As soon as Robin landed his new job, we swung into action to plan a late holiday in place of the lovely one we'd had to pull out of over summer (which we're still really sad about H&M) some time away to just let us relax a bit and have a breather before the job began.
A year ago, when finding ourselves in frankly a rather similar position, Robin had expressed an interest in taking the kids to Disneyland. Back then, we hadn't the time available, or the funds - and we just decided to make a call this year to see how ridiculous a suggestion it was. May I just plug the company we used unashamedly here,
Great Escapes were friendly, informed, and offered us a great package at a great price. Not only that, the travel pack was sent so promptly that it reached us the very next day (important when planning a last minute get away!) We'd highly recommend them, oh, and they do many many other 'escapes', not just to Disney!
So, in a few days we packed, changed money, bought insurance, organised a hamster sitter, obtained permission for a holiday from school, and racked our brains trying to figure out what sort of clothes to pack for an October visit to Disneyland. We also booked in an extra night at
Travelodge in Ashford to be sure we'd not get stuck on the M25 and miss our crossing.
So we left our place on Sunday afternoon, all rather jolly and excited about such an interesting trip. The M25 was a little on the ghastly side - but that is pretty normal. Arriving in Ashford just before 6pm to find our room not ready! (black mark for Travelodge) When finally able to get into our room we immediately left it, and our stuff in order to forage for food. We ended up at the Pizza Hut on the same complex as where we were staying. The service was SLOW (very noticeacble with over hungry kids) standard of the food NAFF, and all overpriced for what you got. We were all a bit cheesed off by the time we settled in for the night, all in the same room.
Oh the night was long! Joy is a fidgety, light sleeper, and kept waking us up. Only Elias slept well I think. Breakfast was taken quickly and off we went, glad to put Travelodge behind us.
Our check in was easy and fast, and we caught an earlier
train (Eurotunnel) which was great. Elias and Joy were pretty curious about the whole thing, although there's really not much to see or do once you're on.
France welcomed us with a lot of rain. And a nasty skid on a roundabout alerted us to the fact that 2 of our tyres were rather worn. I now know how to ask for 2 new tyres in French. (But I didn't at the time) we were held up in Calais while they were fitted. After another car malfunction (broken electric window) had increased our stress still further, we left Calais at last!
Toll roads, driving near Paris, lots of rain. None of these are good things! We FINALLY reached the
Davy Crochett Ranch after 7pm. We piled kids in bed, and then ourselves, hoping the weather would improve by morning.
The weather was a little better the next day, although still showery. Our Disney breakfast was novel, you went and collected it from a little cabin. Croissants, bagette, jams, chocolate spread, orange juice,milk, Instant coffee and tea bag. All rather nice and the kids ate it - Hurrah.
Disney was less than 10 minutes drive away, we arrived armed with water and ricecakes, and all wearing waterproofs. As soon as we got through the gates Elias freaked out. The noise and scale of everything was a bit much to take in initially, so, realising we'd left our buggy at home, we hired a buggy and pushed on until he found something he actually wanted to do.
In between showers we visited many attractions that day, and were surprised that both kids really liked 'It's a small world' as much as they did (we'd ducked in to avoid a sudden heavy shower) Elias I think enjoyed the car track and train the best. Joy was entranced by the Lion King Stage show we watched whilst eating our lunch. End of day one, all pretty happy (aside from Robin who made a stirling effort all day as he was not too well) if a little damp around the edges.
Day two, Disney studios - more for Robin and I. The film theme was really fun, we enjoyed seeing live the big band, sauntering in a shop or two, and then the studio back lot tour. Kids were rather, erm surprised, at tanker blowing up and flash flood during this, but remarkably compliant. We then saw some stuff on animation and character development which was also pretty fun. Sadly I think tiredness caught up with Elias in particular and the rest of the day seemed like a battle with him, we did few more things and then went back to the 'ranch' to swim.
Day three, Lots of revisiting favourite rides - in the sun! Robin got to do
Star Tours, and I did
Space Mountain . We enjoyed things like the carousel, a nicer lunch and lots of climbing around in adventure Isle. Then we popped back for a last swim before bed. A nice day.
Our drive back seemed really long, but was essentially pretty uneventful.
So, overall comments on the time away.
Disney do not know what a vegetable is! Once in the park you have to eat their food, which is pretty much all junk, and very expensive. Hunting in the little store back at the ranch I only found a few tinned veggies and precious few real actual veggies! It is certainly an area where they are failing their visitors - surely if a family is better fed they'll have more energy to enjoy the parks and spend more???!
Our cabin was not properly maintained, the bathroom was shabby, and we had to have the shower fixed. Also the self catering kitchen was poorly equipped with just a bottle opener and peeler. And crockery and glassware was chipped. On the plus side, there was a dishwasher - Yipee! And a pull down bed in the lounge which we opted for in order to have space from the kids!
It was stressful at times, but on the whole an enjoyable time away, if we should do it again in the future we'll probably modify some details, in order to have things go a bit smoother! We've some great memories, and I have a very nice fridge magnet!
Photos are now on Robin's FlickR account.
