Hellesdon High School Activities Week 2010: Paris-Disneyland-Ypres

a local coach company...

This year once again we are using a trusted local firm. Familiar to many of you, Spratts Coaches from Wreningham have been providing tours for over 50 years. Our coach will be fitted with seat belts, toilets, drinks machines, air conditioning and videos. Every coach company insists on certain standards of behaviour from school parties. These can be found in the final letter for this trip and to the left.

and back to a familiar hotel...

At least, a new one for last year's Year 8s. We have switched hotel this year to the Villepinte Première Classe, which has served us well for many years in the past. Its advantage is its proximity to Paris, without being too far from Disneyland.

This year we have had an unprecedented number of requests for triple rooms. Please note that you cannot be reroomed, and any quarrels or disputes with your roommates must be made up immediately. Even if you feel you are in the right, you are expected to behave like a sensible adult and make the peace!

One student in each room will be put in charge of the key-card. This works the electricity, and must be taken with you if you all leave the room. Keyholders should be careful not to lock out their roommates.

 

changes to the activity

Many thanks to parents, carers and students who gave us feedback after last year. The change of Activities Week to July involved us in unexpected problems, which have in fact turned out for the best. Because we could not book the usual ferry we now have extended time in Ypres and Calais, and difficuties with reserving a restaurant in Disney Village resulted in us having to switch the Studios and Park days - allowing us to attend both the famous Illusion Parade and Bastille Day Fireworks (see picture above).

In a nutshell, a much improved itinerary, and more fun to be had by all!

Important information for parents...

Please note that the cost of the activity includes all entrance fees, accommodation and breakfast and dinner on the French side. You may wish to provide some money or a packed lunch for midday meals. A mixture of pounds and euros would be handy, but we do not recommend more than about €100 in total. In any case, we recommend insurance in case of loss of cash, camcorder, camera, mp3 player, etc., which would not be covered in the School insurance.

Students should keep in groups of three or more in Disneyland Park and the Studios. Security is very tight and park staff are frequently placed to deal with queries. Maps are readily available at the entrance. There are many drinking fountains, and on a hot day water bottles should be topped up. School staff will be available at hourly intervals (except lunchtime) in a designated meeting place (outside Casey's Corner hot dog cafe on Main Street, Disneyland; Studios TBA). Report at these places if you have lost a member of (or the rest of) your group.

Students must also keep to designated meeting times, as a delay may mean curtailing an activity or even missing a ferry. Don't forget to pack a hat and sunblocker! Also recommended are comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.

Please don't allow your child to take fizzy drinks on the coach - they are the principal cause of travel sickness. Bottled water is quite sufficient. Rubbish must not be dropped on the floor but placed in the bags provided. Toilets should only be used in an emergency. And, please, no chewing gum!

Below is Ypres: