Disneyland Paris 2016 Trip Report

Today is the day that I finally talk about our amazing trip to Disneyland Paris! I knew taking a Disney first timer would be amazing but seeing Joe's face as we stepped into the magical land blew me away. He uttered the words, "it's more magical than I thought it would be!" And those exact words made my heart flutter!

Not only had Joe never been to Disney before, he also had not flown in a plane before. So it was a holiday of whole new experiences for him. As we stepped aboard the Easyjet plane on September 12th 2016, the excitement just grew and grew! We had already planned that once we arrived we would check in at our hotel and then head to Disney Village; and that is precisely what we did. We checked into the Kyriad, which is a Disney partner hotel (this means it's still close to Disney but they do not own the property.) The hotel itself I find lovely, it has a good breakfast too which is always a bonus! It now additionally has a farm with cute little bunnies, llamas, sheep etc. We dumped our bags and headed straight onto the bus for Disney Village. I have wanted to try Earl of Sandwich for a long time now, so my goal was to get us to go there for tea. Somehow I managed it, considering Joe isn't the World's Biggest Sandwich Fan. He spotted a pizza and opted for that. It looked really tasty and was smothered in that French cheese that was going to be a recurring theme for the holiday. I chose the children's meal as my Burger King at lunch had filled me up, plus I didn't fancy trying to ask for my sandwich plain with the language barrier. I had a ham and cheese sandwich and a chocolate mousse. Both items were divine and I cannot wait to visit Earl of Sandwich in Orlando now! I love how neatly the items were wrapped in foil with a little sticker on. Such a cute touch. We did a little bit of shopping and Joe was excited to see Christmas items in the shop windows, then we headed back home to get some sleep before the exciting day ahead.

The first day at Disneyland was full to the brim of rides and shows. We visited the main Disneyland Park first as I wanted to truly show Joe how magical it can be. Our first ride (which is actually turning into a Disneyland Paris tradition) was Buzz Lightyear. This is a ride where you shoot at targets to earn points. I knew Joe would enjoy this as it is an interactive style ride, plus who doesn't love Toy Story. I remember hearing Joe say, "it's just like real life Toy Story!" After this we followed on by riding Casey Junior, The Storybook land boats, It's a Small World, Snow White, Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party and so much more!! We tried the Market House Deli for lunch which was actually really nice, it's situated on Main Street. Lucy and Joe had toasties and I opted for a simple bag of crisps and a gorgeous cupcake. I love how soft their icing is. Joe was looking forward to seeing the Frozen singalong so we went there next, well after the 2 of them bought Elsa slushies. I believe Joe was very impressed with the show as he went to watch it again on our last day. Joe somehow managed to drag me on Space Mountain Mission 2! I hate going upside down and I don't know what crazy thought went through my head in that moment for me to agree to such things! However I braved it, I wouldn't go on it again though, I loved the speed of it but I got battered so much I had a bad headache and dizziness for the rest of the day! We then picked our parade spot the the most magical parade. We chose to sit in the immense heat outside the towers in Fantasyland for about 20 minutes, which felt like torture but so worth it. The temperature was 31 degrees!!! The parade was probably my favourite I've ever seen, not because of the floats but because of the character interactions. Me and Lucy were getting into the spirit by singing, waving and blowing kisses, and it really paid off. A lot of them noticed us and came over and talked to us which made for a great vlog. Phantom Manor had broken down so we made our way to Pirates of the Caribbean which quickly became one of Joe's favourite rides. He even bought the souvenir photograph! We finally got to go on Phantom Manor after that which is one of my favourites, but that's because I love anything out of the ordinary and have a fondness for Haunted Mansion in WDW. We decided we wanted to visit Hakuna Matata for tea, we all got the spicy chicken and spicy waffle fries. It is a fond favourite of all of ours. The taste is very spicy so if you're not keen on spices this is not the place to visit. I also love the African decor. We picked our spot at the front of the park near the gazebo and staked it out for Dreams. This is the first time I properly got to watch it and it was truly magical, I can see why everyone adores it so much. Even Lucy joined in with enjoying it once she realised the fireworks didn't make a loud noise. It ended the night beautifully. <3

Once Upon A Time Tag

Sorry I have been MIA for a while. Work has been busy and famiy stuff and I visited Disneyland Paris! However, today I am going to do the Once Upon a Time Tag. I have been a huge fan of Once Upon a Time since the first day it aired on UK television. Albeit they actually took it off British tv, but I now follow through my box sets and am waiting to get season 5 for Christmas! Yes I am behind but I am loving taking my time to catch up!

So here we go!

1. Favourite Male Character?

I can see this tag being tough already. Okay it has to be either Hook due to his dreamy and charismatic self, plus the way he defends Emma in any situation; or Rumpelstiltskin who I have enjoyed watching on screen from the very start.

2. Favourite Female Character?

Regina Mills, I have always loved a good Disney villain, but I love them even more when they turn over a new leaf and redeem themselves. Plus she has the most killer outfits!

3. Least Favourite Male Character?

This is a toss up between my 2 most hated characters in the whole series: Neal and Will. Neal I find annoying as he literally doesn't remind me as the cute Baelfire whatsoever (but at least they killed him off!) And then Will Scarlet is just generally annoying, I find his character very bland and he's just kind of there.

4. Least Favourite Female Character

Probably Lily, she was cute in her flashback scenes with Emma, but not overly keen on this bad ass dragon bitch kind of thing she has going.

5. Favourite Villain

Ahh Rumple or Regina, I really can't pick!

6. Your Favourite Scene

Wow that's specific erm...maybe when Belle chips the cup, as I love Beauty and the Beast!

7. Favourite Ship

Hook's pirate shi....haha just kidding! I would have to say Rumbelle! I know a lot of people dislike them but I have a huge admiration for anything Beauty and the Beast and I think it's sweet how Belle softens Rumple's hard core.

8. Favourite Friendship

Snow and Ruby in the earlier series.

9. Saddest Moment

When Henry almost died in season 1.

10. Funniest Moment

Pretty much any of the Rumple scenes with his little giggle.

11. Favourite bad ass scene

When Snow shows off all her fighting skills!

12. Favourite Kiss

When Charming kisses Snow to wake her up.

13. Do you want the Evil Queen to get her happy ending?

Of Course!!!!

14. Your Favourite OMFG moment

When you find out that Ruby is the wolf and ate her boyfriend

15. Which side are you? Good or Evil?

Good definitely. I like to think I always try and do what's right

16. Your Favourite Once upon a Time outfit?

Pretty much any of Regina's they are gorgeous!

17. Favourite Episode

Operation Mongoose

18. Favourite Actor

Robert Carlyle he is flawless!

19. Favourite Actress

Lana Parilla she is flawless too. She is so impressive as the Evil Queen

20. Favourite Quote

"Magic always comes with a price Dearie!"

21. Favourite Backstory

Rumplestiltskin's

22. Something you want to know that hasn't been revealed yet

If they are going to be stuck in Storybrooke forever

23. What prop would you steal from the set?

Henry's storybook

24. If you could be any character who would you be?

Either Belle or Regina.

25. Favourite Character Entrance?

Regina when she storms into Snow and Charming's Wedding

26. Which Character Would you like to see more of?

Tinker Bell!

27. Favourite location/set?

Rumple's shop with all the artefacts

28. Enchanted Forest or Storybrooke?

Enchanted Forest

29. Favourite Fairy tale

Beauty and the Beast

30. What got you interested in Once upon a Time?

Erm...Hello...Huge Disney Fan Alert!!!!

That's it for this tag guys...I tag all of you Once upon a time fans to do this too and comment below!

The Alice 1951 Tag

I was tagged to do the Alice 1951 tag by the lovely Onceuponablog. Alice in Wonderland is one of my all time favourite Disney movies, so I was thrilled to be tagged!

1. Who in Wonderland would you choose to be your best friend?

I would choose the Cheshire Cat, because he is the right amount of kooky and fun! We could play lots of hide and seek around Tulgey Wood!

2. Would you rather be humongous or teeny tiny?

Preferably neither but between the two it'd have to be teeny tiny. You could sneak around anywhere without being seen!

3. What would you personal Wonderland look like?

Disney World is literally my personal Wonderland!!!

4. If you could take one possession with you to Wonderland, what would you take?

My camcorder, I'd have to vlog the entire trip!!!

5. Similarly, if you could take someone with you to explore who would you take?

It would have to be my best friend Lucy. She's an Alice fan too.

6. Would you most enjoy: sailing in a glass bottle or falling down the rabbit hole?

I like Tower of Terror so I'll go with falling down the rabbit hole, as you get to fall slowly and it looks really fun!

7. Minus the Red Queen, who would you least like to bump into?

I guess the Caterpillar he's so bossy and condescending.

8. In the garden, which type of flower do you think you'd be?

I think I'd be a Daisy, I like to think I;m quite dainty when I want to be, but not the prettiest of all the flowers.

9. Which of these locations would you like to call home: The Dormouse's Teapot, The Cheshire Cat's Tree, The Red Queen's Castle or the Caterpillars Mushroom?

100% The Red Queen's Castle, I like my amenities.Plus I'd have a whole labyrinth to run around in.

10. What would you do if you had to stay in Wonderlad for 5 years at a time or could never visit again?

I'd visit for 5 years at a time. It's so random and fun I'd love to stay!

I now nominate: @livingwithgee, @disney_polar, @ducknmouse, @littledischick & @jade_spade_

Underrated Attractions of Animal Kingdom

Okay, so here is the last in my little series of Disney's Underrated Attractions. Obviously, the last park is Animal Kingdom. I find this one a somewhat difficult one, because most of the rides are must do's for a lot of people and it's the walkthrough attractions that mostly get missed. But here goes!

1.  Flights of Wonder

I have to confess right now, that I have not seen Flights of Wonder since I was 6! I know... I'm ashamed, I hope to rectify that this year! However, this glorious bird show features birds from all over the world, with many different talents. This showcase is something that should not be missed. 

2. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

This is one of the walkthrough attractions that I mentioned. This forest exploration trail houses everything from Gorillas to Hippos, Birds to Zebra. It is very vast and if you keep stopping to take it all in, it's a lovely walk. It's a great place to take lots of photos and really take in the wildlife up close. 

3. The Maharajah Jungle Trek

Similarly to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, this is a walkthrough attraction which again houses an array of creatures for you to get up close to. This time there are bats, tigers, deer, bears, gibbons and lots more variety of bird. 

4. Rafiki's Planet Watch

Rafiki's Planet Watch can only be reached by boarding the Wildlife Express Train. You first encounter Habitat Habit where you learn about endangered creatures and how to help them. At the Conservation Station showcases conservation efforts in the Walt Disney company and there is even a live surgery that treats sick and injured animals. There is also the Affection Section which is a petting zoo with farmyard animals. This place is perfect for kids and often gets overlooked as people don't understand you have to travel by train to get there and back.

Most of the other attractions in Animal Kingdom are solid favourites. Mine are definitely Dinosaur, It's Tough to be a Bug, Expedition Everest & Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Trip Report

For my 24th Birthday I went to Blackpool Pleasure Beach with my friends. There were 7 of us altogether, even though there should have been 8. Unfortunately my friend Joe became ill on the day and couldn't come. So we had myself, Lucy, Pete, Amy, Becca, Clinton and Shaun. Luckily it was a very sunny day and we could enjoy the weather.

We travelled down in 2 cars, myself, Becca and Lucy were with Pete in the hire car. Whilst Shaun and Amy were in Clinton's car. The latter thought it would be fun to race us down to Blackpool, little did they know that we were having a birthday breakfast in McDonalds while they zoomed down the motorway! I enjoyed a hash brown and a coke zero as my breakfast and the four of us discussed how Florida would feel like this!

When we finally arrived and saw the sheer amount of college kids running riot, we were initially shocked, as it was a Monday (a day we figured would be quiet.) However, the queues were actually really short!

The first ride we braved was Ice Blast! This is one that I used to be terrified of, and from one time when I felt bad that Pete couldn't go on it with anyone, I jumped on it and haven't looked back since! I now actually quite like it, but I still get really nervous before it takes off. Especially when the ride operator shouts "this may be your last birthday" right before pressing the button!

We then moved on to rides everyone enjoys such as The Derby Racer, Alice in Wonderland and the Ghost Train  After we got off the Ghost Train, Lucy's backpack was wide open and the zip has bust. She tried to get Shaun to fix it and he got it to shut slightly. We then headed to my personal favourite: Wallace & Gromit Thrill-o-matic. Before we went on the ride, we got the chance to meet Gromit! It made a fabulous picture and I had to buy it as a keyring.

We went on lots of other rides, including the Nickelodeon Streak, the Avalanche, the River Caves and another of my favourites the Steeplechase. Unfortunately, on the Steeplechase, Lucy's brand new head band flew off, although she didn't notice until she got off the ride. She was gutted! While the brave people decided to go on the Big One, Lucy and I took to the Chinese Puzzle Maze to see if it had dropped into there. What was supposed to be a 5 minute look around, turned into 20 minutes of being utterly lost. It was quite funny! They still hadn't got through the queue so we went back on the Steeplechase to see if we could spot the headband. Literally 30 seconds into the ride I spotted it atop a hill. However, we were sadly informed that she'd have to have it sent back to her due to the electrics of the ride interfering with where it was situated! She decided it wasn't worth the postage fee as she only paid 50p for it! 

On the way home we grabbed a well deserved Burger King, which was utterly delicious! And then set back off home with a very twisty car journey heading down some lanes and with some hide and seek going on. 

It was one amazing birthday!

Underrated Attractions of Hollywood Studios

Today's post is another instalment of Disney World's underrated attractions. This time we visit Hollywood Studios. Of course you all know of the big rides at Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster & Toy Story Midway Manis (which queues can last hours for), but do you know about some not so famous attractions.

1. MuppetVision 3D

MuppetVision 3D is one of my personal favourite attractions at Hollywood Studios. The Muppets have been a tv staple for many years and are very famous. However, this attraction seemes to get overlooked for the thrill rides. They are currently changing Pizza Planet into a Muppet themed restaurant so maybe it will find some more love. But this theatre attraction is hilarious, I can watch it again and again and still laugh! It features all of your favourite Muppet characters and the 3D effects are on point!

2. Walt Disney's One Man's Dream

This attraction is one that I myself overlooked for many years. We happened to stumble into it one day in 2012 and I actually really enjoyed it. It's mostly a walk-through attraction showcasing old Disney merchandise, Disney park concept art, Walt's original office and much more. It is very interesting! Almost like a mini Disney museum! Then at the end there is a show about Walt himself. You definitely should view it at least once, as it really gives you a feel for the man who created the magic!

3. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

I am not a fan of the Indiana Jones movies myself, but I can still appreciate this show. I love stunt shows, I always feel like they give you a behind the scenes look on how movies are made. And the actors in this show are amazing! Even though I have not seen the films, I can still familiarise myself with a few of the classic scenes that are in this show, mainly the rolling boulder. It has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through!

.4. Voyage of the Little Mermaid

I wouldn't necessarily say this show is underrated, as it is usually full when I go and see it. However, with all the thrill rides and famous franchise rides this park has, it does seem to fly under the radar a bit. This is one of my favourite Disney shows. Using blacklight, all of the puppets and actors glow in the show. It is a condensed down version of the movie we all know and love but with a very magical feel to it. I love the gigantic Ursula puppet!

Dream Your Theme Park Tag!

I was tagged to this by the amazing ThemeParkLuuunies over on YouTube! You should totally check them out, they're fabulous! I believe that they made up this tag, which is pretty darn cool! If you'd like to join in feel free and let me know that you've done it and I shall read or watch it.

Ok so here we go!

1. In which country would your theme park be?

I was going to say England because that's where I live, but I like visiting somewhere else. America is my favourite country, but it is too far. So let's go Spain, cheap flights, warm weather. Yes! Spain!

2.What's the entrance to your Dreampark?

I would have to choose something like Cinderella's Castle at Disney World, instead of it being the centrepiece, you could actually walk through the castle as the official entrance.

3. What would be your Dreampark mascot?

Minnie Mouse, my favourite of the Disney characters.

4. Which show can't be missed at Dreampark?

Finding Nemo the Musical! Love it! The songs are so catchy and I get emotional watching it! Plus the puppetry is astounding.

5. Which snacks have to be sold at your Dreampark?

Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, Ginormous cupcakes and Chocolate smothered marshmallow kebabs!

6. Which restaurant has to be in your Dreampark?

Be Our Guest. You have to try the grey stuff, it's delicious, don't believe me, ask the dishes1

7. Which hotel would your Dreampark have?

The Grand Floridian! It is gorgeous!

8. What would be the eyecatcher of your park?

A giant statue of Minnie Mouse covered in diamonds!

9. Which two rollercoasters would you have in your Dreampark?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain

10. Which two dark rides would you have in your Dreampark?

Alice in Wonderland (because I have never been on it and it's one of my favourite movies) and The Seas with Nemo and Friends because it's so cute!

11. Which themed zone has to be in your Dreampark?

Fantasyland because it's so beautifully themed and transports me right back into my childhood.

12. What kind of transportation would you have at your park?

Monorail hands down! I love it! Would travel this way all the time if it were possible.

13. Name one unique feature of your Dreampark?

That you get videos of you on every ride and attraction to take home/ As a vlogger this excites me!

14. What is your Dreampark called?

Disney Dreams

15. Think of a slogan for your Dreampark commercials.

Disney Dreams, the place where dreams come true! <3

Underrated Attractions of Epcot

Following on from last week's post about underrated attractions. Today we visit Epcot where a lot of attractions have come and gone. Some have managed to withstand the force of time, but are just too educational for the likings of some people.

1. Living with the Land

Living with the Land is an educational boat ride in the Land Pavilion. The slow moving boat moves through a giant greenhouse that houses fruit and vegetables which are then used in the restaurants within Epcot. It very rarely has a wait, but I personally love it! I find it very interesting looking at all of their innovative techniques that I have never seen anyone else. The 9lb lemons are always a crowd pleaser.

2. Innoventions

Okay, so my favourite section of Innoventions has recently closed, however what still stands is still worth checking out. The most popular attraction there is The Sum of All Thrills, where guests build and then ride a simulation of their own rollercoaster. However, the 2 other attractions are often overlooked. The newest, Colortopia, is a virtual colour experience where guests can actually paint the walls with light. But the least noticed attraction is called StormStruck. This is a 4D experience that tells you about the best way to keep your house standing in a hurricane. It is also interactive as you have to answer questions on your opinions. Living in England, this is something I'd never really thought about before, and I learned a lot!

3. Impressions de France

Impressions de France is an 18-minute widescreen film shown in the France pavilion at Epcot and features the music of classical French composers. It is beautifully put together and shows a real insight into the country. It is often overlooked as it is out the way in the back of the French pavilion. It is worth seeing at least once.

4. O Canada!

Despite the fact that I love Martin Short, this 18-minute film is a must do at Epcot. It is a 360 degree cinema experience that shows Canada's cities and natural features. It puts Canada in a breathtaking light.

5. Reflections of China

Like the 2 above, Reflections of China is a cinematic film about the country it represents. You get to see everything from the Great Wall of China to the Forbidden City. The colours are divine! It is often overlooked as it is situated inside the temple.

Underrated Attractions of Magic Kingdom

Today, I am going to talk about the underrated attractions of Disney World. Some of my favourites can be put into this category. Everyone focuses on the rollercoasters, the water rides and the classic Disney magic; however Disney World hosts much more than that. And I am here to enlighten you with my own top 3!

Magic Kingdom

For this blog post we shall start with Magic Kingdom, the main hub for all of the Disney magic. But even in this spectacular park there are attractions that people often overlook.

1. Carousel of Progress

The Carousel of Progress is situated in Tomorrowland. It was originally created by Walt Disney himself for the 1964 New York World's Fair. This attraction takes you through different eras in a circular rotating theatre through the advancement of technologies and electricity. I personally love a good educational ride, and this one taught me a lot! The animatronics are fantastic and the facts are top notch. It is also a great place to stay cool for the 21 minutes in hot weather! The sign isn't very prominent and people seem to either miss it, or don't know what it is and walk past it. 

2. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor

Also in Tomorrowland is the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. If you have seen the movie Monsters Inc you will know that monsters used to run their electricity by capturing the screams of children, but nowadays they have found that laughter is stronger. Mike Wazowski and friends need to collect laughter from you to power their city. It is basically a stand up comedy show on screen, it is extremely funny and has lots of audience participation. You can even text in your own jokes!

 

3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Again in Tomorrowland (starting to think Tomorrowland is a treasure trove for underrated attractions), is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority also known as the PeopleMover. A lot of guests don't realise that this is a ride and expect that it shuffles guests from one part of the park to another. This however is not the case. It actually goes round in one big circle. It is a blue coloured train like vehicle which allows you to see the whole of Tomorrowland from above. It points out featured attractions, shops and dining and can be quite helpful for first timers. It also goes inside Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Mickey's Star Traders shop. As well as this it shows some futuristic exhibits, including Walt's original concept art for Epcot.

Cinco De Mayo!

As it is Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would take the time to talk about my favourite pavilion in Epcot: Mexico!

The Mexican Pavilion at Epcot is the only pavilion that has an inside section that looks like the outside. It is truly breath-taking to see it for the first time. You feel like you have stepped right onto the streets of Mexico...at night! As you step into the Mesoamerican pyramid, you are first met by a traditional Mexican marketplace with stalls selling everything from piñatas to sombreros. The San Angel Inn restaurant is all aglow by candlelight, as the boat ride passes by a volcano. 

The best part, in my eyes, is the Gran Fiesta Tour ride. it features the Three Caballeros (a very underrated Disney classic movie.) The Three Caballeros are : Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles. Jose and Panchito need your help to locate Donald, as he has wandered off somewhere in Mexico. The ride itself is a slow moving boat ride, which interacts with television screens which tell the story. It is a lovely relaxing ride and very rarely has a queue. The ride used to be named El Rio Del Tiempo, and though a similar concept, the Caballeros were not featured whatsoever. 

If you are lucky enough, you may get to meet Caballero Donald Duck outside of the pyramid! The Cantina de San Angel does amazing churros too! You should definitely stop by at the Mexico pavilion and take in the culture. If like me, you have never visited Mexico it is amazing to get even the smallest taste of what it may be like. 

EXCITING DISNEY TRIP ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Me and Lucy have 2 very exciting Disney trip announcements to make! We are heading to Disneyland Paris and Disney World this year! 

I adore Disney and love nothing more than spending time in the parks, this will also be the first time that I have been to two different Disney resorts in the same year. Me and Lucy are both extremely excited!

We will be in Disneyland Paris in September and Disney World in November. 

Check out the YouTube video below for more details!