IsobelJackmummy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2009
- Messages
- 489
Having received so much help/information from reading other reports, I thought it was only fair to jot down our experience! We were all first timers at DLRP
The cast
me (35), been to Florida twice, but pre children so a very different holiday!
DH (35), Disney sceptic, but prepared to give it a go
DD (3), princess fanatic, but especially Belle, hence the title!
DS (1), fan of cars and Toy story, but happy anywhere so long as he can eat cake!
Day one
We set off from the Wirral on the Saturday morning, and had an uneventful four and a half hour trip to Folkstone (yey for in car DVD!). Stayed at the Hoilday Inn Express right near the tunnel (to be honest any nearer and I think you would be sleeping in the tunnel!). Great hotel, highly recommend. Family room cost £50 including breakfast, with free parking. Also there is a Tesco right next door, so great for stocking up, and filling the car before we set off to France.
Day two
We arrived at the tunnel check in an hour early on the sunday, all too excited to sleep! this experience was so easy, self check in is a breeze! We were allowed to book in for an earlier train at no additional charge, so within 20 minutes, we were setting off for Calais.
We were using the sat nav, so finding our way upon leaving the tunnel was quite straight forward, and 3 hours later (and 20 euros in tolls lighter) we arrived at the Seqoiua Lodge hotel.
Our room was ready, so we went to dump our things before heading to the parks. Our room key didn't work, and when the lady from reception checked it, the master key didn't either. Within minutes we were moved to a montana room on the same floor as reception, very handy for breakfast, and no long trek back to the room after a long day. Result
It was Sunday afternoon when we got into the park, first stop Caseys corner to use the first of our free lunch vouchers
thumbsup2 to free dining, saved us loads!). I must say I had been warned on this site that they don't do 'fast' food at Disney....how true! The woman who was serving me got distracted and then started serving someone else! I didn't realise what had happened as I was watching DD run around, until someone else behind the counter picked up my food and asked who's it was. She was very apologetic and threw in a free souvenier cup and some Mickey Brioche (yum!). We sat and ate our lunch watching 'Its party time with Mickey and friends', which got us all in the Disney mood. After some time spent in Fantasy land (teacups and Dumbo), we had a wander about, but the park was busy, so we then headed back to the hotel to unpack, and have some dinner at Hunters Grill (very nice buffet selection), then all off to bed for a busy day ahead!
Day three
As it was French school holidays, there were EMH every day of our trip, which was a real bonus. As our children are early risers, 7 o'clock breakfast was no problem for us, so after a lovely breakfast, we headed off into the park. It was a lovely walk around the lake, and not cold at all. We did a few rides in Fantasyland, all walk on (tho DD didn't like Peter Pan, so we decided to give Snow white and Pinochio a miss), then went to ride Buzz, with a ten minute wait. We all loved this one, so we went straight back on again! It was a lovely sunny day, so we spent some time just wandering about, taking n the surroundings, before the crowds arrived. Then we met Goofy on Main street, it was a bit of a scrum, and as DS tried to get his autograph, 2 boys pushed her out of the way. As we were walking away, Goofy followed us and grabbed DD for a photo, our first touch of the Disney Magic! We then went to the Princess meet and greet, today it was Snow White and the Prince. DD was a little disappointed that it wasn't Belle, but we reassured her we would see her later in the week (please God!).
Then to Pizzeria Bella Notte for lunch, added a few euros to the vouchers to get the Pizza meal deals. Very tasty, and loads of food, we didn't have a voucher for DS, as he's only one (even tho he eats twice as much as DD), but there was plenty for the four of us, using the 3 vouchers. We then watched Once upon a time, Sleeping beauty, which DD eally enjoyed, and had her photo taken with Aurora and Prince Phillip afterwards.
Then we decided to head over to the studios, as DH wanteds to see the stunt show. They were just letting people in as we arrived, so no queing, and we all really enjoyed the show, tho DD was a little concerned when the man went up in flames, but said he would be alright after he'd had a bath!
As we came out of this, it coincided with Cars n stars, so we stayed and watched that, which we enjoyed, especially seeing Gaston, and DD got lots of autographs in her book.
Then we went back into Disneyland Park, and got a spot for the parade. The parade was lovely, and the toy story float stopped by us and Woody and Jesse did a dance, which DS really enjoyed. And the highlight for me was DD shouted to Belle, and Belle blew her a kiss
the look on DD's face was brilliant.
Then the excitement continued as we headed to Cafe Mickey for our dinner, with DD skipping all the way, on a high after her Belle encounter! We were early for our 6.15 reservtion, but we were sat down straight away. We saw lots of characters, Mickey, Minnie, Pinochio, Stitch, Goofy, Pluto, Hook, Smee, a chipmonk (Tic?). they were all great and the children had lots of fun with them, definately helped to keep DS going who would normally be flagging by this time. So we got lots of lovely photo's, and the obligatory autographs. We had HBPlus vouchers, so we used them at face value. Me and DH both had the three course fixed price meal, 2 x kids meals and drinks, and we had an additional 40 euros to pay, but you could certainly eat for less (we did later in the week). So then it was all back to the hotel for bed!
Day four
Again early breakfast and EMH. It was a wet day today, so we decided to do the shows to keep dry. We did the usual Fantasyland rides, and Buzz, and then walked on to small world at ten. Blimey that music sticks in your head doesn't it....
Then off to see Mickeys winter wonderland show, which we all really enjoyed, DS particularly liked Donald Duck, and kept quacking all the way through the show! We skipped the princess meet and greet, as it was Aurora who we'd seen the day before, and it was pouring down with rain at this point! So we had to skirt past it without DD seeing her! fortunately Minnies party train had just parked up, so we got some more photo's with these charcters, including eyore and minnie.
Then to cafe Hyperion for lunch, were some confusion led to me paying an additional 20 euros for some character lunch boxes that I didn't want! no-one spoke English, though I can't complain about that as I don't speak French, so fair enough!
We ate our food watching the Tam tam show in videopolis, which was very entertaining. Then on to autopia, which the children really enjoyed.
We then headed to the studios for Stitch live, very lucky as we walked into an English showing just as it was about to start. This was really good fun, and very well done. Also just the right length of show for litte ones.
then into playhouse Disney, which again was great, though I wasn't expecting to sit on the floor, not good when you've got a knackered knee like me, but still it was really well done, and a must for any Playhouse disney fans!
Then on the cars ride, and the flying carpets, then back to Disneyland park for the parade from a different spot. This time I had asked in City hall were the Princesses get off the float and dance. A very helpful lady made a phone call, and told me to stand on central plaza, opposite the entrance to Adventureland. What a perfect spot! We saw all the princesses get off the flaot and dance around us..
Then it was off to Parkside diner at HNY, for a lovely buffet dinner, bonus being it didn't cost anything extra on top of teh vouchers, as drinks were included too, and DS was free. It was a little quite, as we ate at 6, and the place was empty, but TBH it was quite nice for the children to have a chance to wind down, and the food was delicious, and the puddings...yum! DS was in seventh heaven! Then again all off to bed, busy day tomorrow, including our princess lunch (please God let Belle be there!).
Day Five (aka, oh no, theres Belle, AGAIN!)
We had out usual breakfast/EMH routine, then we stopped at Cable car bakeshop for a quick break, and to decide what we had left that we wanted to do. We watched the party train, and again got some more photos, tho DD and DH gave up with tigger, it was a complete scrum and DD didn't stand a chance. I really feel sorry for the people in the costumes, its madness! Then the princess meet and greet, and......yey it was Belle! She was with the prince, so DD asked where was the beast, so he signed her book 'The Beast'! Then we watched the Sleeping Beauty show again, then time for DD's quick costume change into her Belle dress, and off to Auberge for lunch!
We had the most magical time, we saw Cinderella, Snow White (she was soooo lovely), Ariel and Eric, and BELLE! Though it is expensive, and the food, though very nice is not to everyones taste, in my opinion it really was the highlight of our trip. DD did not stop smiling, and came out walking on air! It really is a must do for any Princess fans.
DD skipped all the way down main street, with everyone looking at her in her belle dress (probably thinking we were bad parents as she didn't have a coat on!).
Then we queued to go on the train at Main street, which was were the trauma with the pushchair happened (see other thread for details). Then spent some time in Fantasy land were we saw Belle again, was she now stalking us I wonder?....
Then off to Frontierland for meet and greet at Woodys roundup, we were the only ones there, he looked a bit bored to be honest, but I suppose he is a bit out of the way there. Must get busier when a show empties out. It meant he spent time mucking about with us tho, which was great.
We watched the parade again, and then off to dinner. We had let DD pick as it was our last eveing, so off to Cafe Mickey again (I made the reservation in the morning with the hotel concierge, no problem). As we'd had a 3 course lunch, I just had a salad, DH had a pizza (shared with DD), and DD had a chicken nugget meal. Including drinks we just had an additional 4 euros to pay on top of our vouchers. We were sat upstairs, I don't know if this makes a difference, but there didn't seem to be as many characters about. But after such an eventful day, we were all tired, so back to the hotel and bed for us!
Day Six..our last day in Disney
As we were all exhausted, we decided to just go to breakfast when we were ready, rather than getting there for 7, but as things never go to plan, the children were up at 6, so we still made our slot at 7! I'm glad we did as things seemed alot more hectic at breakfast later on. We got packed up, DH loaded up the car, and we were in the park for just after 9. We did the usual Fantasyland rides, then spent some time in the adventure playground in Adventureland, which the children really enjoyed. Then DD decided she wasn't frightened of teh dark rides, so while DS had a sleep, I took her on Snow white (why does this have to be so creepy? Snow white hardly features!), and Pinochio.Then we had lunch at Au Chalet de la Marionette. I thought it was really nice in here, and the food was the best we had of the counter service. When we came out, Belle was there (must look into that restraining order), so another photo op.Then we did some shopping for some souveniers and presents to take back, saw some of the Mary Poppins show, then back to the car
Of course the only DVD DD wanted to watch was Beauty and the Beast, which was on repeat the whole way home!
It rained the whole way back from Paris to Wirral, over 2 days, I think it was following us! We got to the tunnel early, so again got on an earlier train, so were back in Folkstone for 6.30 local time, so we grabbed a sandwich in the Tescos next door, then off to bed. We travelled home on the Friday morning, and we were back home by lunchtime, luckily avoiding any traffic problems.
We had a truly wonderful time, and I am now trying to persuade DH that we need to take advantage of the 40% offer! (tho it's not that cheap when you are limited to school holidays, as we will be come September!)
I think these boards are great, and thanks to everyone who answered questions, you are all so helpful, and it certainly helped us have a better trip, armed with the information we had from here.
Heres hoping for another ticker soon......
The cast
me (35), been to Florida twice, but pre children so a very different holiday!
DH (35), Disney sceptic, but prepared to give it a go
DD (3), princess fanatic, but especially Belle, hence the title!
DS (1), fan of cars and Toy story, but happy anywhere so long as he can eat cake!
Day one
We set off from the Wirral on the Saturday morning, and had an uneventful four and a half hour trip to Folkstone (yey for in car DVD!). Stayed at the Hoilday Inn Express right near the tunnel (to be honest any nearer and I think you would be sleeping in the tunnel!). Great hotel, highly recommend. Family room cost £50 including breakfast, with free parking. Also there is a Tesco right next door, so great for stocking up, and filling the car before we set off to France.
Day two
We arrived at the tunnel check in an hour early on the sunday, all too excited to sleep! this experience was so easy, self check in is a breeze! We were allowed to book in for an earlier train at no additional charge, so within 20 minutes, we were setting off for Calais.
We were using the sat nav, so finding our way upon leaving the tunnel was quite straight forward, and 3 hours later (and 20 euros in tolls lighter) we arrived at the Seqoiua Lodge hotel.
Our room was ready, so we went to dump our things before heading to the parks. Our room key didn't work, and when the lady from reception checked it, the master key didn't either. Within minutes we were moved to a montana room on the same floor as reception, very handy for breakfast, and no long trek back to the room after a long day. Result
It was Sunday afternoon when we got into the park, first stop Caseys corner to use the first of our free lunch vouchers
thumbsup2 to free dining, saved us loads!). I must say I had been warned on this site that they don't do 'fast' food at Disney....how true! The woman who was serving me got distracted and then started serving someone else! I didn't realise what had happened as I was watching DD run around, until someone else behind the counter picked up my food and asked who's it was. She was very apologetic and threw in a free souvenier cup and some Mickey Brioche (yum!). We sat and ate our lunch watching 'Its party time with Mickey and friends', which got us all in the Disney mood. After some time spent in Fantasy land (teacups and Dumbo), we had a wander about, but the park was busy, so we then headed back to the hotel to unpack, and have some dinner at Hunters Grill (very nice buffet selection), then all off to bed for a busy day ahead!Day three
As it was French school holidays, there were EMH every day of our trip, which was a real bonus. As our children are early risers, 7 o'clock breakfast was no problem for us, so after a lovely breakfast, we headed off into the park. It was a lovely walk around the lake, and not cold at all. We did a few rides in Fantasyland, all walk on (tho DD didn't like Peter Pan, so we decided to give Snow white and Pinochio a miss), then went to ride Buzz, with a ten minute wait. We all loved this one, so we went straight back on again! It was a lovely sunny day, so we spent some time just wandering about, taking n the surroundings, before the crowds arrived. Then we met Goofy on Main street, it was a bit of a scrum, and as DS tried to get his autograph, 2 boys pushed her out of the way. As we were walking away, Goofy followed us and grabbed DD for a photo, our first touch of the Disney Magic! We then went to the Princess meet and greet, today it was Snow White and the Prince. DD was a little disappointed that it wasn't Belle, but we reassured her we would see her later in the week (please God!).
Then to Pizzeria Bella Notte for lunch, added a few euros to the vouchers to get the Pizza meal deals. Very tasty, and loads of food, we didn't have a voucher for DS, as he's only one (even tho he eats twice as much as DD), but there was plenty for the four of us, using the 3 vouchers. We then watched Once upon a time, Sleeping beauty, which DD eally enjoyed, and had her photo taken with Aurora and Prince Phillip afterwards.
Then we decided to head over to the studios, as DH wanteds to see the stunt show. They were just letting people in as we arrived, so no queing, and we all really enjoyed the show, tho DD was a little concerned when the man went up in flames, but said he would be alright after he'd had a bath!
As we came out of this, it coincided with Cars n stars, so we stayed and watched that, which we enjoyed, especially seeing Gaston, and DD got lots of autographs in her book.
Then we went back into Disneyland Park, and got a spot for the parade. The parade was lovely, and the toy story float stopped by us and Woody and Jesse did a dance, which DS really enjoyed. And the highlight for me was DD shouted to Belle, and Belle blew her a kiss
the look on DD's face was brilliant.Then the excitement continued as we headed to Cafe Mickey for our dinner, with DD skipping all the way, on a high after her Belle encounter! We were early for our 6.15 reservtion, but we were sat down straight away. We saw lots of characters, Mickey, Minnie, Pinochio, Stitch, Goofy, Pluto, Hook, Smee, a chipmonk (Tic?). they were all great and the children had lots of fun with them, definately helped to keep DS going who would normally be flagging by this time. So we got lots of lovely photo's, and the obligatory autographs. We had HBPlus vouchers, so we used them at face value. Me and DH both had the three course fixed price meal, 2 x kids meals and drinks, and we had an additional 40 euros to pay, but you could certainly eat for less (we did later in the week). So then it was all back to the hotel for bed!
Day four
Again early breakfast and EMH. It was a wet day today, so we decided to do the shows to keep dry. We did the usual Fantasyland rides, and Buzz, and then walked on to small world at ten. Blimey that music sticks in your head doesn't it....
Then off to see Mickeys winter wonderland show, which we all really enjoyed, DS particularly liked Donald Duck, and kept quacking all the way through the show! We skipped the princess meet and greet, as it was Aurora who we'd seen the day before, and it was pouring down with rain at this point! So we had to skirt past it without DD seeing her! fortunately Minnies party train had just parked up, so we got some more photo's with these charcters, including eyore and minnie.
Then to cafe Hyperion for lunch, were some confusion led to me paying an additional 20 euros for some character lunch boxes that I didn't want! no-one spoke English, though I can't complain about that as I don't speak French, so fair enough!
We ate our food watching the Tam tam show in videopolis, which was very entertaining. Then on to autopia, which the children really enjoyed.
We then headed to the studios for Stitch live, very lucky as we walked into an English showing just as it was about to start. This was really good fun, and very well done. Also just the right length of show for litte ones.
then into playhouse Disney, which again was great, though I wasn't expecting to sit on the floor, not good when you've got a knackered knee like me, but still it was really well done, and a must for any Playhouse disney fans!
Then on the cars ride, and the flying carpets, then back to Disneyland park for the parade from a different spot. This time I had asked in City hall were the Princesses get off the float and dance. A very helpful lady made a phone call, and told me to stand on central plaza, opposite the entrance to Adventureland. What a perfect spot! We saw all the princesses get off the flaot and dance around us.
.Then it was off to Parkside diner at HNY, for a lovely buffet dinner, bonus being it didn't cost anything extra on top of teh vouchers, as drinks were included too, and DS was free. It was a little quite, as we ate at 6, and the place was empty, but TBH it was quite nice for the children to have a chance to wind down, and the food was delicious, and the puddings...yum! DS was in seventh heaven! Then again all off to bed, busy day tomorrow, including our princess lunch (please God let Belle be there!).
Day Five (aka, oh no, theres Belle, AGAIN!)
We had out usual breakfast/EMH routine, then we stopped at Cable car bakeshop for a quick break, and to decide what we had left that we wanted to do. We watched the party train, and again got some more photos, tho DD and DH gave up with tigger, it was a complete scrum and DD didn't stand a chance. I really feel sorry for the people in the costumes, its madness! Then the princess meet and greet, and......yey it was Belle! She was with the prince, so DD asked where was the beast, so he signed her book 'The Beast'! Then we watched the Sleeping Beauty show again, then time for DD's quick costume change into her Belle dress, and off to Auberge for lunch!
We had the most magical time, we saw Cinderella, Snow White (she was soooo lovely), Ariel and Eric, and BELLE! Though it is expensive, and the food, though very nice is not to everyones taste, in my opinion it really was the highlight of our trip. DD did not stop smiling, and came out walking on air! It really is a must do for any Princess fans.
DD skipped all the way down main street, with everyone looking at her in her belle dress (probably thinking we were bad parents as she didn't have a coat on!).
Then we queued to go on the train at Main street, which was were the trauma with the pushchair happened (see other thread for details). Then spent some time in Fantasy land were we saw Belle again, was she now stalking us I wonder?....
Then off to Frontierland for meet and greet at Woodys roundup, we were the only ones there, he looked a bit bored to be honest, but I suppose he is a bit out of the way there. Must get busier when a show empties out. It meant he spent time mucking about with us tho, which was great.
We watched the parade again, and then off to dinner. We had let DD pick as it was our last eveing, so off to Cafe Mickey again (I made the reservation in the morning with the hotel concierge, no problem). As we'd had a 3 course lunch, I just had a salad, DH had a pizza (shared with DD), and DD had a chicken nugget meal. Including drinks we just had an additional 4 euros to pay on top of our vouchers. We were sat upstairs, I don't know if this makes a difference, but there didn't seem to be as many characters about. But after such an eventful day, we were all tired, so back to the hotel and bed for us!
Day Six..our last day in Disney
As we were all exhausted, we decided to just go to breakfast when we were ready, rather than getting there for 7, but as things never go to plan, the children were up at 6, so we still made our slot at 7! I'm glad we did as things seemed alot more hectic at breakfast later on. We got packed up, DH loaded up the car, and we were in the park for just after 9. We did the usual Fantasyland rides, then spent some time in the adventure playground in Adventureland, which the children really enjoyed. Then DD decided she wasn't frightened of teh dark rides, so while DS had a sleep, I took her on Snow white (why does this have to be so creepy? Snow white hardly features!), and Pinochio.Then we had lunch at Au Chalet de la Marionette. I thought it was really nice in here, and the food was the best we had of the counter service. When we came out, Belle was there (must look into that restraining order), so another photo op.Then we did some shopping for some souveniers and presents to take back, saw some of the Mary Poppins show, then back to the car
Of course the only DVD DD wanted to watch was Beauty and the Beast, which was on repeat the whole way home!
It rained the whole way back from Paris to Wirral, over 2 days, I think it was following us! We got to the tunnel early, so again got on an earlier train, so were back in Folkstone for 6.30 local time, so we grabbed a sandwich in the Tescos next door, then off to bed. We travelled home on the Friday morning, and we were back home by lunchtime, luckily avoiding any traffic problems.
We had a truly wonderful time, and I am now trying to persuade DH that we need to take advantage of the 40% offer! (tho it's not that cheap when you are limited to school holidays, as we will be come September!)
I think these boards are great, and thanks to everyone who answered questions, you are all so helpful, and it certainly helped us have a better trip, armed with the information we had from here.
Heres hoping for another ticker soon......
so I was interested in Your comments regarding timings & the Eurotunnel.
