For most of you the children will be back at school after a long Easter break. With spring being a complete myth this year, I am guessing you have tried every craft activity and soft play centre in a 10 mile radius to keep them entertained. (read as to stop them killing each other). Those little darlings of ours with a 12 minute concentration span.
With this in mind I have been thinking about the next half term break and I wanted to share that I have booked for us to go to DisneyLand Paris for a weekend in June. My excitement levels are similar to that time I blagged my friends and I into the VIP area on a night out, only to realise it was just us and the entire male cast of Hollyoaks. Do not roll your eyes at me. Tony was there.
Guys I am excited and this is why.
Instagram Heaven
If you do not go to Disney Land, don a pair of Minnie Mouse ears and stand in front of the castle then no, there is no real proof you even went. This iconic picture aside, there are so many beautiful areas in Disneyland for so many amazing photo opportunities. The instagrammer in me cannot wait. Also it’s in Paris and I have never been.
You can dress up as characters without feeling kinky
I am guessing there is a limit. I wouldn’t want to be confused for a member of staff after all. Too much responsibility. It is guaranteed however that I will be keeping ears on for the entire visit. Si has yet to confirm or deny if he will partake in ear wearing during our trip.
There are themed restaurants
The idea of going out for food without having to pack 347575 different activities to keep the children entertained long enough for me to eat a main course is so exciting to me.
Relive your childhood
I was obsessed with Robin Hood when I was a child. I would make all the boys pretend to be him in the playground and I suspect it is the grounds for all my relationship expectations. To be surrounded by characters that I have either loved or been in love with for a weekend is going to be an emotional rollercoaster that quite frankly I am ready for.
The children will love it
Lastly I suspect the boys are going to have the absolute best time. I haven’t told the yet because June feels like too far away to listen to them chirp with excitement daily. I will admit that I feel a little guilty at the moment. With selling our house I feel like I am always dragging them out and limiting the mess they make. They have earned this little break and I feel very fortunate that I am able to take them.
One huge tip I received from friends was to book your tickets before you go. Tickets on the door are around £80 whereas if you use Attraction Ticket Direct they are around £55 depending on which day you are going.
I would love to hear any tips and must see’s from anyone who has always been!
You didn’t ask but here it is… Hollyoaks proof.
Do you have in mind how you are going to do it? Are you going to stay in Disneyland itself or in Paris and drive there? I only ask as I thought price wise it was way out of my reach until a friend said they stayed in a hotel in Paris, hired a car and drove there every day! Parked in a multi story which is right at the doors apparently! I’m looking at going over Christmas and wondered what you thought the best way of doing Disney was. XX
Hi Cara, we are going in July and staying at the Newport Bay Hotel. My eldest is 16 so I’m hoping at least some of the more exciting rides interest him. It’s cost a bloody fortune so we’ve got high expections, fingers crossed! Looking forward to seeing your pics and hopefully you’ll do some stories too? Enjoy xx
Hi Cara. We’ve just got back! It was a complete dream!!! Top tips: book the character breakfast, or inventions for lunch or dinner and the characters come round. Do a meal deal – we didn’t but I think that’s a cheaper way of doing things. Ratatouille was amazing and the restaurant fab, Peter Pan ride is a complete dream, my 3 loved Autopia car ride. Check the program for where the characters are and what time and you can get to meet them and the boys get autographs. And lastly buy the PhotoPass card from one of the shops when you arrived, you get a card and wherever there are professional photographers they just zap your card and you get all the pics on an app on your phone. Oh and go and meet Darth Vader! He was brilliant!
We stayed at Davey Crochet Lodges and did self drive with an 8,6 and 3 year old. In my dreams I want to stay at Disney Hotel next time. Ps. I cried when I saw Belle in the parade as my daughter is called Belle and her little face was a picture. Pps. Was not a Disney fan before this at all and now I’m planning the next trip!!
Oh and wear comfy trainers and take lots of snacks! X
HA! We’ve just booked for half term too! We are doing it on the cheap by driving there on the Sunday, staying in a funky little wooden chalet in someone’s garden, 5 mins from Disney, that we booked through Airbnb, going to the parks for 2 days and then driving back on the Wednesday. It’s Jasmine’s bday on the 28th while we’re there. I am soooo excited and have actually already bought our minnie and mickey ears off Amazon… it’s not what you spend, it’s what you save! Livi doesn’t know – she’s been a few times as my best friend lives in Paris so I think keeping it from her until we get to Folkestone will drum up some excitement. Plus, you are never too old for Disney! Best restaurant for us is the Cowboy BBQ place and you can’t do wrong with Rainforest Cafe. I think we’re going before you so I’ll send on tips. x
Hi hope you don’t mind I’ve just seen this post and want to book something for later this year. Have you got the link to where you have booked to stay please so I can have a look, sounds ideal. Thank you
Went last year in March and drove was brilliant stayed in the Newport bay, going again in June too!! LOVE the place if I could live there I would lol! Staying in davie cocketts ranch just for the peace really found the hotel (as lovely as it was) noisy and with the ranch we all get our own bed I’m so excited to get my Disney fix, my tips would be to bring a pushchair there’s a lot of walking and very long days, you’ll need to book your restaurant’s in advance otherwise you won’t get in anything else you need to know let me know, hope you have a great time xxx