Millies Daddy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2007
- Messages
- 132
The day with the tummy ache, Disney Studios and the fireworks
The day started badly with DD complaining of a tummy ache at 0445 and being restless until after 0600. DS started stirring at 0645 so already we were all tired before we began. The weather didnt help either it was that horrible persistent fine drizzle that soaks everything. Never mind. It wont stop us making the most of it!!
I had planned breakfast for the later time of 0915 due to the planned fireworks last night. So we all enjoyed a lazy start to the day. Breakfast was busier than I expected and we all filled up on ham and cheese rolls, croissants and pan au chocolate. That is all, except DD who was feeling a little sorry for herself!! On our way to the bus we spied Pluto outside the hotel so it was chance for us to get our first group photo together. It turned out quite nice as well!
Our plan was to spend the day at the Studios but I secretly doubted that we would spend the whole day here due to the weather. Once were in it was straight to Toy Story Land. It looked even better than I thought it would. The theming was outstanding. We managed to get straight on the Slinky ride which was very pleasing on the eye but very rickety in operation. Not as smooth as Dino Safari used to be at Legoland. I tried to make use of the single rider lane in RC Racer but embarrassingly I couldnt fit. It was about two centimetres from engaging but the cast member refused to help. It is the first ride I have never been able to ride and I dont feel that I am that fat!! The theming in the queue line was fantastic and really set the mood. It appeared that the ride was very short time wise but I am still gutted I missed it.
We made our way out of Toy Story Land after a quick shot in front of Rex to take in the Animagique Show. The parachute ride had yet to open and Crushes Coaster had a technical problem. Animagique is truly one of the highlights of any trip to Disneyland Paris. We like to sit nearer the back in the middle. Not too close so you can see what is going on because we think it ruins the illusion. The kids were spellbound and Thomas loved it. He said he couldnt remember it from last year.
It was straight across the Moteurs Action. Once again this show was brilliant. The good guys car had a problem that needed to get replaced but the show was soon back on track. Thomas was in awe of the man on fire!!
Lunchtime had soon crept up on us so it was time for a quick snack from the Blockbuster Cafe. We had the Croque Monsieur which was large, filling and tasty. This was washed down with the obligatory cup of hot chocolate. The kids had rolls that we made from breakfast. We used to frown upon people like us but came realise that it was a better option than filling them with junk.
Next up was Stitch Live. This is the first time I had seen this show and I thought it was very good. Poor Dan from Swindon was the bad guy! The use of the technology was good but did seem slightly laboured. The kids loved it though so that is all that matters.
We timed it just right so that when we came out it was almost time for the parade. We had to choose our position carefully because last year we thought we had the top place only for the parade to split and go around us which meant we only got to see half the cars close up. This time it didnt make any difference because they did a tear drop loop and disappeared. A bit of an anti climax because last year they all got out and danced. I am guessing it is to do with the weather. Never mind, onwards and upwards, literally. DS and I joined the ten minute queue for Tower of Terror. I love this ride with the excellent theming and build up. DS didnt enjoy it quite as much though. He didnt do badly for a four year old though!! We did the whole ride in just over thirty minutes.
It was then time to see Donald and Buzz to collect some autographs in the kids newly acquired autograph books. The queues were tiny and the kids had both autographs and photos in a little less than ten minutes. We then made our way across to see Cinemagique. This show kept us all enthralled for the whole duration. I and DW always find it amusing to see the star of the show arrived and quietly take their place amongst the unsuspecting audience!
It had now reached 1615 and we decided to go to the main park to catch the parade. I stopped by Caseys Diner to get some hot chocolate bought with the vouchers given away with our lunch receipt which gives one free hot drink in certain restaurants between 1500 and 1830.
We stood next to Main Street station to watch the parade and successfully resisted the repeated attempts of people to push in. This really is one of my biggest bugbears and the parks, that and the unnecessary smoking everywhere. The parade was great again and with the added Christmas element makes it unmissable!! The wooden soldiers are absolutely terrific!
It was now time to leave to make sure me could have a quick breather before our 1800 reservation at the Chuck Wagon.
The Chuck Wagon has been a bit of a hidden gem to us. We hadnt even considered it as a dining option in the planning stages until DW spotted it in someones trip report. For the same price as a usual evening meal we could have as much starters, mains and desert as we could possible eat. The choice was huge. Ribs, chicken, meatballs, ratatouille, pasta, salad cart, rolls, pork, chips, chicken nuggets, pizza, rice, fruit and veg, loads of desert choices including tarts, cheese and chocolate mousse. I cant remember everything but you get the idea!! DW has decided that we will change our night at King Ludvigs and pay a return visit. We would usually have the Beef Stroganoff which cost the same as the whole buffet at the Chuck Wagon and there are far more choices for the kids including fruit and veg!!
Fully sated it was time for a quick chill out before we departed for the fireworks. We found a suitable location to watch the show. On the main path to Newport Bay next to the New York. It was an inspired choice because it didnt get too busy and the view was magic. Prior to the show DS dropped his Glostick that he was waving and got a little upset. I told him it had a better view than us where it had landed!!That is also the best description for the fireworks show. If I ever see a fireworks show as good as that I will be one happy man. The choreography between the light show, music and fireworks was simply sensational. The start where Mickey passed us by in the boat while orchestrating the light show and blasts of coloured fire like in fantasia was a cracking start which was quickly surpassed by the thumping music and fireworks that were loud, colourful and timed to perfection. When the rock music started you quickly realise what a great background it is to the more explosive fireworks. At the end the round of applause was thoroughly deserved. We left a very happy family. It was well worth the wait.
So the end of another day and the kids have held up well. They are completely exhausted but they keep on going. I have told them they can sleep on the way home in the car!!
The day started badly with DD complaining of a tummy ache at 0445 and being restless until after 0600. DS started stirring at 0645 so already we were all tired before we began. The weather didnt help either it was that horrible persistent fine drizzle that soaks everything. Never mind. It wont stop us making the most of it!!
I had planned breakfast for the later time of 0915 due to the planned fireworks last night. So we all enjoyed a lazy start to the day. Breakfast was busier than I expected and we all filled up on ham and cheese rolls, croissants and pan au chocolate. That is all, except DD who was feeling a little sorry for herself!! On our way to the bus we spied Pluto outside the hotel so it was chance for us to get our first group photo together. It turned out quite nice as well!
Our plan was to spend the day at the Studios but I secretly doubted that we would spend the whole day here due to the weather. Once were in it was straight to Toy Story Land. It looked even better than I thought it would. The theming was outstanding. We managed to get straight on the Slinky ride which was very pleasing on the eye but very rickety in operation. Not as smooth as Dino Safari used to be at Legoland. I tried to make use of the single rider lane in RC Racer but embarrassingly I couldnt fit. It was about two centimetres from engaging but the cast member refused to help. It is the first ride I have never been able to ride and I dont feel that I am that fat!! The theming in the queue line was fantastic and really set the mood. It appeared that the ride was very short time wise but I am still gutted I missed it.
We made our way out of Toy Story Land after a quick shot in front of Rex to take in the Animagique Show. The parachute ride had yet to open and Crushes Coaster had a technical problem. Animagique is truly one of the highlights of any trip to Disneyland Paris. We like to sit nearer the back in the middle. Not too close so you can see what is going on because we think it ruins the illusion. The kids were spellbound and Thomas loved it. He said he couldnt remember it from last year.
It was straight across the Moteurs Action. Once again this show was brilliant. The good guys car had a problem that needed to get replaced but the show was soon back on track. Thomas was in awe of the man on fire!!
Lunchtime had soon crept up on us so it was time for a quick snack from the Blockbuster Cafe. We had the Croque Monsieur which was large, filling and tasty. This was washed down with the obligatory cup of hot chocolate. The kids had rolls that we made from breakfast. We used to frown upon people like us but came realise that it was a better option than filling them with junk.
Next up was Stitch Live. This is the first time I had seen this show and I thought it was very good. Poor Dan from Swindon was the bad guy! The use of the technology was good but did seem slightly laboured. The kids loved it though so that is all that matters.
We timed it just right so that when we came out it was almost time for the parade. We had to choose our position carefully because last year we thought we had the top place only for the parade to split and go around us which meant we only got to see half the cars close up. This time it didnt make any difference because they did a tear drop loop and disappeared. A bit of an anti climax because last year they all got out and danced. I am guessing it is to do with the weather. Never mind, onwards and upwards, literally. DS and I joined the ten minute queue for Tower of Terror. I love this ride with the excellent theming and build up. DS didnt enjoy it quite as much though. He didnt do badly for a four year old though!! We did the whole ride in just over thirty minutes.
It was then time to see Donald and Buzz to collect some autographs in the kids newly acquired autograph books. The queues were tiny and the kids had both autographs and photos in a little less than ten minutes. We then made our way across to see Cinemagique. This show kept us all enthralled for the whole duration. I and DW always find it amusing to see the star of the show arrived and quietly take their place amongst the unsuspecting audience!
It had now reached 1615 and we decided to go to the main park to catch the parade. I stopped by Caseys Diner to get some hot chocolate bought with the vouchers given away with our lunch receipt which gives one free hot drink in certain restaurants between 1500 and 1830.
We stood next to Main Street station to watch the parade and successfully resisted the repeated attempts of people to push in. This really is one of my biggest bugbears and the parks, that and the unnecessary smoking everywhere. The parade was great again and with the added Christmas element makes it unmissable!! The wooden soldiers are absolutely terrific!
It was now time to leave to make sure me could have a quick breather before our 1800 reservation at the Chuck Wagon.
The Chuck Wagon has been a bit of a hidden gem to us. We hadnt even considered it as a dining option in the planning stages until DW spotted it in someones trip report. For the same price as a usual evening meal we could have as much starters, mains and desert as we could possible eat. The choice was huge. Ribs, chicken, meatballs, ratatouille, pasta, salad cart, rolls, pork, chips, chicken nuggets, pizza, rice, fruit and veg, loads of desert choices including tarts, cheese and chocolate mousse. I cant remember everything but you get the idea!! DW has decided that we will change our night at King Ludvigs and pay a return visit. We would usually have the Beef Stroganoff which cost the same as the whole buffet at the Chuck Wagon and there are far more choices for the kids including fruit and veg!!
Fully sated it was time for a quick chill out before we departed for the fireworks. We found a suitable location to watch the show. On the main path to Newport Bay next to the New York. It was an inspired choice because it didnt get too busy and the view was magic. Prior to the show DS dropped his Glostick that he was waving and got a little upset. I told him it had a better view than us where it had landed!!That is also the best description for the fireworks show. If I ever see a fireworks show as good as that I will be one happy man. The choreography between the light show, music and fireworks was simply sensational. The start where Mickey passed us by in the boat while orchestrating the light show and blasts of coloured fire like in fantasia was a cracking start which was quickly surpassed by the thumping music and fireworks that were loud, colourful and timed to perfection. When the rock music started you quickly realise what a great background it is to the more explosive fireworks. At the end the round of applause was thoroughly deserved. We left a very happy family. It was well worth the wait.
So the end of another day and the kids have held up well. They are completely exhausted but they keep on going. I have told them they can sleep on the way home in the car!!
