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The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Is it possible to do Disneyland Paris on the cheap? Here's how I cut costs
I vividly remember my childhood trip to Disneyland, Florida, from the newly-opened Splashback Mountain – my first – chasing iconic characters for autographs. My family were savers, and this was a big trip for us. My dad picked America as the destination during the Gulf War, when flights to the US were cheap, stayed in a motel nearby and drove into the park for two days, with sandwiches in our backpacks and a strict no-merch policy. Those two days are all I can remember from a two-week holiday to Orlando, such is the power Disney has over a young brain. And this is exactly what I want for my own daughters, aged four and eight. They're at that magical age where they are still delighted by Disney (although, isn't everyone?), and as we've learned from Inside Out, are forming core memories. I want to make their first trip to Disneyland as sparkly as possible, and like my parents, as much as I want to do the full bells-and-whistles experience, I can't afford it all. Which is why I've spent months researching exactly where I should splurge and spend the holiday budget to cherry-pick the perfect Disney experience, include some indulgences, but save where I can. Here's how I did it. How to get there and where to stay The first big saving was driving from London, straight from the last day of school, rather than a train or flights, which for four of us in school holidays was going to cost the best part of £2,000. Driving would cost less than £50 in petrol and £118 in Le Shuttle fares (I saved £20 with Tesco Clubcard points). Then came the decision about where to stay. For the first night, I found the perfectly serviceable Résidence du Parc Val d'Europe hotel, which fit all four of us in one room for €131 (£114) a night. It had a kitchenette, and I brought a cool bag from home so we could have breakfast in the room, saving €15 (£13) per person for the hotel breakfast. Only a 10-minute drive from Disney, it would have been fine as a base for the whole trip. But back when my eldest was three, we stayed in a Legoland hotel in Tampa, and she remembers every detail of the themed room. The main on-site Disneyland Paris hotel looks like every girl's fantasy (think Disney princesses at breakfast, fully themed rooms) – but costs 5-star prices. Disney Newport Bay – just a 10-minute walk away from the entrance (or free shuttle) – seemed like a great option that combined the dazzle of a themed hotel, at a more budget-friendly price (with free parking). The big bonus of staying within the Disney family: you get to go in an hour before the park opens. The hotel is themed as if Mickey and the gang are on a cruise ship. Our large family room (booked to save on two rooms) had two double beds with views out over the lake and promenade outside, and, thrillingly for the kids, was decorated with subtle Disney nods: wallpaper border with characters peeping through portholes, headboards with Mickey ears, and themed toiletry bottles in the bathroom. If you're staying in a Disney hotel, the best deal is to buy the park tickets as part of a package. I paid £1,465 for two nights in a superior room, for four people, including park tickets for the two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park) for two days, which also comes with €50 (£44) spending money. Travelling off-peak would be cheaper, and you can book in advance and pay over five instalments. Park tickets for two parks on their own cost €131 (£114) per adult or €117 (£102) per child, for two days, meaning the hotel worked out at around £115 per person, per night. HOTEL AND PARK ENTRY Spent: £114 for one night at Résidence du Parc Val d'Europe and £1,465 for two nights in Disney Newport Bay Club, including park tickets. Total: £1,579 Potential saving: £342 for three nights in Résidence du Parc Val d'Europe, plus €496 (£432) for park tickets. Total cost: £1,296, meaning I could have saved £283 on a cheaper hotel. My top Disneyland Paris hack At that point, I decided to add Disney Premier Access Ultimate at €90 (£78) per guest, which gives you queue jumping privileges (on some rides – though not generally the ones for the littlest kids). This was undoubtedly an expense I could have scrimped on, but it cut queues from over an hour to almost walking straight on, which felt like a worthwhile hack. Even without it, your days feel full with the amount of parades, shows, and character meets – all of which you can monitor from the park app (which helpfully shows queue times, too). Take the freebies where you can I hadn't realised how important it is to break up the day with a rest: the temptation to maximise your park ticket and push through the 3pm slump is a mistake with little ones. If you take a break at the busiest time in the park, and head back for an evening session (the park is open until 10.40pm), you can get around quicker when others flake off. Back at the hotel, a Disney character greeted us in reception (fortuitously, this happens every day at 3pm at Newport Bay), which made my girls feel like VIPs, and then we headed to the huge and beautifully decorated pool, with floor-to-ceiling windows and fountains. I noticed older kids hanging out in a chill-out zone with bean bags and a film playing, but you can also watch Disney+ in the rooms (while we adults enjoyed a cocktail in a can that I'd brought from home, and ice from the hotel bar, saving €36 (£31) on room service drinks). How to save on food and drinks Where I did save was on food, which racks up as a family of four. At Disney Newport Bay, breakfast was included – in certain rooms, otherwise its €30 (£26) per adult and €24 (£21) per child: my girls know they have to fill up on the free meals, which was not a problem given it was a huge buffet with Mickey Mouse-themed waffles, a self-serve pancake machine, and more pastries than they've ever seen (along with meats, cheeses, fruits and cooked options). For lunch, I had our sandwiches stored in my cool bag, homemade cakes and bulk-bought nuts, bars and energy balls, saving at least €50 (£44) per day. Bringing your own water bottle is an obvious tip, and there are plenty of water fountains around the park, so we spent nothing on drinks, saving €3.50 (£3) per small bottle. I couldn't pre-make dinner, but you can buy meal packages which you can use at the hotel or a variety of restaurants around the park (including other hotels), starting from £35.88 for children and £58.30 for adults, per day, half board. We wanted a bit more flexibility, so for the two nights we spent in the parks, we ate at a Five Guys on the edge of the park (£38.10 for dinner for four). On the first night, we ate pre-made sandwiches on our way to the hotel. How to save on souvenirs and Disney merchandise A friend had warned me about the temptation to shop, and there are so many things that catch a little girl's eye: face painting (€19; £17), Disney bubble wand (€30; £26), Disney stuffed toys that magnetically stick to your shoulder that everyone had (€28; £24). Like my parents did to me, we issued a strict 'no merch' policy beforehand, but I did pre purchase some Disneyland Paris ears secondhand on Vinted – £2.50 each, compared to €35 (£30) in the park, and took two Disney outfits each from the dressing up box to satisfy any dress-up cravings, saving around €30 (£26) per dress. The one exception: a stuffed toy as a souvenir from the hotel gift shop (€30; £26) – I know from seeing my own Minnie in their toy box that it will be a happy reminder for years to come. Nobody expects Disney to be cheap – and it's not. But it's a place that does magic well. This was the first two days of our summer holidays, and I'm already cherishing my eight-year-old gripping me and grinning after coming off Thunder Mountain, proud that she'd faced her fears, or racing my husband to be the person to go on the last Marvel ride before the park closed. As my four-year-old said as she was drifting off to sleep, still wearing her Minnie Mouse ears, 'I wish I could live in Disneyland.' And with that, my own wish to replicate that magical childhood trip for my family had been granted. The total cost and savings from our Disneyland Paris trip Total cost: £1,880 Total saved: £839 Résidence du Parc Val d'Europe was a perfectly acceptable place to stay for Jessica and her family. Plump for Disney Newport Bay for Disney-themed rooms not far from the park.
Hindustan Times
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Demi Moore-Bruce Willis continue to be the best exes: All about the Hollywood couple's love story and family
Actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore might no longer be married, but they continue to show up for one another and remain close with their families. Demi often takes to her social media account to share pictures with Bruce and their daughters during holidays and the festive season, showing that the two have nourished a deep and abiding relationship over the years. Even as Bruce's health is deteriorating rapidly because of dementia, Demi has continued to show support and cheer for him. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis have remained close despite their marriage falling apart two decades ago. About Demi and Bruce's relationship Demi and Bruce first met at the 1987 screening of Stakeout, and sparks flew. After dating for four months, the two got married in November of the same year. Bruce and Demi then welcomed their first child: daughter Rumer in August 1988. Shortly after, the two went to share screen space together for the first time in 1991 in the film Mortal Thoughts. The two embraced parenthood once again in 1991 with the arrival of their second daughter Scout. Their third daughter Tallulah was born in 1994. However, their marriage saw an end a few years later in 2000, as both of them chose to separate and their divorce was finalised in the same year. Since then, Demi has been married to actor Ashton Kutcher, while Bruce got hitched to model Emma Heming Willis in 2009. Demi divorced Ashton a few years later. Both Bruce and Demi continued to support each other's career and attended social events together. 'We felt more connected…' In her memoir Inside Out, Demi opened up about her divorce from Bruce and said, 'It's a funny thing to say, but I'm very proud of our divorce. It wasn't easy at first, but we managed to move the heart of our relationship, the heart of what created our family, into something new that gave the girls a loving, supportive environment with both parents. We felt more connected than we did before the divorce.' Back during the pandemic, Demi and Bruce isolated with their family together. In No Filter with Naomi, she said, 'There's been a lot of challenges and a lot of tragedy with the pandemic, but I also think there's been a lot of gifts and blessings. I personally feel like I was really grateful for things slowing down and the time that we had.' Spending time together during the pandemic She continued, 'It was really a blessing. It's everything that's come forward has allowed us to reevaluate what's important and what needs attention that has been overlooked and neglected. It was amazing. Our family regardless of what the shape of it is, it's important to keep together and for the little ones to feel comfortable with me, and to know me so they also know their sisters better. It was really sweet and we did have some silly times for sure.' In 2022, when Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia, his family shared the announced in a joint statement that was signed by the actor's daughters Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, Tallulah Willis, Mabel Willis and Evelyn Willis, plus Bruce's wife Emma Heming Willis and his ex-wife Demi Moore. 'We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that,' read the note. In 2023, it was revealed that Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Demi opened up about how the family is dealing with the health situation during her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. "What I say to my kids is you meet them where they're at. You don't hold on to who they were or what you want them to be, but who they are in this moment. And from that, there is such beauty and joy and loving and sweetness,' she added. Earlier this year, Demi shared a series of pictures to celebrate Bruce's 70th birthday. On the work front, Demi was nominated for an Oscar earlier this year for her work in The Substance.
Daily Mirror
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Broom Cupboard star Josie D'Arby's surprise new career and very famous ex
The BBC's hit children show The Broom Cupboard saw the birth of many iconic presenters - now Josie D'Arby's career has taken a surprising turn away from the cameras In a tiny, cramped booth nestled away in the BBC studios, a whole host of famous TV presenters kicked off their careers. Children's TV show The Broom Cupboard began in 1985, replacing the shaky voiceover and still slides linking CBBC shows with real-life presenters. Despite its practical beginnings it soon became a hit in itself, with the likes of Phillip Schofield, Debbie Flint and Zoe Ball all forging their famous TV personalities on the show. Iconic characters Edd the Duck, Otis the Aardvark and Gordon the Gopher even joined in on the fun, with letters and drawings from viewers plastered across the walls of the tiny studio room. Many of the programme's stars look completely different these days, with brand new careers - and Josie D'Arby is no exception. Where The Broom Cupboard's Andy Crane is now and unrecognisable new look Jesy Nelson admits being in 'constant state of fear' during tough pregnancy with twins After her stint in The Broom Cupboard, Josie went on to become an award-winning presenter, becoming a well-known face on the likes of Songs of Praise, Top of the Pops, Inside Out and Cardiff Singer of The World. In 1999, the 52-year-old star from Newport, Wales, became the youngest British woman to have her own chat show, titled Josie, on Channel 5. Josie's media ambitions didn't stop there and she soon pivoted to acting, where she starred as Alisha Adams in Holby City and made guest appearances in Casualty and Doctor Who. She's even tried her hand as a quiz show contestant, appearing on Richard Osman's House of Games and Pointless in 2022. More recently, Josie ditched the cameras for a career that's worlds away from presenting. The star has been pursuing her artistic talent, even showcasing her painting in a show at the Newport Museum Art Gallery in 2023. The BBC star started to take art more seriously after winning a televised art competition, South Wales Argus reports. The painting was called Less, which Josie said was "about how little it can take to make people happy." "Art is for everyone and I am happy if my piece is just a tiny little reminder that public galleries can be a space and a time to press pause, and enjoy a lovely space if you're in the city," she explained. Before her TV career took off, Josie was said to be in a relationship with Hollywood actor Gerard Butler - known for iconic roles in 300, Law Abiding Citizen and London Has Fallen. The pair apparently briefly dated in 2005. And Gerard isn't her only celebrity flame, as Josie reportedly went on a date with actor Joseph Fiennes - the brother of Harry Potter legend Ralph Fiennes - in 2006. Josie isn't the only Broom Cupboard presenter who took a different career path. Andy Crane, 61, has been brightening up people's days on Greatest Hits Radio since 2019 and he looks very different from his days on the CBBC show. He is now residing in the picturesque location of Lake District. Andy, who was born in the seaside town of Morecambe, Lancashire, presents three hours of the best songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s on Greatest Hits Radio, including The Top 10 at 10 and Midnight Music Marathon. Before hitting the radiowaves, Andy also presented children's show, Motormouth, for ITV on Saturdays. He also featured on What's Up Doc? and Challenge TV.
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Kooks Glasgow Hydro presale and prices: Here's how to see the band's Scottish gig
The Kooks have a date with Glasgow. | Getty Images One of the biggest bands of the noughties have announced a huge Scottish gig. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Formed in 2004 in Brighton, The Kooks achieved near-immediate success when they sold over two million copies of debut album Inside In/Inside Out. That album contained several hit singles, including Naive and She Moves In Her Own Way, and saw them named Best UK & Ireland Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and being nominated for a Brit Award. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Since then there have been a futher six studio albums, most recently this year's Never/Know, all of which have reached the UK Top 40 chart. To mark the release of their latest record the band are curently touring and played Glasgow's TRNSMT festival over the weekend. During the performance they announced that they would be coming back to Scotland for a huge headline gig. Here's everything you need to know. When are The Kooks playing Scotland? The Kooks are playing Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Wednesday, October 8. Doors will open at 6.30pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When do tickets go on sale for The Kooks? Tickets for the gig go on general sale here at 9am on Friday, July 18. Is there a presale for The Kooks' Glasgow gig? There are a couple of presales to get your hands on tickets before they go on general sale. If you are a customer of OVO Energy you'll be able to buy tickets from 9am on Wednesday, July 16. If you're not, you might like to ask around family and friends to see if they can get tickets for you. Otherwise, Gigs in Scotland have a presale starting at 9am on Thursday, July 17. You can register for free here. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How much are tickets for The Kooks? Tickets for The Kooks will be priced from £53.60 - £114.90 depending on where you are sitting or standing. Who is supporting The Kooks in Glasgow? The Kooks will be supported by English indie band The K's in Glasgow. They released acclaimed debut album I Wonder If The World Knows? in 2024 and the follow-up, Pretty On The Internet, earlier this year. Are there any age restictions at The Kooks' Glasgow gig? It's over 14s only for the standing areas and over-8s only for the seated section. All those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. What will The Kooks play? Here's what The Kooks played on their recent tour of the America. Expect to hear most of the following in Glasgow, which includes seven songs from their new album.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Poker Face actor Richard Kind explains why he's fine not being the star: ‘I am parsley…'
If you have ever seen Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face, Argo, or A Serious Man, you have likely come across Richard Kind. However, you may be unfamiliar with his name. The veteran actor prefers it this way, balancing fame and anonymity at the same time. In a conversation with CBS News, the Inside Out actor recalled how people might remember him from a project but don't know his name. Only Murders in the Building actor Richard Kind has worked in several acclaimed projects over the years.(Instagram/@realrichardkind) "I'll walk down the street and somebody will go, 'Oh, you're a national treasure.' And then I pass 250 people who don't know who I am, and yet that person thinks I'm a national treasure!" he told CBS. Also Read: James Brolin recalls blind date with Barbra Streisand which both almost cancelled Richard Kind reflects on his life and career Kind was raised in Princeton, New Jersey, and believed he would inherit his father's jewelry business. "That I'm an actor is so wrong," he explained. The Argo star added he should have joined his dad's store, gone into business, or chosen to become a lawyer, like how people expect from a suburban middle-class family's kid. While Kind has earned his reputation as a respected performer, when he was a kid, he wanted to achieve stardom instead of acclaim. As a child, Kind was mocked for his weight. However, a friend from camp showed the budding actor how to laugh at himself. Also Read: Evan Rachel Wood won't appear in Practical Magic 2 - Here's why Richard Kind has established a steady career as a character actor in theater, television, and movies. He's done it all, from heartfelt roles like Inside Out's Bing Bong to humorous roles in Sharknado 2 and Curb Your Enthusiasm. While not playing the lead role, he brings warmth, comedy, and sincerity to every character he essays. Richard Kind on being moderately famous Kind discovered his confidence at Northwestern University and the renowned Second City improv theater in Chicago. "Six nights a week at Second City, that's my acting Harvard," he stated. Despite his abilities, Kind's father frequently looked to other sources for validation about his son's acting skills, like his professors or friends. The Poker Face actor also had a humorous response to how he's survived in the entertainment industry. "I am parsley on a plate of meat and potatoes," he joked. Adding to the hilarious comment, Kind explained, "Now, I'm good. I look great there. I'm the freshest parsley! But they're meat and potatoes. What do I do? I help make the plate look great. That's fine. That's what I usually do. But I can be cut out. I'm just not necessary all the time. And I'm fine, fine, fine with that. I've made a career of it, haven't I?" FAQs Why is Richard Kind famous? Richard Kind is known for his standout roles in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Spin City. He's also recognized for his voice work in Inside Out and his Broadway projects. Is Richard Kind related to Barbra Streisand? Yes, Richard Kind is distantly related through Barbra Streisand's half-sister, Roslyn Kind, and her late stepfather. Is Richard Kind friends with George Clooney? Yes, Richard Kind and George Clooney have been close friends for years. Clooney was even the best man at Kind's wedding.
