I typed a huge list of highs and lows earlier this morning then lost the lot grrr - so lets try again (I'll try posting a little then adding to it)!
Lows -
one little niggle - it took us 30 minutes to get to the front of the AP office queue for our new APs on Wednesday, despite there only being half a dozen people in front of me. There were at least 10 CMs behind the desk, but only 3 were dealing with customers. When you've been travelling for hours and just want to get exploring the park, 30 minutes feels like forever
!
Chalet au Marionette - 2pm on Friday we attempted to get something to eat here, I waited in line for 15 minutes and in all that time I saw one person get served their food, so I gave up.
Highs
Everything else
!
Weather - best we've ever had at DLP in 13 trips - dry, sunny, light breezes every day. We had suncream on on Thursday.
Disneyland Park looks truly beautiful right now, clean, shiny, and all the flowers/decor for the Springtime Festival add the finishing touch.
Dreams! - we saw it twice, both times even my 5-year old could see it well. We haven't seen it since Brave and Lion King joined the show, I was devastated when Jungle Book was cut but I will graciously accept that Lion King makes an acceptable replacement. I cried - again.
Springtime Festival -
This is stunning - the main park and Village are beautifully decorated, and in the bright sunshine the vibrant colours really pop. We didn't meet Rapunzel as she's only out 3 times a day and the queues are mental, but we saw the Spring Promenade show on the stage, which is full of characters, dancers, singing and music. Lots of fun and if you watch it from the stage area you see the whole thing come past you twice. We also saw the Welcome to Spring show at the bandstand, lovely little show and good to see that area being used for song and dance again.
Queued meet n greets -
Love it! We joined the Studios meet n greets on Friday, so relaxed with everyone in organised lines, compared to previous scrums. Even at the Descent of the Stairs on Thursday afternoon the characters or their CMs were all pointing to who was next so there was no pushing in.
Its a Small World birthday celebrations -
we saw the filming on Thursday morning as hundreds of people, singing and waving flags, walked through the castle down to the hub. In the afternoon we rode the IASW ride, and were asked to join one of the singing boats by UNICEF staff, so we had to sing the song all the way round the ride. Of course we said yes - by the end we were all La La La-ing instead of singing but that counts, right?
Eurostar and Gravesend Premier Inn -
First time on Eurostar for all of us, we were indirect out and direct back. Both very easy and stress-free, I think i'd prefer direct on the way back, as when you've left the parks on your last day you just want to be home don't you. Premier Inn Gravesend was a 7-minute drive to Ebbsfleet train station, quiet hotel, lovely breakfast, helpful staff, what more could you want?
And finally - the low crowds (it felt like term-time in May or June, rather than school holidays, even considering it was Spanish holidays this week too), the non-smelly toilets (even at Chalet au Marionette and near BTM, usually the ones I avoid like the plague), and all the restaurants we tried (except Chalet au Marionette above) - no complaints at all!
So - I have converted yet another young family member to the Disney Magic (my 5-year old niece) - and she's determined to bring her Dad next time lol!
Lows -
one little niggle - it took us 30 minutes to get to the front of the AP office queue for our new APs on Wednesday, despite there only being half a dozen people in front of me. There were at least 10 CMs behind the desk, but only 3 were dealing with customers. When you've been travelling for hours and just want to get exploring the park, 30 minutes feels like forever
!Chalet au Marionette - 2pm on Friday we attempted to get something to eat here, I waited in line for 15 minutes and in all that time I saw one person get served their food, so I gave up.
Highs
Everything else
!Weather - best we've ever had at DLP in 13 trips - dry, sunny, light breezes every day. We had suncream on on Thursday.
Disneyland Park looks truly beautiful right now, clean, shiny, and all the flowers/decor for the Springtime Festival add the finishing touch.
Dreams! - we saw it twice, both times even my 5-year old could see it well. We haven't seen it since Brave and Lion King joined the show, I was devastated when Jungle Book was cut but I will graciously accept that Lion King makes an acceptable replacement. I cried - again.
Springtime Festival -
This is stunning - the main park and Village are beautifully decorated, and in the bright sunshine the vibrant colours really pop. We didn't meet Rapunzel as she's only out 3 times a day and the queues are mental, but we saw the Spring Promenade show on the stage, which is full of characters, dancers, singing and music. Lots of fun and if you watch it from the stage area you see the whole thing come past you twice. We also saw the Welcome to Spring show at the bandstand, lovely little show and good to see that area being used for song and dance again.
Queued meet n greets -
Love it! We joined the Studios meet n greets on Friday, so relaxed with everyone in organised lines, compared to previous scrums. Even at the Descent of the Stairs on Thursday afternoon the characters or their CMs were all pointing to who was next so there was no pushing in.
Its a Small World birthday celebrations -
we saw the filming on Thursday morning as hundreds of people, singing and waving flags, walked through the castle down to the hub. In the afternoon we rode the IASW ride, and were asked to join one of the singing boats by UNICEF staff, so we had to sing the song all the way round the ride. Of course we said yes - by the end we were all La La La-ing instead of singing but that counts, right?
Eurostar and Gravesend Premier Inn -
First time on Eurostar for all of us, we were indirect out and direct back. Both very easy and stress-free, I think i'd prefer direct on the way back, as when you've left the parks on your last day you just want to be home don't you. Premier Inn Gravesend was a 7-minute drive to Ebbsfleet train station, quiet hotel, lovely breakfast, helpful staff, what more could you want?
And finally - the low crowds (it felt like term-time in May or June, rather than school holidays, even considering it was Spanish holidays this week too), the non-smelly toilets (even at Chalet au Marionette and near BTM, usually the ones I avoid like the plague), and all the restaurants we tried (except Chalet au Marionette above) - no complaints at all!
So - I have converted yet another young family member to the Disney Magic (my 5-year old niece) - and she's determined to bring her Dad next time lol!
glad you had such a fantastic time and yay for another Disneyholic in your family! 
