mouthfuls when Stephen requested we come back for another meal! We used the free wi-fi to catch up on a few vital messages and then went into the park.


Disneyland Park by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Twenty by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Having not yet had our daily dose of Phantom Manor, we headed there first (still no ghosts in the mirrors )


Last orders, please by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Creeeeak ... by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Mirror, mirror by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Walk this way by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

Big Thunder by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Thunder Mesa by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We then had a quick check to see if there were any FP left for BTM. No luck, so on to Indiana Jones, which was a walk on. Never really understood why this gets so little attention - maybe because it is tucked away.

Then through the maze and on to the teacups.


Which way? by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Who are you? by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Left, right, left, right by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Whizz by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Wheee! by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We pottered around, riding Casey Jr and the fairytale boats - for some reason, the operator thought we were from Wolverhampton!


Hold on tight! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Hansel and Gretel by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Belle by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We went to find a particular spot in Fantasyland where I wanted to take a photo - I was so pleased how it turned out -


Gateway to Fantasyland by limegreenlife, on Flickr

and then popped into Caseys for a hot drink which somehow seemed to turn into beer and chips!

We then went and found a spot for Dreams and waited - and it was definitely worth the wait! I had deliberately avoided any photos or videos of it before we went and I thought it was amazing. We didnt have the greatest spot for viewing and these shots arent the best but it gives a bit of a flavour. Slightly better photos to come another night!


All lit up by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Second star to the right by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Ooh! Ah! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Disney Dreams by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Very tired, we headed back through the village to the hotel, planning on having a bit of a lie in tomorrow!

 

[fairydustmummy]

wow love the first pic of dreams its fab Cant wait to see dreams now

 

[DLPdaft]

wow wow wow your photos are brilliant - I love the inside shots from Phantom Manor, especially the singing ghost heads shot .

 

[wiigirl]

Wonderful pics!

 

[Disneyfanswicklow]

Wow amazing photos.....loving your report x

 

[AlisonUK]

Saturday 6th April

We were definitely planning for a gentler day today. I was still chockful of cold and was getting bad sinus pain. Nigel was still not 100% so we just needed to go at a slightly gentler pace!

We had a lie in, dragged Stephen out of bed and headed off to the Disneyland hotel for a late breakfast. We had never been in before - in fact, it took us a few minutes to locate the entrance! It really is beautiful inside and the atmosphere is so much calmer and quieter.

We headed up to Inventions and asked if we could pay for breakfast - no problem at all. We were quickly seated and enjoyed a delicious hot buffet breakfast. Stephen was especially impressed with the jam and maple syrup coming in little jars!

Off into the park - it was very busy by now.


Main Street by limegreenlife, on Flickr

A quick look at the information board showed us that Pirates and Space Mountain were both down - there's a surprise!

As we walked in, we saw some characters on their way to a meet and greet – Stephen wouldn’t play, though! We also saw the 20th anniversary train – always a great opportunity for photos.


Tiana by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Tweedle by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Choo choo! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Clarice by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Donald by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We headed into Discoveryland and I went into Videopolis while the boys headed off to Star Tours.


Wall-E and Eve by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Space Mountain by limegreenlife, on Flickr


X-wing fighter by limegreenlife, on Flickr


On their way, Space re-opened so they walked straight on.

They are showing Pixar shorts in Videopolis now but, while I was waiting, a band started to set up as part of Disney Performing Arts. It looks as though groups from around Europe can come to perform.

I didn't get to see the band however as they returned and we went and had a look around Nautilus. So much good theming in here - totally underrated.


Captain's Quarters by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Squid attack! by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We were due to have our guided tour at 1pm but I was still feeling pretty rubbish. Nigel popped to City Hall to see if there was any chance of changing it to the next day but, unfortunately, the English language tour was fully booked. It was getting busier now - as we expected on a Saturday in the Easter holidays - so we decided to get a hot chocolate from the Cable Car Bake Shop.


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We then headed over to City Hall, paid and met Robbin, our tour guide. We were the only people doing the tour – we were not sure whether they only book one group on a tour at a time or whether they put other people with you. I'm not going to go into any detail about the tour here as I don't want to spoil it for other people who may wish to do it but, suffice to say, I would highly recommend it. I was a bit worried Stephen would be bored but he loved it, too. It's pretty fast paced and we covered most of the park in the two hours. Robbin spoke fantastic English and showed us so many details we had never noticed, despite many previous visits to the park.

Just a couple of scenic shots!


Stained glass by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Cash by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Dapper Dan's by limegreenlife, on Flickr


1401 Flower Street by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Birdcage by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Walt's by limegreenlife, on Flickr

 

[AlisonUK]

After the tour, I needed a sit down - I was getting so fed up of feeling rubbish by now. We had ended the tour in Discoveryland so popped into the Cafe Hyperion. I was seriously thinking of buying my own seat in there - I spent so much time there this trip!

Stephen announced he was hungry (what is it with teenage boys?!) so he had a burger while we had drinks. There was an English Dance Academy from Stourbridge performing on the stage this time and the whole place was absolutely jam packed. We managed to get a table, though and it did empty out once their set had finished.

Nigel went on a FP hunt to see what he could find. Predictably, BTM was down and Peter Pan had run out so he picked some up for Buzz and then we headed off.


Paddle boat by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We decided to take the train around the park and joined the queue. It is a really slow loader but it wasn't too cold and we were happy to wait. Stephen was really interested to see the bit where it went through Pirates - he didn't remember it and had never noticed it from the ride.


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Steam train by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We got out at the Fantasyland station where Stephen decided he needed candy floss - it was the size of his head!


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr

True photographer's son - he didn't eat any of it till he got back to us so that we could take a photo!

We bumped into the people from church outside Peter Pan and then wandered up to Pirates.


Caribbean by limegreenlife, on Flickr


We want the redhead! by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Pirates by limegreenlife, on Flickr

And then Buzz.


Buzz by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Hidden Mickey!


Hidden Mickey! by limegreenlife, on Flickr

So cross I got the focus wrong on this but love it anyway!


. by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Zurg by limegreenlife, on Flickr


Aliens by limegreenlife, on Flickr

We were a bit early for our reservation for Agrabah but it didn't seem to matter anytime during the trip - as long as you had a reservation, they seemed to give you the next available table; at least in the restaurants we ate in.

With the buffets, you are given a drinks list and you choose your drinks and pay for your meal at the beginning.

Unfortunately we had quite a long wait to get in, due to a family of 12 spending nearly 15 minutes choosing their drinks. The staff were really apologetic but we did notice that everything was so laid back on this trip. Shows seemed to start 5 minutes or so late; time didn't really seem to be an issue!

Anyway, we ordered a couple of beers and they brought us water as well. We really liked the food here. Stephen was a little apprehensive at first but was soon tucking in. They had a wonderful salad bar with all sorts of different salads and hummous. Nigel quickly found the kebab section with a range of salad, pitta breads and sauces. The lamb was carved in front of you and was delicious. Stephen enjoyed that too as well as the meatballs and pasta. There was also fish, moussaka, chicken and a whole range of tagines, vegetables, rice and couscous.

The desserts were similar to those at other buffets - a range if cakes, mousse, fruit and crepes, with the addition of Moroccan style pastries.

We really enjoyed this restaurant - the theming was great too - and waddled out. Several people were trying to get in to eat but it closed at 7.30. This was a feature of our trip - lots of the eating places were closed, particularly by early evening. I was surprised as it was a Saturday.

We were done in now and decided to head back via the new World of Disney. Interesting to see how they re-route everyone past here in order to leave the parks!
We were surprised to see that it wasn’t bigger, though.


World of Disney by limegreenlife, on Flickr

Lots of lovely goodies but not everything from the shops in the parks, so don’t count on being able to get it here. Stephen bought himself another Star Wars vinylmation and was much happier with this one – he got Princess Leia. We bought him a pack of Haunted Mansion / Nightmare before Christmas playing cards as a souvenir and I bought a 20th travel mug for school.
Shopping done, we headed back to the hotel room for a few games of cards and some drinks and nibbles. For some reason, neither the TV nor the heating were working – brr. We decided to leave it until the morning and just put on lots of layers before snuggling into bed!

 

[K11C12]

Really enjoying reading your TR and seeing all your great photos!