Nick has been wanting to take Milo to Disneyland almost since he was born - now that he's 2 and a half and quite well versed in the world of Disney/Pixar and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (and since we won't be within a few hours of a Disneyland forever) we decided to book a trip to Disneyland Paris. This was our first trip travelling with the 2 boys but given Disneyland is probably the ultimate in family holidays it wasn't actually too difficult.
We left Thursday morning having booked the Eurostar service which goes direct to Disneyland - so we got on at St Pancras (15 minute cab ride) and off at the train station which was maybe 10 minutes walk from our hotel and the parks (there are 2 parks - Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios). Very convenient. They even arrange for your bag transfer to the hotel so you can go straight to the parks from the train. We arrived about 1pm and headed straight for Disneyland. Nick quickly zeroed in on the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast ride, the aim of which was to hit Zurg (the baddie in Toy Story) with a laser gun so to Milo the ride was called 'Hit Zurg'. This was definitely Milo's favorite ride and we went on it every day!
After that we wandered around a bit more getting our bearings and took our first spin on the Tea Cups -
They do a great thing at Disneyland called 'Baby Switch'. Nick would line up with Milo and I would wait near the exit with Henry in the pram. After Nick and Milo had their turn they would come to the exit, give the Baby Switch pass to the attendant and I would take Milo and we would go on the ride again without having to queue. Brilliant as Nick and I both got a turn and Milo got double turns! So me and Milo after the Baby Switch -
After a few hours we went and checked in at our hotel. We chose the main hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, as it is right by the gates of Disneyland and so very easy for us to come and go to the parks. The hotel is themed around the same period of Main Street at Disneyland - around 1920s USA - so everyone from the bell hop to chambermaid is in period costume. Having worked at Disney I understand something of the culture it inspires and having visited Disneyland in California before I had seen the parks up close, but experiencing it as a family over 4 days was another experience altogether - it's so easy to buy into the whole Disney universe (so there will be no cynicism here!)
For dinner we chose the buffet at the hotel. Ridiculously expensive but very convenient and an extensive spread of amazing food. However, perhaps the most important factor are the appearances of the characters throughout the dining room while you are there. This was the first time Milo had seen a character up close and he was thrilled. With Pluto -
Goofy -
The following morning we were greeted by Donald Duck as we headed into breakfast -
After breakfast we checked out the Walt Disney Studios Park. With Rex from Toy Story -
Nick and Milo on the Slinky Dog roller coaster -
And me and Milo -
On the Cars ride -
With Sulley from Monsters Inc. -
Later we went back to Disneyland to watch the parade -
Another day, another breakfast greeted by Donald Duck -
One of the main benefits of staying at the Disney hotels (there are 5 or 6 in the resort) is that you get early access into the parks. Between 8am and 10am only hotel guests can get in which means fewer people generally, but more importantly, shorter queues! Early Saturday morning on the Dumbo ride -
And more Tea Cups -
Back to Walt Disney Studios in the afternoon for some stage shows (Milo loved the live Playhouse Disney in particular) and the magic carpet ride (Nick sad as it was coming to an end) -
Sunday morning, last day. Our beautiful boys at the hotel -
Although Henry has featured little here, he was brilliant the whole time. When he wasn't sleeping we would put him in the Baby Bjorn so he could look around and an hour or so of that was more than enough stimulation for a 4 month old!
The Orbitron -
Me and Milo right in the middle of this picture (me in red top) -
Under the X-Wing Fighter -
Nick and Milo coming off 'Hit Zurg'. The ride is entirely inside but here I was waiting at the exit to do a Baby Switch and managed to get a few pictures -
The rest of the day was spent in the Walt Disney Studios Park with a busy schedule of meet and greets. Milo was most excited about meeting Minnie Mouse. The hug in this picture lasted ages. Milo held on and wouldn't let go! -
A kiss -
With Pluto -
And SO excited to see Mickey again -
Outside Mater's garage (from Cars) -
The boys on RC at Pizza Planet (Toy Story) -
Meeting Buzz Lightyear -
The one character Milo really wanted to meet but didn't was Daisy Duck. He loves Daisy but unfortunately she wasn't around...maybe next time.
We caught the Eurostar back to London about 6pm. It was a crazy train - everyone was coming from Disneyland so there were plenty of frazzled, emotional, over-tired kids (and parents) on board. However we all got home in one piece and all in all, it was a fantastic 4 days.
