The Crawford's first time at DLP 18th-25th July 2009

[Carpgirl]

The Cast:

Me - 38 Disney park fan, but not especially anything else Disney to be honest.
DH - 41 Loves carp fishing & theme parks.
DS - Ben 7 Loves Pokemon.
DD - Emma 4 Loves glitter, colouring, art.
DM - My mum, 64, loves the grandkids.
DF - My dad, 70, loves watching football, & all sport.

Saturday 18th July.

Won't bore you with too many details.
We set off at 9.00 a.m from Jersey by ferry in my parents 7 seater. Uneventful crossing. Drive down to Paris seemed to take forever. After a very quick stop, & a couple of wrong turnings we evetually arrived at 5.30.
Found our apartment easily and lady met us and showed us around.

6.30 - Desperate to get to parks, but needed petrol (down to last 5 miles according to digital display), and food from Auchan.

To be continued.......

 

[Carpgirl]

Sorry, just had to put the kids to bed.

Anyway, quickly phoned Fifi Rose as she was due to sponsor 2 APs for us, and had been expecting to meet up with us tonight, but couldn't get through.

We knew Auchan was closed on Sundays, so had to get stuff. Drove there to find we didn't fit under the barrier thingy with the roof box on and that was where the petrol and supermarket were.
Back to apartment with even less petrol now to take roof box off and leave it in garden. Drove back to petrol to find only cards were accepted, ahhhhhhh
Then, from nowhere, I suddenly remembered. There were more pumps underground that accepted cash. If the Dis person who posted this info had been there, I would have kissed them, so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU whoever you are!

By the time we had done our shopping, it was about 8.30 and we hadn't eaten, were really tired and it didn't look as if we would make it to the park.
Wanted to buy APs, and wouldn't be able to sleep with that so close and yet so far feeling, so off we went.

Paid for APs at some kiosk (Guest Relations??). CM took 15% shareholders discount off DH, DS, DM & DF APs even though DM & DF are not at the same address.. Me & DD had already bought temporary APs online before the child under 7 free offer expired.

By now it was 9.45, quite cold, dark and raining heavily, and we didn't have a clue where anything was.
Managed to find AP office. No wait at all. Then, yay we all had APs.

Straight off to BTM, but found PM instead. Was a walk on, so went on that. Kids not scared, they loved it.
Found BTM next, 10 mins later we were on. Don't know if it wasn't as tame as we were expecting, or if we were all just tired and feeling silly, but we all screamed all the way. Loved it in the dark
Really tired now, so off to bed. Trying to get out of the park, we found that Fantillusion was just starting. Found a great spot where we could all see. People must have left because of the rain, which had now stopped.
We all found it totally magical and were waving and shouting the characters names like crazy. We were so tired, it was all a bit surreal.
Then at 11.00, the fireworks started. DD had been so desperate to see them but was falling to sleep on DHs shoulders.
Staggered off home, stuffed our faces with a bit of everything we had bought, then crashed into bed.

 

[Ms Poppins]

I'm knackered just reading that

Glad you liked BTM - never tried in the dark, but would love to.

 

[A Small World]

Fantastic start

 

[Dianetigger]

Fabulous start, looking forward to the rest! BTM in the dark - one of my favourites and something I hopefully plan to do more than once this visit!

 

[PJackson]

Gosh you managed to get a lot done considering you only had a short time on the first night!

Look forward to hearing more

 

[Carpgirl]

Sunday 19th July

Kids woke up at 9.00. There was never a chance of making it to EMH anyway.

By the time we had all had breakfast, & showered we made it to the Studios at 12.10.

As soon as we entered we saw Minnie meet and greet. DD was really excited, so we queued up, whilst DH ran off to buy an autograph book and pen. By 12.15 though Minnie had finished so DD never got a turn, so she cried (for 5 seconds). DF explained that 'the lady must have needed a cup of tea'. No idea that the whole magic is that it's the 'real' Minnie. Don't think he really 'gets' Disney.
Then Chip & Dale arrived and the 'scrum' for them was non existent so we got photos.

DSs favourite Stitch was there too, but more of a scrum for him and DS wouldn't push, so we just left it.

Desperate to do TOT, we looked for the Fastpass bit, only to find there were none left for the day. So we joined the 45 min queue.
DS said he loved it, but looked pretty scared, and DD really was very scared.

Off to Stitch Live! next. We were 1st in the queue for the English version, but thought we'd wait the 20 mins.
We all loved it, especially DS.

Saw that Cars ride was only a 10 min wait, so DH, DS, & DD went on that, (I don't do spinning rides after a really bad Legoland experience).

3.10, only 5 mins till the English version of Playhouse Disney was about to start. I loved seeing the look on DDs face during this. She joined in with everything and was so excited.

Checked the main board to see that Flying Carpets only had a 5 min wait, so did that.

No rain at all so far. My perfect weather as I don't like the heat. Warm, but overcast.

Decided to venture over to the park now. Got the kids some Candyfloss on Main Street.

IASW was walk on and Teacups 15 mins so we did both of these.

We had decided in the morning that we would eat at Cafe Mickey tonight. We hadn't stopped for lunch, just picked at crackers & fruit. I had hardly picked at all, as I was really looking forward to Cafe Mickey. The others had obviously picked a bit too much though, as everyone declared they were not hungry and didn't want to bother.

I was starving and even knew what I was going to order!!!!!

Never mind, back to apartment for pizza & coleslaw. And a few too many glasses of very cheap fizzy white wine with orange juice. Well, I'm sulking.

Better get to bed now as EMH is planned for the morning. (Never gonna happen).

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

 

[A Small World]

Great to have a live report - shame you didnt get to Cafe Mickey

Have a great day tomorrow

 

[Dianetigger]

Fab day, shame about Cafe Mickey, hope you get to eat there at some point of your trip.

 

[scampbunny]

loving the live report - thanks!!!!!!

hope u got in for emh and really hope u get to cafe mickey (maybe today??)

 

[Carpgirl]

Monday 20th July

Set alarm for 6.30. I never get up early on holiday, usually still lazing about in my PJs at lunch time. But EMH were calling.

Parked up in the front row of the main car park by 7.50 and had to wait for the gates to open. Straight on to Buzz, which we all loved. I remembered the tips about Zurg, but my aim was terrible, so I only got 6900.
Over to Orbitron which the kids really liked, but I felt as if I was going to fall out.
Over to Fantasyland for Pinocchio, but it wasn't opening till 3.00. Thought Snow White would be open instead, but it wasn't. Oh well. Peter Pan it was then. Kids loved it & wanted to go straight back round, but the wait time had crept up by then, so we went over to the Carousel, and Dumbo.

It was only 9.30, & we had done pretty much everything we wanted to do. Back to Space Mountain, which only had a 5 min wait, so me & DH decided to go for it whilst grandparents took kids on Buzz again.
I was glad DS had been too short to ride it. I think he'd have hated it. Really bashes your head around. I was trying hard to push my head back in to the headrest but it was still being bashed around. I must be getting old. I used to love these rides when I was 21
We hadn't done POTC yet, so we decided to queue up for rope drop.
DD seemed scared & snuggled into me, but I couldn't tell if she really was as she sometimes plays up to her girly image on purpose & pretends to be scared.
Straight over to BTM to get fastpasses for later. We wanted to get 2 sets (an extra set with our ebay fastpasses), but the ebay ones didn't work. I tried them upside down and back to front, but they just wouldn't work. The CM noticed I was having trouble & asked to see what tickets I had He asked 'How long have you had these?' I said 'Not long'. Was hoping he wouldn't ask where I'd got them from & he didn't. He just gave me 6 fastpasses for later. Phew!

We were all starving by now as we hadn't had breakfast before we left so decided to try out Salon Mickey.
We knew where it was but had trouble actually getting to it from inside the park, as all the turnstiles were for coming in not going out. The ones for going out seemed to be as far away from Salon Mickey as you could get and then you had to walk all the way round again
The CM said straight away that we were 1 too many, but that she'd let us off just this once. We were told we could have 2 things each from a Mickey brioche, a croissant, a cookie & a muffin. There were bottles of water & orange juice in a fridge & a machine for hot drinks. She did tell us that we couldn't take anything with us, & must finish it there. I found it quite a formal atmosphere, and started talking in a posher voice like my phone voice. for some reason.
Back to BTM to use our 2 sets of fastpasses. Gotta love this ride
DD had been sooo good & not asked to go on anything that we decided it was time for a Princess meet & greet. It was pretty hot by now (12.30), so the adults took it in turns to queue for her as she sat in the shade. Belle & Ariel were taking turns but DD didn't care who she got. In the end, after about 45 min wait, she got Ariel, who was so lovely I wanted a hug.I think it hepled that she was American, as it felt as though she should be, if you know what I mean.

Oh & we got Buzz fastpasses (only 1 set as ebay ones wouldn't work) while we waited in the Princess queue.
Thought we'd try Nautilus next. What is that all aboutWe should have guessed by the 0 min wait that it wasn't gonna be great. HISTA was showing a 10 min wait, so we went for this next. The cheesy Kodak pre-show had us all losing the will to live. The show itself was ruined by the loud French version that you had to concentrate so hard to block out & the mice & sneezing dog effects didn't seem to work for everyone.

We were all hungry by now so we discussed our food plans. Here we go!
Dad said he only wanted a little snack as he'd eat 'at home' later as there was plenty of food at home for his main meal. I could tell he really couldn't get his head around paying for Cafe Mickey when you're staying in an apartment & can cook Spaghetti Carbonara for all of us for about £3. Characters Dad Characters aaaaaand we are on holiday!

So, off to Pizza Planet for a Pizza Burger for me uuummmmmm, don't know what I thought of it really.
Kids had a great time in the play area whilst we were deciding & queueing.
It was now 4.30 and we decided to call it a day. Back home via the Emporium where DD bought a really small toy Minnie with a set of rubber clothes which are impossible for a 4 year old to get on & off without ripping even if you pull Minnie's head & hands off

Spagetti with Dolmio Express Carbonara sauce (which they bought over with them) for dinner. Yum yum. Who'd want to go to Cafe Mickey
Night night.

P.S You can't have failed to notice the lack of photos. Well I will get to grips with technical stuff like that soon & add them. Honest!
ZZZZZZZ

 

[A Small World]

Another fun filled day but no cafe mickey again

Maybe you need to go there alone tomorrow


Im another one who feels Im going to fall out of Orbitron - Id rather do TOT than this

 

[PJackson]

Oh my, still no Cafe Mickey Go on your own!!!

I think Ariel must have been the one we met in Auberge last year (can't be many American ones?) she was soooo nice, as was her 'Eric' who too was American. They were so lovely to DD1, I could have cried .

Bit disconcerting that the ebay passes didn't work (suppose you take the chance?). We have some from our last trip but never used them, was thinking of taking this time but a bit worried they won't work. I've heard you can get escorted out of the park if found with 'hooky' passes so it's good to know the CM didn't bother too much

Hoping you manage Cafe Mickey tomorrow

 

[FiFi Rose]

Hi Glad you're having a great time. Sorry we missed you. I think we may have been in BBWWS when you phoned, we were at the 6.30 showing. We wre probably on PM beside one another to get out of the rain later

 

[DLPdaft]

Loving this live report, and loving the happiness thats spilling out of most folk's posts as they are returning from DLRP over the last week or so .

How are you coping with Dad not letting you all get to Cafe Mickey yet? Please let me read tomorrow that you just made him go with you !

 

[millmolly]

Hi- just wondering who you bought your Fast Passes fom on Ebay- we've bought some in preparation for our 1st DLRP trip in August and are just apprehensive whether they'll work or not?
Millmolly

 

[DLPdaft]

Hi millmolly,
Elaine, Jackie, Elaine and Reid welcome you to the DLP DIS board

We are a friendly bunch here so please join in on any other thread or if you have a number of questions then just start a new thread for each

If you have not had a look yet, DLP posting rules are here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477038,
DIS posting guidelines can be found here
http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm

 

[Carpgirl]

Hi

I don't know if I'm allowed to say.

If a Mod can let me know, then I'll be happy to.

 

[DLPdaft]

millmolly can receive private messages from you, but you'd need to include your email address for her to reply to you until she has made a few more posts .

 

[Carpgirl]

Tuesday 21st July

BTW thanks for all your replies everyone

Today we had promised DS we would do Crush.

Didn't set alarms, but were all up in plenty of time to be in the Studios by 9.30 waiting.
Then DF announces he won't be a minute, he's just off to Auchun to buy a baguette to take with him.

Eventually made it to the Studios at 10.00 & walked really quickly to Crush. 120 mins wait already By looking at the info board all day, I would say that unless you get in as the doors open, then you'd just as well lave it till much later.
Me, DH & DS had decided to rush ahead to do Crush & DD & Grandparents were walking leisurely behind us. As soon as we realised we wouldn't be doing Crush we rang them. They were outside IASW
Anyway, grabbed Fastpasses for TOT then went to do RNRC as it was only 10mins wait. Wohhh, that start bit
Met up with the others, then did the Tram Tour. It was OK.
11.30 by now so Mum, DH & DS did TOT while me Dad & DD chilled in the shade.
It doesn't take much to keep DD amused, & she was really happy playing with her pink foil streamer from Playhouse Disney show. She was tying it round the cafe chairs & round her buggy. It had become her favourite thing.

I needed the loo, so left DD with my Dad. When I came back he said 'She's lost half her streamer'. 'What how do you lose half of it?' I said.
Turns out she wasn't right by the streamer & it was tied to a chair so lady passed with her little boy, untied it & took it. My Dad ran after them & explained that it was DDs & she was playing with it. The woman said she wasn't & that it was just left there. Then she decided that her little boy could at least have half & took out a pair of scissors & cut it in half.
My poor Dad was totally stunned. Typical DD, she decided it had been a bit long anyway

Didn't really stop for a proper lunch. Spent the day doing TOT, or RNRC using Fastpasses.

DD & me did Playhouse Disney show again with Grandparents while DH & DS did Armageddon.
The show takes over 300 people all sitting on the floor & the crush from the pre show to get against the doors ready to run to a good spot was pretty scary. DD loved it again though. The boys didn't rate Armageddon, especially as they had waited in the sun for ages.

At 15.45 we all did Animagique & we loved it.

Decided by 16.45 that I wanted us to have a good spot for Stars & Cars so stood against the ropes opposite the stage. DH & DS saw that Crush was only 60 mins, so went to queue for that.
No one tried to push in front of us, but just as the show was about to start a very polite man did ask if he could stand in front of us, as he wanted to take some good photos. We both looked at each other as if we'd heard him wrong Nice try mate!

Went to meet the boys off Crush. They loved it & thought it was worth the wait. DS said it wasn't as good as RNRC though.

It was baking hot by now & we all needed to cool down. Cafe Mickey anyone??
Thay all agreed

Hadn't booked & it looked pretty full, but they had a table. Walked in & were really grateful for the aircon.......till they showed us through to the conservatory bit. 'Welcome to Africa' our waiter said. You know what's coming don't you???? Yup, everyone decided it was too hot to stay, & we'd book for another night & say we wanted a table in the main bit

So, off to my second choice, the Rainforest.

The Rainbow Colada was to die for. Think I'll do a review when I get back, so I'll leave it at that.

Got back in the car. Display said 29 degrees. Dropped to 27 when we started driving. No breeze either. Too hot!!

Back home to flake out.

ZZZZZZZ