We're back - now the parks!!

[gcmcmsa]

On the way to the Holiday Inn on the VEA bus, we passed the Disney Hotels. Some of them didn't look all that great, a bit run down. Put it this way, if I paid the money they charge for them, I wouldn't be very happy. Don't get me wrong, not all of them. Newport Bay looked lovely and New York also. Holiday Inn was great, budget excellent and after all you only sleep there.

Our first night there we saw the Candlebration, it actually brought tears to my eyes. Just the magic of it all. The kids barely blinked.

You can do the Studios in one day, less even.

My friend recommended Armageddon, said it was great. Personally didn't see what all the fuss was about.

Rockin Roller Coaster was excellent, my 7 year old went on it, was glad to get off it, but still enjoyed it.

Didn't get to see the stunt show, the tram tour was great. My 10 month old niece loved the flying carpet ride and the cars ride, she laughed her heart out. Didn't get to do crush's either. We joined the queue one night, but there was a "technical difficulty" and didn't get a chance to go back.

Got my mum to go on Space Mountain, what a laugh, this is a woman who doesn't even like going up a ladder. She, like my daughter, was glad to get off, but still enjoyed it and the photo is hilarious.

We all loved Big Thunder Mountain and the kids loved Buzz Light Year.

Managed to get a few autographs and pics of the characters, but wasn't too bothered about not getting them all. Everytime we got near, the character suddenly disappeared. 99% of the ones we caught signed or at least posed for photos, but Captain Hook just pushed everyone away, pretending to do something or other to move on. Not one person did we see get a picture with him or an autograph.

You could shop all day in the Disney Shops. So much stuff that you would love to bring home. Bought a few things, but would have bought more only we were afraid our suitcases would go over their weight limit. My daughter got a beautiful Belle dress (although it took persuading, yes persuading her, not me) to get one. She didn't want anything, bless her. Although, the other kids that travelled demanded everything in sight.

If you can stay late in the park, it's best to leave the more popular rides till then as the queues are alot shorter.

If I can manage, I will put up photos in the next few days.

 

[DLPdaft]

I've read both your posts - the gripes and the parks - I don't know what to say!

So I take it you would go again, but only with your own kids? Maybe your Mum?

That sounds pretty reasonable to me .

What are your lasting impressions of your visit to DLRP, on reflection?

Elaine

 

[Ware Bears]

I've read both your posts too ~ sorry to hear about your bad experiences.

I was going to ask the same as Elaine ~ would you go back again but not with such a large group??

 

[gcmcmsa]

Would def go back again. But certainly in a smaller group. It's just too much stress to be honest. Worrying about everything, is everyone alright, have we lost anyone, is everyone happy, etc.etc.

But would go back. Someone told us it was lovely during their Christmas season as well. So maybe that would be the time of year when we would go again (in a smaller group, that is).

I have just sorted through the photos. I took 499, my uncle went through 8 roles of film (yes, I think he is the only one still using the old type cameras) and my sister took some too, don't know how many.

I am going to put them on a disc and give to each household that went.

 

[LoobyLoo33]

I would recommend the christmas season, it is so magical, we always go when the season starts in november, because it is quieter too.

Lisa

 

[winchamwench]

Definitely go back one Christmas , in a smaller group or with people who are willing to go off on their own, it really is magical.

I'm off with DD on 9 Dec, it was just to be the two of us but now a friend and her DS is going out a few days before us and we will cross over so we will probably meet up for a few meals and to do a few things together but the kids have such different tastes it just wouldn't work for us to be together all the time. My DD is a coaster lover at 6 and loves BTM whereas her friend thinks BTM is the worst thing ever and couldn't wait to get off last time we went.

Mags

Mags

 

[pigby]

Didn't get to do crush's either. We joined the queue one night, but there was a "technical difficulty" and didn't get a chance to go back.

Was this the Tuesday night by any chance - we too were in that queue and were almost at the front when it broke down (had queued for well over an hour by then) . Did you know they were giving away fast passes to use next day - we somehow got 2 and rode twice without any wait at all on the Wednesday - you entered via the exit door. It was well worthwhile but we couldn't bring ourselves to queue again on another day - the queues only got worse.

We stayed at the Santa Fe by the way and although, I agree it may look run down on the outside (hey, but that's the theming) the rooms, restaurant, bar and our fab room location were lovely - we only encoutered very pleasant CM's there as well. We have stayed at Newport Bay, Sequoia and Cheyenne but would definitely save the money and stay at the Santa Fe again.

 

[gcmcmsa]

Was this the Tuesday night by any chance - we too were in that queue and were almost at the front when it broke down (had queued for well over an hour by then) . Did you know they were giving away fast passes to use next day - we somehow got 2 and rode twice without any wait at all on the Wednesday - you entered via the exit door. It was well worthwhile but we couldn't bring ourselves to queue again on another day - the queues only got worse.

We stayed at the Santa Fe by the way and although, I agree it may look run down on the outside (hey, but that's the theming) the rooms, restaurant, bar and our fab room location were lovely - we only encoutered very pleasant CM's there as well. We have stayed at Newport Bay, Sequoia and Cheyenne but would definitely save the money and stay at the Santa Fe again.

Yes it was the Tuesday, we weren't offered the fastpasses though.

I am glad that the hotel was lovely. It would be a shame to think with all the money Disney make and charge for your stay that the hotel would be so run down.

But I still would stay off sight. I would prefer to pay less for the hotel (after all I would only sleep there) and get a longer hopper ticket to get the most out of the parks.

I am thinking of going in May next year, but I would like to take in the sights of Paris this time. I feel alot more confident travelling on the train etc. now that I have done it this time.