Semi Surprise Trip Report - Day 2 added

[MollyandLucy'sMum]

In case youu haven't seen the PTR. The trip was a semi surprise as our girls knew Mickey Mouse would invite us back to disney when it got warmer but not exactly when.

The cast:

Me - Tracy -31
DH - Joe - 37
DD - Molly - 5
DD - Lucy - 2

Day 1 - 29th May - Travelling

Having hidden the suitcases in the garage over night and primed the DVD player with the invite 'advert' we were all ready for the big reveal. We ended up having to wake DD1 at 7.30 as she doesn't like mornings. We pretended to flick through the channels and 'found' DD2's favourite programme Fireman Sam and the invite was dubbed onto the end.

http://s1181.photobucket.com/albums/x423/disney_city/Disneyland%20paris%202011/?action=view&current=disney_0002.mp4

DD1 got all embarrassed and just cuddled up to me before announcing I needed to rush upstairs and get their autograph books from last time. DD2 started singing about going to Mickey Mouse land.

Everyone got dressed and breakfasted quickly (for a change!). I was very proud as I'd managed to find in the M and S sale t shirts for the girls that said 'I am off to Paris today' and 'back saturday' both of which were true as we were getting the eurostar to Gard du nord Paris and were returning saturday.

Everything went smoothly taxi arrived early and we got to the train station early. The first leg to Swindon seats were unreservable (First Great Western say it isn't necessary however I beg to differ) but luckily we got on at one of the first stops as by the time we got close to Swindon it was standing room only. The second leg to London involved a quick walk accross the platform at swindon onto a waiting train. I had booked well in advance so had been able to get first class tickets for just £5 more each. It actually saved us money as I planned to get four tickets as I knew standard class would be packed but took the gamble to only get three for first class and risk our little one not having a seat. The gamble paid off as first class was virtually empty so she had a seat anyway. Would definitley recommend booking in advance and upgrading every seat had a table loads of room and a plug which we made good use of by plugging in our DVD player which helped keep the girls occupied. We also got a free tea and biscuits which at train prices saved us a bit.

The girls engrossed in tangled.

Took a taxi to St Pancras from Paddington station was nearly as cheap as buying underground tickets and my DH hates the underground so would never have heard the end of it if we'd gone on it so that was worth the extra not to hear him moaning Eurostar to Paris was smooth. It was a bit hairy on the RER from Gard du Nord to Challet des Halles (apologies for mispelling I will look up and amend when i get a chance) apparently it was extra busy as a train had broken down so everyone was waiting for the one we arrived for. We waited for the next one which arrived about 4 miniutes later that was less busy but still a bit cramped. Luckily a very nice french man helped us with our pushchair even helping us fight our way off at our stop before getting back onto the train to continue his journey. The next bit of the journey from there to disney was much quieter. Finding the right train etc was easy as i had written it all down in advance and everything is clearly sign posted. The ticket machine were also easy to use and took credit cards.

It felt like we got to the disney station quickly and we simply walked to the shuttle buses that would take us to the Explorers hotel. I was worried that the girls would be upset seeing disney but not going to it but no they were more excited about climbing on the big rocks near the bus stops We stayed at explorers as we got a cheap deal that made it cheaper than the local budget hotels and I was excited to try it as I'd often considered staying their but being onsite had always won. The hotel was okay but wouldn't tempt me away from onsite (as long as we can afford it). The play area and pool looked really amazing although as a parent of small children it was a bit of a pain it being next to the resturant as you had to peel them off it to get to dinner or breakfast. It would be a huge plus though if you had older children. Breakfast and dinner were both fine with a decent selection.

The girls loved the statues around and their individual beds.

It didn't last long as both girls ended up in our double bed and my husband was relegated to the single bed.

We went to bed finally about 10.30. Which was went the first of our small hiccups happened! After tossing and turning and finally dropping off I was woken by my 5 year old being sick on me! It did end up being comical as my husband jumped up and ran around the room shouting what shall I do don't worry darling it will be okay while my daughter continued to be sick on me! In the end I suggested maybe he should take her to the bathroom which he did! I had to get up slowly so not to wake my other daughter who was asleep on my other side. I then had to clean everything change DD1 and put towels etc over the area so DD2 didn't role into it. I spent the rest of the night jumping up at the slightest sound in case it she was being sick again and cramped into a single bed with DD1.

She was absolutley fine for the rest of the holiday (although sick does appear again later in the trip report!) As I said due to DH's slapstick reaction and exhaustion I was able to laugh about it.

Sorry this ended up being really long I'll update tomorrow with day 2

 

[jothp]

Looking forward to hearing more I think our kids were just as happy climbing on the railings in the queue areas as they were riding the rides Glad to hear your daughter was ok for the rest of the holiday

 

[MollyandLucy'sMum]

Despite last night's mini drama we managed to be up and dressed for breakfast not long after 7am so we were able to check out and get onto the shuttle bus to disney just after 8. The bus was nice and quiet as most people at the hotel didn't qualify for early magic hours. We then took a bus straight to check in at the Cheyenne. Where we had one of those lovely disney moments, DH and I were concentrating on checking in so we were oblivious to the fact that behind us Cowboy Mickey Mouse was making a fuss of the girls.

Checked in and bag dropped off at the left luggage point we headed off to the parks along the rio grande. I was very proud of the fact we actually made it to Adventureland for 10am. DD1 being a huge Aladdin fan wanted to see his walkthrough first so we went through the Aladdin walkthrough only to be told that was the wrong one! After much explaining we realised she meant the Storybook boat ride which we then rushed off too. It was a walk on at this point so we ended up riding it three times in a row! before we pursuaded the girls to try Casey Jnr which was also virtually a walk on. Then it was the first of many goes on IASW which captivated both DDs.

We then went on Buzz which was only a 10 minutes wait. DD1 was determined to get a higher score than her Dad and DD2 could only pull the trigger if she pointed the gun straight up in the air so it was quite an amusing ride.

We started to get hungry and DH fancied a pizza so we headed back to Bella Notre there was a long queue so I persuaded Dh to try Planet Pizza. This worked out to be a great option. It was lovely and quiet inside and cool as well considering what a scorching day it was outside. There was a good selection at the buffet and as it was a buffet so we got shareholders discount

Our girls loved the play area so it gave us grown ups a chance for a little rest.

By this time my DH had waited long enough for his first ride on POTC so we headed to adventureland again. The wait was 10mins DD1 wasn't a fan but our youngest loved it and randomly sang the pirates song for the rest of the holiday. We then noticed Aladdin had just arrived for his meet and greet there were only three families in the queue so we got out first autographs of the trip.

We then had a bit of an explore around the caves, it was a bit disappointing that the Pirate ship was being refurbished but a restored version is something to look forward to on another trip.

DH then tried to persuade DDs to visit the dragon but they only got as far as the entrance at this stage. We then had a closer look at the castle which is definitely looking spectacular where they have finished its refurb.

We finally gave in to nagging and our girls shared some candy floss

by this time it was about 4.30 so we decided to call it a day and collect our bags so we could freshen up before our Cafe Mickey reservations.

Despite our 6.30 reservation we had to wait a bit to be seated but not too long. Didn't have the greatest experience I'm afraid. Food was okay but not great. Service was rubbish the lady was very friendly but it was almost impossible to get another drink and it had been a very hot day so we were desperate for refreshment. We were sat downstairs in the main part of the restaurant and for some reason ourselves and several tables around us kept being missed out by characters after complaining this was gradually recified. On the plus side our girls loved dancing to the happy birhday songs that were played and when characters did eventually come over they loved them so they didn't really notice the problems. In the end we did see Mickey, Tigger, Eyeore, Friar tuck and Chip. I also think that probably if we'd gone on a different day/time/ or even sat at a different table our experience might have been much better. Won't be rushing back though.

We had a quick browse round the shops and our girls decided they would like to share a Tangled figure set as a present which I thought was good going considering some of the expensive toys they could have requested (many of which also seemed to be rubbish!) Back to the hotel for a bath to try and settle very excited tired girlies, didn't really work this could have been partly because of the new tinkerbell flannels, ariel soap and nighties I presented them with

Although it wasn't totally my fault the bunk beds also added to the excitment. Eventually eveyone was asleep by 11.30ish.

 

[Ms Poppins]

Lovely start to your trippie!!

I just love the t-shirts saying 'we're going to Paris'

Good you were able to laugh at the sick incident.

My ds loves the Aladdin Cave in the Storyboats too.

Looking forward to more

 

[DLPdaft]

loving this so far - so much excitement !

 

[Mum to Belle]

Love your video announcement, and Cowboy Mickey, what a great start to the holiday!!!

Sorry to hear about the sick!

Good to know that Pizza Planet is open again!!

 

[MichelinMan]

Looks like you were sat at the same table we sat at in Cafe Mickey, and we also got missed out by the characters and had slow service (we ended up complaining to the manager too). There must be something wrong with the location of that table.

 

[kizzabel]

Great first two days. Your DDs are cute as buttons.
My dd has the tangled figurines and loves playing with them too.
Great surprise and Im terrible but I laughed at your DPs reaction to vomit!! Lol Ive a similar headless chicken here!

 

[loladelorean]

Brilliant start to your trip report, your daughters are just too cute
You were very organised, great planning staying at the Explorers first.
Can't wait for the rest

 

[tinks_1989]

loving the trip report so far!

What a shame about your experience at Cafe Mickey we had a lovely time there last April for my sisters birthday we plan to go again this September! Although the only complaint e had when we went Mickey Mouse wouldnt come to our table he went round and round but never stopped at us where as every one else did! x