Blogger Bestie Boo from ‘Does My Blog Make Me Look Fat’ invited me on another jaunt away last weekend to Disneyland Paris.

Boo and B

It had been a few years since our last joint visit, when we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the park opening. Now, it was the 30th anniversary and we both really wanted to join in the party.

Well, this started early on a Friday morning when I tried to get my train from the local station and ran into a bit of a rubbish start.

Those of you that actually know me, are well aware of the fact that I turn up super early when travelling. I have gone so far as to arrive at the airport five hours before I am due to fly, as my anxiety doesn’t let me settle.

The Eurostar from St Pancras was due to leave at 1030 and so I booked a train to leave at 0630. This is when I came a bit of a cropper as I had forgotten a few bits at the house and so had to pop in before getting the train and my lift.

A Bit Early…..

I know that doesn’t perhaps make a lot of sense but I am currently living at my Mum’s house as she had been unwell.

Anyway, I was a little slower than usual and then encountered some terrible drivers who couldn’t pull out of a simple space in one attempt and this meant I ended up watching the train pull away without me on it.

Frustrated and a bit angry with myself, I quickly hopped onto the Trainline app and purchased a ticket for the next train, leaving in 30 minutes.

I found the right platform and waited for the train to arrive. I was hampered by a wheeled Zimmer frame, a huge suitcase and a rucksack with all my travel needs in it.

Selfie!

Thankfully a very dapper gentleman assisted me to get onto the train with all my worldly goods and I settled in for the 50 minute journey.

Arriving at St Pancras, I knew I had about an hour to kill before Boo would be arriving so I went on a shopping spree, all in the train station.

Firstly, I hit good old M&S for snacks for the journey; Granny Smith slices with a peanut butter dip and water went into the basket.

I then ventured across to Fortnum and Mason where the excellent staff waited on me hand and foot as I purchased my favourite tea, Countess Grey and added some smoky Earl Grey in there too.

Just as I was about to head to the checkout, I saw a lovely metal tin containing Mothers Day blend, and of course I couldn’t miss out on that so popped it to the till as well.

There was one last “shop” that I wanted to visit, my favourite purveyors of the finest macarons, Ladurée.

Excited As!

I wasn’t actually sure if Boo liked Macarons, but decided to purchase a box to share. That way, if she didn’t then I would get some bonus treats. Either way sounded like a winner to me.

Two Marie Antoinette, a raspberry, two chocolate coated, one orange blossom and six salted caramel later and I was a happy girl.

Finally I was all finished and decided to sit down with all my baggage.

It was then that I saw the Paperchase branch had “closing down sale” signs in all their windows.

Well, I love me some stationery and went in for a quick look-see.

Of course, I came out with some goodies including a beautiful hard backed planner, a bee “pencil” case and some post it notes. Of course it meant that I had to take them to France with me, but at 40% off, it was too good to resist.

Yum!

At this point I was getting a little peckish and there was a “Pauls” café open opposite Paperchase and I thought a croissant and a cup of tea would be a great addition to my day.

It was as I was perusing the pastries that my phone rang it was Boo asking where I was. I left the café without choosing anything and met her on the concourse.

She also wanted to visit M&S so we both went there and one banana and a croissant purchase later and we were heading to the Eurostar check-in.

The queue was huge; everyone was bustling about but thankfully we were able to go to the assistance queue due to my mobility issues. This cut off some of the standing around which is what I really struggle with.

We got through passport control and security really easily and took some seats in the waiting area.

On The Eurostar

The journey would take approximately 2.5 hours and it was even more of a thrill when Boo told me that we were in Premium class.

This meant wider leather seats, a light snack and refreshments as well as wi-fi and expanding tables. Oh and the leather seats also reclined!

In the words of Boo, we were Bougie Bitches.

We were sat in a set of two chairs with a shared table and opposite was a family consisting of, I believe, Grandma, Mum and two young daughters.

They were also heading to Marne le Vallee, as the eldest daughter was performing in Disneyland with her dance school.

Case Drop Off

Imagine it, performing on stage at Disneyland at the age of just six years old. What a dream come true!

Anyway the family were really lovely and we shared Disney info and tips with them and took group photos for each other.

After about an hour, the staff came along distributing white paper sacks containing a Pain au chocolate, apple juice, water and a lovely yoghurt with a layer of strawberry puree at the bottom.

Everything was exceptionally good, for train food. In fact the Pain au chocolate was possibly the best I had ever eaten before, including in France itself.

Here!

We were even luckier to get a second one as the two girls didn’t want theirs and it was offered over to us to have.  Well it was that good, I literally couldn’t resist.

Whilst sitting chatting with Boo, it transpired that she had arranged a facility at the train station called “Disney Express”. Basically you take your case to a designated area and they take it from you and deliver it directly to your designated hotel.

This meant we could walk straight out of the train station right into Disneyland.

What a great start to our four day mini holiday.

Till next time,

SPSG xxx