Day 2 Monday 22nd January: Part 2
Plaza Gardens is DLP's version of Crystal Palace at the top of Main Street. With a similar style Buffet at last we were able to have a good meal, our first in two days. Taking our time, we really enjoyed it and felt ready for the afternoon. Exiting once more into the rain which was now quite light we decided to explore the Park as we had just over 2 hours before the Parade.
We headed across into Frontierland, we had wanted to do Phantom Manor but already knew this was (and still is, at the time of writing) closed for refurb.
Through Adventureland into Fantasyland where I had to agree to join my wife on Le Carrousel de Lancelot, she just loves these. At this point the rain had actually stopped
We then opted for "it's a small world" I have to be honest here and say this was better than WDW it seemed brighter, happier and more colourful - if thats possible!
Disneyland Paris by
wdw1998, on Flickr
There was just time for a quick look around Discoveryland before returning to take our place near to the gates where the Parade starts. The weather was getting better all the time with the clouds starting to lift hopefully the light would be OK for the late afternoon parade.
With great anticipation for the final float we enjoyed "Disney Stars on Parade" as it passed by. Then one of the proudest moments of our lives as Anna spotted us and gave us our own little show as the Frozen float crept past us. We could even lip read her telling Elsa "That's my Mum & Dad there" I don't mind saying we wept a few tears as children called out to Anna. That was our Princess up there
Anna & Elsa by
wdw1998, on Flickr
As soon as the float had gone we headed around the back of the Central Plaza, down Main Street behind the crowds to Town Square by the parade exit gates. As if reserved for us there was a space right near the exit. Within minutes we watched the whole parade again and with the light now fading as the clouds started to gather again we were able to have the final wave off Anna.
Leaving the park as light rain fell again we made our way to wait at the World of Disney store for our Princess.
As a thank you for coming she had booked us into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. She texted to tell us to go in as she may be cutting it fine to get there. You are warned that this show is not suitable for allergey or asthma sufferers - this includes my wife
She had taken her medication and had her inhaler with her. However the smell hits you within seconds of entering. Despite having to use her inhaler my wife just managed to get through, but only just, so be warned.
However this is a great show with the arena split into 4 teams with everyone given a cowboy hat with colour band on. During a cowboy style dinner a bit like the Hoop-De-Do you are told the story of the settlers in America with real cows, buffalo(sadly now retired) and native Indians. Then the fun starts with the Cowboys and Indians competing in events aided by Disney Characters. On this occasion our team won and they then needed four volunteers to help take the gold on the Stagecoach.
Joining in the Fun! by
wdw1998, on Flickr
Yes, Princess got picked to play the part of the damsel captured and rescued from the Bandits. You would have thought she had just won an Olympic Medal.
She was so pleased.
After the show we all returned to Hotel Santa Fe before Princess took the bus and headed home.
This time as my head hit the pillow "Oh the peace". We slept well