Down Under Disneyana Australian Disney Forum

Just woke up to the most amazing news. Overnight I received an email from Kassel, Germany to say I've been accepted to study there on a cultural exchange to their University. I'll be studying German language and German literature ( eg: the Grimms Brothers - visiting their museum and studying the gathering of the tales we all know and love). Once my 3 weeks of study is complete, I plan to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and a few other places around Munich and Stuttgart.

THEN.... its off to Disneyland Paris for 3 or 4 days and into Paris for the rest of that week. Then a week in London to see the Harry Potter stuff at Universal, West End, Bath and Stonehenge.

AND .... the best part for me is, that a few weeks after I had applied, my daughter Millie also applied... and she also go into the program as a History major, so will be studying the language and their history. So while we will be separate entities on the study program, we can travel together afterwards.

Scarily, I now have to arrange flights and EVERYTHING else over the next two weeks ( while I'm doing Uni finals ) as we fly out Boxing Day. Yes... 9 short weeks away.

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and I've just realised I spelled Disneyland wrong in the post title... lol... oops.

and I've just realised I spelled Disneyland wrong in the post title... lol... oops.

Firstly - I fixed your excited spelling

Secondly:
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WOW!!! Well done to you Lisa and to Millie too! How fantastic that you'll both be studying over there, that will be so much fun. Time to get your blog ready!!

Congratulations that's huge!

Thanks guys

yep, very excited, and I will likely be full of questions re: DLP and London. I just have to formulate a definite itinerary this weekend and then start booking everything.
Any advice will be gratefully received

Beth will be the one to chat to as she's just gotten back!

My biggest memory of Paris though is not to go to the park on a weekend as it was too busy - I'm guessing that is still the same.

Huge difference week days to weekends. Also when you stay at one of the Disney hotels you pay the same price for your whole stay based on your first night. So do not arrive on Fri to Sun.

Also when you stay at one of the Disney hotels you pay the same price for your whole stay based on your first night. So do not arrive on Fri to Sun.

I didn't know that - that is a great tip.

that is good info

I'd remembered reading the weekends were particularly busy ( perhaps on your blog Beth?) and wouldn't you know it, our itinerary worked out that we were going to be there on the weekend... so we've reversed the time in Paris and will fly to Paris direct from Munich and then relocate to near the Park early in the week. We've decided to stay at the nearby town (?) which has shuttles to the park - the prices were significantly better and being beside a shopping centre got a huge tick from Millie The difference in price (theoretically) will allow me to buy an annual pass so we can take advantage of the discounts ( unless you think that would be a waste in reality) on shopping and food.

Love your new countdown ticker Lisa - not long to go now!!

Love your new countdown ticker Lisa

Thanks, and I kind of only thought of it a few days ago, can't believe it took me so long

Yep, pretty excited now, some of the participants in the exchange program have arrived in Berlin already ( they're doing their traveling before the program rather than after) and keep saying they're wearing two or three jackets I just can't imagine this kind of cold.

I'm not planning a real blog this trip - worried about finding time/access and so will be updating with photos on my public photography page on Facebook ( which I've only recently set up - so not much content yet) and will do daily updates on there if I'm able and post a heap of photos there too.

If you want to follow along, the FB page is Lily on the Go Images and on Instagram I'm lilyonthego on there as well.

Only 16 sleeps to go -/ -/

How is that excitement level Lisa?

How is that excitement level Lisa?

I'm super excited about hitting Disneyland in Paris ( I've been planning my attack for weeks)... a little apprehensive about Paris itself - people keep telling me how bad the pick pockets are over there... but other than that feeling a little nervous about such a long flight. My first REALLLLY long haul.
I've looked at the long range forecasts for us in the parks and its looking like overcast and FREEZING is going to be the go... with perhaps one almost sunny day... our D/L arrival day is Australia Day ( over there) so I'll be thinking of home - a little - before I get totally immersed in the magic.

I've even started planning my 'fluffy' and pin requirements... I've spent a ridiculous amount of time on instagram monitoring daily snaps to watch what people are buying and what characters are out... looks like a few that I won't have seen before are fairly regular so that's going to be a bit exciting. -/

The suit case is out, but nothing has made it into it yet... I've been working a lot more than I had intended so quite a bit of prep has had to wait.

I'm also pretty excited about going to see the Neuschwanstein Castle - we've booked a day trip from Munich and can't wait to see it because snow is forecast for the day and a few prior so it should be beautiful. And I bought myself a new camera to capture ever single snowflake

Only 5 sleeps till departure...

That's fantastic! I can't wait to read all about it and to see some photos.

I known quite a few people who've been to Paris recently and they've had no trouble with pickpockets. I'm sure it does happen, but if you keep your wits about you, I'm sure you'll be fine.

We were fine but there are signs everywhere reminding you to take care. We were told of groups of teenage girls who ask you to participate in a survey or are looking for English speakers who pickpockets when you are distracted. I was approached by some girls near the Eiffel Tower, they appeared to be of Romany background to me, and they kept asking if I spoke English I just ignored them as if I didn't understand them. I also saw them right at the metro exit on the champs Elysee near the arc de triomphe. Mind you the trio of military guys with machine guns that we saw everyone didn't seem to worry about them but I guess they are on the lookout for more serious activity than pickpockets.

Keep your bag on your front and stay alert.

I travelled around Paris on my own for 2 days and never felt unsafe.

Welcome Home Lisa!!

I've enjoyed following your Facebook posts - and amazing that you were on the same flight home as Peter Greste!

Now - what loot did you come back with (Disney related - not shoes and clothes!!)