Trip Report Sleigh bells ring are you.... Christmas PTR

[DLPDreams]

..... LISTENING

Well, I have put off doing this for long enough. As most people will know on here, I like to type and ramble ... So, if you can bare to read along, please do.

I don't think I've ever done a PTR before so here goes.

This is our first Christmas season trip and I think it's the one I am most looking forward to...

CAST:
Me (30 something) the Disney fan - in particular anything Alice in Wonderland.

DH (30 something +) the suffering husband who likes a few Disney bits - mainly BTM, Buzz & Star Wars (I know it's not truly Disney).

DD1 (7.5) has been Disney brainwashed from birth - used to love anything Princess related (and still does, but has a bit more refinement about it - she is more interested in the 'newer' more 'gutsy' Princesses now), Stitch, BTM, Jack & Sally - in fact most Disney things really. ATM her fave films seem to be Mary Poppins, Nightmare before Christmas and Hunchback of Notre Dame.

DD2 (4.5) another brainwashed child but this one has a bit more deference about her . She does like Princesses (mainly Belle & Jasmine, but also Rapunzel & of course Merida), but has always been a huge Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan. She is also increasingly liking Star Wars bits - blame the boys at school who are always playing it .

DM (50 something) hasn't been to DLP since 2009 when she last went with us. She just loves lapping up the experience with her grandchildren and is happy when they are . She likes Snow White & Peter Pan in particular. She retired from work this summer and so this trip is a part celebration of that .

DSD (50 something) ditto Mum's last trip. Happy to try a few rides (but not Indiana after his first go on it ). Likes Buzz and most of Discoveryland really. Another Star Wars fan but happy to go along with most things! We are looking forward to getting him on BTM as many times as we can in a day - bet it's not many .

WHEN:
28th Nov - 2nd Dec 2012 (3 nights)

WHERE:
Disneyland Hotel - I was happy to try somewhere different after the unfortunate problems we had in June, but Mum persuaded me that the DLH was a good location in the cold, in particular for the girls.

THINGS TO DO (in no particular order):
See the DLH decorations in the flesh - in particular the lobby with the Gingerbread house

Ride BTM as many times a day as possible

Spot at least one 'new' Princess - by new I mean 'newer' character or one we haven't met before

See Dreams at least 2 of the nights (hopefully 3)

Meet Santa

See the castle lighting & tree lighting

See the new Cavalcade

Meet Jack & Sally (so excited about this )

Celebrate Mum's retirement and mine & DH's 10th Wedding Anniversary .

MEALS:
I have booked:

Thursday evening - Cafe Mickey (after park closing - bit worried about how manic it will be!?)

Friday evening - Cafe Mickey for DM/DSD/Girls, California Grill for DH & I (can't wait for this!)

Saturday lunch - Walts (Dreams VIP meal)
Saturday eve - Inventions

I have tried to plan the meals around the park closing early Thurs/Fri so for other meals (lunch), we'll just grab a snack.

That's all for now - phew!

 

[tinks_1989]

About time! It's less then 2 weeks now I was wondering if you were going to bother lol.

So excited for you to be staying in the DLH at christmas time your girls are so lucky.

Your husband sounds a lot like mine lol! And your kids Elsie is brainwashed YouTube is called Disney as its all we watch on there and fireworks are called disneys lol.

Look forward to more. X

 

[DLPDreams]

About time! It's less then 2 weeks now I was wondering if you were going to bother lol.

So excited for you to be staying in the DLH at christmas time your girls are so lucky.

Your husband sounds a lot like mine lol! And your kids Elsie is brainwashed YouTube is called Disney as its all we watch on there and fireworks are called disneys lol.

Look forward to more. X

Thanks Leanne . I just hope things go smoothly in the hotel as we are doing a one adult package and just checking in with APs. I did email to let them know the numbers in each room but they didn't seem interested!

Bless Elsie - calling things Disney .

I'll update what I've been buying for this trip in the next few days .

 

[Mum to Belle]

Yay! PTR!

Your family sounds a lot like mine...

I hope you & your DH enjoy Cali Grill, & take some sneaky photos!!

Happy planning!

 

[DLPDreams]

Yay! PTR!

Your family sounds a lot like mine...

I hope you & your DH enjoy Cali Grill, & take some sneaky photos!!

Happy planning!

Thank you and thanks for all your help with the planning .

I had been thinking about photos at Cali Grill - not sure I'll have the camera tbh as Mum will probably take it with her to CM with the girls...? Plus, I think I'd feel a bit silly taking photos in there - we'll see .

Right, well, it's our SDD today . I am so excited, it's getting to that time of the trip where you can't do anything for thinking about Disney - I'm like it every time I go, I find myself forgetting everyday things that need doing as mentally, I am already in DLRP . Anyone else feel like this near a trip?

As I said on another post, unlike me, my cases are still in the loft, but I do have our packing list and *think* I have everything we need, other than euros which I plan to get end of the week.

This trip has ended up costing us a fortune with the amount of new stuff we have bought in case of bad weather/it being really cold! So, here's our shopping list so far...

DH has most stuff from work (or already has a lot of outdoor stuff) so doesn't need new but myself and the girls all needed things:

New...
- Waterproof walking boots
- Thermal 'heat hugger' socks - apparently a duvet for the feet - I've tried them out and they are great!
- Ponchos for over the top of our winter coats in case of a heavy downpour
- Obligatory new jumpers & hoodies (Disney) for the girls
- Belle christmas dress and cloak for both girls (hoping they manage to wear them!)
- Fleece blankets for both girls in case they are in a pushchair and get cold legs
- Hand warmer gel pack things
- Thermals - top & bottoms for us all
- New trapper style hats with fur linings
- New thermal gloves/mittens

And the list goes on .

I was thinking that as we are only going for 3 nights, we could manage with one case but with all that lot and layers of clothes, I think it will be 2 at least lmao. As we are flying Air France, at least our luggage is in with the price and I think we get 20kg each.

I got this gorgeous top for DD1 in Marks... I am loving this new stylised Minnie - I know it's not everyone's choice, but I think for slightly older girls, it's lovely that it's a bit more trendy. DD1 is tall and so although 7.5, tends to wear 9-10 clothes for the length. As a result, sometimes it's difficult to get Disney themed clothes for her - other than pjs!!

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Long...&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=321381427&pf_rd_s=center-3

I also got her these from good old Asda:

This is super cute in rl:

http://direct.asda.com/george/older-girls-tops/minnie-mouse-knit-jumper/G003907550,default,pd.html

and this gorgeous Thumper jumper for both girls - this is fab!:

http://direct.asda.com/george/older-girls-knitwear/sequin-thumper-jumper/G004009404,default,pd.html

DD1 also has a warm HSM hoodie & and a pink fleece Minnie top we bought in June which she hasn't worn yet! So she should be nice and toasty!

For DD2 I bought a few nice tops from Sports Direct as well. A long sleeved Snow White one and a fleece Princess one.

For me - well, good old Primark came to the rescue with some over sized Disney jumpers to throw over thermals and perhaps another long sleeved top!

So, we are all kitted out and ready to go!

I haven't bought any of us Minnie ears as I wasn't sure if we'd get to wear them (and might browse them at DLRP). I did buy the girls a santa hat each to wear - in pink & purple - their favourite colours!

I was in Poundland the other day (they have some great Disney bits) and found some lovely Mickey candy canes which I thought I might give them on the plane. In addition, I got some lovely, very large Disney biro pens for autograph books. I always seem to be hunting for the DLRP pens so I can't miss these ones!

Well, that's another boring update out of the way...

Oh, and I am keeping fingers crossed that we are all in good health for this trip - DD2 struggles a bit with her chest at this time of year and unfortunately the last few days it seems to be starting again . In addition, I have a dental abscess, following treatment last week, for which I am in agony (have just started antibiotics). So fingers crossed it clears for next week .

 

[daiseyirl]

great packing list

Wishing you all good health for your trip. looking foward to your tr already

 

[tinks_1989]

Another great update they aren't boring.

Have you tried H&M for your eldest DD? Thy have some great stuff in there right up to age 16.

I need to get some of these thermal socks though I don't think my shoes will fit if I wear any more socks ha ha.

I love the jumpers you got from Asda. The style from M&S they had quiet a few in DLH in September.

I need to write a list can't believe I haven't already. Every time I sit down I end up writing Christmas shopping list, Christmas food shopping list or WDW need to list :/ I will today though lol!

 

[DLPDreams]

great packing list

Wishing you all good health for your trip. looking foward to your tr already

Aw thank you . I can't wait to be there!

 

[DLPDreams]

Another great update they aren't boring.

Have you tried H&M for your eldest DD? Thy have some great stuff in there right up to age 16.

I need to get some of these thermal socks though I don't think my shoes will fit if I wear any more socks ha ha.

I love the jumpers you got from Asda. The style from M&S they had quiet a few in DLH in September.

I need to write a list can't believe I haven't already. Every time I sit down I end up writing Christmas shopping list, Christmas food shopping list or WDW need to list :/ I will today though lol!

Thanks for the tip on H&M - never thought to try there! I never seem to have a problem getting Disney PJs - it's like they are a cult/trend statement but anything to wear can be difficult. I will also look out in the DLH for that Minnie style for a few Christmas bits - thank you for that. I do like the DLH shop for clothes - everytime we have been we have always found clothing that you don't seem to find anywhere else in the park - like Disney Couture.

I bought my boots (and the girls) a size bigger for the socks lol and I am pleased I did as they are chunky - but my feet look huge in them .

I have managed my list which is a step in the right direction - just haven't done anything physical with it yet!

 

[DLPDreams]

Lots of progress made this weekend .

We told the girls yesterday afternoon and they were SO excited. At first DD1 thought we were just saying we'd like to go but when we said we were definitely going she let out a big woop! My parents were there too so it was nice for them.

I didn't take photos (forgot!) but will sort something out.

As a result of telling them, DH went straight and got the suitcases out of the loft and I made a start on packing - phew! Feel so much better that I have a fair bit packed now but although we are only going for 3.5 days, I seem to have rather a lot. Think it is because of the all the layers and extras I am taking - like boots, thermals, sallopettes etc. We are taking 2 cases! But as we are flying Air France they are included in the price and we could actually take 6 (between all of us) cases if we like, but that would be overkill (even for me ).

So, now we have two very excited little girls. DD1 has already announced that we have to ride BTM 20 times - erm, I think we will be pushing it in the time we have (and I suspect the park is going to be busier than we have ever seen it ) but we'll have a few goes I am sure .

We have school until Wednesday but it is Christmas crafts this week (and teacher training end of the week, hence the girls aren't missing any school). I am helping a fair bit at school with the crafts and bits so hoping I'll manage to get most packing finished without a mad dash the night before!

I can't wait to see their faces in the DLH lobby - they know nothing about the Gingerbread house or the decs. It is always spectacular when you first walk in, but set up for Christmas, it just looks beautiful .

So..... 'it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas....'

 

[tinks_1989]

Aw how exciting so glad the girls were excited too. Who wouldn't be though lol?!

Yay on the packing it's amazing how much ether you feel once you start.

 

[DLPDreams]

Thanks Leanne

The girls are just so funny. All we talked about at dinner was Disney - it is actually nice being able to discuss it with them instead of keeping it all secret like previous trips. But, on the flipside, they are driving me mad keep saying they wish it was Thursday. DD1 still has a fair bit of schoolwork to do before Wednesday so I am hoping she is able to get on with it for the next two days!!

So exciting - but I just want to be there now (bit like the girls ) .

PS - went and bought waterproof overtrousers today as the girls' were too small and I can't find mine! We MUST have enough cold/wet weather stuff now surely .

 

[DLPDreams]

Well it's finally here, our last day

Tomorrow morning we are heading to the airport at 9.30 am and I can't wait. The excitement in this house is fever pitch (DH is keeping a lid on his though ) . Thank goodness the girls didn't have any school work to do today - it was all Christmas crafts which was a lovely start to our Christmas weekend (I was in helping at school as well).

I know it's going to be cold but I'm sure with all the arctic gear we have and the excitement we are generating, we will keep warm .

Have printed out boarding cards and checked our seats - all 6 of us have a whole row together which is brilliant - don't think we've ever had that before, so well done Air France!

This time tomorrow we will probably be back in our room in the DLH with our heads full of lovely thoughts from our first day back 'home'....

Christmas is coming.......

 

[tinks_1989]

Aw that's lovely.

How exciting can't believe how quick it's all come round.

I really don't mind if its going to be cold if its dry I'm dreading the thought of it being wet

Hope cafe mickey is better for you and that your mum likes dreams

Enjoy your anniversary meal

 

[PrincessKel]

Have a lovely time! How exciting!

We are going for christmas so can't wait to read your trip report when you get back