Tentative sechedule...How does it sound ?

[Bexx]

The TGV is great - not only quick, but so smooth and comfortable. We very nearly fell asleep on the way back, after our day visit - it could have been disastrous!! But even with just hand luggage, we still found the whole thing a bit of a chore and, at the end of the day, it is only a train!! I think you're very wise opting for the easier option at the moment.

Apart from there being so much else to do, another reason why we probably don't go swimming is because we always visit in winter. Somehow it just doesn't seem worth taking all those layers off!!!

 

[jillrobinson]

I thought the pool sounded like a great idea last time, as we were there for 6 days I thought we'd definatley have the time to use it. As it was the one evening we got back early with the intention of swimming before bed, I popped into the hotel shop to get some gifts and when I got to our room everyone was asleep.

 

[martinacris]

I think I'll take the swimming suits ( just in case...even though I'm sure we won't go..) just the thought of the layers...aaaaggghh !! Jill, maybe you can help me here...you said you were there for 6 days...how did you go about dinner ? Did you go back to the hotel early afternoon to relax, or have the children take a nap ? Did you go and take a shower and change, ? Would you go then for dinner ? If so , at what time ? I have to take into consideration that the days being shorter, and colder ,everything is a bit more complicated.


You see, my DH keeps saying that the girls are too young to go to DLP, that the youngest one who still sleeps in the afternoon will be too tired...and bla blah.. Since this vacation is a gift from my parents, I just wished he would be a bit more enthusiastic. ..

I even thought of changing my reservation for April or May of next year...the only thing I have paid ( or my parents) has been the air plane, which I can change for a later date paying a small penalty. My DLP booking will be charged on my parents' credit card this Friday...

So you can all imagine that one day I keep going with my plans,..and the other day I think of post poning them...but then again, I think we all need a break and just the thought of going away as a family I thought would be a great idea. ...So now that you have more information...how should I deal with the dinner arrangements...I don't want this trip to be a marathon...where we have to run like crazy all over the park, being in lines, in the cold...and hearing a DH saying " I told you....we should not have come "

 

[Bexx]

I'm not Jill (obviously!) - but here are my thoughts anyway!

The Disneyland Park will be open to 10 pm every night you are there, so going back to the hotel in the afternoon to relax will work fine. But it will be busy the whole time you are there.

Seeing the Christmas decorations, Fantillusion etc is wonderful, but it is very likely that it will be COLD!

Sorry if there are some negatives there, but I'm sure it's all things you've thought about. For me, personally, the pay off of visiting when it's cold, is that we try to go when the parks are reasonably quiet. But if crowds and cold weather don't really bother you, then it's an absolutely wonderful time to be at DLP

 

[Sarah Sarill]

Martina,

My DD was 3 when we first went with family. We sort of planned our days around her sleep pattern. As soon as she was up and we had all eaten breakfast we went to the parks. This meant we were there for opening times and things were a little quieter than later in the day.

We had a snack when she got hungry, usually about 12ish and immediately went back to the hotel for her to have her sleep. The few hours also gave my Mum a chance for a rest, hubby a chance for a swin and me a chance to tidy up and get organised for the next outing.

We then went again at about 4ish, had a coffee/cake in the village and stayed until DD needed food and then home to sleep.

I would estimate we had about 6 hours in the parks each day which is enough in that cold. I few times she fell asleep in her buggy (which we took with us) , we wrapped her up warm and just did the rides she was not tall enough to do.

With childrens its a case of having to 'go with their flow'- if they get grumpy becasue they are tired it just spoils it for the rest of the party.

Thats how we managed our trip and hope it helps with your Martina.

 

[martinacris]

Thanks Becky and Sarah for your thougths...I'm taking everything into consideration.

I really like the idea of going back to the hotel after lunch,. Originally I had thought of going back arounf 4, but I guess with the cold and with the girls being tired, I'm afraid they'll sleep until dinner time !

I was just wondering, if you would go back to the park around 4pm...around waht time did you have dinner ? Did you have ll ayour rest. booked ?

Ah...another question ..but this one my DH asked me this morning...( hopefully he'll get into the Disney Mood !!) How are breakfasts at the Newport ? Besides, croissants, cereal, juice and coffee...is there anything else, like cold cuts, or eggs ?

 

[Sarah Sarill]

Unfortunately we were not as well organised in relation to booked restaurants on our first visit - we just ate when DD was hungry and wherever we were. Usually anythime between 6 and 8pm.

The breakfast at Admirals Club was like most continental fayre but in a lovely, usually quiet setting. Plenty of cut meats, cereals, yoghurts, croissants, cakes etc. Cant remember seeing eggs though (perhaps someone else can help there).

Fresh juice, squash, teas coffee etc. Try to get a seat in the conservatory area as it overlooks the lake. We had some stunning (7am) shots of the mist and snow a few times.

We kept any empty bottles and filled up each morning with squash just in case DD gets thirsty and we are in a queue or not long away from food.

 

[jillrobinson]

Hi Martina,
First of all your children are the perfect age especially at Christmas. My DS was 4, my niece was 3, incidently she asks almost as often as I do when we can go again.

In March '04 it was extremely cold, sleeting or freezing rain most of the time, it's not pleasant but you can go well prepared, lots of spare gloves, hats, boots,etc. and plenty of lip balm. The parks have always closed early when we've been, so we've always tended to stay until closing and then eat in the Village on our way back to the hotel. To be honest by about 6.00/7.00pm I'm ready to call it a day anyway and to do something a little more relaxing.

I'd definately consider hiring a buggy, it'll help you get around quicker, the younger child have a nap and the older will enjoy a ride on the buggy board. I agree with Sarah you'll have to be guided by the children, once they've had enough, whether it's the cold or tiredness it's time for a break.

I will keep my fingers crossed that the VIP breakfast will be available for you, both Sarah and I were lucky enough to benefit from this. In which case you have a wonderful selection of food with the option for cooked breakfast to order at an extra charge. If not I think you can order extras at extra charge in the other restaurants anyway, or being on the Admiral's Floor you could choose to have your breakfast delivered to your room (delivery charge 10 euros) just checked the Room Service menu I brought back and the choice is:
Orange or Grapefruit juice
Coffee/Tea/Chocolate
Ham & Cheese Platter
Fresh fruit Salad
Yoghurt (natural or fruit)
Cereals (Special K, FruitnFibre, Smacks, Coco Pops)
Bakery basket (bread rolls and pastries)
This is the usual breakfast selection from the restaurants and in addition
A la Carte (Extra Charge)
American Platter (eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, grilled tomatoes) 6,20 euros
Scrambled egg Platter 4,50 euros

Hope this helps and you can stop worrying and start looking forward to your holiday.

 

[martinacris]

Thank you Jill so much for the information. We are going so the girls enjoy themeselves, so we might as well take it easy. I thought of taking my own stroller, but do the ones in DLP allow the oldest child to stand up and be pushed around ?

I already have a small notebook where I am writing everything to buy / and pack- My piggy bank is getting heavier and heavier with the €1 and €2 I am putting inside each time I find one in my pocket..

.and of course one of the best parts is reading this board and sharing with all of you !!

 

[Bexx]

I thought of taking my own stroller, but do the ones in DLP allow the oldest child to stand up and be pushed around ?

Yes they do, which is a plus!! But, unless I got a complete dud, I found the DLP pushchairs to be much more cumbersome than any (of the many) I've ever owned!! And don't forget you can't take them out of the parks.

Sorry if I'm sounding like the voice of doom and gloom on your thread Martina - I'm just trying to be practical!!!

 

[martinacris]

Please Becky...don't worry. That is why I love this board...real opinions and different point of views. I believe we will rent a stroller ( if we need one)..and that way avoid the hassle of taking one on the plane with us. My girls don't use it, but in this case...it would not be fair to the oldest one to have to walk when her sister gets pushed around...If at all, one gets pushed but the other can stan behind and get pushed around too !!

I read about taking locks...does this apply to the DLP strollers...?

Once again, you have no idea how I appreciate your comments...andything to make my trip a great one !!