Ms Poppins
I'm sure I'm very affected by all this Disney talk
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
Our Halloween trip is fast approaching, so time to start a new trip report 
**I've debated doing this, as I always do, because I don't spend as much time on Dis as I used to. But, I really enjoy reading back over our previous trips and I think I'd regret it in years to come if I didn't document this one too
**
The Cast
Me – Julie – 47
DH – John – 51
DS1 - Mark - 28
DS2 – Lewis – 18
Our eldest son, Mark, made it home safely from the US a week or so after lockdown here in the UK and has stayed here ever since, so I'm thrilled he's coming with us for this trip
Staying at home - DD Abbey (she has a WDW trip to look forward to in a few weeks time)
Our last visit was in Summer of 2019 at the Newport Bay Club. We had a fantastic trip and watched the Hotel New York being refurbished with great excitement each time we passed it. On our last day we sat on the steps at the lake enjoying a final ice cream and we all agreed we'd definitely be back to see all the updates to our favourite hotel.
Here's Lewis, longing for it to be open
Booking
So, after 3 years away I actually feel like a bit of a newbie.......We didn't renew our annual passes as they expired during 2020 and at the time we had no idea when we'd make it back. I decided to just go for a package trip after reading about having to make reservations etc. I didn't want to risk renewing them and not being able to get the dates we wanted. We probably won't go more than once and we always stay on-site so it didn't seem worth it just now.
Because of the uncertainty around travelling, I held off booking for this trip until just a few months ago. I dithered for ages and as a result ending up paying more for flights and the hotel in the end. I wanted to book directly with Disneyland Paris via their own website, due to the guarantees for cancelling they offered. But I noticed a slightly cheaper deal including park tickets with Expedia. Then I noticed that Disney offer a price guarantee. They offer to match and refund the difference if you find a cheaper offer for an identical package via another agent. They will also give a 20E gift card at check in. This offer is on the UK site just now, not sure if it covers all countries.
Anyway, I booked via Disney and then on the same day, I filled out the online claim form and waited. About a week later, I got an email confirming that they'd reduced the balance of the booking and that I'd get a 20E gift card when we checked in.
When
Soon!! We go for 2 nights next week and as I played around with flight times, we will arrive around lunchtime on our first day and leave later in the evening on our last so should get most of the 3 days in the parks.
Where
As already said, the Hotel New York has been our favourite hotel for years. Our boys absolutely love Marvel so when they announced the refurb, there was no doubt we'd return to see it. By the time we booked, the only rooms left were Garden View, which I would never usually pay for. I actually cannot get over the price.....I know everywhere in Disney is more expensive now, covid etc all factors. But really, if we hadn't been saving for the last 3 years I just would not have been able to justify these prices. If they stay at this rate or increase then this might be our last time here
Official App
I booked everything online and then downloaded the App which linked my hotel booking and also opened up restaurant booking for the days we're travelling. Great that you can now make restaurant bookings using the App. 7 days before, there was an option to complete hotel check-in, although to fully complete you need to print off a page for each person, to complete address details etc. I've done this and will hand over the documents at check in, hopefully saving some time. I also was able to book a time for us to do the meet and greet in the HNY (only for HNY guests I think).
This was another reason I wanted to book via Disney. I've seen quite a few times now that some people are having problems linking their tickets etc if booked via a third party. Lots of functions seem to be via the App and linking tickets.
Food
We have a booking at Plaza Gardens on our last day before heading home and will probably visit Annette's at some point (of course!). The Steakhouse in the Village is also on our list but as of now can't get a reservation. Hopefully they will take walk ins. It's a massive restaurant and I've never seen it close to capacity.
Our plans
The boys are keen to see the Avengers Campus and all things Marvel so that’s top of the list.
I know everything will be busier now that fast pass is gone and don’t intend to use premier pass. Hopefully we’ll make good use of EMT (they changed that too!) and do the rides we want.
Big Thunder Mountain in the dark is always on our list too
I'm really excited about seeing the hotel changes and having a wee drink in the Skyline bar. Honestly, after 3 years away I’m so happy to be back at all
**I've debated doing this, as I always do, because I don't spend as much time on Dis as I used to. But, I really enjoy reading back over our previous trips and I think I'd regret it in years to come if I didn't document this one too
**The Cast
Me – Julie – 47
DH – John – 51
DS1 - Mark - 28
DS2 – Lewis – 18
Our eldest son, Mark, made it home safely from the US a week or so after lockdown here in the UK and has stayed here ever since, so I'm thrilled he's coming with us for this trip
Staying at home - DD Abbey (she has a WDW trip to look forward to in a few weeks time
)Our last visit was in Summer of 2019 at the Newport Bay Club. We had a fantastic trip and watched the Hotel New York being refurbished with great excitement each time we passed it. On our last day we sat on the steps at the lake enjoying a final ice cream and we all agreed we'd definitely be back to see all the updates to our favourite hotel.
Here's Lewis, longing for it to be open
Booking
So, after 3 years away I actually feel like a bit of a newbie.......We didn't renew our annual passes as they expired during 2020 and at the time we had no idea when we'd make it back. I decided to just go for a package trip after reading about having to make reservations etc. I didn't want to risk renewing them and not being able to get the dates we wanted. We probably won't go more than once and we always stay on-site so it didn't seem worth it just now.
Because of the uncertainty around travelling, I held off booking for this trip until just a few months ago. I dithered for ages and as a result ending up paying more for flights and the hotel in the end. I wanted to book directly with Disneyland Paris via their own website, due to the guarantees for cancelling they offered. But I noticed a slightly cheaper deal including park tickets with Expedia. Then I noticed that Disney offer a price guarantee. They offer to match and refund the difference if you find a cheaper offer for an identical package via another agent. They will also give a 20E gift card at check in. This offer is on the UK site just now, not sure if it covers all countries.
Anyway, I booked via Disney and then on the same day, I filled out the online claim form and waited. About a week later, I got an email confirming that they'd reduced the balance of the booking and that I'd get a 20E gift card when we checked in.
When
Soon!! We go for 2 nights next week and as I played around with flight times, we will arrive around lunchtime on our first day and leave later in the evening on our last so should get most of the 3 days in the parks.
Where
As already said, the Hotel New York has been our favourite hotel for years. Our boys absolutely love Marvel so when they announced the refurb, there was no doubt we'd return to see it. By the time we booked, the only rooms left were Garden View, which I would never usually pay for. I actually cannot get over the price.....I know everywhere in Disney is more expensive now, covid etc all factors. But really, if we hadn't been saving for the last 3 years I just would not have been able to justify these prices. If they stay at this rate or increase then this might be our last time here
Official App
I booked everything online and then downloaded the App which linked my hotel booking and also opened up restaurant booking for the days we're travelling. Great that you can now make restaurant bookings using the App. 7 days before, there was an option to complete hotel check-in, although to fully complete you need to print off a page for each person, to complete address details etc. I've done this and will hand over the documents at check in, hopefully saving some time. I also was able to book a time for us to do the meet and greet in the HNY (only for HNY guests I think).
This was another reason I wanted to book via Disney. I've seen quite a few times now that some people are having problems linking their tickets etc if booked via a third party. Lots of functions seem to be via the App and linking tickets.
Food
We have a booking at Plaza Gardens on our last day before heading home and will probably visit Annette's at some point (of course!). The Steakhouse in the Village is also on our list but as of now can't get a reservation. Hopefully they will take walk ins. It's a massive restaurant and I've never seen it close to capacity.
Our plans
The boys are keen to see the Avengers Campus and all things Marvel so that’s top of the list.
I know everything will be busier now that fast pass is gone and don’t intend to use premier pass. Hopefully we’ll make good use of EMT (they changed that too!) and do the rides we want.
Big Thunder Mountain in the dark is always on our list too
I'm really excited about seeing the hotel changes and having a wee drink in the Skyline bar. Honestly, after 3 years away I’m so happy to be back at all
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