SoNotAPrincess
Disney Diva
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2006
- Messages
- 1,237
Welcome to Jaden’s Practically Perfect Princess Palooza…a spectacular gala of birthday celebration, magical merriment, and family fun!
If you haven’t been following my PTR, Before the Shenanigans, allow me to introduce the cast of characters. First and foremost is Princess Jaden, celebrating her ninth birthday. She’s been to the MK once before, for her fourth birthday; so, as she says, “This is kinda like my first time again!”
Also along for the fun are Jaden’s mom and dad, Darrell and Jayne, and her big sister, Jaime.
As for moi, I’m Darrell’s cousin, Laura; but Jaden calls me Aunt Lauri, which makes me feel pretty darn special. (Photos upcoming as the report proceeds)
The Palooza officially began when the soothing sounds of angelic harp strings pulled me gently from sleep at 5 a.m. I love my phone if for no other reason than I’m no longer rudely awakened by an incessantly annoying high-pitched repetitive chirp-slash-beep.
As usual, I was ready early and spent the extra time deciding whether or not to grab a few pins for trading. Since it was only a day trip; and we’d be pretty busy trying to squeeze in everyone’s must-do’s, I decided not. So I double checked my only-for-Disney-World Tinker Bell wallet to make sure my AP was there (it was) and that I had my driver’s license and Visa card (check, check) and verified that my sunglasses and lip balm were secure in their little compartments (yes, yes). Since Darrell wanted to drive (fine with me), all that was left for me to do was wait (not one of my talents). Thankfully, the doorbell rang in short order, and there was Jaden with a huge smile on her face saying, “Are you ready? Let’s go!”
So go, we did!
Now, I’ve driven to WDW many times. So has Darrell. But for some reason, he decided to use his GPS, and since I was determined not to be a Disney Commando, I didn’t say a word. But when we passed the exit I usually take and veered off into some residential neighborhoods, I got worried. By the time the GPS announced, “Walt Disney World on the left” and we were looking at a construction site (and not the Fantasyland expansion either), I knew we were going to be late for breakfast. No worries, though, we made a few jokes and laughed it off. Thank goodness Jaden was asleep because I don’t think she’d have been amused.
We (OK, I) changed our breakfast ADR from Crystal Palace to Kona for strategic purposes. Being a good Diser, I’d been watching the crowd levels and found out that ticket lines were up to an hour long first thing in the morning, so breakfast at Kona and buying tickets at concierge seemed like a very good idea. I made a 7:30 a.m. ADR and figured we could easily make rope drop; but with our little GPS detour, we didn’t arrive until 8. Kona was practically deserted and accommodated us right away even though we were late.
Be warned: there are no food pictures in this report. Hopefully the other photos will compensate!
Our waitress, Miranda, was bright and cheery and answered all our questions, including a detailed description of Tonga Toast. Darrell almost ordered it but went with a ham and cheese omelet instead. Jayne got the fruit bowl, and it was so fresh and aromatic that I almost wish I’d gotten it, too; but I got my beloved macadamia nut pancakes. I always get the pineapple butter on the side because they’re plenty rich without it. And so yummy! Jaden had Mickey pancakes, and Jaime had blueberry pancakes. Jaime admitted that she’s a pancake snob and deemed the Kona pancakes “perfect”! Also included was a round of yummilicious Lilioki Juice and Kona coffee for me and Jayne.
With our tummies full, we headed downstairs to get tickets and decided to go for the current Florida resident promotion, “Wild for Three”, which is a three-day pass good until the end of May for only $99. We’ve already decided to do an Epcot (Darrell’s favorite) and Animal Kingdom (Jaden’s never been) weekend!
We stopped to get Jaden a Tinker Bell autograph book and large pink princess pen for easy character signing and stepped out to board the monorail with no waiting.
Next stop: Magic Kingdom!
Next update: click here for "PRINCESSES!"
If you haven’t been following my PTR, Before the Shenanigans, allow me to introduce the cast of characters. First and foremost is Princess Jaden, celebrating her ninth birthday. She’s been to the MK once before, for her fourth birthday; so, as she says, “This is kinda like my first time again!”
Also along for the fun are Jaden’s mom and dad, Darrell and Jayne, and her big sister, Jaime.
As for moi, I’m Darrell’s cousin, Laura; but Jaden calls me Aunt Lauri, which makes me feel pretty darn special. (Photos upcoming as the report proceeds)
The Palooza officially began when the soothing sounds of angelic harp strings pulled me gently from sleep at 5 a.m. I love my phone if for no other reason than I’m no longer rudely awakened by an incessantly annoying high-pitched repetitive chirp-slash-beep.
As usual, I was ready early and spent the extra time deciding whether or not to grab a few pins for trading. Since it was only a day trip; and we’d be pretty busy trying to squeeze in everyone’s must-do’s, I decided not. So I double checked my only-for-Disney-World Tinker Bell wallet to make sure my AP was there (it was) and that I had my driver’s license and Visa card (check, check) and verified that my sunglasses and lip balm were secure in their little compartments (yes, yes). Since Darrell wanted to drive (fine with me), all that was left for me to do was wait (not one of my talents). Thankfully, the doorbell rang in short order, and there was Jaden with a huge smile on her face saying, “Are you ready? Let’s go!”
So go, we did!
Now, I’ve driven to WDW many times. So has Darrell. But for some reason, he decided to use his GPS, and since I was determined not to be a Disney Commando, I didn’t say a word. But when we passed the exit I usually take and veered off into some residential neighborhoods, I got worried. By the time the GPS announced, “Walt Disney World on the left” and we were looking at a construction site (and not the Fantasyland expansion either), I knew we were going to be late for breakfast. No worries, though, we made a few jokes and laughed it off. Thank goodness Jaden was asleep because I don’t think she’d have been amused.
We (OK, I) changed our breakfast ADR from Crystal Palace to Kona for strategic purposes. Being a good Diser, I’d been watching the crowd levels and found out that ticket lines were up to an hour long first thing in the morning, so breakfast at Kona and buying tickets at concierge seemed like a very good idea. I made a 7:30 a.m. ADR and figured we could easily make rope drop; but with our little GPS detour, we didn’t arrive until 8. Kona was practically deserted and accommodated us right away even though we were late.
Be warned: there are no food pictures in this report. Hopefully the other photos will compensate!
Our waitress, Miranda, was bright and cheery and answered all our questions, including a detailed description of Tonga Toast. Darrell almost ordered it but went with a ham and cheese omelet instead. Jayne got the fruit bowl, and it was so fresh and aromatic that I almost wish I’d gotten it, too; but I got my beloved macadamia nut pancakes. I always get the pineapple butter on the side because they’re plenty rich without it. And so yummy! Jaden had Mickey pancakes, and Jaime had blueberry pancakes. Jaime admitted that she’s a pancake snob and deemed the Kona pancakes “perfect”! Also included was a round of yummilicious Lilioki Juice and Kona coffee for me and Jayne.
With our tummies full, we headed downstairs to get tickets and decided to go for the current Florida resident promotion, “Wild for Three”, which is a three-day pass good until the end of May for only $99. We’ve already decided to do an Epcot (Darrell’s favorite) and Animal Kingdom (Jaden’s never been) weekend!
We stopped to get Jaden a Tinker Bell autograph book and large pink princess pen for easy character signing and stepped out to board the monorail with no waiting.
Next stop: Magic Kingdom!
Next update: click here for "PRINCESSES!"
Wow, I guess it pays to be a Florida resident as far as Disney goes! Three days for $99?!?! I'm in awe.
