Things I’m Looking Forward to Doing in Disneyland Paris, January 2017

What.. another Disney trip? Yes, 10 days today we’ll hopefully be less than an hour from arriving in Disneyland Paris. Due to money constraints 2017 is going to be the year of Disneyland Paris. We have no Walt Disney World trips booked (I know, I know) but right now I have 2 trips to Disneyland Paris booked and paid for and a further 2 or 3 on the cards, one hopefully with LM’s friend Bella as her family are planning on visiting from the States around about June! Thankfully aside from Bella’s family, two more of our friends will be visiting the UK during the year so we will have people to see. I won’t lie, the lack of WDW holiday is really hurting, hoping when the free dining comes out we can get one planned for next year.. I do turn 30 after all!

ANYWAY, back to our up and coming trip at the end of the month! This is a surprise trip for LM, she has no idea we’re going yet as it’s to celebrate her 5th birthday! Last year we spent my birthday in Magic Kingdom which was rather magical so it’s only fair LM gets a Disney birthday celebration too. Her birthday isn’t until the 28th but this whole trip is about her. Not only that but my best friend Bee is coming with her two daughters and we’re all staying in the same Disney hotel. This is our first ever girls trip (something we talked about when LM was born and we all had girls) and our first time going to Disney together. I’m crazy excited. I’m sure it’s because it’s for LM’s birthday, the fact it’s a surprise and I’m going with Bee.

Here are some things I’m particularly looking forward to!

Hotel Cheyenne, May 2014Staying in a Disney Hotel with my best friend.
So far I’ve stayed in Hotel Cheyenne and Newport Bay on past trips to Disneyland Paris. I loved them both. This time we’re staying in Santa Fe as we got a seriously good price around about Black Friday. So far she’s only stayed in the Davy Crockett Ranch so this will be her first time on site. I’m hoping we have connecting rooms and I’m taking a bottle of wine (I’m on Eurostar and she’s flying!) We have breakfast included, and although I know it’ll be carnage LM is good with continental and I can always pocket a few croissants to feed her throughout the day. Although Santa Fe is Cars themed I’m sure just being in the Disney bubble with be fun and I’ve already checked that the hotel bar serves Glowtinis as that was something on both our bucket lists.

Getting Annual Passes
All going well I’m going to be getting LM and I an annual pass each. I know the price is going up soon so this could be our only year doing it. This will be our reason for visiting so often this year (that and the fact it’s the 25th Anniversary, which is funny given I went to the WDW 25th Anniversary back in 1997). There are also some amazing perks with the DLP annual pass such as 20% off in stores, 10% off in restaurants including character dining and money off hotels. Getting an annual pass for a Disney Park is something on my bucket list and I cannot wait to cross it off.

Storm Troopers at Hollywood Studios, FloridaSeason of the Force
As LM and I are both huge Star Wars fans, Season of the Force is right up our street. I won’t lie, I’m a bit sad that LM is now tall enough for Star Tours but it’s closed at the moment but I’m sure what they all have on at the moment in the Studios park will be entertainment enough. We loved the Storm Trooper march and the stage show but especially the night time projection and fireworks show while we were in Hollywood Studios at WDW. We’ll actually be watching this over Dreams on this trip and multiple late nights is probably not the best for LM when she’s straight back to school after the trip. Still holding out hope they have some character meets for us to experience!

Inventions Brunch
For LM’s birthday meal we’re eating at Inventions for Sunday Brunch. Brunch is always themed with the theme changing each week so we’re hoping for a Neverland theme when we go because imagine how much LM would like that? They used to announce the theme but now it’s a surprise but we’re ever hopeful. It would be the most perfect birthday gift but I won’t be telling LM until we arrive, just to be on the safe side as I wouldn’t want her to be disappointed. I’m still excited about the idea of a theme and the buffet sounds wonderful. Here’s hoping LM eats more than a couple of slices of ham!

Watching Magic on Parade for the Last Time
When we return in April Magic on Parade will be no more. I actually really love the little parade and the song is so catchy so I’m sad to see it go. It was the first Disney parade LM and I watched together. Although I know it’s outdated and I am looking forward to seeing the new one for the 25th it holds special memories for me as a parent. I’m hoping to watch it both Friday and Saturday and take as many photographs as possible.

Finally Riding Big Thunder Mountain
GUYS! LM is tall enough for Big Thunder Mountain and we’re going to a park where it’s open! I’m a little apprehensive as I know it’ll be the biggest coaster she’s been on and I’m not a huge fan myself but I’m ready to experience it with her! I mean if we get FPs because there is no way we’ll queue for a long time especially in the cold (and it’s going to be cold!) but if we get FPs then we’re riding! God I feel sick just writing that haha, i’m such a chicken!

Peter Pan’s Flight is also open again this trip when it wasn’t last February so that’ll be another one she really wants to go on. Again, fingers crossed for FPs or pixie dust as like in Florida the queue gets insane for this.

LM Dressing Up & Character Meets
Lets face it, for us character meeting is what we go to Disney for. LM still believes it’s all real and she likes to see everyone because she considers them friends. As I’ve had a little longer to prepare I have a thermal vest, long sleeve thermal top, long sleeve polo top, thermal tights, fleece leggings, regular tights, thermal socks and boots to go under some of LM’s dresses. We also have a cape for her Belle outfit and a blue housecoat for her Wendy outfit. We’re packing winter Belle (her pink dress with red cape), Wendy, Leia and Daisy Duck (for EMH). I have a pink fleece for under Belle and a white fleece for under Daisy and Leia. In the evening after the parade and characters have gone in I’ll be putting her coat on and she has ear muffs, a scarf and gloves to wear all day every day. I’m so thankful that I’ve always bought her costumes a little bigger meaning she can dress up.

As for character meets top of the list is obviously Peter and Wendy, would also love to meet a princess if we can catch the Pavilion when it’s not too busy. After seeing the movie, Moana is high on the list too. Hoping to see as many people as possible in EMH but of course Donald is number one with her being dressed as Daisy although I’d love to see them all. We’ll be trying to hit up as many of the scheduled character spots but I know if LM had the choice Alice would be her first pick. There were so many pop up characters out yesterday, I’m hoping for something similar while we’re there!

Of course there is so much more I’m looking forward to, like meeting Disney friends (both CMs and Disney bloggers who are all there at the same time). The big reveal to LM the night before we go. Disney food, even if it’s just chicken strips because they’re so good! And hopefully having enough money to buy Disney souvenirs this time!

When is your next Disney trip?