As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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There are other changes as well.
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Moving on with the current of the years.
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PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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Dates: Friday 29 April – Monday 2 May Adventurers: Me, Cheryl (43) and DH Mark (50) Destinations: Disneyland Paris Resorts: Relais Spa Val d’Europe and Disneyland Hotel and the Hotel New York will also be making a guest appearance in this trip report Meets: Mark’s parents Dave and Barbara, and his sister Sara, her husband Tom and their two daughters Evie (12) and Daisy (7, turning 8 while we’re there) will be joining us Celebration: enjoying a Bank Holiday weekend away with family
Before I start, I think I should explain the title of this trip report. For those familiar with TV game shows in the UK in years gone by, you may realise it’s a play on a familiar phrase, which would be “what do points make?” at which point the audience would yell “prizes”. For the rest of you, I felt I had to explain the slightly odd title, as there was some British humour in there.
Points are the start to this trip, and in this case they’re of the Disney Vacation Club variety. We normally don’t have this problem, but we ended up with 101 points that had to be used by the end of July 2016. Knowing that we wouldn’t be returning to Walt Disney World until later in the year (September as it turned out), I started to look for options closer to home.
I’ll be honest here, Disneyland Paris isn’t our favourite Disney park by a long shot. In fact, it’s probably one of our least favourite, although in fairness, every time we go we always say firstly, it’s not as bad as we remember it, and secondly we enjoy it more than we expected, which is a good sign. However, what it is is pretty much on our doorstep.
We live about 40 minutes’ drive from Folkestone, home to the British terminal of the Eurotunnel, and from there, you can take drive on to a train that then takes you through the Channel Tunnel over to France in just 35 minutes. Once you get there, it’s about a three hour drive over to Disneyland Paris. You can also take the passenger train from Ebbsfleet or Ashford (each about half an hour’s drive away from us) and there are some services that run directly to Disneyland Paris. However, as I’m sure you can imagine, those are not cheap, and with only one service a day, you’re tied to an arrival and a departure time. We’ve done this a couple of times before, and while it’s certainly convenient once you’re on board, we found it was a pain to be arriving at the same time as a whole train load of people, and the boarding facilities at the Disneyland Paris weren’t exactly great, shall we say?
Anyway, that’s how close we are to Disneyland Paris. If we need to, we can do a day trip there – been there, done that a couple of times, but we prefer a slightly more relaxed approach these days.
In early May, we have a Bank Holiday weekend, which means the Monday is a day off. It’s also the only Bank Holiday weekend of the year that doesn’t fall during a school holiday, which is why we like to go away for it. Prices remain low for short breaks, whereas with all other Bank Holiday weekends, they go through the roof, because they’re part of at least a week long break from school. By then, it’s also usually good weather.
So that’s the where, and the when. At first, we were planning on staying at Disney’s Hotel New York, which is the second most expensive on-site hotel. We haven’t stayed there, but we had heard good things about it. However, around the start of 2016, I realised I’d made a minor error with the budgeting of our DVC points. Not only did I have 101 points to use up (and a two night stay at the Hotel New York would cost 107, so perfect…) but I also worked out I had another 600 points that needed to be used by July 2017. Now usually that wouldn’t be a problem, but this year, it was. We had our September 2016 trip all planned out, and our next big trip back to Walt Disney World wouldn’t be until December 2017. For some reason, I thought I could hold all 600 points for that trip, but Points have an expiry date, and for these, they wouldn’t last until Christmas 2017. Now what?
Well, for starters, it meant we could stay at our favourite on-site hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, which is literally right at the entrance to the Disneyland Park. We’ve stayed there a couple of times before, and absolutely love it there. If we had our way, it would be the only place we’d stay on our Disneyland Paris stay, so of course we changed our minds, and figured we’d go for there, rather than the Hotel New York.
That still left us with quite a few more points to use up. Well, in late 2015, one of Mark’s sisters, Sara, started to talk about going to Disneyland Paris with her husband and two daughters. I told her about our plans for the early May Bank Holiday, and given it would be the eighth birthday of one of her daughters, Daisy, I suggested it would be wonderful if they could join us. We started to look at packages, and they were pricey, as they tend to be at Disneyland Paris. This is one of my gripes with the place, as it costs a heck of a lot more to stay there than at Walt Disney World. We’ve never forgotten on our first stay at the Disneyland Hotel (for which we also used our points), where we got talking to a father who was there with his daughter, and when he told us how much he’d paid for a week there, we told him he could’ve got a couple of weeks in Florida for that price.
Sara wasn’t sure whether to go with a package, and said she’d wait until after Christmas to see how their finances were, which was fair enough. We went round to see her a couple of weeks into the new year, and she was still talking about going to Disneyland Paris, which allowed us to have a conversation with her. It went something like this:
“Well, if you really want to go to Disneyland Paris, then we’re prepared to use some of our DVC points to put you up in a hotel there. It’s not the top priced one, but it’s the second best one, and from what we’ve heard it’s really good. We could pay for two nights for you there, so you can have a long weekend away. All you’d have to pay for would be park passes, getting there and back, and spending money while you’re there.”
“What seriously?!”
“Yes seriously”
“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it!”
Her reaction was priceless, but I knew she would be a push over. It was Tom I was concerned about. Tom has never been to a Disney park in his life (I know, right? ) and therefore, through no fault of his own, he has no idea what they’re all about. We spent the next hour or so answering his questions, showing him photos of the Hotel New York (I think that might’ve been a clincher ) and reminding him that it would be Daisy’s birthday, and she’d have an absolute ball. They’ve also had some challenges to deal with over the last couple of years, which I won’t go into here, as that’s their personal business, but that’s why we wanted to make the offer, as they seriously deserve some luck and a lovely holiday.
Not long before we were due to leave, I said as a parting shot that I’d need to know fairly soon whether they were up for this or not, as I’d need to get it booked with the DVC. Having made the offer, I didn’t want to leave it too long, and then discover that there was no availability, which was a possibility. Because the DVC exchanges points with Disneyland Paris (don’t ask me for the ins and outs, but I’m sure Disneyland Paris gets some form of payment along the line for letting DVC Members use their points there), I figured there’s a limit to how many times they’ll do that, and I didn’t want to reach that limit.
The next words I heard were music to both our ears. Sara said they were pretty much there, and really wanted to go for it, and then Tom just said “yes, we’ll do it”. I was so pleased that we’d managed to talk him into it, as I know once he gets there, he’ll love it.
Next: “oh, then there’s that awful ride that Barb likes….”
Sounds like a great weekend and I'd love to have your points problem. We have used 2016 and 2017 already so that's us. Til 2018
That's usually how we are. We had some points left over from 2014 when we were supposed to have a big family trip to WDW and that didn't happen, so we've had spare since then.
Yay! What a treat for the family. So glad you could help them out! It's already starting to sound like a wonderful trip.
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How great that you're able to help Mark's sister and family join you! But I don't know that I understand what extra points mean? I do know what borrow points means... We even joke that our contracts are 49 year ones, not 50!
How great that you're able to help Mark's sister and family join you! But I don't know that I understand what extra points mean? I do know what borrow points means... We even joke that our contracts are 49 year ones, not 50!
Me too I live in browsing mode and I tell myself it's best to do that so we never end up with stranded points as we can borrow exactly how much we need.
Of course not going back until August 2018 is hard to wait for
Me too I live in browsing mode and I tell myself it's best to do that so we never end up with stranded points as we can borrow exactly how much we need.
Of course not going back until August 2018 is hard to wait for
Not sure when we'll get back to WDW. We have HHI for Thanksgiving, then DL in February. Watching our points as 2018 will be Aulani.
How great that you're able to help Mark's sister and family join you! But I don't know that I understand what extra points mean? I do know what borrow points means... We even joke that our contracts are 49 year ones, not 50!
Me too I live in browsing mode and I tell myself it's best to do that so we never end up with stranded points as we can borrow exactly how much we need.
Of course not going back until August 2018 is hard to wait for
Quote:
Originally Posted by cubfancolleen
Not sure when we'll get back to WDW. We have HHI for Thanksgiving, then DL in February. Watching our points as 2018 will be Aulani.
Isn't it great though that everyone is planning ahead to 2018? I always read the posts on the boards, asking when the packages will go on sale for the following year - I think it's usually in the summer and I think how lucky we are to be DVC Members in that we can book at 11 months out if we're going for our home resort and seven months out for all other resorts.
At the moment, our plan for our points is WDW in September, then Aulani, Disneyland and WDW for Christmas 2017. After that, who knows?
Pre-trip report – part two: “oh, then there’s that awful ride that Barb likes….”
I didn’t call to actually make the bookings for a few days, as I like to be fresh when I do things like this, and that meant waiting until the weekend. When I did call, I was told that there would be two $95 reservation fees, which would have been fine, had I not called earlier in the week to find out what I needed to know to book for Sara and her family. I told the guy I was looking at booking two different hotels, and he told me there would only be one reservation fee, as we’d be making both bookings at the same time. That’s not what the woman I spoke to told me. She said, because I was booking two different hotels, two different fees would apply. Had I not been given the information earlier on, that wouldn’t bother me, but I’m sorry, I’m not going to be told one thing and then told something else a few days later. The woman was very good, and after talking to a team leader, got the second $95 fee waived.
About half an hour later (yes, that’s how long it took – thank goodness it’s a free call! ), we had two reservations, one for us for the Saturday and Sunday night at the Disneyland Hotel, and another for the Hotel New York for the same nights for Sara and her family. I texted Sara to let her know and got a “thank you so much” back in return! It’s a pleasure!
However, this was not the end of the story. A couple of days later, we were talking to Mark’s parents, and they were saying that they were keen to come with us, but they’d never be able to stay in the same hotel as Sara, Tom and the kids, and that’s what they wanted to do. Mark mentioned to them that we’d need to know sooner rather than later, and we heard back quickly enough with confirmation.
Ok then, that’ll be another call to the DVC then… I called up, and as soon as I got talking to the guy, he guessed what dates I was after, as he saw I already two separate bookings for Disneyland Paris for a two night period. Honestly, Carl just couldn’t have been nicer. I was on the phone to him for about half an hour in the end. Thank goodness calls to the DVC are free from the UK (we have a special number to dial to get it for free ) as otherwise, I dread to think how much it would’ve cost. By the end of it, we were all booked up, and I had Daisy’s birthday noted down as well, having forgotten to do that the last time around.
I rang Mark’s parents later on to tell them they were all booked in, and Dave sounded a bit surprised that we’d actually done it, or maybe it was also something to do with the fact that the Hotel New York had been plastered all over the news that day, after a man was found with a gun at the metal detectors they have there.
Anyway, that aside, Dave was saying how happy they were to be doing this, as he and Barb had been to Disney (admittedly Disney World, rather than Disneyland Paris) with all their other grandchildren, but not Daisy and Evie. The reason for that is that the kids simply have never been to Disney before. I know, I know… Sara really wants to go, but it just hasn’t happened yet.
Anyway, he was also saying that neither of them can really do the rides any longer because of their health, but as I pointed out to him, there are plenty of rides that have no health restrictions at all. That’s one of the things I love about Disney that, although they have introduced more and more thrill rides and/or coasters in recent years, there are still those old Disney faithfuls that the whole family can enjoy.
It was at that point Dave said “oh, then there’s that awful ride that Barb likes….” I knew immediately which one he meant, and I suspect you may have an idea in your heads as well?
If you reckoned “It’s A Small World”, then you’d be spot on. I did warn him that he was going to have to do it, given it was Barb’s favourite. Ironically, even Tom had said something to Sara about that “awful dolls ride”, which we took to mean IASW, so it looks as if the guys are all going to be forced to ride it! Excellent… that I cannot wait for!
Now Disneyland Paris is not like Walt Disney World in terms of park hours. They only have them out three months ahead, which in fairness isn’t too terrible. However, it meant that they weren’t out by the time we booked our stay. We still had a few days to wait, which was of course frustrating to a planner like me.
However, I did know one thing. There would be a lot of closures when we were there. Disneyland Paris is in the middle of a massive rehab project, which is part of their long term Experience Enhancement Plan. Essentially, the idea is they’ll be doing a refurb of 10 major attractions over a two year period that started in 2015 and concludes in 2017. It’s no coincidence that it will all be complete in time for Disneyland Paris’ 25th anniversary.
That means that while we’re there, the following will be closed:
Big Thunder Mountain (closed from the start of 2016 to January 2017)
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing (closed from the start of 2016 to January 2017)
Peter Pan’s Flight (closed from the start of 2016 to July 2016)
La Cabane des Robinson/Adventure Isle (closed from the start of 2016 to September 2016)
Discoveryland and Main Street USA stations (Main Street is closed from the start of 2016 until September 2016 and Discoveryland from April 2016 to March 2017)
Star Tours (from April 2016 to March 2017)
Rock’n’Roller Coaster (from late February 2016 to July 2016)
Animagique (from February 2016 to early July 2016)
As you can see from these dates, these are massive pieces of work. At least Pirates of the Caribbean will be open, as that’s closed for the first six months of 2017.
It’s a bit frustrating to say the least, as it will mean large parts of the parks will be shut off. At least the railroad is running, even if only the stations in Frontierland and Fantasyland will be open. I’m sad about Adventure Isle, as we love the theming of this part of the park, so no photo opportunities of that on this trip I’m afraid.
It’s a shame about Peter Pan’s Flight, although given its ridiculous lines for it, frankly we don’t often do it, so it’s not that much of a loss for me. I am curious to know if they’re going to put in an interactive queue. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they did.
The one I’m saddest about is Animagique, as I love that show and I know Daisy would’ve loved that. Oh well. I just hope Tom isn’t too despondent when he discovers Big Thunder and Rock’n’Roller Coaster are out of action. At least there are other thrill rides for him, like Space Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Tower of Terror, and Crush’s Coaster, so hopefully he’ll enjoy those.
Sara did say to Tom when I told her that Tom has to do It’s A Small World, so I think you can see where this is going… I immediately agreed, as having a co-conspirator to get certain individuals on to this ride is something I never say no to! I think Mark might have to do this, especially if we tell him it’s for his nieces…
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In fact, it’s probably one of our least favourite, although in fairness, every time we go we always say firstly, it’s not as bad as we remember it, and secondly we enjoy it more than we expected, which is a good sign. 
Not only did I have 101 points to use up (and a two night stay at the Hotel New York would cost 107, so perfect…) but I also worked out I had another 600 points that needed to be used by July 2017. Now usually that wouldn’t be a problem, but this year, it was. 
We had our September 2016 trip all planned out, and our next big trip back to Walt Disney World wouldn’t be until December 2017. For some reason, I thought I could hold all 600 points for that trip, but 
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Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. 
Jenn
We even joke that our contracts are 49 year ones, not 50!
I texted Sara to let her know and got a “thank you so much” back in return! 
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