Skiptax

Skiptax is good to use for getting tax refund on goods bought in the parks (not purchases from the Disney Village).

You need to scan in all receipts into the app and then generate a code to scan at departure point when leaving France. There are kiosk machines to validate your claim. If the barcode that they give you doesn't validate then you can get customs to do so. This is more fiddly as you need to produce all items bought. They must be unworn with tags still on to allow them to check. If you want to do this then would recommend keeping all items together in a bag so that you can produce if needed. 

Day 5 Thursday 23 October - last day

We knew that Storm Benjamin was coming through and we could hear the wind howling so we didn't rush to get up.

Eventually we were ready to leave the room so we dropped our luggage at Bagages and took our key to reception.  Imagine the excitement to find Pluto waiting there!

We then walked to the Village but were disappointed to find the Earl of Sandwich had run out of croissants so it had to be a trip into Starbucks.

By now the rain was coming down steadily and so we spent a bit of time in the Lego store. Then we had a pizza in Vapiano before getting the shuttle back to the hotel to collect our bags and head to the station.

The train to Lille was much less stressful than coming out. We found our seats easily and C did a great job finding somewhere for our bags.

Day 4 Wednesday 22 October - last full day at DLP

We had had another good night's sleep. These Disney beds are so comfy and we think we've had clean bedding every day. We got up early and again had croissants for breakfast.

First stop in the park was the Dumbos. We decided not to bother with Peter Pan's Flight as the wait time was already an hour.

We then did a couple of rides that Catherine hadn't done before - Pinocchio and Snow White and then a must do, the Carousel.  We had a bit of spare time so went in Alice's Labyrinth which took longer to find our way out than expected.

We hadn't had a great view of the early parade so we got in position early, near where it started. What a good spot. We saw several characters before the parade including Captain Hook, Gaston, Cruella, the Ugly Sisters, Aurora, Cinderella and Snow White.

The parade was excellent and we had a brilliant view.

James and Catherine then went on Autopia.  James drove a very swish purple car and was very pleased with himself.

Then it was Philharmagic which we enjoyed so much. It's a 3D show featuring Disney songs mostly sung in French which was lovely.

Lunch today was at Colonel Hathis and it was excellent.

We then went on the Molly Brown riverboat.  Next was another ride on the Railroad and what a great time that turned out to be.

James made friends with one of the conductors and chatted and charmed his way to fast passes for Thunder Mountain and the Phantom Manor.

Day 3 Tuesday 21 October. Another Day at Disney!

After a lovely long sleep we were up early and were the first customers at the Earl.

Then into the park which we could go in early because of the magic hour as we were staying in a Disney hotel.

Mickey and Minnie were there to greet everyone.

First stop was Big Thunder Mountain which E opted out of so she had a nice wander around the Coco themed area. C and J didn't have a long wait for the train.  C said it was longer and more intense than WDW and J coped really well.

We then realised that Minnie was about to appear so we met her and she was as lovely as ever.

We then headed to Fantasyland and went on the gentle boat ride and Casey Junior. Next was a pitstop for a snack - Dutch pancakes for the adults,  crisps for J.

It was then parade time. The route was already fairly busy but we managed to get a reasonable spot and J had a good view from C's shoulders. Teacups were up next. J thought that was great.

Next up was Pirates of the Caribbean. J thought it was good. It was raining when we came out so it was,back to Bella Notte for lunch.  Lots of others had had the same idea.

After lunch we went to the castle to see the dragon in the dungeon (who James wasn't too keen on) and the Sleeping Beauty display upstairs. 

It was then time to get in position for the afternoon Autumn/Halloween parade. Unfortunately at that point the heavens opened but luckily the sun came out for the parade. E always thinks of Sarah with this parade as she loves it so much.

Lastly we went back into the Studios to see the Together - a Pixar musical adventure show which was brilliant.  Having done over 15000 steps we were shattered so it was back to the hotel via a quick snack stop and a rest.