5 go mad in Orlando - Pre-trip report

[Claire]

OMG it's the Stewards! episode 1 starring -

Geoff - 44 (typical grumpy old man)
Claire - 41 (that'll be me)
Poppy - 16 (sooo takes after her father!)
Maisie - 9 (Box of frogs!)
Owen - 6 (obsessed with sliding doors)

As a family we have a soft spot for Disneyland Resort Paris. We try to visit twice a year, usually driving across to the tunnel and then down to Paris. This year we were booked to go from the 24th to the 30th of August with a day in Paris slotted in the middle for Poppy's 16th birthday. Although we really do love DLRP, it's still not WDW with it's better weather, friendlier cast members and more parks to visit.

It was a rainy night in Luton that finally caused DH to take leave of his senses and text me with the instructions to source cheap flights and a reasonably priced villa for the same dates as our DLRP trip. I convinced him to stretch it by a couple of days to make it worth our while going the distance but any longer isn't an option due to DH being self employed and won't earn money if not working!

After 2 minutes of hyperventilating I turned to the experts, you lot! Before I knew it I had people running all over the internet looking for cheap flights, reasonable priced park tickets and suggestions on where to look for villas. Within 24 hrs it was booked. Flights, car, park tickets, long stay car park, villa in Davenport, the whole shooting match! Emails were dispatched canceling the hotel in DLRP, although we will lose money on the Channel Tunnel as it was booked and paid for on a ticket that couldn't be refunded. Last thing booked was the Premier Travel Inn for the night before our flight.

So here we are, just less than 3 weeks to go and it can't come quick enough. We've got an itinerary of sorts using the busy day chart from my new copy of The Brits guide to WDW. Flexibility is important as two of the children have special needs but at the same time we are there for such a limited time we can't rest on our laurels for too long. No ADRs have been booked but I want to thank one member who so kindly offered to make any calls for us to save us any long distance calls. Bless you. We did ask the children for a list of what they wanted to do most when while we are there (see below!)

Poppy - Epcot, Mall of Millenia, Celebration (nice jewelry shop), Magic Kingdom, Seaworld,, Boardwalk.

Maisie - Seaworld, Kiss Shamu.

Owen - Dinner, chips, sausage, ice-cream!

You get the drift!


I've had sleepless nights about I94W forms, guest assistance passes and any other minor thing I can elevate into a major crisis! I've packed clothes that my children seem to want to wear every day since we booked, washed said clothes, repacked them, given up trying to pack them and bought new stuff they can't touch for fear of getting a .

I plan on doing a trip report in situ during the holiday. Our villa has internet access and barring US homeland security deeming my Mac to be a bit suspect I will log on every evening and give a report of the days events with photos!

As an aside, Poppy has decided that as she is missing her trip to Paris for her birthday this should be replaced by a trip to the Mall of Millenia. Poppy doesn't believe in things like Credit Crunches and it will be interesting to see if she can break her father before she reaches Louis Vuitton! Watch this space!

[Keith]

I plan on doing a trip report in situ during the holiday. Our villa has internet access and barring US homeland security deeming my Mac to be a bit suspect I will log on every evening and give a report of the days events with photos!

Enjoyed the pre-trip can't wait for the on the spot report!!

As an aside, Poppy has decided that as she is missing her trip to Paris for her birthday this should be replaced by a trip to the Mall of Millenia. Poppy doesn't believe in things like Credit Crunches and it will be interesting to see if she can break her father before she reaches Louis Vuitton! Watch this space!

[Dizneyblonde]

Can't wait to hear all about it Claire.

We had so much fun running around helping you book.

Have fun, you all deserve it

[Britchick]

can't wait to see the picture of Maisie kissing Shamu

[Tink]

Oh good heavens! Mall at Millenia to compensate for Paris! Paris would be cheaper!

Are you going to try and get something to eat at France in the WS? It would give her a chance to interact with the native CMs there.

Nice pre-trip report! Looking SO forward to reading the reports and seeing the photos!

[Johnie]

Fab report! I can't wait to hear all about the trip!

[sazzledazzle]

Oooh how exciting! I'd give up DLP for FLA anytime!
Have a wonderful time and you never know you might fnd one or two thngs at Millenia for Mum too.........!

[Wendy]

It's soooo exciting Claire

[Isafari]

Great pre trip report Claire......can't wait to hear all about the trip (with photos)

[Dawn]

Owen - Dinner, chips, sausage, ice-cream!

Steven says can he come.