Disneyland Paris June 2016

Having left Brugge, we set off for Disneyland. You could see the increased security when crossing the Belgian border with traffic down to a single lane through a security checkpoint.

Straight through, no problems and then off towards Lille.

“Keep Left at Lille then Left” is how we remember where to go and once on the A1 it all plain sailing until we get to Charles de Gaulle Airport when it gets a little tricky if you don’t watch what your doing.

Just a minor problem with our Sanef Toll Tag – it wasn’t recognised when passing through the Peage Toll booths and the barrier was operated remotely as we were causing a back log. We will have to wait and see if we get charged!

Upon arrival, we topped up with fuel (just incase, can’t be too careful after recent events) then filled up the water tank and then found our place for the next 5 days.

Then off to the Park!

With rides on Autopia, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, Pinnochio and Indiana Jones, this was a very successful 1st evening!

Day 2 began with my Motorhome Breakfast and fresh coffee – who needs Costa? followed by a visit to the Val D’Europe Shopping Mall which is always worth a visit.

After a very relaxing day we headed to the park in the evening (in between the rain showers) and what an evening – no waiting for rides and again and luckily didn’t get wet.

The Teacups, not really my cup of tea but the boys enjoy seeing me afterwards – I get a little green around the gills after all that spinning around………

We decided to give the over cab bed a go which proved to be very comfortable indeed and getting up & down the ladder was not that bad – best nights sleep in a motorhome we’ve had.

Day 3 already – Rides, rides & more rides!

A show in Cinemagique

An Inversion on Indiana jones.

Yo ho, Yo ho, a Pirates life for me! My Favourite…..

And a great view of the nightly Firework display & Disney Dreams

Nice weather for Ducks! One of the biggest thunderstorms I have ever witnessed. The small tree gave some slight cover from the rain until it began getting heavier and heavier with large hailstones that really hurt the head when they hit you…….

After sheltering in a band stand, we thought, what the hell, can’t get much wetter – We were so wrong!!!!!!!! Strangely this was not so bad and was actually fun, in a strange sort of way although it took ages for our clothes to dry.

Day 4 was spent drying clothes and relaxing before heading into the parks for the last time on this trip as we did not intend on going into the parks on a Saturday – done this before and it wasn’t fun at all – far too busy.

A little gift shopping in the Disney outlets and Planet Hollywood store made my wallet a little lighter but it was all worth it and I think my new T-Shirt says it all.

Saturday Day 5, the last full day before our journey back to the UK, and a visit to Val D’Europe on the train from DLP, to get last minute supplies for the way home. We particularly liked the Fougasse (a kind of flat bread) we strongly recommend the Parisian style which was very nice indeed, there was a 3 cheese version but beware, the cheese was strong n smelly.

We decided to give it a go and went to the parks on Saturday afternoon, we were pleasantly surprised to get on all the rides so easily and very little queueing, in fact, we did more rides than on any other day we were there.

Day 6, Sunday did not start off so well, a slight mishap with the electric window on the passenger side – it was stuck down and smoke coming from my switch panel – Oh No!

I thought that my co pilot would be wearing hat, gloves and scarf for our journey home but after a simple fix – disconnecting my switch, the window went back up and problem solved, for now anyway…

A drive back to Calais and back to uk on the Tunnel before the final leg of our trip – 2 nights in Canterbury.

With another 784 miles under our belt at an average of 29.95MPG, I think that we did pretty well – it must be the way I drive!

 

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Brugge June 2016

After GCSE’s. work and generally a hectic couple of months,  it’s time for for the adventures to resume and where better to begin than Brugge, a place that we said we would revisit.

We booked a 4 bed, outside cabin with dinner and breakfast included and although not cheap, we feel that it is good value for money and it shaves off a massive 300 miles from the planned trip.

Well stocked with our favourite foods, drink, tech and 2 kids, we set off for what we anticipated to be our best outing yet.

First to arrive for the check in at Hull but better to be early than late.

This was our 1st trip to Europe in Rio and whilst we had done this journey many times before, this time seemed a little extra special – or maybe that was just me!

Security check, a short wait on the terminal and then loading. All went pretty well and I must say that P&O at Hull are very efficient compared to Dover-Calais and well worth paying that little extra for the night on the ship.

OMG! that’s high – I’ve not really got a good head for heights and didn’t hang around the edge for long.

After spending a small fortune in the on board shop on Chanel, Dior and YvesSaintLaurent, we headed for the restaurant for dinner which didn’t disappoint and went down very well indeed especially the chocolate cake (twice)

The cabin was as expected, clean and compact with a shower room and WC, what more could we want?

A good nights sleep followed and after breakfast we arrived in Belgium for phase 1 of our holiday.

A short journey from the port to Brugge and Camping Memling which would be our base for the next 3 days.

Great site and now offering free WiFi (via 1 hour vouchers at the self service point near reception) which kept the boys entertained for a while.

When we planned our holiday, we never thought what impact Euro 2016 may have on our plans and was slightly dismayed when the site appeared to fill up with football fans in tents and hired motor homes but the first night was very quiet and everyone respected the fact that the site was used by families and also in a residential area.

Day 2 saw us take a 30 minute walk from the site into the centre of Brugge. We planned to go up the Belfry Tower ( which always brings a smile to my face when thinking about the scene from the movie “In Brugges” with Colin Farell)

The queue wasn’t that bad so we headed straight for the tower. 366 steps to the top of the tower which also meant 366 steps back down – at this stage the boys didn’t seem too happy!

It was hot and not really the day to be inside a stone tower with tight winding stairs and lots of people, good job there was three floors with plenty of scope for a short rest.

47 bells which sounded whilst we were at the top made the experience even better although not everyone enjoyed the noise.

The view from the top was fantastic and the breeze was very welcome too.

The way down was made difficult by those wanting to get to the top and it was a miracle that none of us actually slipped on the stairs themselves as they were so steep in places.

Lunch was Fries & Mayonnaise from the stands at the base of the tower, very nice despite the price of 4 1/2 euro’s per portion but were on holiday after all.

That night everyone on site was disturbed by the mindless and selfishness of a group of Welsh football fans who were drinking, playing load music and basically showing a total disrespect for anyone else other than themselves – luckily it appears that they were ejected from the site the next day.

Day 3 – Having seen the city by horse drawn carriage and the canal on a previous visit, we decided to take the City bus tour from the town centre  – 20 euros each for 50 minutes of guided commentary, not bad at all and much better than trying to find your own way around the city.

 

A stroll around the Koningin AstridPark was pleasant and highly recommended if you get the chance.

After a great day in the city we headed back to Camping Memling for a well earned rest and believe me, we needed it.

After a good and quiet nights sleep, we were ready for phase 2 of the holiday – Disneyland Paris, a 200 mile drive via Lille and Paris and with my trusty side kick navigating, I knew we would have a good journey.