Bonjour!
I love Disney.
I realise that's not terribly uncommon for a woman of my age...having grown up with it literally everywhere, but I do. Perhaps not the extent of some, I don't plaster it everywhere, but I certainly love and appreciate the magic of it all. I love that I can allow Moo to watch a Disney film and know that yes, although it might have sad and scary parts, the point is this; they are children, they are innocent...the world can be a horrible place but right now, princesses and pirates are real and totally awesome.
We did two days in Disneyland Paris last month and it was my first ever time in a Disney park with a child (my mother-in-law thought that was hilarious). I've been previously with family and last year the husband and I did three nights in Paris and then a fortnight in Florida for our honeymoon. Going with a child is a whole new experience, the magic, the wonder, the slow speed at which you have to move...fantastic and frustrating all at once.
Before we went I anticipated that I would be able to go on a few rides, not the obvious ones, but a few...ha. Well, I had a bit of a come down...there is hardly anything that an expectant mother can go on so if you're preggers and planning a trip, I'm so sorry to tell you that the tea cups and yes, even slinky dog is a no go.
But do not despair as there is something far cooler to be up for grabs if you're 'with child'. It's called an Easy Access Pass and is essentially a super fast pass. The Easy Access Pass (or EAP) can be obtained from City Hall in Main Street USA (Disneyland Park) or from Studio Services (Walt Disney Studios), it's a few minutes of red tape (if you're not obviously pregnant then you will need proof) but well worth it!
With the EAP you can avoid the lines and gain quick and easy access to the rides and attractions that you can go on. You use the exit (which is often also the disabled entrance) and show your pass, bypassing the entire queue! Now, numbers...the pass says you and one other, your 'carer' (oh how everyone laughed at me for that), however this is dependant on what it is you're doing and who you are with. As I had a toddler, there was no way I could've managed on my own on some rides and so it was my husband and my daughter who went on things with me. The only ride I wasn't allowed my husband to join us was Lancelot's Carousel in Fantasyland in the main park. Which was fine as we sat in the carriage for the ride as opposed to horses...because let's face it, at 31 weeks pregnant, I was never going to get onto a carousel horse so you can understand why they said no to that.
But wait, there's more! Come parade time there are two designated areas (one in front of City Hall and the other down by the castle) that allow you to get a fantastic, non-shovey view of the parade). We opted for down by the castle and were not disappointed. We had a stone bench from which, even with quite a few people in front of us right at the ropes, we had a perfect view of every float and character. It was the best view of a parade in Disney I have ever had and almost worth not being able to get on Pirates of the Caribbean or Tower of Terror...almost.
There's not a lot you can get on in the studios. The Studio Tram Tour and all the shows (though I'm not sure if I'd recommend the stunt show if you're expecting and/or have a younger child that doesn't like loud noises) are about it which is a shame so you'll have a lot of waiting on the sidelines if you have other children.
In the main park you have more choice, top ones being the carousel, Buzz Lightyear and It's a Small World.
You'll still be sore from trudging though so make sure that when your little darlings are queuing an hour for Dumbo that you sit down and eat a waffle (though don't expect anyone to give their seat up for you...no matter how hot and pregnant you look) and drink plenty of water!
Above all, have a great time, enjoy your children being children and remember...when you wish upon a star your dreams come true.
Yes...I did actually type that.
Sorry.
Clare
Labels: Disney, holiday, life, pregnancy, theme park
