P A R I S
12/26/21 - 01/02/22
DAY 1
Day 1 - For 2021, we planned our first major trip over Christmas and New Years. After a visit from Santa, we packed our bags and headed to the Boston Logan airport for our direct flight to Paris, France. As we checked in Dad got a special last minute Christmas present with the last available upgrade to Business class. He was so excited! We headed to the lounge for a few drinks and snacks and were on our way. The flight took off on time and after about 8 hours we arrived in Paris. Time to get a croissant and a coffee!
DAY 3
Day 3 - After breakfast, we were ready to explore Paris! We headed to the Museum d'Orsay with a 10:00 AM entrance ticket. The museum has incredible architecture and looks almost like a main European train terminal. We walked through seeing many French artifacts and art work. After the museum we headed for a walk down the Champs-Elysess for some window shopping and ended at the famous Arc de Triomphe. After a few photos, we took a break for lunch. Then headed to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It was beautiful. We took a quick funicular ride to the top and then after a walk through headed back down by foot. What an amazing day in Paris! We headed back to the hotel and had dinner at a local restaurant near by.
DAY 2
Day 2 - After a relatively quick passport control and baggage claim, we headed into the city via the train. We chose to get a multi-day train pass, which took a little extra logistics, but in the long run was definitely worth it. For the multi-day pass, they require you to get a small photo via a photo booth and bring that to the ticket center! The hotel (Hilton Paris Opera) was in a great central location and thankfully, let us into our room early. After a brief break in the room, we headed to Eiffel Tower. It was a beautiful sunny day, so we started with a few photos from the base, headed to a nearby cafe for lunch and then took the elevator straight up to the top for amazing views of Paris. Dad and Michael even took a ride to the tippy top for some bonus photos! Hold on to your hat!
DAY 5
Day 5 - We have been in Paris for 3 days - "what are you going to do next...?" We are going to Disneyland!! After breakfast, we headed via train to Disneyland Paris. The train was very easy and drops you off directly at the park. After a brief stop by our hotel (Disney's Newport Bay Hotel) to check in and drop off our luggage; we headed into the park. Disneyland Paris is very nice - much smaller than Disney World with two main parks and a shopping / restaurant area called the Disney Village. We hit a few initial highlights and made our way to Bistrot Chez Remy for an early dinner. As soon as you enter the door, you are immersed in the movie Ratatouille. It was really fun; everything is giant sized, so you see the restaurant in the eyes of little Remy! After dinner we took a leisurely walk back to our hotel to end the night.
DAY 4
Day 4 - Time to explore again! Today, we started the day at the world renown Louvre Museum. The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world and is very impressive. You could definitely spend the whole day here. We checked out some of the highlights include the famous Venus di Milo and the Mona Lisa. In the center of the museum there is a large bright atrium with enormous ivory statues. Its a great place to take a break. The Louvre even has one of the world most known restaurants; McDonalds. Little Michael was happy! After a quick bite, we explored the grounds, a Christmas market and the Lego Store! Then we headed back to the hotel area for dinner at a traditional French restaurant. And then a few desserts! Delicious!
DAY 6
Day 6 - Today, it's New Year's Eve! After a quick breakfast, we headed early into the park. It was about 8:00 AM and the park was still lit up by beautiful Christmas lights as the sun wasn't fully risen yet. It was nice to walk down a quiet main street and see all the lights and decorations. We stayed pretty busy all day enjoying many of the rides and sites! Disneyland Paris had many of the traditional favorites including Its a Small World, the Speedway and Pirate of the Caribean, and of course the beautiful castle! For the evening we strolled through the Disney Village including a large Lego Store and enjoyed a very nice New Years Eve dinner at their signature Steakhouse. 3...2...1 Happy New Year! 2022 has arrived.
DAY 4
DAY 7
Day 7 - Happy New Year! It's 2022. We headed back to the parks for some of the rides and attractions that we didn't get to yesterday. It was another great day! The weather for our entire trip had been fantastic; bright skies and mild weather for late December / early January. At this time, the U.S. was requiring Covid testing for your return flight; so after a few rides, we had an appointment to get tested! Ut oh, as we returned back to the hotel to organize our luggage for the return to Boston; we anxiously awaited our results! Dad wasn't feeling great, so that added a little stress to the waiting period! Michael and Mom received their negative and "cleared to fly" results and then.....
​Day 4 - Coming Soon
DAY 8
Day 8 - Oh no! Dad has Omicron. His results came back with a big red screen! and although, he wasn't feeling to bad, he was positive! We quickly separated our belongings and switched his flights; Mom and Michael headed successfully to the airport (CDG) and Dad stayed behind for a few extra days in France. After the initial shock; everyone was OK! Dad headed to a Marriott Vacation Club that we had been too in the area about 10 years back. This was a great space because it gave you an individual Villa with a full kitchen. Mom and Michael had a great flight and made it home safely! Dad got some groceries and medicine at a local pharmacy and rested a few days! No complaints here! After a few extra days in Paris; Dad headed home safely to Boston! What an amazing way to start the year!
WHAT WE THOUGHT OF IT
MICHAEL
KAREN
MICHAEL S
