Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[MEK]

That breakfast looks spectacular! We ate there 18 years ago and it was much different. I think we might need a do over!

It was very yummy! I am so glad we went there. It was such a great experience. I really enjoyed it!

Cynthia your dress is awesome! I love it and the color coordination is great. You both look just fine next to those princesses!

I love Cynthia's dress, too. I wish I had worn a dress, too. Great choice on Cynthia's part.

Those are some great shots of the opening show. Maybe we'll see it in December.

When will you be there in December? I am going to be there from the 4th to the 8th.

Sounds like a wonderful breakfast in the Castle. Mom and I loved our lunch there last October. Funny thing is, my DH was so jealous when we ate there. I'm sure the next time he and I go back we will be eating in the castle. He loves meeting the princesses.

Really? Your DH was jealous? That is too funny. How was lunch? I've heard breakfast is better than lunch and dinner, but now I'm curious. So glad you and your mom enjoyed your lunch.

I was back a few updates:

Well, you did a great job catching up!

That is a great picture of all of you (After the Cronut). I love the Kermit photobomb (and then the Muppets border Cynthia posted later)

I love our group pictures. They turned out awesome!

It has been forever since I have taken the World Showcase lagoon boats. I know we did it when Mark and I took my mom and dad to Disney (aka the trip when I almost became an orphan because they accused me of trying to kill them). I love the different perspectives in your pictures.

That was the first time I took the boat and I did absolutely love the new perspective. I loved taking pictures out there.

Spaceship Earth:

Right on sister!

I have NEVER gotten a good dark part picture in LWTL- low light, moving boat. NOPE! Love yours, especially the desert.

You have to use your manual settings - adjust the shutter speed and crank the ISO up as far as it will go.

The sunset pictures at OKW are gorgeous. I love the sign there. GREAT meal at Olivia's. The drink and the meals look fantastic.

I love OKW. It's such a fabulous place. And having a yummy dinner as the sun sets can't be beat.

Cynthia- ugh on the DVD player issues. Hate having appliances in the room that I can't figure out!!!

That is the story of my life! I am so technologically challenged.

Breakfast with Cindy (and Cynthia!)

I didn't even realize that!

Pretty morning pictures of OKW.

Thanks!

Those are the best opening show pictures I have ever seen! The Mayor, the morning show dances, the family of the day. Too bad you don't know who they are so you could share your pictures. Not sure if mom is trying not to laugh or not to cry.

I was wondering that myself. She does look like she is biting her lower lip. Maybe she is trying not to cry.

I love the pictures just as the streamers are released.

Thanks. Me too!

Wow! Meal at Cindy's looks amazing! The atmosphere, the view, the FOOD, the company and even the princesses. What a great way to celebrate a birthday.

I can't think of a better way. It really was a lovely morning for all the reasons you mentioned. Just perfect!

 

[amazingact21]

Breakfast at CRT...very fun and the perfect idea for a girl's trip. Unfortunately, with sons, you miss some of those girly things at Disney, but that's what friends are for.

What a view! How fantastic! It had to be hard to get up leave that peaceful spot once you were finished. I could have sat there and watched th carousel all day.


And that dish looked delicious! I'm not even a seafood eater, but that looked really tasty. I don't think I've seen that offering before, kinds of makes me want to try the restaurant now.


Overall, seems like it was a wonderful start to your day.

 

[Pluto0809]

Really? Your DH was jealous? That is too funny. How was lunch? I've heard breakfast is better than lunch and dinner, but now I'm curious. So glad you and your mom enjoyed your lunch.

Yep, he loves Ariel so he was very jealous that I got to meet her there. While I do like to meet the characters, meet and greets are his #1 priority when he comes with me.

Lunch was wonderful. We both had the beef short ribs and they were delicious. Mom had strawberry cheesecake for dessert and I had the chocolate clock dessert (can't remember the actual name right now) and both were excellent. It was our favorite meal from our trip last October.

 

[eandesmom]

alrighty then....just went to look at my pics and apparently all I've uploaded to PB is the ones from my camera and not the ones from my phone! So stay tuned...uploading in progress.

 

[eandesmom]

Mary Ellen may have skipped running, but I did not skip my vacation morning ritual!

Check it out

I seem to see a little haze...

I wish I had plants like this on my back porch!

now really, you didn't think I was just out taking pictures did you?

what can I say, it wasn't much of a table to work with!

I was out there long enough...for a cup, in a small plain white oh so boring and not FB update worthy photo shot, mug.

Yeah. Not quite the same

Still. It WAS coffee, I WAS on the back patio/deck and I WAS in WDW on Vacation!!!!!!!!!! These are magical things.

It was a lovely walk to the bus and a not horrendous wait if memory serves. Mary Ellen took some lovely pictures, I of course have lame versions of sort of similar shots. LOL!

The clock that couldn't tell time though...was sad and weird ...so I apparently decided to take a picture where it was hidden from my view.

YAY! We made it in time

Mary Ellen has such lovely opening show shots I'm going to stay away from posting mine. It was a decent sized crowd watching with us though to be sure.

I love seeing the train come in

I've only seen the opening show a few times but it certainly never gets old!

Enough of that though, we were off to see some Princesses and eat in a Castle!

Apparently everyone else was headed the same way

ah, that's a little better

once in, I too was amazed at how much smaller it was than I had expected

Why, hello there!

We practiced our princess pose!

They still give (gave?) you the print copy back then so at breakfast we took a picture of the official picture

and the PP version

She was very sweet although I seem perplexed

Funny too apparently

the one on my phone didn't turn out quite as well

Once seated...Oh the VIEW!

It was seriously the best table in the house. We felt so lucky but you know, in thinking about it, I bet there aren't a lot of parties of two that go there and that may have upped our odds.

the leaded glass though made it a little hard to take pictures that did the view justice

They sure are pretty though!

I can almost crop it out

I wasn't overwhelmed with the pasty options

Didn't stop me from eating my share though

We were making memories

And yep, I did order the same thing! YUM!

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

continued from previous

Personally, I feel tall next to the princesses and as a result tend to look down...not the best look. A few of my shots uploaded badly to PB (does this happen to everyone else?) So I need to reupload them.


Ariel I recall as being the super funny one and since Mary Ellen posted Snow, Aurora and Jasmine, I'll take her!

So many cute little princesses eating with their folks!

Post breakfast

We ARE bad!

and apparently funny too (or highly amused)

Where to next?

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm loving hearing this story from both sides

Compared to your usual mugs that is a sad little mug indeed... Love all that gorgeous foliage though!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Cynthia, I LOVE your dress!

I love that they gave you the prime spot for breakfast! What a fantastic and wonderful view!

I also love your photo session with the Photopass photographer. What fun pictures!

 

[MEK]

I forgot - I love your earrings. They are super cute.

I didn't realize we got so many pictures outside the castle. Apparently that photopass person was VERY funny. Either that or he just mooned us. Kidding.

OMG. You did an update and I have to change the title again and screw up my links. That's what weekends are for I guess.

 

[afwdwfan]

Mary Ellen may have skipped running, but I did not skip my vacation morning ritual!

I wouldn't expect anything less! Yours is a tad bit easier to fit in than a run though.

I was out there long enough...for a cup, in a small plain white oh so boring and not FB update worthy photo shot, mug.

It may be a plain white mug, but it is coffee on the balcony at a Disney resort. There's just no bad way of saying that.

I've only seen the opening show a few times but it certainly never gets old!

I really think I would be just fine with seeing it every time I go to MK. It just really does a great job of setting the mood and getting you excited for a day in MK.

It was seriously the best table in the house. We felt so lucky but you know, in thinking about it, I bet there aren't a lot of parties of two that go there and that may have upped our odds.

I think you guys sat at the table right across the walkway from the one we sat at for dinner in December. It really is a fantastic view, and I think if I went back and got stuck sitting anywhere else, it would be a let down now.

We ARE bad!

Rebels...

 

[MEK]

You know, I kind of felt the same way before ever eating there. But it really isn't all that "girly." You know... aside from the princesses everywhere.

Well, if they would just take away those darn princesses it would certainly be a "manly-man" meal! Bring in Gaston!

Then how did they know when it was time to open????

Well, I'm guessin there just might be more than one clock in the whole Magic Kingdom. wild guess, you know!

Slight fascination with clocks this morning, huh?

Do you have a problem with that?????

Awesome view!!! Now don't go back. You'll only be disappointed.

I know, right? There won't be any return visits any time soon. But if I ever have a grand daughter then all bets are off.

The princesses do seem to be a little more fun there than other places.

Totally fun!

Birthday breakfast cupcake!!!

What's not to love?

Definitely a nice birthday treat.

It was so lovely. I couldn't have been treated to a better birthday treat!

And the meal has to move quickly. They've got to turn those tables. This place is probably the biggest money maker in Disney dining.

You're probably right about that - or at least it would if they had a few more tables.

glad you like our "We bad" pose!

 

[MEK]

What?? No wait?? Shocking! You have to wait till I'm sitting down before you spring something like that.

I know - it IS just a little shocking, isn't it?????

Everyone keeps saying that. I need to try this place out.

You totally need to put it on your disney food bucket list. It's a great restaurant!

Gotta say, I think I agree with Denny here.

What, just because its testosterone heavy in your house?

Who cares? There's no closing time!

Wouldn't THAT be great??????

I wouldn't mind trading jobs right about now.

Come to think of it - me either!

They look so thrilled to be there!

I'm going to give the mom the benefit of the doubt. I am going to say she really IS biting her bottom lip so she doesn't cry.

Oh my goodness.

Another critique. Sheesh!

 

[MEK]

Great updates ladies!
.

Thanks!

We've never eaten at Olivia's, but I honestly can's say I have ever heard anything but positive reviews! I've never taken the Epcot boat ride either. I'm too impatient I think.
.

Olivias is great with an awesome laid back vibe. If you ever get the chance to eat there, definitely do it.

What? Too impatient for the boat ride? Me too! But it did afford some great photo ops.

What a great breakfast for a girls' trip! We're Cindy's vets, but it never really gets old eating in the castle. We had that view on our first visit as well. Magical.

Isn't that view magnificient? I so loved it. I could definitely see Maddie eating the vibe of that place right up!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm loving hearing this story from both sides

Compared to your usual mugs that is a sad little mug indeed... Love all that gorgeous foliage though!

It was a sad little mug indeed but I did love using it from that porch!

Cynthia, I LOVE your dress!

Thank you so much! It is a favorite, super comfy, a great hidden pocket and quick dry even! It will be visiting Aulani soon

I love that they gave you the prime spot for breakfast! What a fantastic and wonderful view!

I also love your photo session with the Photopass photographer. What fun pictures!

It was a fabulous morning!

I forgot - I love your earrings. They are super cute.

Thanks! I like them too, definitely one of my warm weather matches everything kind of pairs.

I didn't realize we got so many pictures outside the castle. Apparently that photopass person was VERY funny. Either that or he just mooned us. Kidding.

I didn't either, Pat added the fun stickers and borders and they were hiding in my not yet uploaded stuff. Food coma sillies!

OMG. You did an update and I have to change the title again and screw up my links. That's what weekends are for I guess.

Gah, I am sorry

I wouldn't expect anything less! Yours is a tad bit easier to fit in than a run though.

True, may have spent about the same amount of time though...

It may be a plain white mug, but it is coffee on the balcony at a Disney resort. There's just no bad way of saying that.

it didn't suck

I really think I would be just fine with seeing it every time I go to MK. It just really does a great job of setting the mood and getting you excited for a day in MK.

I would be too. Believe it or not....my family has NEVER seen it.

I think you guys sat at the table right across the walkway from the one we sat at for dinner in December. It really is a fantastic view, and I think if I went back and got stuck sitting anywhere else, it would be a let down now.

it would be a let down, good point

Rebels...

yep. We BAD!

 

[MEK]

Playing catch up! I'm so behind due to the lack of notifications, computer issues, and my house drama but I'm caught up! You ladies looked like you had a blast! Love the PHM costumes.

Jill in CO

I am sure that moving has got to be a huge time sucking experience, but I am sure it will be worth it. I'm impressed that you are caught up. Glad you like our costumes. We did have a ton of fun during and after the race.

Breakfast at CRT...very fun and the perfect idea for a girl's trip. Unfortunately, with sons, you miss some of those girly things at Disney, but that's what friends are for.

Exactly! My boys had NO idea is girly things, even when they were super little. So girlfriends it is!

What a view! How fantastic! It had to be hard to get up leave that peaceful spot once you were finished. I could have sat there and watched th carousel all day.

It was such an amazing view. Very special indeed. And, yes, getting up and leaving was not easy between the food coma and the view, but mostly the view.

And that dish looked delicious! I'm not even a seafood eater, but that looked really tasty. I don't think I've seen that offering before, kinds of makes me want to try the restaurant now.

It was pretty darn yummy. A little heavy on the sauce, but overall very, very good.

Overall, seems like it was a wonderful start to your day.

It really was and in the next update we will be meeting someone that we BOTH know!

Yep, he loves Ariel so he was very jealous that I got to meet her there. While I do like to meet the characters, meet and greets are his #1 priority when he comes with me.

That's really cute! I love that he enjoys meet and greets. Denny would probably rather die than stand in line to meet characters. But he did pose with the Beast on our last trip!

Lunch was wonderful. We both had the beef short ribs and they were delicious. Mom had strawberry cheesecake for dessert and I had the chocolate clock dessert (can't remember the actual name right now) and both were excellent. It was our favorite meal from our trip last October.

Wow - good to know. Sounds amazing! Now I need to go back for lunch!

I'm loving hearing this story from both sides

You're going to get a lot of that during this TR.

Compared to your usual mugs that is a sad little mug indeed... Love all that gorgeous foliage though!

It is. After I gave her her gift I realized I should have picked up a mug. I did get her a shot glass that came in handy.

Cynthia, I LOVE your dress!

Me too! It's super cute!

I love that they gave you the prime spot for breakfast! What a fantastic and wonderful view!

It was so awesome! I could have stayed there all darn day. Very magical indeed!

I also love your photo session with the Photopass photographer. What fun pictures!

Apparently I though so as well because something was certainly racking me uP!

I wouldn't expect anything less! Yours is a tad bit easier to fit in than a run though.

Agreed!

It may be a plain white mug, but it is coffee on the balcony at a Disney resort. There's just no bad way of saying that.

White mug, Disney mug - you are SO right. Coffee on a Disney balcony is always a win-win!

I really think I would be just fine with seeing it every time I go to MK. It just really does a great job of setting the mood and getting you excited for a day in MK.

It totally does. It reminds me of my first trip to the MK with my family. We were lined up for the opening show at 8am. Talk about dedication.

I think you guys sat at the table right across the walkway from the one we sat at for dinner in December. It really is a fantastic view, and I think if I went back and got stuck sitting anywhere else, it would be a let down now.

Amen to that!

Rebels...

 

[scottny]

MEK -

Nice pics of the opening show.

Now stop that, you look great next to the Princesses.

That Crepe looks good.

I do have to say I have no desire to eat there and I like Princesses and Queens.


Cynthia -

Nice to see you kept with traditions. LOL.

Love the pic with Cindy.

Nice pics.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic to read the two different 'voices' of the same moments. Love the princess shots.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Haha, if I look closer I do see the coffee and the laptop on the porch, but mostly I see Mickey Heads. I think I might have a problem.

I just love the welcome show. No disrespect to Smokey the Fire Cheif, but seeing Mayor Weaver do the open just makes me smile. Plus I want his job.

As I mentioned In Mary Ellen's update, I will have no problem handing in my Man Card to eat in the castle just once. Especially at a table with a view like that.

I fully accept because Ariel is my favourite.

 

[Pinkocto]

Did I miss something Mary Ellen? I thought you were staying at VWL in December? Did you switch to VGF? I read something on another TR that's making me question my memory.


And thanks to you ladies I booked CRT for my October trip, I'm taking a friend that hasn't been to WDW in 22 years. Dinner at the castle will be a nice experience for her. I hope.

 

[jenseib]

Finally catching up.
I now want to go eat in the castle for breakfast....right now! Looks really good.
Glad you finally got to get in there Mary Ellen. My BIL actually loves it and requests to go each time they go...of course he usually chimes in last minute so it's not always doable.