Victoria and Albert's

Tonight was Ross and my "night out". Grandma Trudy watched Amelia while we out for dinner at Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort.

The menu was prix fixe, meaning that you pay a set price, but don't get to order from the menu, which is actually better than it sounds. lol.

There was nothing we didn't like, but it is not a "meat and potatoes" kind of place.  The food is a bit exotic (seared duck with gooseberry sauce, for example) and the portions are small, but extremely tasty.  If you like that kind of food, then Victoria and Albert's is not to be missed.  

At the advise of our waitress, we both ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert and it was excellent.  The best part of the meal however, may have been coffee, which was vacuum brewed on the table in a Cona coffee maker.  It was so much fun to watch and was some of the best coffee we had ever had.




After dinner, our waitress offered to take a picture of us.




Despite being all dressed up, we decided to go to the Magic Kingdom and wandered around there for bit which was lots of fun too.

Before heading home we stopped at the Contemporary to use their business center to fax some of Grandma Trudy's real estate paperwork.  Unfortunately, we were unaware that the business center closed very early in the evening.  Disney has such good service, I knew that they would find a way to help us and they did.  It took 3 different people, but finally someone was able to open it up for us. 




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Epcot - World Pavilion

Today we slept in a little later usual and then headed to the Epcot World Pavilion (which doesn't usually open until 11am).



We have almost always had great luck with the Disney bus system, but things just did not go smoothly today.

About 15 minutes passed and several busses for Blizzard Beach, Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom came and went before we spotted the Epcot bus. It pulled up to the curb as Grandma Trudy made her way to the "scooter" spot and I walked to the front door. Other people who had also been waiting for the Epcot bus also stood up, gathered their belongings and started making their way towards the bus. However, as soon as I got to the front door, the bus pulled farther forward along the curb. This isn't unusual and I
assumed the driver was just making room for another bus behind him. I again walked to the front bus doors, but just as I got there, the bus pulled away! The other potential passengers and I speculated that he was just pulling around the loop to get a better spot. We watched him the entire way, hoping he would pull back into the lot, but he just kept going straight on the main road. It was so odd.

There was another family who was also headed to Epcot. They told us that they had already been waiting over 20 minutes before we had even arrived at the bus stop. They were growing frantic because they had reservations for a princess breakfast at Akurshus Castle and were worried they were going to miss it.

We accosted the driver of the next bus that pulled up (headed to Animal Kingdom) and he called dispatch to let them know what had happened. After some radio communication he told us that another Epcot bus was on its way and would arrive in about 5 minutes. He was right and we did get on that bus, but it had been an exceptionally long wait.





Sweet Pea was fascinated by the ride in the Epcot ball and wanted to ride it again so we did. She couldn't quit talking about the scene of the people who lived in caves. I think we may have a future anthropologist here.



We headed to the World Pavilion next. As we neared the Mexico pavilion, we spotted several groves full of many different types and colors of orchids.





We saw this interesting artwork was just before we entered the Mexico Pavilion, which was located mostly inside a large step pyramid.




Once inside, we took a fun little boat ride that cruised along a variety of Mexican scenery and passed by several video screens that told an ongoing story about searching for Donald Duck, which fascinated Sweet Pea.



After the boat ride, we wandered around a replica of an open air Mexican market which contained many shops selling merchandise from Mexico (or perhaps just Mexican-style merchandise from China. Lol.)

We had a lot of fun trying on the huge sombreros.



They were perhaps a bit too large for some of us.




Next we visited Norway and Sweet Pea got in touch with her Scandinavian heritage.




We also tried the Kim Possible spy game. It involved receiving "missions" via a mobile phone and was a cute idea, but it took longer than we expected and Sweet Pea needed lots of help. I think it was designed more to keep older kids occupied while their parents shopped at each pavilion.

Grandma Trudy soon grew board and headed for China. We ended up going on a few more missions, but quit before the end of the game so we could go meet Grandma Trudy.




In China, we spotted _my_ favorite princess, Mulan. I wanted to get a picture with her, but the line was very long so I decided to skip it. However, Ross had a great idea of how to get a picture with her! (You may have to look very closely above my right shoulder.)



Before we left China, Sweet Pea asked to go back to the cabin and take a nap, but I wanted to go to Japan to buy some origami paper first.

I shopped a little bit and then discovered a sales girl talking Grandma Trudy into trying on a kimono. Grandma Trudy looked very nice in it, but decided not to purchase it since there is a decided lack of opportunity for kimono wearing in the USA.

After that we headed out of the park and back to the cabin. On the way, we spotted what I think was a beautiful heron.




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"Dinner" at Cinderella's Royal Table

For Sweet Pea's birthday dinner we had reservations to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle.

Last year we had breakfast at the castle and arrived at the front desk _exactly_ on time (to-the-minute). The hostess told us that we were supposed to be there "before" our specified reservation time and that she might not be able to seat us.

So this year, I wanted to make sure we were at the reception desk early. We arrived 20 minutes before our reservations and were very brusquely that we would not be allowed to check in until 10 minutes prior to reservation time. Oh well, maybe we'll get it right next time. Lol.

While we waited, we browsed through the shop next door, Castle Couture. A cast member sprinkled Sweet Pea's head with fairy dust (which, several shampoos later, is still in her hair).




It was soon time to go inside the castle and Sweet Pea was able to meet Cinderella almost immediatly.



Here is the birthday girl!




Ahead of time, Grandma Trudy had purchased a birthday package for Sweet Pea which included a birthday cake, a tiara and some Birthday decorations. Sweet Pea was very happy with the Happy Birthday Princess balloon and placemat that were waiting for her. It was a really nice way to start our meal.

I want to stress that eating at the castle is about watching your child meet the princesses. It is about wishes-come-true and the fleeting magic of childhood. It is not about the food. That being said, most of the food was so exceptionally bad that I feel compelled to tell you all about it. Lol.

The meal is prix fixe so you are allowed to choose an appetizer, a main course and a dessert from a menu of several different options for a set (outrageously expensive) price.

The appetizers were not too bad. Ross and Grandma Trudy ordered a cheese plate. The brie was good enough and the cheddar and goat cheeses were edible, but the plate did not come with any crackers. Ross asked the waiter for some. The waiter, somewhat sheepishly, replied, "Sorry. It doesn't come with crackers. Only the cheese." I have to say that I don't really recommend eating brie or goat cheese by the forkful, but that was the only option.

Based on the delicious rock shrimp experience I had at the California Grill, I ordered rock shrimp cocktail. These shrimp paled in comparison. The shrimp themselves were very, very bland, almost as though they had been left soaking in water all day. They were sitting atop a pile of (previously frozen?) corn kernels. It was an odd combination and I felt as though the corn was there just to fill up the glass so they didn't have to provide as many shrimp. (I know, the old joke, right? "That restaurant serves terrible food. And the portions
are so small!")




Trudy and I ordered the steak, which was somewhat edible if quite tough. It was served with a few spears of asparagus and the most unappetizing mashed potatoes I have ever had. They must have been piped onto the plate the day before and baked in the oven (or a kiln) for 24 hours. The top was so hard that my fork made a clacking noise when it came in contact with them. This crunchy top could be scrapped away to reveal a thick yellow paste, which was impossible to swallow without copious amounts of liquid. I can only imagine the industrial strength mixer that was required to create these glutinous spuds.




Ross's meal was worse. I had read a review warning against both the seafood pasta and the chicken, but I did not convey the message strongly enough so he failed to heed it. Ross ordered a stuffed chicken breast and almost gagged on his first bite. He said he was pretty sure it was spoiled. I think this was just the "wine" sauce, but he did not want anyone else to even try it. I gave him some of my (chewy) steak to compensate.



Amelia ordered a turkey pot pie that was one of the saltiest things I have ever tasted. The pot pie filling must have been simmering all day to reduce down to the concentrated salt sludge that was served to her.




The rolls were one of the best parts of the meal... Although this may have been due to the lack of edible food up to this point.




For dessert, Ross and Trudy got an acceptable small trio of desserts and I ordered a tasty chocolate mouse.

Sweet Pea's Sleeping Beauty shaped cake also arrived (which was part of the special birthday package we had pre-ordered).

It was very cute and I am surprised to say, was absolutely delicious. It was probably the best chocolate cake I have ever had. It was obviously not prepared in the castle kitchens. Lol.




By the time we left the castle, it was almost time for the Wishes fireworks show. We had some trouble because the castle area was roped off and we were ushered down the ramp to where the crowds had gathered. Of course there was no where to go because the street was thick with people, so we just had to stand in front of all the people who had probably been waiting for an hour for a good view.

And what a good view it was too....




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Magic Kingdom Day 2

We made it to the Magic Kingdom in time for rope drop again.



Ross ran off to get Space Mountain FP and we made our way to the back of the park to ride Dumbo.




Since today was Sweet Pea's birthday, we let her choose the rides (with only a small amount of manipulation ;) from me). Next door to Dumbo was the kiddy coaster Goofy's Barnstormer. It was a lot of fun. Also I accidentally left my hat behind and had to go back for it. Since there was no line yet we ended up riding it twice.



Next we went to Peter Pan's Flight, which I find to be a really lovely and charming ride.



Sweet Pea tried to get the sword out of the stone. Oh well, maybe next year...



When we rode the carousel, a random photo pass photographer was taking pictures and snapped one of Sweet Pea which was a really nice surprise. Disney is full of pixie dust magic like that.




After the carousel, we went to see Mickey's Philharmagic 3-D movie. It did really look very 3-D and I loved watching this with Sweet Pea because she kept reaching out her hands to "catch" the items that appeared to float out of the screen. It was so cute to see her try to grab them.



After the show it was time to use our fastpasses for Space Mountain! Here is a picture of Sweet Pea loaded into our car. She was sitting behind me this time and loved it again.



Next Sweet Pea wanted to drive the little race cars around the track. I can't remember the name of this ride, but I rode in Sweet Pea's car with her and it was quite an adventure. She bounced one tire and then the other violently back and forth along the rail for the entire ride.





Grandma Trudy and Ross rode in the car behind us and said they had a hysterical view of me trying to hold my hat onto my head with one hand while using the other one to brace myself against the dashboard.



Sweet Pea had been very concerned about the "wet" dog Rover from the Carousel of Progress the previous night and insisted that we ride again to check in him.



Ross's cousin and family were at Disney World at the same the we were so we met them for lunch at the Polynesian resort's Kona cafe. The food was mediocre, but the company was fantastic. We then headed back to our cabin for our afternoon nap.



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Watching Illuminations at Epcot

After our nap, Sweet Pea dressed up as Tinkerbell again.



We took the bus to Epcot and headed to the Rose & Crown pub in the United Kingdom potion of the Worlds Showcase for dinner.



I picked this restaurant for dinner because it is known for having a good view of Epcot's evening fireworks show, Illuminations. Our reservations were for 7:50, but I checked in almost 20 minutes early and requested a table on the patio with a view of the fireworks. The staff explained that they would try to accommodate us, but obviously couldn't promise anything. We hung around the United Kingdom pavilion and waited for our buzzer to signal that our table was ready.

Grandma Trudy and Ross were busy trying to get a purchase offer together on a condo for Trudy and making calls to her realtor an lawyer and even one of my realtor friends for advice.

Sweet Pea had a wonderful time running around in a short hedge maze.

We didn't get called to dinner until about 8:15pm and we were all very hungry, but we did get a really nice patio table overlooking the lagoon where the fireworks show was going to take place.

We ordered a delicious plate of cheese from the U.K. as an appetizer. Sweet Pea ordered tomato soup for dinner, Ross ordered a cottage pie and I ordered the fish and chips. Ross's meal was just okay, but the fish and chips were really special. I lost half of my meal to Ross. Lol.





During dinner, Illuminations started. On the right, you can
see the image of North and South America that were projected on a huge spinning globe.



As the show progressed, many other things were shown on the globe such as people's faces, balloons, jets, etc. there were also fireworks all over the lagoon. It was a lot of fun.




One of the best parts of dinner was the Sticky Toffee Pudding with custard for dessert. It was outstanding.

We left long after the park closed and Sweet Pea "pretended" to
sleep on the bus ride back to the cabin.



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Rope Drop @ Magic Kingdom

We arrived before rope drop at the Magic kingdom today. Cast members sang and danced on the balcony as we waited for Mickey Mouse's train to arrive.

Sweet Pea was so excited to see Snow White, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and several other characters get off of the train.

Ross went for Space Mountain fast passes,while Trudy, Sweet Pea and I headed straight for the Tinkerbell meet & greet. Sweet Pea got a picture with a fairy named Terance.

Sweet Pea was totally star-struck by Tinkerbell and could not even really speak.

Since we were already in Adventurland, we decided to ride the flying carpets.

Ross and Trudy rode behind Sweet Pea and me.

Once we were loaded into the "carpets", we looked up and saw Aladdin and Princess Jasmine briskly walking by. I can't believe how neat this quick snapshot of them with my phone turned out.

Below is a picture of the infamous spitting camel sculpture that sprays unwary riders with water as they come by, but Sweet Pea steered us well out of reach every time our carpet came near.

Next all of us rode Pirates of the Caribbean and then the Jungle Cruise. Our guide was by far the most funny and enthusiastic I've ever heard.

Our Space Mountain FP were about to expire, so we left Grandma Trudy to do some shopping while we went to use them.
Ross and I had previously learned that Big Thunder Mountain was closed for refurbishment, but hadn't broken the news to Sweet Pea yet. It is her favorite ride, so we were worried that she would take it hard. We decided that telling her right before her first ride ever on Space Mountain would be a good time.
We walked her over to the giant wall that separated the crowds from Big Thunder Mountain and showed her all the construction. There were a few tears, but she recovered quickly and we were on our way to Tomorrowland.

I was more nervous about Sweet Pea riding Space Mountain than she was, part because the coaster is almost totally in the dark and set up toboggan style so I knew that Sweet Pea would be siting in a separate seat in front of me and not next to me.
I took this right before it was our turn to board.

During the ride, I couldn't see her and when I reached around the seat to put my hand on her shoulder, I felt her all scrunched down in her seat. I was terrified that she was terrified.
I didn't need to worry though because she loved it. Afterward she explained that she was just scrunched into the corner because it was more comfortable.
On our way back to Grandma Trudy, we saw the talking trashcan. I thought Sweet Pea would love it, but she wasn't very interested so we moved on.

This was taken in queue
For the Tiki Room.

The Tiki Room mostly consisted of robotic singing birds. Sweet Pea liked the Tiki Room far better than the rest of us.
After that we hit the Hall of Presidents on our way out. I was surprised by how interesting ithe show was and seeing all of the animatronic presidents made me wonder when exactly men started wearing modern 3 piece suits.


We waited on the curb of Main Street USA for Grandma Trudy and then headed back to fort Wilderness for lunch.

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