Trip report (the finale) days 4 & 5

[A Small World]

Trip Report - Days 4 and 5

Cast:
Me
DH
DD- 7- loves Princesses especially Belle

Day 4- 12th April- Disney Birthday.
We had originally got tickets for 3 days for the parks but when we discovered we would miss the actual birthday by 1 day DH kept suggesting we got tickets for the 12th as well. I wasn’t sure as I thought we would be exhausted after 3 days and wouldn’t be able to face another day in the parks themselves. We also thought they may be very very busy so we stuck to our original plan of 2 days exploring the Village, Val d’Europe and Hotels.
It was nice to have a lie in on day 4 although we were still awake quite early. We had booked our first breakfast in Explorers at 9.15 thinking that if most people were going into the parks for opening time of 10.00 they would have finished eating and be on their way. However we had misjudged it and the breakfast room was heaving. All the tables were occupied and there were people everywhere trying to gather food form various sections and balancing trays and hot drinks. It was similar to how we had experienced Santa Fe breakfast last year- chaotic. There were the usual types of food but also the option of a cooked breakfast for extra. We filled our trays and eventually found 3 seats.
After we had finished we wandered round the hotel admiring the theming and pool and play area. The hotel is very well themed and DD was dying to get into the pool.
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We promised her a swim later but first we wanted to go to Val d’Europe to browse in the shops and buy some bits to take home.
We got a bit lost and missed it at first but soon found ourselves parked in the large car park.
First of all we went into the La Vallee outlet section which we had missed last year. On route there we discovered the restaurants in La Terrasse including ‘Paul’ that is often talked about on this board.
After we had looked in the shops we decided to have lunch in Paul.
DD had children’s menu of Chicken with potatoes (wedges) with drink followed by chocolate cake.
DH and I both went for salads. DH had smoked salmon salad and I had chicken salad. Both were delicious and served with a selection of breads. DH then had crepe with caramelised apple and I had crepe with hot chocolate sauce. Yummmmmmm.
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We then grabbed a few things from supermarket to take home and headed back to hotel.
DH took DD for her long promised swim. She really enjoyed the slides.
After a rest we then headed to Disney Village. The main problem with Explorers is that it is just too far to walk so we had to rely on the buses. They are regular- every 20 mins but busy as they serve several hotels.
We reached the village and as it was almost 6.00 decided to go to Annettes for tea before it got too busy.
DH and I both had Rock and Roll burger with portion of onion rings to share. It was delicious. DD had nuggets which were served on a Frisbee which she could keep.
We then decided to have desert- DH had milkshake where he could choose the mixed flavours. He chose peanut butter and caramel and declared it delicious. I had the mixed desert which was an espresso coffee with a donut, chocolate brownie and small vanilla milk shake. The brownie was delicious as were the coffee and milkshake but the donut was stale and boring.
DD had ice cream.
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We then had a look in a few shops buying a few bits and pieces and reached the lake. The balloon was there and so we decided to go up in it. There was a bit of a queue but we didn’t mind waiting. It was really good and gave great views of the parks- by then the studios were closed and it was strange to see them looking empty alongside the Disneyland park which was very busy. DH took loads of photos whilst DD and I tried to pin point places and rides we knew.
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We then went back into the Village to look at the other shops. As it was the birthday a band kept marching through the Village every half hour or so playing various tunes including Happy Birthday and balloons were given out to all the Children. I don’t know if this was just something that happened on the actual birthday (12th) or if it is happening all year- I got the impression it was just for that one night.
We had wanted to be in the vicinity of the park during that evening in case they decided to have a Firework display and we decided if this did happen it would be around 10.00 when the park closed however by 9.00 I was flagging and couldn’t face the thought of a crowded bus back to the hotel when the park closed so I decided to head back to the hotel. DH and DD decided to stay for longer.
I reached the bus stop and there was a bus just arriving so I climbed on, got back to the hotel and sank into bed. I was just enjoying the peace and quiet when the door opened. DH and DD had decided they’d had enough as well and so caught the bus after me. Peace and quiet gone!!!!

Day 5.
We were leaving today - back to England after 2 wonderful weeks in France. We had learned from our mistake the previous day and changed our breakfast time to 9.30. No one was checking the tickets though- we just put them in a box so we could have gone in at any time. It was quieter though and easier to get a table. We decided to sit at a table outside the main breakfast area near the pool. It was much more relaxing except for the fact the white coffee button on the drinks machine served black coffee and the hot chocolate button ran out of chocolate by the time we went back for a 2nd cup.
DD ate hers then went into the play area whilst we were still eating. We then allowed her one last swim whilst I went back to the room to pack everything. It was then time to check out of the room and pack the car. We had enjoyed our time at Explorers and would stay there again the bonus being the pool but the down side being the fact its too far to walk to the parks. I know there are buses but I do like the walk along the canal and lake.
Our day wasn’t over though as we still had a few hours to spend in the Village. We decided to drive and park in DV Carpark. It was really easy to find and only a short walk from the Village entrance- near the cinema.
We looked at the menu for Planet Hollywood and Rainforest café and decided to go to PH.
We were seated immediately and DH and I both had Ribs and DD had Hotdog. She then had ice cream to follow and DH had White Chocolate Bread Pudding. I didn’t want a desert (but did keep pinching some of DHs as it was delicious). We really enjoyed the meal and received the discount from Brits Guide. I then remembered seeing a notice about 2 hrs free parking at the car park if spent over a certain amount so asked about this. We were then given a different receipt which had this itemised which we had to take into shop downstairs- they then gave us a ticket to put in machine at car park. This proved to be worth it as although we had parked for more than 2 hours they knocked this amount off the total charge so we only paid for I think 1 hour. Before going back to the car we had bought a few last minute things including a cuddly toy (doesn’t everybody come back with at least one cuddly toy). DD had been given the option of choosing a special souvenir as she had been so good and patient and put up with the long hours and all the walking. She chose a Brother Bear cuddly toy.
We then said Goodbye to Disney until next time and set off on our journey home with DD cuddling Brother Bear, with Disney music playing on the CD and planning our next trip……..

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[Cyrano]

Great a bonus couple of days after your last report

 

[tennisfan]

I haveenjoyed reading your report and seeing your photos.

Glad to hear your planning you next trip

 

[karenmoloney]

Thanks for a lovely report & great pictures.

 

[Ware Bears]

Thanks for sharing your lovely holiday with us. I love the way you display your photos.