Star Wars, Stitch & Friends: DLP TR 13-15 July '11

[Aurynn]

I promised to write a trip report and now we're finally here. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun to look back on this awesome trip.

The Cast:

Karen: me, 23, music & English teacher, musical theatre for the win, collects Alice pins of all sorts, can’t choose her favourite ride

David: DB, 22, Star Wars = life, no interest in pins up to this trip, loves Stitch, favourite ride is Buzz


Timing:
Three days in July, including France's National Holiday. I was a bit nervous about there being LOADS of people but it was okay.


Index:

July 13th:
Day 1:Travel and paperwork
Day 1: Mr reservation, Chewie, Elena & the rain
Day 1: Dee? Run & Eat!

July 14th:
Day 2: Taking a jump and intergalactic spaceship
Day 2: Mazes, Hakuna fries and a long wait



-

 

[Aurynn]

Day 1 – July 13th: Travel and paperwork

After nearly three years it was about time for us to return to Disneyland Resort. I was first planned to go with a friend but when she backed out about a month before my DB jumped at the chance to go with me. In his words: the siblings finally go to Disney alone! Joy was all around, plans were made and the DM was slowly but surely convinced that it was a good idea after all to let me drive to Paris.

The day started pretty early (5:15, even earlier than my wake-up calls when going to work…) and after a shower and the final packing of toiletry stuff we were off.
The drive went pretty smooth. Just over half we took a break and then we went on to Serris. We were staying at Résidence Rive Gauche again (the first time was those nearly three years ago when I treated DB and DM to a surprise trip to get their Dream Passes for their birthday) and pretty soon we were checked in and dropped off our stuff at the little studio.

All that done and not even 10:30 on the clock yet. We had arranged to meet up with Lesley, her DH and DS at noon at Donald’s Desk so still plenty of time. Being just around the corner from the huge shopping mall in Val D’Europe I couldn’t resist the call of Sephora. DB was so lovely to oblige me and fifteen minutes later I walked out with the white-black striped bag.

Driving through the street where our studio was: pretty sweet view.

We arrived at the parking lot at elevenish. Still plenty of time before our meet-up time so we went to take a look in Disney Village. Half an hour later DB was already anxious that we’d be late to meet them so by 11:45 we were lounging on a bench directly opposite Donald’s Desk.

Impatient much?

It was so lovely to meet Lesley and her family. A bit of an awkward start because I didn’t know exactly how DB would react but he was very enthusiastic (probably also because they more or less held the keys to the kingdom… haha). It’s just such a nice thing that they came and sponsored us, giving us a part of their day so we could save some money.

As the CM was busy with the paperwork Lesley and I talked a bit about random stuff. Somehow Star Wars came up and I mentioned that Star Tours is DB’s favourite ride. Apparently they hand’t done it before but she was sure that her DS would love to try it this trip. They were going off to Seaworld that day but we agreed to text each other on our second day and that we’d ride it together then.

Up next: Mr reservation, Chewie, Elena & the rain

 

[Aurynn]

Day 1: Mr reservation, Chewie, Elena & the rain

After saying goodbye to our fellow DISers DB was practically pulling my arm off so into the Disneyland park we went. It was such a great feeling to be back. Even lots of grey clouds and rain couldn’t ruin my great mood.

First up was City Hall for us. As I guessed it would be crazy busy on our second day I wanted to make a reservation for dinner. David wanted Plaza Gardens and seeing how it would put us right in place for Fantillusion and the 4th of July fireworks. A lovely CM called Leen helped us. David was delighted that she spoke Dutch so I told him to handle the reservation. He also loved the little room where they sit you down to make the reservation and was immensely proud to give her his Dream PA to confirm the reservation in his name.

DB wanted a lanyard for his pass but we couldn’t find any to his taste so off to Discoveryland we went for the first ride of the trip.

Now DB is a Star Wars expert. He lives and breathes it, has every single Lego Star Wars box in existence, has all the films on dvd as well as the first two Clone Wars series. Star Wars is serious business for him so naturally the first ride had to be Star Tours. He nearly pushed his EAC into the CM’s nose. Luckily the CM called Elena was charmed and she chatted with us as she guided us inside. She even tried some German and Dutch on us. David really liked her.

After the ride we bumped into Chewbacca who was having a set right outside the ride exit, half-hidden behind the shop. He had just come out so there were few people. DB nearly jumped out of his skin with excitement. When he got his picture taken his face was priceless. He even passed by the Star Tours entrance afterwards and tapped Elena on the shoulder to say thanks and to tell her about the picture with Chewbacca.

After drooling a bit over the Star Wars merch DB got pretty hungry. Plan A was Buzz Lightyear’s pizza buffet but DB changed his mind. Colonel Hathi’s it was then. I remembered loving it there last time and wasn’t disappointed. Good, hot (very important) pizza, friendly staff and it wasn’t too loud even though there were a lot of people. Royale pizza for DB and four cheeses for me. Of course DB ended up trading at least three of his pieces for mine. Ah well. Best of both worlds I guess.. haha.

Next up: Dee? Run & eat!

 

[tennisfan]

Great start, love the photos. I look forward to the rest

 

[Aurynn]

Day 1: Dee? Run & eat!

After lunch we did Pirates as the queue was only ten minutes long. Ten minutes too long apparently as DB immediately got a bit restless. But we got to the boats without any freak-outs so that was good.

Then DB wanted to do Small World. Hopping back and forth between the different lands would become a constant for this day.

When we got out of Pirates I was lamenting to DB how I wanted a picture with Alice (somehow we have never found her in previous trips) when lo and behold: Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
At first David wasn’t too keen on Dee but once he got to him, shook his hand and the latter had gestured that DB was too tall and he was afraid of him everything was fine.
‘That was fun!’, was his reaction afterwards.

Yes, my photographic skills were only so-so that day: lovely trash can.


The rest of the afternoon we had one reserved access appointment after the other. It was as if every ride we wanted to do had that system: Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan and then Pirates again.

We wanted to see Rapunzel in between two of our appointments but the line was HUGE (& closed by the time we got there). They told us to come back at 3 p.m. the next day for the 4.30 set.

In the mean time we also did Snow White (man that ride is SCARY! Scariest ride for me… now I remember how I didn’t ever want to do it again as a child) and Pinocchio.

After BTM we explored a bit of Frontierland (No Phantom Manor, DB was so not keen on that one) and went on the fort-bit. I didn’t even know you could go on there. New discoveries every time.

Our Buzz-date wasn’t for another half hour afterwards so we got some ice cream and the free drink from the voucher we got at lunch. Ben & Jerry’s. Delicious. Strawberry shortcake for DB and Macadamia nut Chocolate for me. Also: the single scoops are pretty big. I was expecting this tiny bit but the guy behind the counter really FILLED those cups up. Good job.

Next to where we had our ice cream was the Pin Trading cart so in a final effort to find a lanyard for DB’s AP (you have to show your AP every time you show the CM’s your Easy Access Card so a lanyard is very handy) we went over there. And there was a Stitch ToT Starter pin set with a grey lanyard. Score! I quickly picked up a basic blue one with Mickey and Minnie pins to trade and we were set.

By then DB seemed nowhere near as tired as I felt – I guess the driving might have something to do with that – so back to Star Tours it was for our final ride of the day.
Before we went in David got a picture with Darth Vader. It’s really apparent that characters do really notice when you wait patiently to get your turn. All of the ones we encountered really took their time with DB who of course loved that.

But we were there for an important mission to Endor. DB was a bit disappointed that Elena wasn’t at the entrance but who was there when we got to the boarding lines? Exactly: his favourite CM. She just gave DB a big hug (she can actually do this as she’s nearly as tall as he is) and listened very attentively to his explenation about Darth Vader. And then David wanted a picture with her. She first looked confused but then totally went for it, trying to stand as tall next to him as possible. And then in the speeder she tried out her Dutch during the explanations in the speeder: can we say awesome?

After all the fun of today we got really hungry. DB had the choice for dinner and he led the way to one of our favourites: Annette’s.
We had a cool waiter on rollerskates – even though DB thought his name Jerome was something out of a Spike & Suzy (or Willy & Wanda) album – and the food was up to the usual standard.

DB had the cheeseburger and I went for the onion burger. I had hoped to try Annette’s Greatest Hits but they’re no longer on the menu. Pity. I’m hoping they’ll be back after the refurb. Fingers crossed.

We had a final look around the Village shops and then jumped back into the car to go back to our studio and sleep.

 

[DLPdaft]

I'm loving your photos - even with the trashcans (helps me figure out which land you're in at the time lol).

 

[RooMama]

You both look SO happy, esp your DB, I can't wait to take my son (also a HUGE Star Wars fan)

 

[Kazzabelle]

Aww bless your brother, he looks so chuffed with his picture taken with Darth and Chewbacca he really does look like he is having loads of fun, as do you.

It's lovely to hear about CM's that really stand out and make your holiday special.

Looking forward to hearing more

 

[kizzabel]

Great start Aurynn. Your DB looks like hes having the best time and great that he got to meet two of the coolest people from his favourite films.

Looking forward to more

 

[Ms Poppins]

Great! What a shame about the rain at the start, but the Star Wars meet looks fantastic!

 

[t_daniels]

I see Stitch in the title, I'm in!

 

[Aurynn]

Great start, love the photos. I look forward to the rest

Thanks. I'm hoping to get the second day up in the coming two days.

I'm loving your photos - even with the trashcans (helps me figure out which land you're in at the time lol).

Aren't the pink Fantasyland trashcans pretty?

You both look SO happy, esp your DB, I can't wait to take my son (also a HUGE Star Wars fan)

It was a great trip. I'm sure your son'll love it.

Aww bless your brother, he looks so chuffed with his picture taken with Darth and Chewbacca he really does look like he is having loads of fun, as do you.

It's lovely to hear about CM's that really stand out and make your holiday special.

Looking forward to hearing more

He was so excited and happy. He did ask about Natalie Portman being there though... hehe.

Great start Aurynn. Your DB looks like hes having the best time and great that he got to meet two of the coolest people from his favourite films.

Looking forward to more

He was having the best time which led to me having a great time too

Great! What a shame about the rain at the start, but the Star Wars meet looks fantastic!

It was. Thanks

I see Stitch in the title, I'm in!

I'm afraid we didn't get to meet Stitch but it all involves pins and fun

 

[Princess Clayre]

Great start to your trip, Looking forward to hearing more

 

[t_daniels]

I'm afraid we didn't get to meet Stitch but it all involves pins and fun

Aww! Shame. The character in the parks cracks me up. Love all the pictures you've taken! Seems like you guys had a great time.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm joining! I have to admit, I was totally drawn in with the fact that you are from Belgium. I'm assuming that since you mentioned Elena attempting to speak Dutch that you are from Flanders. My mom immigrated from Antwerpen when she was fifteen years old.

Leuk om u te ontmoeten.

 

[Aurynn]

Day 2 – July 14th: Taking a jump and intergalactic spaceship

A much better morning hour today. We woke up at 8:00, took our time for breakfast and were at the Studio's just in time for rope-drop.

The plan was to get an EAC reservation for the Tower first but apparently we could walk right through. We most definitely weren't complaining. Somehow the ride felt more intense than I remembered. Still awesome though.

As we came out of the ride we checked the Tower Hotel shop and DB wanted to take a look at the lanyard of the CM at the registry. The CM loved DB's ToT Stitch pins but the latter didn't want to trade any of them. Very protective (or is that possessive?). Of course later on he changed his mind but I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the CM as they were doubles anyway. Ah well.

After a Crush ride we were off to Toy Story Playland. I was so curious to see the new area. We tried all three new attractions but David's favourite was the Parachute Drop.

I loved Parachute Drop as well, if only for the cool view we had over Toy Story Playland.

We also tried Slinky's Zigzag and RC Racer. We were both a bit apprehensive and a bit nervous about RC Racer but what a kick! It was a lot of fun.

We checked out the little store at the end of the area. DB traded one of my doubles for an awesome Buzz Lightyear pin with the CM there.

Actually we had never before done Stitch Live so today was the day. DB loved it even though I had to translate most of it for him. He chuckled at a guy in the back who had to dance.

 

[Aurynn]

Day 2 – July 14th: Mazes, Hakuna Fries and a long wait

After Stitch Live we went back to the Disneyland Parc. A quick visit to the Disneyland Hotel and some pictures in front of the caslte before trying to find Alice & Mad Hatter in Fantasyland. Trying.

Alas, no Alice in sight but we did see the Tweedles again. It was hilarious to see Dum sign the kids' autograph books upside down. One boy nearly freaked out when he saw Dum turning the book. Hehe. It was funny.

As we were right there we did Alice's maze. We got some nice pictures with the sun coming through.

Then we got EAC reservations for Peter Pan and Pirates for right after lunch.

For lunch we went to Hakuna Matata. As we were getting inside we saw Lesley, Patrick and their son Oliver and daughter Alice. We chatted for a bit but as DB was really hungry we agreed to see them in Fantasyland later in the afternoon for our Star Tours date. After our reservations we were planning to go see Rapunzel and then we'd text them to meet up.

DB and I both had the kebab with hakuna fries and we shared a Fanta and fruit salad. I have to say that this is one of my favourite counter service lunches I've had in the parks. We finished just in time for our reservations.


At 15:00 we headed to Fantasyland to see Rapunzel. When we asked the day before the CM told us to come at 15:00 sharp and that we'd be in plenty of time. Erm... not. By the time we got there the line went as far as the bridge at Au Chalet de la Marionette. Since this was one of the only characters I wanted to see we got in line. For an hour and a half.

Actually DB did really really well as we waited. He took the camera and took pictures, sat around on the chairs close to Dombo and then had an ice cream. He got really excited as Flynn Rider came into the line to say hi and take pictures. He was really nice and DB loved him. He very proudly showed each of his pins and Flynn looked really interested. Awful beard though... hehe. Also he was clearly jealous of DB's height... hehe.

Rapunzel was lovely and very sweet. Patrick had spotted us as we were at the very beginning of the line, right before it was our turn. We could give them our bags and Lesley was so nice to take our picture with Rapunzel with our camera as well as her own.

Next up: Star Tours initiation and fast friends

 

[Aurynn]

I'm joining! I have to admit, I was totally drawn in with the fact that you are from Belgium. I'm assuming that since you mentioned Elena attempting to speak Dutch that you are from Flanders. My mom immigrated from Antwerpen when she was fifteen years old.

Leuk om u te ontmoeten.

Yes we're from the coast in Flanders. Leuk om je hier te hebben