Quack
What do points make..........?
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2006
- Messages
- 382
My DH has nagged me to pieces to do a trip report live from DLRP (I lose count of the number of times he has asked me today "are you going to do your little trip report". He asks me to mention that he did infact drive ALL the way to Ashford (and what a nice DH he is to do this).
So here goes. Day1!
The journey from Ashford on the Eurostar was mainly pain-free. Check in did have long queues but it really wasn't too bad. Todays claim to fame was that we saw Jools Holland (who was allowed to line-jump). Following advice from the Brit Guide, we chose to sit at the far end of the waiting area where it was indeed, very quiet and away from the hustle-bustle of the other end!
Arrived at DLRP at 1.30. We used the Disney Express service - the line at the Express check-in (where you leave your bags) was busy and since we are staying in the Disneyland Hotel, we wondered if it had been worth the wait.
First stop was Fantasyland where we found that the Casey Jr. ride was open (this is normally a high-season ride) - we joined the line for this since we may not have a chance to ride it again (we always visit low-season). Despite the 20 minute wait and youngest DS wanted a wee just as we got to the front, it was an enjoyable little ride and both DS's enjoyed it;-) We then went to Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey - just a 5 minute wait and again the boys liked it. We then skipped the parade (cameras were still in bags) and went to the hotel. The DLH is truly lovely. Last year we stayed at Explorers and although it was ok, we really did feel the difference at DLH. The staff seem so much more attentive, we got taken to our room and shown special little touches on the way. Our standard room is on the 3rd floor of the west wing. We overlook the entrace to DLP from the a side angle and have a good view of Disney Village (pretty view at night) - I figure a great view for a standard room. DH (you remember what a nice person he is don't you?) stayed in the room and waited for the cases to be brought to us while I took DS's (4 & 8) to the main foyer for the 4.00 meet and greet. We met Belle, Mickey and Pluto. They danced in a circle holding hands to 'Catchin' a Happy Rhthym' and then they got cuddles with Pluto. Mickey asked youngest DS for a kiss on the cheek but DS wasn't sure what to do - so Mickey put out his hand for a 'high-five' instead. DS misunerstood and kissed Mickeys hand instead - if Mickey could have laughed out loud I think he would! It was a very funny and special moment - DS's were in fits of gigles.
We then went on Panoramagique. It was soooooo high!! Very much worth-while doing - just to get a full idea of the vastness of the place!.
We returned back to the hotel for an evening meal in Inventions (buffet) - we didn't realise that characters were here too!. We saw Tweedle-Dum, Pinocchio, Pluto, Mickey, Geppetto and Belle. The characters were FAB - came to see us several times and happily posed for pics! Also the waiting staff were lovely - one in particular was very special and attentive to my DS - the boys got sticker books (and even extra sets as they left) and a little Donald character.
At the end of the evening we went to look at the pool (not swimming today because eldest DS has very sore hands) and looked at the play area - small and caters more for younger children. A very good first day. Tomorrow we will spend a day in the Studios. Pictures to come on my return ;-)
So here goes. Day1!
The journey from Ashford on the Eurostar was mainly pain-free. Check in did have long queues but it really wasn't too bad. Todays claim to fame was that we saw Jools Holland (who was allowed to line-jump). Following advice from the Brit Guide, we chose to sit at the far end of the waiting area where it was indeed, very quiet and away from the hustle-bustle of the other end!
Arrived at DLRP at 1.30. We used the Disney Express service - the line at the Express check-in (where you leave your bags) was busy and since we are staying in the Disneyland Hotel, we wondered if it had been worth the wait.
First stop was Fantasyland where we found that the Casey Jr. ride was open (this is normally a high-season ride) - we joined the line for this since we may not have a chance to ride it again (we always visit low-season). Despite the 20 minute wait and youngest DS wanted a wee just as we got to the front, it was an enjoyable little ride and both DS's enjoyed it;-) We then went to Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey - just a 5 minute wait and again the boys liked it. We then skipped the parade (cameras were still in bags) and went to the hotel. The DLH is truly lovely. Last year we stayed at Explorers and although it was ok, we really did feel the difference at DLH. The staff seem so much more attentive, we got taken to our room and shown special little touches on the way. Our standard room is on the 3rd floor of the west wing. We overlook the entrace to DLP from the a side angle and have a good view of Disney Village (pretty view at night) - I figure a great view for a standard room. DH (you remember what a nice person he is don't you?) stayed in the room and waited for the cases to be brought to us while I took DS's (4 & 8) to the main foyer for the 4.00 meet and greet. We met Belle, Mickey and Pluto. They danced in a circle holding hands to 'Catchin' a Happy Rhthym' and then they got cuddles with Pluto. Mickey asked youngest DS for a kiss on the cheek but DS wasn't sure what to do - so Mickey put out his hand for a 'high-five' instead. DS misunerstood and kissed Mickeys hand instead - if Mickey could have laughed out loud I think he would! It was a very funny and special moment - DS's were in fits of gigles.
We then went on Panoramagique. It was soooooo high!! Very much worth-while doing - just to get a full idea of the vastness of the place!.
We returned back to the hotel for an evening meal in Inventions (buffet) - we didn't realise that characters were here too!. We saw Tweedle-Dum, Pinocchio, Pluto, Mickey, Geppetto and Belle. The characters were FAB - came to see us several times and happily posed for pics! Also the waiting staff were lovely - one in particular was very special and attentive to my DS - the boys got sticker books (and even extra sets as they left) and a little Donald character.
At the end of the evening we went to look at the pool (not swimming today because eldest DS has very sore hands) and looked at the play area - small and caters more for younger children. A very good first day. Tomorrow we will spend a day in the Studios. Pictures to come on my return ;-)
That makes him a nice guy, even without the driving.
Enjoy the studios tommorow!
Great to get a "live" report - thank you!! 
