So recently I've noticed what feels like everyone on my social media time lines is either, in Walt Disney World, planning a trip there, working there or has already been this year. Have you guys seen that too? Now maybe this is just a huge case of FOMO (the fear of missing out) but it got me thinking about how I'd never been and still have no realistic plans to go any time soon, and before I knew it I was spiraling into a pretty glum mood that even Eeyore himself might have been envious of.
Here's the thing, I've wanted to go to WDW for what feels like forever, and yeah I guess it is sad that that's not happened yet, and right now its not even on the cards. But actually it's really ok, because I've done some other really wonderful things in Disneyland Paris and nothing can take that away.
So it's time to turn that frown upside down and look at some of the reasons it's ok that I haven't made it across the pond yet!
Things I haven't done in Paris
Yes, you did read that right, despite my 10 visits to the park since 2010 I still haven't done a whole bunch of things in DLP yet, maybe I'm just a bit rubbish but there is just far too much to explore than I never feel like I really have time, there's a few things that I'd like to try and check off my list, plenty of restaurants to eat in for a start. I haven't managed to catch a puppet show in Lucky Nugget yet, I haven't done the hot air balloon in the Disney Village (though I'm not sure i'll ever actually go through with that one) I've never done a new years eve trip, and even with the recent changes to make the main park ticket only, I still think this is something I should try! I still haven't even made a dent in staying in all of the hotels yet, though I'm not sure quite how i'll ever find the money for the Disneyland Hotel, but I can dream right? Simply put, I really feel like I'm only just scratching the surface of what Disneyland Paris has to offer, and I can't wait to explore and see more!
I have an annual pass for DLP
Having an annual pass has meant that DLP is suddenly super affordable for me, suddenly the option to go over for a weekend rather than taking a whole week seems actually possible, and this means I have so many more chances to visit. Not only this but having an annual pass does occasionally open you up to extra experiences too which I wouldn't otherwise get the chance to go to, I admit this is usually film screenings, which are probably in french and usually announced way too late for me to actually make plans to go, but all the same it's nice to have the opportunity.
Having an annual pass also opens up a whole world of discounts, I have an infinity pass, so my parking is free if we drive over, I have 365 day access to the park, 20% merchandise, 15% off restaurants, access to all the hotel pools even if I'm not staying there, a free annual Photo pass to take home all of my ride photos and character meet memories. I get access to exclusive viewing areas for Stars on Parade and also Illuminations and up to 50% off on site hotel stays! I'm sure there's a whole load more perks I've missed off, but with offers like that it's hard not to want to use all my time off work to visit DLP.
Seasonal Events
I guess this could kind of be included in things I haven't done yet, but Disneyland Paris is great at holding special seasonal events, outside of your main seasons, Christmas, Halloween, Swing into spring and whatever replaces Frozen Summer fun in 2018, there are also smaller events through out the year, in particular St Patrick's day is something I really want to experience in DLP, seeing Mickey and Minnie in their Irish outfits, seeing the leprechauns and Irish dancers, anyone who knows me will tell you from the age of about 10 or 11 I decided I wanted to visit Ireland, I've never really had a concrete reason for it, an unfortunately it's still not something I've been able to do, but seeing all the Irish entertainment, surrounded by my favourite Mice on the planet? Sounds pretty good to me! DLP have also previous celebrated st David's day, Bastile day etc, and I think these mini events would be amazing to experience.
Location
Thanks to the location of Disneyland Paris and it's transport links it's really easy to combine a trip to DLP with other sight seeing opportunities around Paris, this is something I had hoped to do on my last trip, but unfortunately time ran away with me a bit and it was just too hard to drag myself away from the parks for a day. Its definitely something I intend to do at least once before my annual pass runs out in September 2018, I'd love to see some of what Paris has to offer, in particular the Eiffel tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame, you know standard tourist stuff. For me travelling to DLP and especially travelling to and from DLP on my own has given me slightly more confidence to start to head further afield and explore a little more than just the Disney parks.
It's Home
I guess the most important thing is, Disneyland Paris truly feels like home, I know the parks, the village the hotels, I feel safe there and I feel happy. I've made so many amazing memories there in the last 7 years since I started visiting, and not only that, but the parks, and the community have provided me with some of the best friends I've ever had, truly I've come into contact with some of the most wonderful people, inspiring artists, incredible youtubers, awesome bloggers and just totally fabulous humans and I wouldn't have any of that without DLP.
So there we go, maybe not going to WDW isn't such a terrible thing after all, of course, I'm still so disappointed that it's not my turn yet, I think that's natural and I don't think it's going to go away just yet, but at the same time, it's easy to forget that actually I've been incredibly fortunate to have a park so close to home that holds such a special place in my heart, that I'm able to visit so often and make so many amazing friends and memories.
What about you? Have you never been to WDW, do you ever get upset about it? How do you deal with it?
Hoodsie xx
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