Our Half Term Trip to the House of Mouse

[sleepysox]

First of all- I apologise for not writing a detailed trippie, but life is just too hectic.

We went for 6 nights over may Half Term and stayed at the DLH.

HighsThe castle was almost finished and looked beautiful.

The short distance from the hotel to the park was very convenient for quick trips back to the room for the baby to have a break.

The kindness of the characters who made our disabled son's trip so special.

Cafe Mickey

Auberge de Cendrillon- even though I have 2 sons, they loved it! They even let DS come back the following day to give a letter to Cinderella!

Fabulous cast members who went the extra mile for us.

Bumping into Warebears!!

LowsI didn't think the DLH was worth the money, in terms of ameneties in the room, room size, size of bath etc. It wasn't really a 4*/ 5* hotel in my opinion. I much prefer a lakeside view room at HNY. The distance to the park really was useful though- plus pancakes at breakfast!

Walts- usually my fav restaurant, but we had a 30 minute wait to order our desserts and then a 25 min wait for them to arrive. In all our meal took 3 hours, and with a 20 month old and a 6 year old that was too long. I did complain and get some money off though.

The general state of the park. It hasn't been maintained that well and looked much shabbier than I remember it on our trip 4 years ago.

I think we'll go back in a few years time, whgen they've had a chance to upgrade/ renovate and will save for a trip to Florida next.

The holiday was very magical and we loved the characters, atmosphere and theming, as well as the rides, but I think DLP is losing its appeal for us, perhaps we've become too used to WDW and are being over critical? I'd love your views- perhaps I'm just too grumpy!!

 

[Ware Bears]

Welcome back!

They even let DS come back the following day to give a letter to Cinderella!

Oh bless, how sweet is that!

Bumping into Warebears!!

I'm honoured to be considered a high it was lovely meeting you too.

I'm sorry you were a bit disappointed in the DLH but selfishly pleased that you prefer the New York as that'll be our first choice of where to stay next. I must admit I didn't really notice any shabbiness apart from Captain Hook's Pirate Ship which is going to be rebuilt ready for next year's 20th celebrations but of course it was such a whirlwind visit and I was so excited to be there that I probably wouldn't have noticed!

After our last DLP trip in 2008 we all felt we'd 'done it to death' and needed a break for a while so no, I don't think you're being over-critical, just honest.

 

[sleepysox]

After our last DLP trip in 2008 we all felt we'd 'done it to death' and needed a break for a while

I think you're right about that. After 7 days in the park we had done it to death and so had time to slow down and take notice of everything, and so noticed little bits and pieces that were not up to scratch.

Having been back a week now, I still feel that we're Disneyed out, but DH is already talking about a future trip to DLP!

Having spoken to you, I'm dreaming of a Disney Cruise!!!

 

[jothp]

It was nice to hear about your trip. I must admit after this trip I didn't get the desperate longing to go back that I have had after previous trips. The kids are still really keen though so I think we will go back next year to see the park freshly refurbished for the 20th anniversary but then we may have a break for a few years

 

[Ware Bears]

Our 2008 trip was for 9 days which is why we probably felt that way too although we did break it up with trips into Paris, Provins and Val d'Europe. I still feel that way about WDW/Florida at the moment, I have really loved our holidays there but don't think we'll be returning in the forseeable future. I was amazed how much I actually enjoyed such a short trip although if we do go next year (my DH is already talking about it too even though we were meant to be going without a holiday next year but who am I to discourage him? ) I think we will do 3 or 4 nights instead of 2.

And don't get me started on Disney Cruises again, I'll never stop!!

 

[Ms Poppins]

Glad you had a good time overall - sounds like your ds was treated like a little prince!

I know what you mean about maybe being too long - or having seen it all before. I remember feeling like that a few years back. We'd had two trips quite close together and my dh was a bit 'done' with it.

Then we had a break for about 4 years, youngest ds was just at the right age, and since then we've just done 3 nights each time - which i think is perfect for us.

We've agreed that as we know our way about, and all our favourites now, we will definately do a full day trip to Paris next time.

Thanks for you views

 

[DLPdaft]

its maybe not so much being over-critical, but familiarity breeding a bit of dare-I-say boredom? I'm definitely going back to DLP next year for the 20th anniversary, and really looking forward to it. But have to admit, after our trip in March this year, I'd normally be trying to fit in another trip in October/November, and I'm just not bothered at the moment. Theres also nothing in this year's festival of events I'm interested in seeing .