Paris and DLP 2024

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by ClaireNJ

Great pics I love the jumper is that from New Look or Tesco
Pizza for dinner looked very yummy 😋

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It’s from New Look. I got it especially with the trip in mind. 😊

[Rac20]

Day 3

We woke up a little behind schedule this morning for our breakfast at Sequoia Lodge. We had aimed to get there for 7 and so had a mild panic when I woke and realised it was already 6:40. I guess the busy days had finally caught up.

We have got breakfast for 3 mornings at Hunters Grill in Sequoia Lodge. It all seems a bit chaotic but there’s lots of choice. Fruit, cheeses, meats, pastries plus hot cooked breakfast items.

With bellies full, it was time to get ready for our day at Walt Disney Studios.
Todays outfit of choice:

I was so cold yesterday that today, I wore about five layers plus my thick superdry coat. I don’t look bigger because of the two unlimited buffets that I’ve eaten in 12 hours. 😂

We arrived at the park in time for EMH at 8:30 but even then Crush’s coaster was 60 minutes! DH has a shark phobia and said he didn’t want to ride in case the plastic shark scared him. Single rider said 5 minutes so DS15 and I decided to check out the shark situation for ourselves. I think they missed a zero off because 5 was more like 50.

We absolutely loved the ride though. Such fun and worth the wait. Wouldn’t want to queue for 120 minutes which seems to be its standard wait time.

After, we headed to flight force and rode that twice in a row. Love the Iron Man theming.

We then went on Web Slingers. I’m rubbish at that ride. I just shoot my arms around and hope for the best. At least it gave me a workout and warmed me up.

A photo from the queue.

We also rode the Cars backlot tour ride (can’t remember its name) and the Slinky Dog ride.

Soon it was time for lunch. We had booked Chez Rémy.

I wasn’t expecting much from my meal as I thought the vegetarian options are limited and I wasn’t wrong. The salad was tasty enough but the hearty vegetable stew was barely warm. The boys enjoyed their steak more and said it was cooked well. Service was good and the waiter was friendly and efficient.

We went on Ratatouille after before deciding to head to the other park.

As luck would have it, Crush’s coaster had broken down and had just reopened as we walked past. This time we took DH on it with me telling him where to close his eyes to avoid the shark. Probably won’t ride it again this trip due to crazy wait times so was glad to get on for a second time after only a ten minute wait.

We switched parks and headed over to Disneyland Park to sneak a ride on Space mountain before watching the light show. Wow! That show is amazing! And so clever. I think I prefer it to the fireworks. We got a great view of both shows tonight.

Tomorrow, we are going to spend most of the day back in Disneyland Park. Out of the two, that one is definitely my favourite. Obviously Walt Disney Studios has a lot of construction walls up and it just makes it feel very claustrophobic. We managed to ride the rides that we absolutely wanted to do so we’re happy but I’m not too bothered about going back.

[ClaireNJ]

Originally Posted by Rac20

Day 3

We woke up a little behind schedule this morning for our breakfast at Sequoia Lodge. We had aimed to get there for 7 and so had a mild panic when I woke and realised it was already 6:40. I guess the busy days had finally caught up.

We have got breakfast for 3 mornings at Hunters Grill in Sequoia Lodge. It all seems a bit chaotic but there’s lots of choice. Fruit, cheeses, meats, pastries plus hot cooked breakfast items.

With bellies full, it was time to get ready for our day at Walt Disney Studios.
Todays outfit of choice:

I was so cold yesterday that today, I wore about five layers plus my thick superdry coat. I don’t look bigger because of the two unlimited buffets that I’ve eaten in 12 hours. 😂

We arrived at the park in time for EMH at 8:30 but even then Crush’s coaster was 60 minutes! DH has a shark phobia and said he didn’t want to ride in case the plastic shark scared him. Single rider said 5 minutes so DS15 and I decided to check out the shark situation for ourselves. I think they missed a zero off because 5 was more like 50.

We absolutely loved the ride though. Such fun and worth the wait. Wouldn’t want to queue for 120 minutes which seems to be its standard wait time.

After, we headed to flight force and rode that twice in a row. Love the Iron Man theming.

We then went on Web Slingers. I’m rubbish at that ride. I just shoot my arms around and hope for the best. At least it gave me a workout and warmed me up.

A photo from the queue.

We also rode the Cars backlot tour ride (can’t remember its name) and the Slinky Dog ride.

Soon it was time for lunch. We had booked Chez Rémy.

I wasn’t expecting much from my meal as I thought the vegetarian options are limited and I wasn’t wrong. The salad was tasty enough but the hearty vegetable stew was barely warm. The boys enjoyed their steak more and said it was cooked well. Service was good and the waiter was friendly and efficient.

We went on Ratatouille after before deciding to head to the other park.

As luck would have it, Crush’s coaster had broken down and had just reopened as we walked past. This time we took DH on it with me telling him where to close his eyes to avoid the shark. Probably won’t ride it again this trip due to crazy wait times so was glad to get on for a second time after only a ten minute wait.

We switched parks and headed over to Disneyland Park to sneak a ride on Space mountain before watching the light show. Wow! That show is amazing! And so clever. I think I prefer it to the fireworks. We got a great view of both shows tonight.

Tomorrow, we are going to spend most of the day back in Disneyland Park. Out of the two, that one is definitely my favourite. Obviously Walt Disney Studios has a lot of construction walls up and it just makes it feel very claustrophobic. We managed to ride the rides that we absolutely wanted to do so we’re happy but I’m not too bothered about going back.

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Yummy, breakfast looked good all those pastries 😋😋especially as I’m eating my fruit & fibre now 😭shame about your vegetarian stew though
I hate being cold so all your layers are a good idea 👌
Enjoy your last day 😊

[LOU LOU DISNEY]

We’re just back a few days ago! We had gorgeous weather & I got sunburn lol did you catch both shows in the studios? Definitely recommend them, both Mickey & the Magician & the new Pixar shows are Amazing & not to be missed! Also the lion king show in the main park, another stunning show!

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by LOU LOU DISNEY

We’re just back a few days ago! We had gorgeous weather & I got sunburn lol did you catch both shows in the studios? Definitely recommend them, both Mickey & the Magician & the new Pixar shows are Amazing & not to be missed! Also the lion king show in the main park, another stunning show!

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Haven’t seen any shows yet as I’m with two boys who are definitely in it for the rides. 😂

Hoping to see the Lion King show but we will see. When we saw it in Orlando, they talked all through it and I ended up sulking with them for about two hours after. 😂

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by ClaireNJ

Yummy, breakfast looked good all those pastries 😋😋especially as I’m eating my fruit & fibre now 😭shame about your vegetarian stew though
I hate being cold so all your layers are a good idea 👌
Enjoy your last day 😊

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My Floridian diet is definitely out of the window for the week but will be back to porridge and fruit
next week. Cakes on holiday don’t count I’m sure. 😋😂

I was still absolutely freezing yesterday and today is not much warmer. 🥶

[Rac20]

Day 4

Alarm set for 6:30, I was worried that today would definitely be the day that DS15 would need a lie in but we were up and down for breakfast just as it opened.

I decided to go for hot food options today. Being veggie, I usually only get continental when we go anywhere but they actually had veggie sausage so I gave that a try.

I also had cake because it had a Mickey on it and I’m on holiday so why not.

We headed to Disneyland Park today and we have decided that it is one of our favourite Disney Parks and dare we say, we prefer it to Magic Mingdom. The entrance in particular is so pretty.

We said a quick hello to Mickey and Minnie

before heading to Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. We wanted to ride Buzz after but it was closed so went on Star Tours instead.
We took a slightly more relaxed approach to the park today. DH wanted to meet Mando.

And I wanted to see the Splashes of Colour show.

The highlight for me was when DS15 turned to me and started singing a Whole New World.
I convinced the boys to go ride Indiana Jones whilst I queued up for the Lion King and said I’d meet them inside. Well, I was not giving up my front, center stage seat to go sit with those two at the back when they finally showed up which meant I could watch it in peace. 😂

DS15 declared that he liked it better than the one in Orlando.

Mid afternoon, we headed back to the hotel as DS15 wanted to try the pool again. We also managed to get in the jacuzzi this time which is marginally warmer than the pool.

Whilst DS15 was having a bath and getting ready, DH and I went to the bar (purely for research purposes 😉 ). Such a shame that they only light the fire in winter. Could have done with it lot this week.

DH just had a pint but I had a cocktail which I think was called Rocky Mountain.

That cost €15 and our drinks came with two packets of nuts.

For tea, we headed to New York Hotel. We were having tea at Downtown restaurant. The theming is great if you’re a marvel fan.

I was really looking forward to this meal and it didn’t disappoint. It has a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans which was great.

Cake anyone?

DS15 has decided that our waiter (Gerald) is the nicest guy ever because he gave him a spare paper place mat to take home. Little touches like that mean a lot to kids.

We had just enough time to go back into the park and ride autopia in the dark

And Big Thunder Mountain (twice). That ride is such a good ride and it’s even better in the dark.

Tomorrow, we go home. 😢 But, we will enjoy a few more rides before we have to leave. DS15 wants to head back to Walt Disney Studios and ride Flight Force and Web Slingers.

[ClaireNJ]

Originally Posted by Rac20

Day 4

Alarm set for 6:30, I was worried that today would definitely be the day that DS15 would need a lie in but we were up and down for breakfast just as it opened.

I decided to go for hot food options today. Being veggie, I usually only get continental when we go anywhere but they actually had veggie sausage so I gave that a try.

I also had cake because it had a Mickey on it and I’m on holiday so why not.

We headed to Disneyland Park today and we have decided that it is one of our favourite Disney Parks and dare we say, we prefer it to Magic Mingdom. The entrance in particular is so pretty.

We said a quick hello to Mickey and Minnie

before heading to Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. We wanted to ride Buzz after but it was closed so went on Star Tours instead.
We took a slightly more relaxed approach to the park today. DH wanted to meet Mando.

And I wanted to see the Splashes of Colour show.

The highlight for me was when DS15 turned to me and started singing a Whole New World.
I convinced the boys to go ride Indiana Jones whilst I queued up for the Lion King and said I’d meet them inside. Well, I was not giving up my front, center stage seat to go sit with those two at the back when they finally showed up which meant I could watch it in peace. 😂

DS15 declared that he liked it better than the one in Orlando.

Mid afternoon, we headed back to the hotel as DS15 wanted to try the pool again. We also managed to get in the jacuzzi this time which is marginally warmer than the pool.

Whilst DS15 was having a bath and getting ready, DH and I went to the bar (purely for research purposes 😉 ). Such a shame that they only light the fire in winter. Could have done with it lot this week.

DH just had a pint but I had a cocktail which I think was called Rocky Mountain.

That cost €15 and our drinks came with two packets of nuts.

For tea, we headed to New York Hotel. We were having tea at Downtown restaurant. The theming is great if you’re a marvel fan.

I was really looking forward to this meal and it didn’t disappoint. It has a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans which was great.

Cake anyone?

DS15 has decided that our waiter (Gerald) is the nicest guy ever because he gave him a spare paper place mat to take home. Little touches like that mean a lot to kids.

We had just enough time to go back into the park and ride autopia in the dark

And Big Thunder Mountain (twice). That ride is such a good ride and it’s even better in the dark.

Tomorrow, we go home. 😢 But, we will enjoy a few more rides before we have to leave. DS15 wants to head back to Walt Disney Studios and ride Flight Force and Web Slingers.

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What a brilliant day cake for breakfast & cake for dinner they all looked absolutely amazing & you can’t beat a Mickey waffle 😋😋
Marvel hotel looks FAB & glad you got the Lion King show done, you packed a lot in again
I forgot to say about your diet, why are you on one, well obviously not now 🙈but when you’re not on holiday as you look fine to me 👌
are your school holidays different to ours we’ve only just broken up
Enjoy your last few hours x

[Rac20]

Originally Posted by ClaireNJ

What a brilliant day cake for breakfast & cake for dinner they all looked absolutely amazing & you can’t beat a Mickey waffle 😋😋
Marvel hotel looks FAB & glad you got the Lion King show done, you packed a lot in again
I forgot to say about your diet, why are you on one, well obviously not now 🙈but when you’re not on holiday as you look fine to me 👌
are your school holidays different to ours we’ve only just broken up
Enjoy your last few hours x

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I was very lucky in terms of cake yesterday! 😋

In terms of the diet, at Christmas, I was almost a stone over what I normally weigh so have been hitting the gym and eating healthy in preparation for my Florida holiday at summer. Pretty much back to my usual weight now. At least I was, prior to this week. 😂

[Rac20]

Final Day and Thoughts

DS15 insisted on being up early to make the most of early entry and so we were up at our usual time of 6:30. We packed before breakfast and were heading to the park for about 8:20 (after leaving luggage).

We did wait until 8:15 to see which character was in the lobby as we hadn’t had chance to see them all week.

We headed over to Walt Disney Studios with the intention of riding Web Slingers and Flight Force. We managed to ride Web Slingers but Flight Force was down and DS15 decided he would prefer to go back to Disneyland Park and so we went over to the other park. Because it was less than an hour since we had already entered a park, they had to manually let us in.

Took some photos of Main Street.

We went on Hyperspace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Star Tours, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Curious Labyrinth, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Molly Brown (Large white boat).

Treated DS15 to churros as churros are part of a theme park holiday for him.

One final turn on Hyperspace mountain (as BTMR was too busy) and it was time to leave. 😢

We left at about 2:30pm and managed to get an hour earlier crossing on the tunnel which was good. No extra charge. Journey home was uneventful and we arrived home just after midnight.

Thoughts
Sequoia Lodge
Love the proximity of the park. You can be there in 15 minutes which means that you can take a break mid day and go back.
Theming is good and probably hides the fact that it does need refurbishing.
Some examples of it looking dated:

Didn’t stop me from enjoying the hotel.
Pool water is freezing - that could do with being a couple of degrees warmer.
Plenty of coffee in room and restocked daily.
Charging cube is useful but DS15 said a plug by the bed would have been handy.
Towels are on the small side! If you like a nice, large bath towel you might want to bring one.
Breakfast - organised chaos. It all ran smoothly just busy and I’d say the hotel wasn’t very busy.
Good choice of foods. There is cereal - I thought there wasn’t but we were seated in a different place on the last day and it’s located nowhere near the rest of the food.

The Parks
Dare I say, that I prefer Disneyland Park to Magic Kingdom?
I see people making comparisons all the time and how DLP is not a patch on Florida. Of course it isn’t. It’s barely currently a 2 park destination. But if you look at the parks individually, DLP is a fantastic park.
The entrance is so pretty with the Disneyland hotel taking centre stage. Prettier than Magic Kingdom.
The rides are so much better. Space mountain, BTMR and Pirates are much more intense.
Main negative was wait time for princesses. 210 minutes to meet a princess! All those poor little children waiting in line for nearly 4 hours. Even DS15 said, “Sort it out Disney, open some more rooms, hire some more princesses.” Luckily, he had no interest in meeting princesses.

All lines to meet characters seemed long in comparison to WDW and I’m not sure why that would be. We only queued to see one as we have met them all lots of times.

Walt Disney Studios
We are not massive fans of this park. I concede that we probably haven’t visited at the best time due to it currently looking like a construction site but all the boards up make it extremely narrow and therefore very congested. There are also a lot of drop rides which none of us really like so there are not enough rides for it to hold our interest.
Crush’s coaster was really good but again - queue times for this ride are crazy. We were lucky to ride it twice.

Dining plan

I was glad we had it. We didn’t have to worry about queuing for food and it was easy enough to book on the app. Not sure it was worth the cost but we aren’t big eaters. A couple of plates at the buffet and I’m stuffed. Would I purchase it again? I’m not sure. Probably not.

Overall, we have had the best few days. I’ve loved spending quality time with DS15 and it’s been lovely to see his inner child come out. He’s still that same boy who danced and sang “Boogie Fever” down the walkway to City Walk in 2016 and that pleases me no end.

Will we return? Yes. But probably not until the work at Walt Disney Studios has been completed.
Will we stay on site? Absolutely. That extra hour means you get so much done.

Thanks for reading! I’m now off to get my poor cat who has not enjoyed his holiday as much as I have. 😂

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. 😊