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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