24 Sep 2006 - Disneyland Paris Tour 2006

DISNEYLAND PARIS 2006 Tour

 

Sunday 24th August

A group of 42 band members and helpers met at Midnight at the HQ ready to embark on an exciting trip, which had been planned so carefully during the past months. As well as these 42, the coach driver (whose attendance was so vitally essential on getting everybody and everything to there rightful places at the right times), as well as a representative of Buzzlines Coaches.  The driver was well known to some of the older members of the band, because he used to be a member of the St. John division.

 

We would like to thank the helpers, parents & friends for their participation of getting all the equipment on the coach.  Without their help we would of no doubt left something behind.

 

It was about 1:00am before the coach edged out of the HQ car park on its long journey to Paris. What can I say about the first few hours of travelling through the night? I won’t say that it was peaceful, because it wasn’t. You could see the excitement running round the younger ones in the band for the simple reason that could probably fit the number of hours sleep between all the under 21s, on the way to Folkestone, on 1 hand.

 

Reaching Folkestone at just before 2:50am on the Sunday meant that we were successful on catching the 2:59am Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. An ideal time to eat an early breakfast. a massive crowd of band members, about 20 of us quickly crowded around the counter chucking our orders to the guy behind the counter while others stayed sleeping on the coach.

 

 

Arriving in Calais around 4:10am GB Time. Paris was about four hours away from Calais, so we quite promptly carried on our journey, the sun at the same time growing stronger, the coach quickly becoming a sauna. Still, there were very few hours of sleep going about the band. Out came the Soduku books and packed lunches that band members had. These proved to be quite successful as it seemed to quieten the not so sleepy ones down.

 

We finally arrived at the park at 8:40 Uk Time, and had to wait to be met by our guide.  Our guide was called Freddie to who our coach driver named "Feddie The Frog".

 

We finally got into the park and got our tickets, which is when we all disembarked to the main park, and charged towards the rides.  After a few rides we had to move (Steve had a bruised shoulder) but it was all enjoyable.

 

Rather quickly 2o Clock came, when we had to go and get ready for the parade.  We all looked stunning in our band jackets, and caps and even Freddie said we were the best they've had.  After the parade, we got onto the coach, which took us back stage, where we started, which we had to pack away!  and get back on the coach.  Freddie said we are welcome to come back in two years time, without a rehearsal, because we were outstanding!

 

We arrived back at the HQ with all of our equipment (and duty free) and went home.  Another successful Day! 

Well Done Band! and Cheers Deano!