Disneyland Paris: Hotel Santa Fe

Afternoon everyone, I hope you all enjoyed my Disney Haul post from yesterday and are having a good start to your week.

Hotel Santa Fe:

I've only stayed at Disneyland Paris twice and on my first trip I stayed at Hotel New York and for this trip I stayed in the Cars themed hotel which is Santa Fe. The reason we stayed here was because when we were booking we were on a bit of a budget but I wish now I had booked the more expensive hotel.

Overall I was very pleased with the hotel the staff were very friendly upon arrival and provided us with all the relevant information for our stay. The layout of the hotel was great being in different blocks which were all named after a different cars character we were in the Lugi block.

My initial thoughts regarding the room were great it was very clean and had just the right amount of room. 

The only things I wasn't pleased about were the fact that the curtains never closed properly as they were two corner windows and there was always a gap as well as the key card access to the room would take a good 4 attempts before it let us in. Also the fact that the extractor fan was on constantly the whole time we were there and it wasn't very quiet so for the first night it kept me awake and there was nothing reception or maintenance could do about it but they were very helpful.

The location of the hotel is about a 20 minuet walk to the Disney Village but depending on how slow or fast you walk it could be done in about 10 minuets especially if your carrying McDonald's back to your room haha!

Breakfast at the hotel was nice same as Hotel New York but was a lot bigger and could fit more people in where as at NY you could be waiting 10/15 minuets before being seated. I would recommend going to an earlier sitting especially if you plan on using the early hours and also because its more quiet and there is more food available where as later in the morning there isn't much left as we found one day.

Rating: (Out of 5)

Overall: 4/5

Room: 3/5 - This is due to the noise and curtains

Restaurant: N/A - Didn't eat in there apart from breakfast

Breakfast: 5/5

Staff: 5/5

Distance to Parks: 5/5

If I am honest I wouldn't stay here again but that is only due to the fact that the noise of the fan in the bathroom kept me up most of the night as I am a light sleeper and I like quiet. Next time I am hoping I can stay in Hotel New York again otherwise I may venture here again.

Disney Haul

Its safe to say my suitcase coming home was rammed so rammed that I had to leave my handbag behind, good job it was a cheap bag I brought on purpose for this holiday!

Everyone loves a good haul especially when its a Disney Haul, I am quiet happy with all the stuff I managed to get there was a few items that I really wanted but weren't currently in stock or for example the Lion King Tsum Tsum came out the day I left which I was gutted about :( Ahh well they are out in January anyways.

Just by looking at the above photo you can see I ended up buying a lot of sweets and chocolate hehe!

Milka and French Haribo are a must buy when in Paris, people thing I am mad obsessing over the French haribo but they are just way better than any you will get in the UK by far. 

Last time I visited I didn't pick up any of the Mickey and Minnie biscuits but after hearing how amazing they are this time I thought I would give them a go.

With it being Christmas now I was looking at all the Christmas decorations they had to offer and there was tons of them I could have brought so many more than I actually did but the issue was getting them home.

The ginger bread collection is just the cutest so these were a must have along with the bowl, I was going to get the pluses but they were smaller than I imagined and the only two I found weren't that great :(

I am a Vinylmation and Tsum Tsum collector but I have to say this trip I was a little disappointed with what was on offer. I managed to get hold of one of the Park Favourites and Peter Pan Vinylmations and the Shelia and Duffy Tsum Tsum but was kinda hoping for more.

How cute is Remy? It took me so long to actually find a cute looking one!

I love collecting commemorative coins to do with places I've been so when I saw these around the parks I had to pick a few up, obviously I had to get the Ratatouille one <3

On our last day we ended up going to Val D Europe which is a massive shopping center about 5 minuets on the RER and it has over 150 shops and an Aquarium which was amazing filled with so many amazing fish, sharks, turtles, Nemo and Dory of course anyways back on track ;)

I ended up going in to this shop called Undiz and they just sell nightwear, bras and underwear so I had to take a look and I came across the most amazing Disney Villains nightwear <3 really check them out they have some amazing stuff.

I hope you liked my Haul, more Disney posts still to come. Back in work today and suffering with Disney Blues but I brought some Disney with me to work hehe!!

Immy xoxox

More To Come!

Hello everyone, I hope your all well! Feels weird to have not posted on here for a week or so but feels good to be back.

If you have read my blog previously you would have seen that all I have been going on about is going to Disneyland Paris. Well I have been now and come back, I had the most amazing and magical time away nothing beats Disney especially at Christmas time <3

Over the next few weeks I will fill you all in on my amazing trip and have a few posts on the go relating to;

• Where I stayed
• Where we ate
• What I brought
• The Parades/Shows
• Character Meets
• Overall Christmas at Disney

I've got loads of amazing photos and stories to tell, I wish I was still there now rather than being sat in work.

Take Care All Immy xoxox

Thursday 5 #8

Another Thursday 5 for you all as I am off work tomorrow and then on holiday so won't be posting for a week or so but when I am back I'll be sure to fill you all in.

This week as expected feels like its lasted for ever well that last 4 days and to be honest if last week could be this week it would be fine its just I'm lacking work and its quiet and dull in here.

Five things I want for Christmas;
1. Sims 4 Get Together game
2. Disney Princess Socks
3. Box sets (too many to name ha)
4. To enjoy spending time with family
5. Anti Stress Colouring books

Five plans for next year;
1. I'm seeing Disney On Ice for the 2nd time but the 25th Anniversary edition
2. Going to see The Vamps again
3. Moving in to a new flat
4. Hopefully seeing my new friend from up North
5. Visiting London Vaults for the Goosebumps Live

Five places I want to Visit;
1. Japan
2. Florida
3. Amsterdam
4. Scotland
5. California

Hope you all have a nice weekend and next week and see you in 11 days! Over and Out!

Immy xoxoxo

I want to meet ...

Hi everyone, I really hope you've had a good weekend it always goes to quick and once again here we are back at Monday!

This is my final pre holiday post regarding Disneyland Paris until I am back from my travels on the 4th December and then I will be back with some posts regarding my time at Disney.

I have seen in the last few weeks so many characters at Disney who will be floating around during the time I'm there even though I know this is subject to change there are some people I really would love to meet.

I am really hoping to get the chance to meet Marie she is only ever usually out during the Halloween season but this year they have extended her stay till Christmas which makes me very happy as she is one of my favs! Along with Miss Bunny and Thumper making they're Christmas appearance these two are a must do on my list.

Also having special slots this Christmas is Jack Skellington and Merida from Brave who I would love to hopefully meet along with Mickey and Minnie dressed in they're Christmas gear.

As you will know if you have visited the Disney parks there are sometimes characters just lurking about in each park through out the day and I would love to meet if I have the chance or spot them;

Based on who I've seen about on photos recently:
1. Alice
2. Mad Hatter
3. Tweedle Dee and Dum
4. White Rabbit
5. Queen of Hearts
6. Aladdin
7. Genie
8. Abu
9. Jasmine
10. Timone
11. Rafiki
12. Baloo
13. King Louie
14. Woody
15. Buzz
16. Spiderman
17. Pinocchio
18. Gipetto
19. Peter Pan
20. Wendy
21. Hook
22. Smee

I am hoping to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Donald and Daisy during the Early Hours before the park opens all dressed up in they're Christmas clothes as well as in Cafe Mickey!

I would love to go into the Princess Pavilion but that will all depend on the waiting time as my partner will not want to que. I would love to meet Rapunzel, Snow, Cindy and Anna and Elsa.

Last time when I was in Disneyland Paris I met 8 different characters but this was because it was the quieter season so lets see how many I can meet on this trip and I will be sure to report back once I'm home ;)

Take Care all Immy xoxoxoxox

Disney Friday Five #7

If I haven't told you enough already but yes I am off to Disneyland Paris soon and I am overly excited well that's an understatement I'm more than excited!

Still managing to keep up with my Friday Five so therefore I thought I would do a Special Disneyland Paris edition.

Five Characters you want to meet?

1. Pocahontas would be a massive must but this isn't going to happen

2. Marie from The Aristocats is another one I really want to meet and I'm so excited that they are keeping her on for the christmas season and not just Halloween!

3. Rapunzel

4. Thumper and Miss Bunny

5. Chip and Dale

Five Rides you must go on?

1. Space Mountain

2. Tower of Terror

3. Peter Pans Flight

4. Crush Coaster

5. RC Ride

Five Places you want to eat?

1. Cafe Mickey (Already Booked)

2. Planet Hollywood

3. Annete's Diner
4. Bistro Chez Remy
5. Walt's - An American Resturant

Five Snacks you would like to have?
1. Mum's Chocolate Cake is a must have I must have had it about 4 times last time whoops
2. Anything Mickey Mouse shaped
3. Macaroons <3
4. Frozen Hot Chocolate
5. Hot Dog from Casey's Corner

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! Only 17 days!

The Sims Tag:

I am a massive fan of the Sims franchise and have followed it ever since the sims came out back in February 2000 and when I received the base game for Christmas its mad to this i was only 8 then and have played ever since.

(I own none of the below images)

How long have you been playing the sims for?
As mentioned above I've been playing the original Sims game since it was first released over 15 years ago. I was 8 how scary as I'm now 23.

Who/What got you in to playing The Sims?
I wouldn't really say anyone got me in to playing The Sims it was more the original advert that got me interested. I have always been more in to simulation games rather than role play or shooter games so when I saw the trailer for this it was a must have.

I always used to be in to those games called Petz or Babiez, I brought all of the Petz ones only the Dogz versions as I am more of a dog lover than cat lover.

Here is the original Sims trailer if you haven't seen it: Trailer

What do you love most about the game?
What I love most about The Sims is how far it has come over the past 15 years especially after the Sims 3 had come out I couldn't see the game getting any better other than Graphics wise.

I have watched the game evolve from 2000 to 2015 and I couldn't be more happier with the changes that have been made. For me overall I love making the families and planning how my sims story will pan out. I am not that in to house design I just take the ones that are there or download them.

Which out of the 4 is your favourite?
It has to be The Sims 3, although I really love the Sims 2. I love the Sims 3 due to the open worlds and no load screens which I think was a brilliant feature in the game along with the variety of expansion packs released.

The game play/design mood was easy and simple to use and looked good. The variety and the size of the new worlds were amazing plus the two Katy Perry add ons were a big hit with me being a Katy Perry fan!!!

What is your favourite expansion pack?
Going back to the start The Sims Makin Magic, this will always be my favourite expansion pack even if it is 12 years old.

What drew me to this one when i was younger was the magic aspect of the game being able to make potions and cast spells going down the hole in the ground to Magic Town and taking a ride on the spooky roller coaster the clown one was always my favourite.

The music was incredible as well which I always found with The Sim expansions especially in Vacation which was another one of my favourites!!!

What is your lease favourite expansion pack?
I don't even need to think about this one for even a second, it has to be "Into The Future" when I originally saw all the live previews I thought it looked amazing and when I started to play I was enjoying it until I managed to get to the future and then I got BORED!

What do you hate about The Sims?
There isn't much that I really hate about the game only one thing that is annoying is how with the Sims 4 they took so many steps back with introducing the loading screens and it not being an open world and removing toddlers which still haven't be reintroduced.

In the Sims 3 the maps also used to feel a lot bigger with more space to build and move families in but in the Sims 4 it seems a lot small and the load times are annoying. I also miss some of the community lots like the restaurant, book store, Cinema and School.

I also really hate how the franchise are really just trying to make as much money as they can with introducing these new Game Packs which don't get me wrong I really love the outdoor retreat one but the Stuff Packs are £8 for barely any content now which is a rip off  I would rather see more expansion packs.

Where as when the Sims 2 brought out stuff packs they were amazing and worth the money, filled with content and loads of additional clothes, items and hair styles.

Which of the games do you own?
I own a majority of the sims games, I own the following:

Sims: Base game, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Makin Magic

Sims 2: Base game, University, Nightlife, Open for Business, Pets, Seasons, Bon Voyage, Freetime, Apartment Life, Holiday Stuff, Family Fun Stuff, Celebration Stuff and Teen Style Stuff.

Sims 3: Base game, World Adventure, Ambitions, Late Night, Generations, Pets, Showtime, Supernatural, Seasons, University Life, Island Paradise, Into the Future, High End Loft Stuff, Fast Lane Stuff and Katy Perry's Sweet Treats.

Sims 4: (so far) Base game, Get to Work, Outdoor Retreat and Cool Kitchen Stuff (yes I know I caved!!! I only wanted the hair and ice cream machine)

What feature would you like to see added?
I would love to see toddlers and the open world brought back in to the game, also Pets and weather should be part of the base game in all honesty as we know that they will release expansion packs soon of these.

How Often do you play the Sims?
When I was younger I would try and play the game every night for a few hours but since I've grown up I don't have as much time as I used to so I try and play on a Sunday which can involve at lease 5/7 hours of game play. I call it Sims Sunday hehe!

Do you play The Sims? If so whats your favourite?
Immy xoxox

Friday Five #8

This week has been long coming, work has dragged but the evenings and sleeping just fly by!

I am currently 7 days in to my Disney Pre Holiday Movie Marathon and so far I've watched Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Tangled and tonight's movie is Beauty and The Beast.

Five things I want to do this November;

1. Book tickets to see The Vamps tour and the new Disney on Ice

2. Attempt to not eat chocolate (Failed that already ha)

3. Get my hair cut and dyed

4. Pack for Holiday

5. Buy some new winter boots

Five Movies I want to see this month;

1. The Good Dinosaur

2. The Suffragettes

3. Spectre

4. The Hunger Games

5. Snoppy and Charlie Brown

Five places I want to eat at;

1. Five Guys

2. Nandos

3. Chiquitos

4. Spitfire BBQ

5. Pie Minister

Five baby names I want to name my children;

Don't worry I am not expecting :P

1. Emmett

2. Zelda

3. Aria

4. Dexter

5. Malachy

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! It will fly by I'm sure!

Immy xoxoxox

Disneyland Paris Trip Check List

I really cannot believe that its been 9 months since I booked my 2nd trip to Disneyland Paris, what I am most excited about is visiting during Christmas season. I have been reading up on all the things they do over this festive season and hear there are some new additions as well.

I have made a list of rides and parades that I really want to watch and do, mostly because I don't want to miss anything and some of the rides last year were closed when I went so want to make sure I do these this time around

Rides:

As mentioned when I went in February last year a few of the rides were shut for refurbishment so I want to make sure these are done this time but also to make sure my boyfriend gets to go on the best rides there as he won't want to go on everything unlike me.

Haven't Done:

1. Studio Tram Tour

2. Ratatouille: The Adventure

3. Indiana Jones Rollercoaster

4. Autopia

5. Casey Jr. - Miniature Train

6. Walt Disney's Carousel

7. The Runaway Mine Train, which sadly is going to be missed this time around as well as it is closed like last time although last time it just kept breaking down.

Must Do's:

1. Tower or Terror

2. Rock 'N' Rollercoster 

3. RC Racer

4. Crush Coaster

5. Space Mountain

6. Buzz Lazar Blast

7. Peter Pans Flight

Parades/Shows:

I am a sucker for making sure I see all the parades and the shows that go on at Disney, last year I managed to see them all but there was only 3 I needed to see where as this Christmas there is about 7 of them.

This year there are a few new additions to Disney line up with Frozen Fever making its way back along with the girls making they're royal entrance down main street USA. I won't be making my boyfriend watch the sing along as I don't think its fair!

1. The Disney Christmas Parade: this is going to be so magical and its on 3 times a day which means  

it won't be missed and more chances of seeing it in daylight.

2. Disney Dreams: I loved this last year so will be glad so see this again with the Christmas twist.

3. Disney Royal Christmas Invitation: This is new to the Christmas line up and I'm so excited to get the chance to see this, also showing 3 times a day and hopefully chances to meet them after like with the Halloween Disney Villain special.

4. Mickey's Magical Tree Lighting: Another new addition to the Christmas line up

5. Disney's Magic On Parade: This parade is usually cancelled during the Christmas season but it has been confirmed that this will run this year. As I have seen this before I am not to fussed it I don't make it to see it.

To Eat:

1. Cafe Mickey: As so as we booked this holiday I knew right away that I was going to pre book Cafe Mickey as I ate here last year on the off chance and had so much fun that it was a must do for this trip.

2. Casey's Corner: All I have heard about the last month is how good the hot dogs and hot chocolates are here so the plan is as we arrive late on our first night to just check in and make our way down to watch Disney Dreams and have a hot dog.

3. Cable Cart Cafe: Mums Chocolate cake!!!! 3 words is all I need to say, just hope its still as good as last year.

Things I Want To Buy:

I follow this most amazing group on Facebook called "Disneyland Paris chat group for Brits" where us fellow Disney lovers all join together to chat about planning trips and current trips. I have had so many useful tips and questions answered so recommend checking it out. These photos are taken from the group its self as there is an album of items available at Disneyland.

I am in love this the Gingerbread range available at the moment, I could easily buy it all!

There are also tones of Christmas tree decorations that I would like to purchase for my tree, I know they're available on the website but I want to use my spending money to get some of them. I would love a few of the Princesses along with some others. Baymax, Cinderella Mice and more.

Anyone who knows me knows that Pocahontas is my favourite Princess of them all so when I found out DLP have released a Percy Pug plush this is a must on my list to go with my Meeko!

As well as a MASSIVE Tsum Tsum collector I am hoping I can get my hands on Jaq, Duffy and Sheila as these aren't available in the UK.

Lady and the Tramp stuff is a massive YES YES YES for me!

Also a few other bits I would like ...

I literally cannot wait for this holiday, the new few weeks I hope will fly by. I will be sure to post loads about my holiday and what I buy once I'm back.

Immy xoxoxox