Princess Mindy's Mucho Fabuloso trip report! w/pics!!

[Princess Mindy]

Fasten your seatbelts and keep your hands and arms inside the carpet at all times! I'm going to take your on a magic carpet ride through one fabulous truly Disney magical week at the happiest place on earth!

The cast:
Me, Princess Mindy princess: a princess going to her home and her castle! Cinderella schminderella!

Mom- a silly ol' bear. We'll call her Pooh pooh:

And of course what trip would be complete without :mickeyjum

The time: September 2-9

The place: Swan the first half, AKL the second with free food!

And now..the saga begins.

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[Princess Mindy]

Day 1: planes, automobiles and some fab food!

The day dawned beautiful and promising. I am prepared to leave behind the cozy 70 degree weather up her in Chicago for 7 days of scorching heat in the tropics! Normally I avoid hot weather like the plague-so why am I cosmically drawn to a place smack dap in the middle of heatwave central? That mouse can be pretty compelling! I wouldn't put myself through that for just anyone ya know!

A couple last minute checks of my packing list, and a check for the lists to my other lists (do you see a pattern developing here?) and I'm off to meet pooh: at the airport. She's flying in from Ohio and we'll be flying down to the happiest place on earth together! I'm so psyched at this point. I have been planning this trip since February-thats right, you heard correctly-February. Lets just say that this trip is long overdue in arriving. I love to plan-its almost as fun as actually going-but seven long months of anticipation is very wearying (is that a word? Oh well, Shakespeare made up his own words and nobody gave him a hard time) First the trip was only going to be 3 days. Then we decided to add one more night to the stay-to round it up you know. And then free dining came out. Well since we were only staying at the Swan we weren't eligible. SO we decided to add a couple days at a resort that was eligible. We were already spending the first half of the trip at a Deluxe, so we didn't want to downgrade for the 2nd half-that might be depressing. So we came up with the bright idea of the AKL. Not as expensive as the Poly, but not a mod like POR. Then there was a 3 night minimum to get the promotion. Therefore we ended up spending 7 excellently decadent nights at 2 of the most beautiful resorts ever.

But I digress. Hope I didn't lose anyone with my rambling. :rolleyes1

I arrive at the airport around noon. After a quick breeze through the security (no big deal at all) I met up with pooh: at the gate and we were ready to begin our adventure!!

to be continued in another post-this one has started to take the form of a book. More to come!

[Princess Mindy]

And now Day 1 continues!!

So we arrive safe and sound in sunny Orlando. it it now almost 90 degrees and about ready to rain at any second. We whisk away from the gate and down to baggage claim, where Bob from ****** is awaiting us, holding a cute little sign with my name. pooh: thought that the resort sent him. Umm...no not quite mom. Just a little fairy sprinkling her pixie dust around. I hadn't told her that we were being picked up in style. At which point it begins to POUR. Poor Bob got soaked rushing to the car, which he drove right up to the curb to avoid us getting wet. Oh thank you Bob-the pixie dust begins with you!

After a quick trip to the grocery store (it had stopped raining by now-gotta love Orlando) we were off to the House of Mouse!! I was so very excited. I had regressed about 20 years right there in the back seat of the SUV (deluxe of course).

And there it was. Just around the corner. The beautiful blue-green Swans peeking out from behind the trees to say hello and welcome. It was official-I was home. :cloud9:

We waltzed through the lobby, finally realizing that we were here at last to spend the most magical vacation ever. We were checked in by very friendly woman from Japan, who sent us off to our rooms with big smiles.
After a short walk we reach our room. It is beautiful. Its fabulous. And as I whisk open the curtains for a perfect lake side view I see....the back side of a building. If you lean really far to the right you can glimpse the water. At least thats what I think it was. Hard to tell. I bit my lower lip to hide my disappointment. The bellman was very nice about everything. He stayed in the room while I called the front desk and explained that this was not what the doctor ordered. Not even close. They checked their computers while I held my breath hoping against hope that they had another room. And the guy came back on and said...that he didn't. BUT he would have one tomorrow if we would like to move tomorrow. Well we're going to be here 4 nights, why not? So we said yes we'll move tomorrow and hung up, a little disappointed but still hopeful. The guy promised that it would be a very good room. We will have to wait until tomorrow to find out how true that really is.

We chill in the room a bit and then decide to do a little exploring .
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These are some magnificently beautiful resorts. I was in awe of their splendor. Pushing the first little bump in the path to the back of my memory, I was ready to start living it up in the lap of luxury. First stop: Todd English's Blue Zoo.

Question: shall I put dining reviews here or would you rather not hear about those and have me post them on the dining reviews board instead?

[jaycns]

Put the dining reviews right in your trip report...I know they have their own board...but they are truly part of a trip and I love it when people don't just "cut out" the meal parts of their reports. I get the point of it (easy to find reviews when you need them in a flash) BUT...it would be like editing out the info about the resort and doing a resort only review...it works but it's all so great just smushed all together!! :):):)

I am LOVING your report so far! Keep it coming!!

[MomPlanner22]

I agree - dining in the TR. It's all part of the experience! Looking forward to reading more!

[Bbgrizzle]

More, please! Yes, definitely including dining and any pictures you took! :goodvibes

[NewOrleansLady]

Love your start so far...and please post the food reviews in the TR! That way I can image eating that delicious food popcorn:: :banana:

[MousekaMaddi]

keep it comming! :goodvibes

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Love it! Keep it coming! Love to see the pics!

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Wow! Those are beautiful pictures!

Yes, please include dining reviews here!

[Bbgrizzle]

Nice pics, Minty! I'm loving it so far!

[OhMari]

I'm a mod on the Trip reports and I love reading about resturant reviews here. I haven't read about someone staying at the Swan in a long time. Can't wait to hear the rest.

[Princess Mindy]

By popular demand I will include the restaurant reviews here!!

So as I was saying, after a brief tour or the beautiful Dolphin, we decide we are just too hungry to wait for our 8pm reservation. I had originally thought that things would take a little longer to get settled and that we may want to swim, but since we are moving again the next day and its raining, the only thing left to concentrate on is our empty tummies!
We arrive at the restaurant at 7:30 and it doesn’t look too crowded so we ask to check in early. No problem at all. We are greeted with a smile and are escorted through an amazingly decorated Blue Zoo to our table, which just so happens to be by the window facing the lake. Ah..this is the life! No picture-sorry!! I was too much in a dream state at that time.

We are greeted promptly by our fabulous server who instantly made us feel at ease. She explained the menu and was very patient with any questions we had. On special the dancing fish was a sea bass, but not wanting to have to get out my dissecting tools, I decided to pass on the whole fish. Although it looked tasty!

After many long minutes of deliberation, I went with the Garlic Roasted Jumbo Shrimp - creamy polenta, fennel butter ($12.00) for our appetizer (I couldn’t get mom to try the oysters or the tuna tartare-she is so not adventurous!)

This dish is 3 huge garlic shrimps in this polenta and butter sauce and is a party in your mouth after the first bite! I didn’t take any pics because it was gone so fast! This shrimp was amazing! And the sauce went very well with the bread we were given at the beginning. Yum Yum! Needless to say we were very much looking forward to the next course.

Which was...


Wait for it..

For me, swordfish served with a seafood “paella” which had shrimp and scallops and other seafood in it. The swordfish has a sundried tomato puree next to it and a chorizo spread underneath. This dish was the most amazing bit of fish I’ve ever eaten. It was perfectly cooked and everything just fit so well with everything else on the plate. It may look small, but it was actually very filling too! A++!

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For mom, she had a salmon dish with a beet spread underneath and a leek concoction underneath with potato pierogis. I had a small bite and it was very good, but in my opinion I got the better dish of the two. This was a very tasty beginning to a wonderful vacation!

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We were actually quite stuffed at this point and almost skipped dessert! :earseek: Thankfully our server saved us from this terrible mistake by pointing out the since it was my birthday (yes I did shamelessly put my birthday on every reservation) I could have a dessert on the house! Very excited I forgot about being full and snatched up that dessert menu!
Boy was it a good thing we did! We ordered a warm molten chocolate cake with chocolate lemongrass ganache inside and a lemon ice thing on the side. Pure chocolate decadence. The lemon and chocolate was a very interesting combination, sort or sweet and sour, but it was perfectly balanced and very tasty. It was so good I almost licked the plate, but I didn’t because it had such a nice message written on it:

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The bill came somewhere around 80$ after tip, but in my opinion it was worth it just to splurge once. It was a wonderful experience and I would eat there again in a heartbeat! Tres delicious!

[jaycns]

THANK YOU for the update...OH YUM!! Please keep it coming!! :thumbsup2

[Princess Mindy]

Day 2! A little Epcot, a little frustration, but the spa will take your cares away!

After a wonderful first day I woke up bright and early (and trust me, this isn't as easy as it sounds. I am NOT a morning person) ready to start my day at the parks! We had a full day planned, but thanks to Tour Guide Mike, I was ready and rearin' to go!

First let me say that I love the toiletries the Swan provides. You get oatmeal soap and some nice shampoo and conditioner (separate bottles). You also get a great aloe after sun lotion. Aren't they thoughtful?

So after basking in the bathroom for a minute, we head off to Epcot. I was
convinced it was quicker to walk there. After all, all the reports I've read said its just so close! So we head off-and we get lost. I mean there are NO signs telling you how to get there! So we end up walking all the way over to the Beach club before giving up and waiting for the boat. I was slightly miffed, but it quickly dissolved as I saw International Gateway looming before me.
We get off the boat and meander our way to soarin'. This ride was amazing. I love this ride so much. we would have liked to ride it one more time before we left, but we weren't able to fit it in. Nevertheless, at least we got to ride it just once. I highly recommend this ride for everyone. So cool! If you're in the front you really get the feeling of being out there with nothing between you and the ground/ocean but air!

Next was the living seas and Turtle Talk with Crush. This is so cute! I can't believe the genious of Disney to be able to have the audience talk and interact with crush! Very neat. One kid in the audience asked crush if he had a girlfriend. Crush replied that yes, he is taken. Her name is Shelly and shes his little turtle dove. Awww. :love:

We checked out Journey into Imagination next. I love Figment, but I really miss Dreamfinder. Please please bring Dreamfinder back! Al in all, it was fun.

Let me just insert here that we didn't have to wait AT ALL for any of these rides. The whole week our longest wait was maybe 10 minutes. Love you Tour Guide Mike!

We finished up our Epcot morning by eating yummy chicken ceaser salads at Sunshine Seasons, and also some soups. I had a veggie gumbo which was awesome, and mom had a coconut ginger soup thing. She wasn't as excited about hers though. The salads were great.

It was getting late, (after some dithering here and there and so forth) so we headed back to the hotel to get our new room assignment and relax a bit. I decided that this time we would walk. After all I know how to get back right? Bad idea. It was a million degrees outside, I'm walking back in the beating sunlight, and I have just realized that the walk is a little longer than anticipated. Spells not happy camper. Boy was I grateful for the air conditioning when I got back. I probably looked like a lobster at this point. We get back to the hotel by around 1:30/2 or so and stumble to the front desk to greatfully accept our keys and change into our suits for some much needed pool time. Well the room isn't ready. From the sound of it, nothing has been done to finish our rooms at all. Now the heat crankiness kicks back in. I really did my best to be civil and explained that we really wanted our room. She told me she'd put a rush on it and would call me when it was done. Until then we could use the health club to change into our suits. Grr :furious:
But mom steered me away from the front desk before I embarassed myself by saying something I didn't mean (it would have been the heat talking) and we headed off to the health club and pool while I continued to grumble a little.

Then we get to the pool and everything gets better. The Grotto pool at the Swan/ Dolphin is wonderful. They have a waterfall and a slide and the pool was nice and cool.

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I felt one million times better after a dip in this pool. I was rejuvenated, and I got my Disney spirit back. It worked wonders.

After the pool it was off to Mandara Spa in the Dolphin for some serious pampering. We both received the Ceremony of the Hands and Feet, which I must say, was sheer heaven.

We checked in and were sent to the beatiful relaxation room right away. This place is amazing! I was in awe.
(photo courtesy of Allears.net-I was too stunned to remember to take pictures!)
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After getting some complimentary Tazo tea we were greeted by our fabulous technicians, whose names I really wish I remembered.

The pedicure was first. We soaked in a whirlpool foot bath for a while and enjoyed our tea, then we were treated to some really nice exfoliants, lotions and creams on our feet and lower legs. Then the pedicure and paint job (I got dark blue-yay blue!). This luxury and fabulousness lasted about an hour. Next we were whisked away to the manicure station. The same women took care of us again. They were both from the West Indies. They were so friendly and nice. We were treated to some more fabulous creams and the royal treatment on my hands, which really needed it-I type all day. It was so nice. This lasted about an hour as well. They took their time and made us feel like we were the only people in the world. It was fabulous.
we were escorted back to the relaxation room afterwards for drying, and I got to admire the place just a little more. It is so beautiful.
I had a wonderful experience here. I highly recommend Mandara spa to anyone who asks. I can't wait to go back and try different things!

Day 2 continues..

[Princess Mindy]

After the spa we checked back into the front desk of the Swan, our fingers crossed that our rooms were indeed ready. We walked back up to the same lady who helped us the last time and politely asked her about our room. After the pool and spa we were so laid back we were probably different people! She smiled and replied and said yea our room was ready and gave us our key and sent us on our way. To the wrong end of the resort. We ended up walking the length of it to find our room. Maybe it was her way of getting back at us. Who knows. But again I was so relaxed I was not about to let it bother me.
We make it to our room and immediately pull back the curtains to behold our view. Boy were we happy to see this:

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Ahh much better!

We relax a bit more and then it is time for dinner in the Magic Kingdom and crystal palace! I love this meal (ate their last year) and it is always so much fun. We pile into the bus and off we go. It begins to rain about as soon as we get there, but I'm not discouraged. We skip down main street (figurativley) and snag a fastpass to Space Mountain before we head over for dinner. We clear the porch just as it began to pour. Was that good timing or what?

We ended up waiting about 20 minutes past our ADR time, which the hostess said was due to the rain. We didn't let it get us down, we were having a good time people watching and just soaking in the MK. This will always be my favorite park. The magic is just infectious!

We get seated at last and are greeted with confetti and streamers at our table! The hostess gives us birthday buttons to wear ( pooh: 's birthday was the 18th of August) and everyone is so friendly. The food is terrific, especially the alfredo chicken pasta and the desserts. Mmm mmm. I wish I had some right now. :love:

the characters were Pooh, Eeyore (my personal favorite), Piglet and Tigger. All of them made it around to our table twice even though the restaurant was full. We got their autographs and pictures with them all. Here are a couple in all their glory. Note my incredibly red face. Thats an example of how flippin hot it was that day.

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Mom and Tigger:
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And the flowers greet us:

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After we eat ourselves into a food coma we waddle out of CP and its almost time for spectromagic. Even though it was almost showtime, we were still able to secure a great place in frontierland-near liberty square. It was pretty nice. I must say that I love this parade. It is just awesome. Its amazing how they are able to illuminate everything so nicely.

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Cindy's in there somewhere:
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After spectro came Wishes. we booked it to a great spot which shall remain nameless where we were able to sit on a bench and behold the splendor. My pics didn't really turn out except for the one in post one, but it was a beautiful show and I really enjoyed it. A couple first timers were next to me and were asking about how it was before it started, and they were plesantly impressed by the show.

It was Extra Magic Hours, so we went back and used our FP to ride Space, and took a tour around Tomorrowland Transit Authority, but that was it for the rides. There were lines out the door and around the corner! No thank you to that! So we browsed a few stores and headed back to the bustop. This was the longest I would have to wait for a bus the entire trip. It was at least 20 minutes and since it was late and I was tired, it seemed like an eternity. :sad2:

But we made it through and stumbled back into our great new room and collapsed into our heavenly beds, dreaming about tomorrow and what magic awaited us in the days ahead.

[Bbgrizzle]

Your trip sounds fantastic! I forgot how beautiful the Swan and Dolphin is. The pool looks so clear! I'm loving those Pooh character flower topiaries! Adorable! I've never eaten at Crystal Palace, so it's nice to see pics from the place. Cute pic of you and your mom with the characters!

[paigevz]

I read Day One so far, and I've gotta say, you've made me want to try Blue Zoo! I never had any interest, but those dishes look so good, and the actual serving dishes are fascinatingly distinctive. That dessert looks so fab!

[paigevz]

I REALLY love the Crystal Palace too. That's one beautiful view. You take good pics. I like your trip report!!!! :sunny:

[mom2taylorandemily]

Great report so far Mindy, making me really anxious to go!!! My time is getting closer.

[Mouse's Shadow]

Love'n the TR. Glad you included the restaurant reviews.But I have one beef with you; the castle is mine. I'm much older and have been wanting to live there longer :rotfl: I've been telling everyone for years that I want to live in the castle and have access to all of Disney. I would never have to leave Disney property and I could live happily ever after. :wizard:

[HERSEY]

Love your TR and your food reports. Yum!!

[KimRaye]

Lovin' your TR, Mindy! :thumbsup2

And, sooo missin' those Heavenly beds right now, thanks to you! ;)

[Princess Mindy]

Love'n the TR. Glad you included the restaurant reviews.But I have one beef with you; the castle is mine. I'm much older and have been wanting to live there longer :rotfl: I've been telling everyone for years that I want to live in the castle and have access to all of Disney. I would never have to leave Disney property and I could live happily ever after. :wizard:

We could share! Theres plenty of castle for all! ;) :sunny:

thanks everyone for reading!

[Ready to go in Ok]

I love your TR! Can't wait for more! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[dolphinrescuegirl]

Great trip report!

[Princess Mindy]

Day 3! Rockin around the Tower of Terror, but don't worry theres a little magic around every corner!

Today is Labor Day. A national holiday. and what better way to spend it than moseying around the World! We have a wonderful day planned. I haven't told pooh: about the special surprise I have planned for her this afternoon, so this should be fun.
We slept in a littl this morning. It is so hard to separate yourself from those beds. And we didn't get back to the room until around 1 or so, so I was a merciful commando Diser and we slept in until 8am. Now, wasn't that nice? :teeth: (this is coming from a person who didn't even think about getting out of bed until 9 this morning-thats 10am for you Easterners)

We hop out of bed ready to start the day. After ingesting our morning starter necessity and liquid personality: coffee. The coffee really was awful I must say. Just terrible. I couldn't drink more than a half of the cup. The rest of the time at the Swan we drank tea. Its safer. I'm not sure what that stuff was, but I don't think you can call that coffee. :sad2:

So after the coffee attempt we headed down to the boats to go to MGM. Much better idea if I do say so myself. No more walking around the Boardwalk like a crazy person for me-no sir-ee! We enjoyed our beautifully scenic, air-conditioned ride to MGM. After waiting about 10 minutes in the blistering sun. Man it was HOT :sunny: We were very glad to get out of the queue and on to that boat.

a relaxing 8 minutes later we pulled up at MGM studios.
I'll try to post more in a minute, but if I don't get to right away, I assure you it will be soon!

[Princess Mindy]

Day 3 continues!

Today is EMH over at MGM, so its a wee bit busier than I would have hoped, but we are not daunted. We bound over to Rockin roller coaster, which has about a 20 minute wait. Its around 10am by now. No biggie. We grab a fastpass and head over to the Tower of Terror, strategically placing this ride before any feats of gluttony begin. ;) We wait about 20 minutes standby for this one. Not too bad. This is the longest we will have waited for something the entire trip. The folks behind us start to get a little nervous after the preshow, and asked me how the ride was. I asked them if they have eaten breakfast recently :blush: and I think I may have alarmed them a tad. But I assured them it was not bad, and so did mom, who is not really a thrill ride person. So their fears were quelled and they really enjoyed the ride, or so they said ;)

After we experienced quite a sinking sensation at ToT it was time for a wild limo ride at the Rockin Roller Coaster. This is one of my fav rides at WDW. I love the loops and the Aerosmith music in the background (that I sing along to during the ride-its ok. No one can see or hear me. I'm safe). It is just too very cool.

Well its around 11 now and we stop in some shops nearby for our souvenier fix. We played around with the hats and I got to try my Golden Ears on for size. Aren't I lovely? :rolleyes:

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Now its time for Beauty and the Beast! Yay! I love this show. we secured some fabulous seats behind a Japanese couple who filmed the whole thing. Makes me wish I had a video camera.

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After this exciting conclusion to the morning, it was time for lunch. We headed back to the resort for some R and R.
pics and finish to come!

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Great trip report and pictures!

You resemble your mom! :)

Keep it coming!

[Cory's Gal]

You have a fabulous TR!! I would love to go to WDW with my mom!!! Keep it coming!! :thumbsup2

[javamom]

Great report, love your pics of Beauty and the Beast!!!

[Cass]

Enjoying your report :)

[Ready to go in Ok]

:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Two thumbs way up Minty! Love the pics!

[MousekaMaddi]

keep it coming girl,,,,,,,,,its great!!

[Princess Mindy]

It was a rather nice day at MGM and we were a little reluctant to go..but we had a big day planned and I wanted to get some cool-off afternoon break time in . So we headed back to the Swan, changed into our suits (mom got me the cutest coverup dress ever to go with my suit. Its white and has a little eeyore on the pocket. Just adorable. So I donned that and we went over to Pikabu's for a small lunch.
Pikabus is pretty nice. It was completely deserted, which is nice, and had quite a few choices and very helpful staff. We both went with the build your own baked potato-as something light you know. Light! :lmao: Well after I had requested all the things I wanted on that baby (they pile it on for you and they are generous! I had chili, cheese, bacon, sour cream, ect) it was no longer a small meal-it was a monster! All for 5 bucks. Not too shabby!! It was really good too. No guilt on the side. Afterall I AM on vacation and calories don't exist. :teeth:

After lunch we walked over to the pool and took in a small swim. Its so nice swimming here in the afternoon. Not too many people around to care whether you stretch out into a floating position as I love to do :teeth:

After the swim, pooh: wanted to ride the Swan boats around the lake for a little while. This kinda made me feel a little apprehensive because we had a secret surprise at 3, but I indulged her and we paddled around the lake for a little bit. Fortunately the lake is not very big, so you don't get too tired paddling around. I wasn't too impressed with the boats, which creaked from serious lack of oiling, but pooh: liked it so for that I'm glad. I tried to make this a good day for her. :blush:

So we finish up the paddleboats and skip back to the room to change into something decent for the elegant part of the day. I wore a skirt (big shocker here as I hate to wear skirts, but hey momentary insanity sneaks in when you're on vacation) and a new shirt pooh: got me. Its tink. Everyone used to call me tink :tinker: when I was little, so pooh: frequently gets me things with Tink on it, which is cool becuase I love her! She has such an attitude its funny.
So now we're all dressed and we waltz into the lobby in style (well sorta-my hair is still wet) as I whisper to the valet services CM, "whisk me away to the Grand Floridian please. Its teatime".

[dolphinrescuegirl]

:thumbsup2 Keep it coming!

[SamIAm21]

Hey there fellow Chicagoland DIS'er! Great report!! I hope you are "announcing" your report over on the Chicagoland board so they can all come by to read it! If not, I may have to do it for you! I'm so glad you had a nice trip (well at least as far as I've read so far)!!

I can't wait for the next installment! Tea and the GF! I'm going to take my DD there someday!

[DonnaW]

:wave: GREAT trip report and great pix!!!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more!

*from a fellow Chicagoland DIS-er* :)

[kathymc]

enjoying your report - hope you have pics of the tea!

[SamIAm21]

Yoohoo Mindy, where'd ya go??

We're waiting... :woohoo:

[Tiggerrn2]

Hi Mindy,
Made it over here to check out your TR. Great so far!! :thumbsup2 Was hoping to find out how tea was. Drat!!! Hurry back!!!

[Princess Mindy]

Hi Mindy,
Made it over here to check out your TR. Great so far!! :thumbsup2 Was hoping to find out how tea was. Drat!!! Hurry back!!!

All right I'm back for another installment of..Thoroughly Modern Mindy!
Or not.. :rolleyes1

The valet beckons to a beautiful white towncar and holds the door open for us to hop in. Now this is STYLE! I am loving this one. I was expecting just your average yellow cab, but looking around I now noticed that they were nowhere to be seen. Not that I mind driving to the GF in a beautiful white towncar with all leather interior. Not one bit! :blush:

Mom still has no idea where we're going. I blissfully keep her in the dark the entire way there. Its so much fun. When we made that turn into the elegant driveway of the Grand Floridian, I see her smile get so big. She still didn't know about the tea. The security guard asks us what we're going to be doing there, and I just said we were not there to stay the night. You are NOT spoiling my surprise mr security guard man!

We enter the luxurious lobby and head toward the back, where tea is being served. I bounce up to the hostess stand and say "Two for tea please". Mom gives me a hug around this point. She has finally realized our destination. She is :cloud9:
Here it is!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/GFDSC00047.jpg

We are seated not by the window which I would have liked, but at a nice table for 2. Everything is so beautiful and elegant, at first I didn't want to touch anything. :blush: I felt like everything was so much more elegant than I was. After staring at the menu awhile, I decided to go for the Prince Edwards tea. Mom went for her own pot of tea and a scone, and we were going to split the rest.

I am very sorry to say that our server was not great. she really didn't seem to care we were there, and it kinda made me feel like she didn't care because we obviously weren't as elegant as say the table next to us. Not a good feeling to have, but we still made the most of it.

So I get the Garden View blend tea (we just had to guess what they were like-no offer to describe or suggest passed our server's lips, as the table down the way was being explained everything in detail), and mom has some kind of fruit tea. There are about 20 teas to choose from, so I'm sure you'll find something that strikes your fancy.

First comes the tea. We get our beautiful china teapot and cups, and she pours the first cup and places a velvet warmer onto the teapot.
Mom's scone comes out next, and some tea sandwiches for me.
The tea sandwiches were okay, nothing all that special. There was a chicken salad, a vegetarian one, another I can't remember-I think shrip, and an onion tart (my least favorite). No crusts, and they were cut into perfect little triangles. So dainty.
After the sandwiches ( and a fair bit of waiting-but we have tea) I get my scone, which was wonderful,and the devonshire creme can't be beat. It was scrumtious. It was accompanied by a strawberry jam tart which was also very good.
The scones (sorry ate the jam tart)
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/gftea3.jpg

We cool our heels for a bit and drink our tea (which was never poured for us again and that handle was HOT!) while we listen to the table beside us ordering dessert. They order strawberries and creme. That sounds wonderful. The server took our order right after theirs, but immediately served them and made us wait around 5-10 minutes until after she came from the back. Not sure what she was doing back there, but the bowls and strawberries and creme were all behind us on a tray waiting to be served. Wouldn't you just serve both your tables at the same time?

Heres one pic of the yummy strawberries and creme, which was amazing and huge. So glad we split.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/4.jpg

all in all it was a decent experience. They didn't remember my birthday even though I had that on the reservation. The service was likewarm at best, but the food and tea was good, and the china was beautiful. I may still do it again, but keep my fingers crossed for a more attentive server.

So afterwards we strolled the magnificent lobby and did a little shopping before we boarded the monorail for another MK adventure!

Greetings from the GF!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0574.jpg

[Bbgrizzle]

Minty! :sunny:

Thanks for posting the info about the tea. Sorry you didn't get a better server. I love that tea. I didn't get the strawberries last time, but I was jealous when I saw other people get them. They look soooo good! Next time, for sure!

Love the pics! :thumbsup2

[paigevz]

Great report Mindy! I HATE being disappointed in an experience just due to server attentiveness. I love your pics!

[thmar]

Anxiously waiting for the rest of your TR. :hourglass It definately sounded like you loved the Swan...glad to hear it. I just love :love: afternoon tea...so far, my favorite is at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider on Oahu. (I see the Swan is also a Starwood hotel :) ) I WILL have to try the afternoon tea at the GF. PLEASE...keep it coming!!

[Princess Mindy]

I know its been awhile, but I'llattempt to finish day 3 for my few but loyal readers

We're a short monorail ride away from the magic, so we glide over there for a little shopping and then a royal treat! And who was waiting to greet us but the main mouse himself!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0575.jpg

after a hug and a smile, we head in and do a little shopping before ambling over to the castle for our noshfest continuation. The castle was very lovely this evening, it was kind of an odd mix of eerie overcast and pretty colors
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0576.jpg

We get to the castle and are royally greeted by the very friendly host staff. The doors are opened upon the royal presence hall and we are immediately next in line to take our pictures with Cinderella. She was as sweet as ever and we shared fashion secrets with each other while admiring each others' outfits (my "gown" as she called it-frankly I think shes got me beat on fashion sense). After a brief wait we head up the curvy staircase to the dining room. It is absolutely beautiful. Chandeliers and stained glass and other touches to really make you feel like the royalty you are. we get a window seat overlooking the carousel-in my opinion one of the best seats in the house.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0585.jpg

Our server is very nice and very attentive-always calling us "my lady". I LOVE that-if only I can get DBF into calling me that at home..oh well I'll keep trying. We both have salads and pretzel bread to start with-very excellent-and our drinks are served in blue goblets. I order the lamb at our servers suggestion (he said it was the best thing on the menu) and mom had the prime rib which looked very good. My lamb was very very good and I am glad I took our server's suggestion. It had mashed potatoes on the bottom which was a perfect balance to the suculent lamb.
The lamb:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0587.jpg
and the Prime Rib:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0588.jpg

For dessert mom had the blueberry buckle and I had the chocolate mousse cake. (sorry no pics-I ate it too fast-it was GOOD!) I was also presented with a birthday chocolate cake mound with icing and sprinkles which was very good-but at that point I was so immensly full I couldn't finish it! The show with the fairy godmother was cute but kind of lame. The godmother does not pose for pictures, but did a speech about following your dreams and acknolwledged everyones birthdays (at this point our servers presented us the cupcake with a candle to blow out), Then we all sung Bibbidi Bobbiti Boo. Suzy and Perla interacted with the crowd quite a bit and were very friendly little mice :)
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0584.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0583.jpg

All in all it was a wonderful time and although the Cinderella pics didn't look the best (it was my faces' fault, not the cameramans'. I was recovering from sunburn city) I though it was a nice experience and one I wouldn't mind doing again. The food was very good and the service was excellent. To me that was worth it to feel like a princess!

We rode some fantasyland rides after dinner-including Philharmagic which is the best thing I've seen in a long time. We head back to the resort after seeing Spectro again-front row seats right where it started- just too cool-some characters waved at me :teeth: what a way to feel special!

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0549.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/DSCF0547.jpg

When we got back to the resort I was all set upon going to jellyrolls for some fun-but then I got the worst stomachache which lasted most of the night so we didn't go. I don't know why-maybe too much rich food. We never did make it to jellyrolls. :sad2: Oh well, next trip maybe. I went to bed early, my 25th birthday looming ahead and of course another magical day in the Magic Kingdom!! :love:

[thmar]

Mindy...the castle dining sounds wonderful...it does sound like you got the "best seat in the house". What type of transportation do you use to return to the Swan after being at MK?

[thmar]

Oh...I also love the picture of you and your mom with Mickey :love: :love:

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Minty, Keep the great, detailed TR coming! Great pics! Love the one of you and your mom, and the Mouse!

[puglove]

I love your TR!!!! Usually I just quickly skim them but yours really had me engrossed. Sounds like you had a GREAT time, and you've inspired me to try going to Disney in style someday instead of commando, lol! Keep it coming!

[Princess Mindy]

Mindy...the castle dining sounds wonderful...it does sound like you got the "best seat in the house". What type of transportation do you use to return to the Swan after being at MK?

I take the bus. The Swan and Dolphin have a Disney bus that takes us to the resort. I can;t remember if that one had the Yacht club/Beach Club and Boardwalk on it or not. If it did, Swan was first stop

[Princess Mindy]

I love your TR!!!! Usually I just quickly skim them but yours really had me engrossed. Sounds like you had a GREAT time, and you've inspired me to try going to Disney in style someday instead of commando, lol! Keep it coming!

thank you so much for those kind words-I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy further installations of my TR! Day 4 includes a Magical day at the MK and dinner at Ohana! So stay tuned!

[SamIAm21]

Staying tuned Mindy. I think there are a lot more people reading this than you might think!

I'm so glad you and your Mom had a great time. And quit saying negative things about yourself. You look GREAT!!!!!

[thmar]

I take the bus. The Swan and Dolphin have a Disney bus that takes us to the resort. I can;t remember if that one had the Yacht club/Beach Club and Boardwalk on it or not. If it did, Swan was first stop

Thanks for the info :thumbsup2

[Princess Mindy]

quick bump-pics added!

[3NJDisneyDivas]

Great trip report. I am so glad you included the dining with your report.
I can't wait to hear more.

Lisa

[thmar]

That prime rib looks wonderful...I like my prime rib rare...it's making me hungry :thumbsup2

[Princess Mindy]

Its Day 4 and a very special day for me. Today I turn 25. A quarter century old. I am OLD now. I've crossed into another age bracket. I become a low risk driver. I'm halfway to getting an AARP card... :rotfl:
I roll out of my heavenly bed reluctantly. At least my tummy has shut up long enough for me to have a good nights rest. Who couldn't in those beds? Oh I wish I had smuggled them into my suitcase!

I have decided that today I want to be where the magic is-for the whole day. This is afterall the reason I've come to Disney during the blisteringly hot early September. I want to party with the mouse with my castle in the backdrop!

So we board the bus which is conveniently awaiting our arrival at the bus stop :teeth: Such good fortune and not a cloud in sight! Its going to be a beautiful day

We arrive just in time for the opening ceremony at the train station up above. I teared up when they were singing me a welcome to my happy place. I don't know why-I just get a little emotional sometimes. :rolleyes: Sporting my birthday button I head out into the parks. I run into some cool chataracters along the way. They were all super wonderful. Stitch was super excited when he saw my Stitch pin. He was a mischevious little guy though! Thankfully there was no spitting involved. Alice was precotious as ever. We had a chat about how it was my birthday and it was her unbirthday and how we shall have a very merry one indeed!

This ones for my Mad Chatter sistas! :banana:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/Madhatter.jpg

I then skipped over into toontown and followed Minnie and Pluto on a tour of Minnie's house. The pots and pans came alive as she "made popcorn". Then a short trip through the tulips and around the gazebo and were were at the character tent, where some awesome characters were waiting to say hello! I had to say hello back. Pluto was especially great :)

A quick trip on the railroad and a wave hello to the hundreds of folks pouring into the park and I was in Frontierland! Splash was a blast and mercifully I did not get wet. I then wandered over to Pirates where the Pirate tutorial was about to start. I got a front row seat for my meeting with the wonderfully gorgeous captain Jack! :love: He was very good I must say. He had the walk, he talked the talk, and I was hanging on his every shake of the hips..I mean..word :rolleyes1 :teeth: The Pirate show was great. I didn't become an honoray Pirate, but watching was enough for me. It was a million laughs! Afterwards I hopped on Pirates..the RIDE..get your minds out of the gutter! :rotfl: which had no wait at all! The Jack Sparrow additions are incredible. Its almost like he is really there. Its very lifelike. I wish I could have taken pictures for you. All in all I like the rehab of Pirates. I think it provides a fresh loook without comprimising the historical integrity of the ride.

Then it was lunchtime. Columbia Harbor House. I got chicken and mom got fish and we split. Not too bad. Beats the alternative of burgers and fries, which I wasn't too keen on at that point. And the place is airconditioned which was a welcome break from the increasing scorchiness outside. Tip: go upstairs when you eat there. It was practically empty and we got a nice window seat overlooking Fantasyland.

After a quick ride of haunted mansion (i forgot to look for the ring AGAIN! Grr!) and a repose in the Hall of Presidents, we chilled out, shopped and rode all the Fantasyland rides we hadn't gotten to in other days. The Dream Parade came and we secured fabulous seats on the rocking chairs in front of the store in Frontierland. Very nice. We grabbed some Dole Whips (OMG-can we say YUM!) and had a grand time watching the parade, which I think is better than the last one with the globes. I had an obscured view so I didn't take pics, but it was a good time and I wasn't about to move from my comfy seat. :teeth:

OH I almost forgot! Remember I was wearing my birthday button? Well in Tomorrowland we were hanging out and mom was buying a light saber keychain, a CM came by and asked me if I'd gotten to ride all the TL rides. I was heading for Stitch which was my last one, so I said that. He asked me then if there was any I'd like to go on again. I said I wouldn't mind going on Space again. So what does he do but present me and my mom with 2 front of the line fastpasses for Space! With a yip of glee we rushed over to space and had a good ol time with no wait. What a great way to close my last day at the MK.

Well its almost 6 and time to hop the monorail for dinner. My birthday choice is Ohana at the Poly! I have never been to the Poly before let alone the restaurant, so I was in for a treat!

pics and Ohana review coming up!

[Grumpy's Wife]

Great report Mindy. I love all your pictures. :thumbsup2

[schmoopypoo]

Lovin your TR so far. Can't wait to read the rest. That is so sweet that you get to enjoy the magic with your mother. I can't wait to take mine someday, but she just hates heat LOL Oh yeah, and happy belated birthday too :)

[nevertez]

Fantastic Report... I enjoyed it... I love the swan/dolphin hotels!

[Princess Mindy]

shamless bump-1 pic added and also an insert on day 4 with a birthday surprise at the bottom of my last post

[thmar]

Keep it coming Mindy...everyone is looking forward to MORE!! :cool1: :thumbsup2 :cool1: :thumbsup2 :cool1: :thumbsup2 :cool1: :thumbsup2

[flafan]

I am loving your trip report. Sounds like you planned it perfectly. I really want to try the Swan next time I go. Also the spa treatment sounded wonderful.

Now get back to writing I need to hear about the O'Hana (another place I have not gone to yet). :sunny:

[SamIAm21]

Mindy!! What a great day at the MK! Sounds like you had a blast! Congrats on the front of line passes! I can't wait to hear more. And I like your hat. I need to remember to pack a nice hat for my upcoming trip!

Can't wait for more more more!

Sam!

[jaycns]

This ones for my Mad Chatter sistas! :banana:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j242/mindyjw/WDW%20Vacation/Madhatter.jpg


Thanks cousin!! We can always count on you! Great trip report...please keep it coming!!

[paigevz]

LOVE your report Mindy! :) I love all the pics, but especially the topiaries! :thumbsup2 Sounds like a great bday so far, can't wait for the rest.................. :Pinkbounc

But cousin, if you're about ready for your AARP card and I'm 12 years older than you..........does that mean I'm ready for the retirement home???? :teeth:

[Mouse's Shadow]

Where are you Mindy? I'm catching up. I've been back for a week and just realized: I forgot to get a Dole Whip :sad2: I've never had one and will still only know them by living through my Dis friends. :goodvibes

[swankybeth]

Great report, looking forward to the next installment. It's so cool you were able to spend your birthday in WDW! :cake:

[Bunchkin]

Great trip report Mindy!!! Love it!! :love:
Your pictures of the Swan are awesome. We have never stayed there before, but it looks wonderful!! Your trip to the spa sounds great too!! :thumbsup2

Hope you'll add more soon!!! ::yes::