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Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett took her toddler to Disneyland, Paris, and didn’t expect that she’d have to fork out so much cash for some bubbles

11:00, 15 Jul 2025Updated 11:12, 15 Jul 2025

Samantha Bartlett is an Assistant Editor of Social News across all Reach Plc titles. She frequently covers viral and lifestyle topics such as driving, money, cleaning, gardening, parenting, shopping and travel. Previously she has written for Daily Star.

Taking your child to Disneyland, Paris, is something most parent dreams of when they have kids. However, if you’re planning to take your little one to Disney anytime soon, then I suggest you start saving up for the trip now.

Of course, we all know the accessories on sale at Disneyland aren’t going to be cheap, but I was left a little startled by just how expensive a few things were when I went there with my toddler last week. Getting prepared, I ordered us some mouse ears online before we went there as I knew my three-year-old would want some and they would be expensive in the theme park. However, when I went to pack, I had completely misplaced his ears – something I knew would be a costly mistake.

Of course, as soon as we started walking up to the park and he saw everyone wearing mouse ears, he had to have some. I offered him mine but then when he saw the other sparkly versions on sale, he decided he wanted to pick his own. These will set you back €25 (£22) each, so they don’t come cheap – especially if you have more than one child.

He was happy with his ears, however once he saw some other kids with the Disney bubbles he just had to have those too. He is madly into Spider-Man at the moment and had his heart set on those bubbles, which were again another €25, plus another €2 (£1.70) for a bubble refill.

As he chomped his way through an €8 (£7) popcorn and a €4.50 (£4) ice cream, things were starting to add up.

It was then onto lunch and my little one and his dad had hotdogs, which were €10 (£9) each and then €3.59 (£3) for fries and a €3.49 50cl drink. Meanwhile, I opted for a vegan chilli, which was €8 (£7), but was very tasty.

We also treated ourselves to some chocolate-covered waffles later in the day, which I think were around €5 (£4.30) each.

The only other thing we spent out on were some fast passes for one of the rides. You can pay €90 (£80) to get you on all of the rides quicker, however we didn’t bother with that, considering our toddler couldn’t go on everything and that’s nearly the same price our ticket cost. Instead, you can also buy individual fast track passes for a ride of your choice, which we did for Orbitron, which cost us €5 (£4.30) for both adults.

So all in all, we did spend quite a lot, however, having only one child, it did make things a bit cheaper. I didn’t actually know that Disneyland also allows you to bring in your own food into the park, so if you’re prepared, you might want to pack lunch and snacks if you want to save a bit of cash there.

Those who are planning to take a toddler may want to do what we did and take them just before their third birthday as they get in for free up until they’re three. My little man managed to stay awake the whole time we were there from 10:30am to 6:30pm at night and enjoy himself on the rides, but if he was any younger I do think he would have struggled a bit with the long day and would have had to have a nap.

As well as Disneyland, he also travelled on the Eurostar free, which they can do up until they’re four.

So am I a bit sore about paying £22 for bubbles? Well yes, it wasn’t ideal. But to be fair, they made his day and brought him joy, and as parents, we know that’s priceless!

If you’re a fan of taking your holidays onboard luxury cruiseliners to travel the world and experience far flung destinations, you might want to pay more attention to the type of jewellery you choose to take with you

Cruises are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a trip away from home to visit multiple destinations during one holiday. You only have to unpack once and get to enjoy all the onboard amenities, activities and fine dining right on your cabin doorstep every day.

You could be an experienced cruise traveller or be considering the option for your next vacation but it seems there’s a whole lot more that goes on behind the scenes than you might expect.

When it comes to choosing what accessories you take with you, it may, or may not – depending on your preference – pay to be wary of packing a certain type of jewellery.

According to one cruise worker who sailed the seas for 10 years, if you wear a black ring or jewellery with a pineapple theme, you could be approached by people with a preference for a particular type of lifestyle.

Lucy Southerton, 28, from Birmingham has plenty of knowledge about what goes on in the darker corners of the huge ships and has shared her experiences on her YouTube channel Cruising as Crew.

In one video from 2023, she claims that “swinging is a popular pastime” onboard the floating hotels – and suggests it could be because cruises offer an “enclosed population of people”.

Couples who enjoy swapping sexual partners, use certain techniques to identify other potential companions onboard, according to the former cruise worker.

One of them is by displaying the upside down pineapple symbol in some way. “Some people put the upside down pineapple on their cabin door,” Lucy says. “Some people wear an upside down pineapple like a hat or brooch.”

But there’s also a more “inconspicuous” way to alert others to your desires than dangling a spiky fruit from your person – and that’s by wearing a black ring on your right hand, apparently.

Although as Lucy points out, this more subtle sign can have its issues. “Imagine if you went up to someone and you’re like [in a suggestive voice], ‘Hey, I can see that black ring on your right hand,’ and they’re like, ‘Yeah it’s just a black ring on my right hand’. You can never really be sure whether that’s just something they like to wear, or if it’s a signal,” she warns.

According to Lucy, the third signpost that someone is a swinger open to offers is a male and female sign with “a third gender sign in there”. She also shares an “embarrassing story” about how she came to realise the significance of the pineapple. Revealing that a long time ago she used to work in a ship’s spa, she said a couple came in for a couple’s massage.

When she went back to the treatment room after they had got dressed to tell them about aftercare such as drinking plenty of water, she noticed they were both wearing silver upside down pineapple necklaces. “They weren’t like this bright yellow upside down. They’ve very subtle, very, very nice,” she recalls. “And I was like, ‘Oh I love your necklaces. I think it’s so cute that you’re both wearing matching necklaces. That’s really sweet, but why the pineapple? Like what does that represent to you in your relationship?’.”

The couple who she had built up a rapport with after treating them a few times, burst out laughing. “They were like, ‘Look, we’re swingers and this is how people can identify us as swingers,’.” Intrigued, she went on to have a conversation about it with them where they told her the terminology used within the community.

Apparently, a unicorn is a woman who wants to swing on her own and swing with another couple. “They’re basically like mythical creatures,” she says the couple informed her. “They don’t exist and if you find one then you’ve hit the jackpot.”

A rhino is a single man willing to swing, while a mermaid is a married woman who wants to swing with a couple on her own. The word ‘play’ means sex, so you may say you don’t play on the first date. Rainbow means they don’t discriminate on gender and will swing with “everyone and anyone”. While ‘DDF’ is drug and disease free.

Comments on Lucy’s video, which has had over a million views, were suitably amusing. “Thanks for the info on the up side down pineapple. I will be placing a sticker of one on my brother and sister in laws cabin door on our upcoming cruise. Boy will they be surprised:),” joked one.

Another shared: “I’ll never forget the amount of attention I got in the buffet on my first ever cruise – I bought shorts that had loads of little pineapples in all different directions – I innocently thought they were just ‘nice and summery’ – how wrong I was… Ha!”

A third wrote: “Jee whizz, I will have to make sure my pineapple earrings are pointing up,” while a fourth revealed: “My partner bought me a nice black ring for Valentine’s Day. Damn…I’ll have to have a chat with her.”

Altrincham was once dubbed one of the UK’s worst high streets but has now been transformed into a bustling urban haven and twice named the best place to live in the north west

England is brimming with charming market towns, yet Altrincham stands out as the crème de la crème, consistently being hailed as superior to the rest. Having been crowned as the Best Place to live in the North West twice by the Sunday Times, Altrincham has transformed from a “ghost town” to a buzzing cultural gem frequented by tourists and locals.

The scenic market town has seen significant changes thanks to a whopping £6 million regeneration scheme kicked off in 2015 by Trafford Council. The bold initiative saw new developments take shape, like the multi-million-pound face-lift of Altrincham Leisure Centre, the rejuvenation of the Stamford Quarter, and continuous enhancements across the town’s public spaces.

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Trafford Council’s ambition was to polish Altrincham into a premier spot for residents and entrepreneurs alike, dubbed it a “first class destination for people to live, shop, and do business”.

Previously decried as a “ghost town”, the staggering evolution of Altrincham now marks it as one of the UK’s premier living spots after flipping its once-dreadful high street reputation entirely on its head.

Moreover, Altrincham now serves as an exemplar for contemporary market towns, blending independent ventures with the old-school charm of Market House stalls.

Centuries entrenched in the town’s fabric since 1290, the traditional market still thrives on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, hosting fiercely independent, multi-award-winning traders offering everything from trendy crafts and local eats to vintage finds and home accessories.

Altrincham has become a hotspot for foodies, boasting top-rated independent eateries such as Honest Crust, which claims to serve “the country’s best” wood-fired sourdough pizzas, whilst Jack in the Box offers an impressive selection of craft beers.

Meanwhile, The Great North Pie Company, England’s premier pie producer, has earned numerous accolades in recent years, making it a must-visit destination for pie fans.

Situated amidst picturesque green spaces and stunning countryside, like Stamford Park and Dunham Massey, Altrincham provides idyllic settings for leisurely strolls through rolling grasslands and ancient woodlands, with roaming deer often spotted in its medieval parks.

Thanks to its convenient location just eight miles from Manchester, Altrincham is an attractive choice for commuters working in the city.

Its winning blend of culture, cuisine and natural beauty has cemented its position as a highly sought-after property hotspot, reports the Express.

With a typical detached house fetching £1,050,000, the area commands a significant premium due to its exceptional education, stunning parks, and tight-knit community. Demand for homes near top-rated schools has driven property prices even higher.

Schools such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Girls, and Loreto Catholic Grammar School, have been recognised as two of the top schools in the northwest, both earning an outstanding Ofsted rating in 2022.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was named the best secondary school for academic performance, while Altrincham Girls scooped the award for the best secondary school of the year in the northwest.

So if you’re looking to move and want a lively urban retreat with superb transport links, a buzzing social scene, top-notch education, and a safe investment opportunity, then this charming UK Market town should certainly be on your radar.

Monica Vinader has added even more styles to their summer sale with up to 60% off necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and more

Monica Vinader, the popular jewellery brand favoured by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and royalty including the Princess of Wales, has reduced prices further on its website, with up to 60% off summer picks. Known for being one of the more affordable accessory retailers, you can now pick up Monica Vinader pieces at a reduced price.

With over 600 pieces of Monica Vinader jewellery to choose from, including stackable rings, personalised necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more, prices now start at £14. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to something sparkly for less.

Kate Middleton owns the Monica Vinader Nura Pearl Necklace and it is now in sale for £110, down from £129. The similar Nura Tiny Keshi Pearl Necklace is also on sale for £60 down from £150. Made from 18K gold vermeil and pearl, it makes a lovely layering piece or would make a statement on its own.

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Shoppers on the hunt for a versatile pair of earrings perfect for daily wear, the Siren Mini Domed Huggies are down from £60 to £39. Constructed from 18K gold vermeil, one customer said: “Such a beautiful, classy, comfy everyday hoop, which I never need to take out to sleep. Would highly recommend, particularly for the price.”

However, not everyone is satisfied with the size and another person expressed their surprise at the compactness, noting they were ‘shocked at how small they were’. For those considering a present, the Linear Disc Friendship Bracelet could be an ideal pick. Discounted from its regular £99 to £64.25 thanks to the sale offering 35% off – it’s available in various finishes.

Royally-approved jewellery

from £14

Monica Vinader

Shop sale

Save up to 60% off summer jewellery.

A delighted shopper left a review saying: “Small delicate charm bracelet that would make a lovely gift. Simple style that can be easily layered up with other pieces. Easy to fasten on your own too. Also come in a cute little gift box if you were purchasing as a present.”

Yet someone else commented on the difficulty of fastening, stating: “Can be a little tricky to tighten and loosen, couldn’t get over my big hands to start with, may need to utilise a friend to help but makes it more secure.”

Missoma is also running an up to 50% off summer sale. Pearls are featured in the sale, with the Savi Seed Pear Bracelet reduced by 26%. The limited edition bracelet is a ‘cute and elegant piece’, discounted to £73 down from £98.

Love Island fans are in luck as the exact necklace Samie Elishi wore on the show is finally back in stock. Called the San Pietro necklace by Soru, the £270 piece ‘goes with anything and stands out’.

For a splash of colour, take a look at the Monica Vinader Siren Stacking Ring. With a variety of stones and metal finishes on offer at different price points, one standout is the 18K gold vermeil with amazonite, reduced from £80 to £48.

Perfect for layering with other pieces, one happy customer wrote: “I bought this for my friend for her 40th birthday. It looks so stunning! I’m so pleased with it, and she loves it too.” You can browse the full Monica Vinader summer sale online.

From this month anyone purchasing from unauthorised street vendors will face new laws – as well as a host of changes on electric scooters, nudity, and drinking

UK tourists in a holiday hotspot are being warned that will face fines of 750 euros (about £630) – for buying anything – including food and drink – from street vendors. Palma, the capital of the island of Mallorca, this month introduced the new laws which could see Brits hit with fines and possibly even arrest for an array of infractions this summer.

The ordinance covers a host of issues – vandalism, including graffiti, posters, leaflets, gambling and betting in public spaces, false begging and sexual demands, artistic performances, guided tours, littering, alcohol consumption in public, group gatherings, street vending, motorhomes, nudism, balconing as well as scooters.

One change is the regulation of electric scooters. Users will now have to be able to prove they have civil liability insurance (with a minimum coverage of €120,000) and wear an approved helmet.

Another law people are likely to fall foul of is a total ban on purchasing any item from unauthorised vendors in public spaces. This includes buying souvenirs, food and drink and fashion accessories such as sunglasses and watches, with the exception being in authorised markets.

Laws are being brought in partly after protests on the island against excessive tourism, along with people complaining about the behaviour of visitors.

A document detailing the measures explained they were to ‘prevent inappropriate everyday actions’ and ‘address incivility in general’. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, said: “When travelling abroad it’s always worth reading up on local rules.

“These measures have been put in place to protect Palma’s culture and economy and, in some cases, for public safety. Buying from unauthorised street vendors might seem like a harmless way to get a bargain but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses.

“Illegal street vendors may also offer counterfeit goods which again may not seem like a big problem to many, but fall foul of intellectual property rules and take money away from legitimate businesses. The message is clear – buy from reputable sellers or tourists could find themselves facing tough consequences.”

Graffiti, classified as a very serious offence, will carry a fine of up to 3,000 euros. Nudism, whether total or partial, will be punishable by a fine of up to 750 euros. This doesn’t apply to ‘designated areas’ or, for example, to women who go topless on beaches. Drinking alcohol in groups (‘botellón’) is banned as is the use of drugs in public spaces.

The use of speakers without municipal authorisation; parkour; laser pointers; urinating and defecating in public will also see arrests. Balconing – moving from one balcony to another – will be subject to a fine of up to 1,500 euros. The police will support hotel establishments with the immediate expulsion of those who commit this offence.

Glamorous farmhand Harriet Cowan has said goodbye to Jeremy Clarkson and the Diddly Squat farm after stepping in to provide much-needed cover – but she quickly became a fan favourite

New farmhand Harriet Cowan, 24, has said her goodbyes to the Diddly Squat farm after stepping in to provide some help to Jeremy Clarkson in series four – and a little dash of glamour.

The TikTok star was brought in as cover for manager Kaleb Cooper, 26, whilst he went on tour with his one-man show across the country, but on his return to the Chipping Norton farm, Harriet returned to her normal day-to-day life. In the sweet moment, she said goodbye to Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter, and said she had been a lifesaver.

“You saved my life. So, if we get stuck again, can we give you a call?” He asked the trained nurse. However, as it stands, there are “no plans” that she will appear again in this series of Clarkson’s Farm, or any potential future ones – sources close to the show have previously revealed.

Whilst Harriet has left the show for now, the social media star quickly became a fan favourite – and boasts over 448,700 followers on her TikTok account and 159,000 on Instagram – with many calling for her to be brought back to the show.

Harriet comes from a farming family and grew up on her grandad’s livestock farm, which her dad has now taken over. Most of the content centres around life in agriculture and her unbelievably sweet brown collie dog, Sky. The Mirror takes a look at just what Harriet gets up to off-screen.

Girls’ holiday and nights out

Since finishing her time on Clarkson’s Farm, Harriet has jetted off with her friends to Spain to enjoy a break in the sunshine. She ditched the wellies, grabbed a bucket hat and a blue bikini, and spent some much-needed time away from the farm relaxing poolside – and shared a few snaps from her time away.

Harriet was seen getting dolled up for a night out with the girls and shared a picture of her hard at work blowing up a pink lido so they could lounge in the pool. She’s also reported to have tried on a few accessories at a local store.

Whilst Harriet spends a lot of her time hard at work on the farm and nursing – as well as reportedly working as an advocate for the mental health of farmers – she also likes to let her hair down, and often posts snaps on her socials of glamorous nights out with her pals and partner James Booth.

Boyfriend James

Harriet has been with her boyfriend James – who is also reported to be a third-generation farmer – for “some time,” according to one of her step sisters. The Clarkson’s Farm star regularly posts pictures and sweet videos with her partner, who she seems to have met at the Young Farmers Club (YFC), writing over one video post of the couple: “The ‘butterfly effect’ is crazy because if I didn’t join young farmers we’d of never of met.”

The pair obviously have a lot in common with their farming backgrounds, with Harriet writing in one joking post last year: “Your bf brings you presents to unwrap … Mine brings me bales to unwrap. We’re not the same.”

She joked in another post about lambing season, which saw her holding a seriously cute lamb “I’ve been covered head to toe in bodily fluids. But at the end of it all I expect my bf to take the bins out cause it’s gross”.

Nursing career

Whilst Harriet seems to be pretty busy helping out with the cows and sheep on the farm – she also has a full-time job as a nurse. She graduated from the University of Derby in 2023 and is now fully qualified, working for the NHS, so needless to say she has a pretty packed schedule.

In one post she joked about her packed calendar and the financial difficulties that can come with farming, writing over one video on her TikTok: “Thinking I could quit my job and farm full time… but then I remember I have a mortgage to pay.” She captioned the lighthearted post, “Suppose I would miss nursing a bit too”.

Family feud

Unfortunately, Harriet seems to be embroiled in some family tensions – with her stepsister speaking out about her publicly since her rise to fame on Clarkson’s Farm. Elina Clifford, a professional chiropodist, opened up about her feelings on her estranged step-sister Harriet, and she certainly didn’t hold back when it came to diving into the subject.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Elina dubbed her step-sister “fake” and “self-absorbed”, adding, “She loves to be the centre of attention, often at others’ expense”.

She also issued a blunt warning to Clarkson’s Farm: “She is fake in the way she behaves, so Jeremy Clarkson, beware!”. According to The Express, Elina and her elder sister Maddie – a teacher – blame the origins of the “family feud” on Harriet’s behaviour towards their mother Vicky, who is in a relationship with Harriet’s dad Eddy.

The sisters claim that Harriet isn’t nice to their mother, which has caused serious tension. “We don’t have a good relationship with her. Our mum is with her dad now, and there was a lot of drama a couple of years ago. There is a family feud, and Harriet was not being very nice to mum, and it was very upsetting,” said Maddie.

The siblings went as far as to say that Harriet was only taking part in Clarkson’s Farm in an attempt to grow her already massive social media following – calling it “sad and desperate” and claiming the TV star is “obsessed with herself”.

Clarkson’s Farm is now streaming on Prime Video.

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