Weekend getaway for DS's 8th birthday

[BoxOfBabyCheeses]

I know I shouldn't post here without an AIBU but I am looking for traffic and ideas.

My DS has had a lot of changes this year - a new baby brother, gone up to primary school, I am currently separating from my husband and we will be moving into my dad's this month. Because I am no longer planning a family Christmas with husband and his kids, I have offered for my ex to have DS for Christmas day so he can celebrate his first Christmas with his baby brother. Because of this I would like to plan a trip away for his birthday in January.

So I have looked into 3 nights at a great kids hotel with water park, a 2 day ticket for Disneyland Paris and flights which comes to £636 - which seems amazing.

I'm just looking for any experience of Disneyland Paris at that time of year - weather, queues etc.

Or if anyone can recommend something else to do - UK or abroad for roughly the same amount. DS is a massive adrenaline junkie so would love to do something to make his heart race!

Thanks again

Disney would be amazing!
It's usually quieter in jan Feb March.

Alton towers, maybe stay in CBeebies hotel or enchanted forest?

Scrap the Alton towers idea. It's closed until March I think

I've been in November. It's cold but bearable. And quiet, especially during the week.

Assume the water park is indoors?

I went in January, week day. It was cold, but quiet, barely any queues

Go to Disney. He's the right age for it and as said, it will be quiet.

I think I will go ahead. I have already booked the hotel with pay at arrival option so I've got until payday on Friday to decide.

DS has been to Alton Towers/Thorpe Park/Drayton Manor which he loved.

His dad also took him to Disneyland Paris, but he was only 3 and DS's dad said it was a bit of a waste.

And yes the waterpark is indoors. I was thinking first day will be a day in the hotel/indoor play/water park. Second and third day in Disneyland and then a nice lazy last day before we fly home. Does anyone have any tips or recommendations for Disneyland?

I can't wait to surprise him now. I've been putting others first for a while and I've decided that from now on DS is my priority. He is an absolute star and I want him to know how proud I am of him and how much I love him. Sorry getting a bit soppy.

That sounds great. Go onto the Disney forums - there's one for Disneyland Paris and you can find out everything from tips for rides, where to stand to get the best view of parades to restaurant menus.

There's a McDonald's just outside the gates. Much cheaper to eat there if you can bear it! Some of the restaurants may be shut in January too but you should find out all that info on the forums

Do it, you'll both have an amazing time. I would avoid taking swimming stuff, we went to the hotel pool and it was packed, so wasted 20 mins getting there and going back. One suggestion, I would look into getting eurostar rather than plane, as you pull into the park and can arrange for your luggage to be taken to your hotel so yo can go straight to the park and enjoy the day. If you fly, you need to allow for transfer time and the cost of that x

Do it! My DS has an early Jan birthday and I'm planning to always try and go away for it as I imagine it's going to be tough getting interest in birthday parties barely days after New Year! Not that we'd do Disney every year but it's a brilliant way to make someone feel special and excited straight after Christmas.

@wednesday32 I have looked at Eurostar but I live SW Wales so for train to London and then Eurostar tickets would cost twice as much as the flights from Cardiff which cost £150 for the both of us for a return. I was planning on booking a taxi to/from the hotel.

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I'm going to take the plunge and go for it! DS will be getting a call from Mickey on Boxing Day to tell him he's off to Disneyland....I'm far more excited than he is!!

So the other option that I have looked at is Bluestone in West Wales. It's marketed for "free range kids" and it would only cost £150 for 4 nights and I could invite a friend and her son for company.

If anyone is interested it looks amazing!

www.bluestonewales.com/