Just got back from my 2-day Birthday visit to DLR. I've never been on my birthday because of the crowds. But since we became AP holders this year, I decided not to be as ride-focused as usual.
It started out great! I was upgraded from my cheapie Expedia room to a huge 2-room corner suite. I didn't ask for it. I'm guessing it was a little extra magic for my birthday.
Had lunch at the Wine Country Trottoria. Love love love the breadsticks with the cream cheese/sun dried tomato spread. Had Spaghetti w/meatballs and house salads. Two of us ate a very good meal for $35. The service was great. The waiter insisted on bringing me a free dessert.
The premium seating for Fantasmic was a great view. However, we ate less than half of the desserts and threw the rest away. After getting a couple free deserts earlier in the day, we couldn't handle any more sugar. The fireworks were cut short because of winds but it was near the end anyway.
Even though it was hot and crowded I still had a great time. All of the CMs were friendly. I never saw anyone being rude or abusive. Nothing worse than a couple of toddler meltdowns. I was amazed at how well behaved everyone was. Despite the crowd I still got to do most everything I wanted to. I never waited more than 20 min. for anything (thanks Hydroguy).
Took advantage of Early Entry to ride the submarines. Very cute and very well done, but certainly not worth a long wait. We only had a 20 min. wait.
After the subs we were very hungry for breakfast and coffee. Decided to have the breakfast buffet at the Plaza. Didn't realize that it was a character breakfast until we were seated. The food was great and I was hugged by Winnie, Eyore, Tigger, The White Rabbit, Minnie,Chip and Dale. I felt a little silly at the time but I'm really enjoying the photos.
We had a close call on Screamin' today (it opened early). It broke down just as we arrived back to the loading dock. The CMs had to manually release the safety bars to let us get out.. The other cars were stuck, one on the launch pad over the water and the other on the track just after the loop. We really lucked out on that one!
I never saw the Dream Team, but I never even thought of YOMD except for when I saw someone with a Dream Fast Pass, which wasn't very often.
All in all it was a great trip. Plus i get to go back for three days in October!
Now I have to go soak my 47 year old feet!
I need to get my badges done soon.
