Have a Break...

Phew! It's been a busy week so far in the Royal Household - it's my birthday month and I've been all over the place, hence not so many posts recently. I haven't forgotten you all, I promise!

But sometimes, when we're stressed or busy, all we need is to sit down with a nice drink - a coffee, tea or hot chocolate - sit back, with your feet up and enjoy it. The same can be said when you're spending time in the Parks, running around and getting as much out of your visit as possible! Of course, this being France, hot drinks are a plenty and they are always presented in such a way that even if you don't like coffee, you suddenly get the urge to go and get one of these...

Mmmm delicious! I could go one of these right now, with a nice Krispy Kreme too...

"I Find Your Lack Of Faith Disturbing"

The Star Wars Weekends at the Disney's Hollywood Studios are always funfilled and action packed - a must for any fan of Star Wars, and especially those of us who love Star Wars AND Disney! I was lucky enough to attend one of the weekends in May 2005, and it's an experience I'll never forget. If you'd like to hear a bit more about the weekends, there's a great discussion on the last WDW Radio Show Podcast (June 1st 2008 show) between Master Lou and Jedis George (Imaginerding) and Glenn (Passamaquoddy). One of the highlights for me was getting to meet Mr Potato Head himself - or Darth Tater, as he called himself at the time. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to meet such a famous, and handsome, tater!

Of course, one of the main excitements of the weekend is how characters from Star Wars intermingle with the guests. Especially the Storm Troopers. I seem to remember how difficult it was to get this picture with the Storm Trooper - I had to promise to never utter Darth Vader's name in vain. Luckily I had my fingers crossed at the time...

I just hope they don't read this blog...uh-oh!

Is It A Bird, Is It A Plane? Kind Of...

As a way of celebrating the start of Star Wars' Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I wanted to share with you this picture of an X-Wing that stands outside the attraction in Disneyland Parc's Discoveryland.

The Star Tours ride in Paris is the same as the other rides throughout the world - the only difference is that the queue walkthru and the ride itself is in French! It's definitely interesting listening to a French Rex - although, I think it benefits if you have at least heard one of the English versions before (if you are an English speaker, of course!).

Although this blog focuses mainly on Disneyland Resort Paris, throughout the weekends in the month of June, I would like to share with you some of my experiences at the Star Wars Weekend that I had the pleasure of attending, way back in 2005! So check back tomorrow for some photos I will share with you all.

I'll Take Door Number 1, Please!

When you're having a wander around Toon Studio and Animation Courtyard, be on the look out for some Monsters, who may just be testing some of their new Monsters Inc. products on unsuspecting members of the public!

A Magical Experience

Continuing our look around the Walt Disney Studios, I thought we should have a look at an attraction that is very similar to one at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and California Adventure in Anaheim: The Art of Disney Animation.

Located on the edge of the new Toon Studio in Animation Courtyard (below picture), the exterior of the building encompasses a giant Sorcerer's Hat - although, not as large, grand or 'in your face' as the one in Orlando. Around the top of the hat you can see Peter Pan and Wendy flying, reminding us of some of the Disney Classics. There are also 12 golden statues around the building, similar to those around the Castle Hub in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, featuring Disney characters such as Chip and Dale (or Tic n' Tac, in French) and Pinocchio.

When you enter the building you are greeted with walls full of Disney classic films, drawings, pictures and photos. You can also look at some of the early stages of animation, including the fantastic Zoetrope which helps create an illusion of movement from a series of static pictures.

The main attraction of this show is the 'Drawn to Animation' show, featuring Mushu from Mulan (as you have probably seen at the Disney's Hollywood Studios version). The true treasures, however, are the shows beforehand. The first small feature you are introduced to is Walt Disney, the man himself, paying tribute to some of the European animators that influenced him. Roy Disney soon takes over, talking about the relevance of history in animation. Straight after this, you enter a large theatre in which we are taken on a whirlwind tour of Disney animation, with clips of famous Disney Classics and music to accompany. The second feature never fails to bring a lump in my throat and a tear to my eye. Yes, I'm a sap, but I am a Princess - I believe in Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters!

After you have seen the 'Drawn to Animation' show, you enter an area where you can voice your own Disney characters, find out which Disney character you are, and even have a go at drawing your own character! Can't you see how much fun mum and I are having?

You can also browse the beautiful Disney Gallery, and figure out how much you could spend on Disney animation merchandise!

Memorabilia Monday - Japan

Welcome to another Memorabilia Monday at DF'82 - and this week we're going to travel across the oceans and continents to have a little look at something fun from Tokyo Disneyland.

I'm not lucky enough to have been to Japan yet, but a friend of a friend managed to get me a couple of lovely items from the Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Seas parks. The first, above, is a lovely postcard with Mickey and Minnie at the Disney Seas. And below is a very cool bag (if you remember, I love my carrier bags!) for the 5th anniversary of the theme park.

Backlot Express Special!

One of the great areas of the Walt Disney Studios Park is the Backlot area, which houses the E-Ticket 'Rock N'Rollercoaster avec Aerosmith', as well as the shows 'Armageddon: Special Effects' and 'Moteurs...Action! Stunt Show Spectacular'. The area has been created to feel like you're in the backlot of a movie studios - the buildings are similar to sound stages, with several props 'thrown' throughout the 'land'. Such as this one, the infamous umbrella from 'Singin' in the Rain'. Here you can see my mum trying to stay dry from the fake, and real, rain!

Just around the corner is a counter service restaurant which I would like to introduce you all to. It's called the Backlot Express - sound familiar? Yes, like its counterpart in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, the restaurant is themed like a massive props department. All around you are props from famous and infamous movies, tv shows and pop culture.

The restaurant provides a delightful array of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and baguettes, and with room for up to 500 guests inside, its a fantastic place to get something a little healthier for the family. Certainly more delicious than those beef patties from yesterday!

It's definitely somewhere that you can spend a lot of time. Unfortunately, we didn't spend as much time as we should have, hence my lack of photos. But next time you're visiting Disneyland Resort Paris and have the time to visit the restaurant, spend some time taking in all that Imagineering have created for you.