Biscuit's Grand Adventure | An epic tale three decades in the making!

[Backstage_Gal]

yay, you have finally arrived! DId the girls love the castle? did you cry?
I cant belive you waited so long for hats.

 

[eandesmom]

Previously on Biscuit’s Grand Adventure, pools were photographed, bowling balls were inspected, and painters pondered their task. I didn’t have time to stitch this one together before, so I’m throwing it in now just for kicks.

(Composited from 13 photos, Sony Cybershot DSC-S700, Auto Mode)

LOVE this one!

That is until Tracy made me be quiet so the girls could enjoy the ride. Joykill!

Everyone loved this ride and I have to say, I found it far less annoying than the last time I was on it. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting softer in my old age, or if having girls has just desensitized me. Either way, I’m pretty sure we would have gone on a second ride, had we not had a date with Mickey.

amazing what little girls can do!

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

I love these Carousel pics!!!!!!! sweet, unguarded precious moments.

 

[SunnieRN]

Oh my goodness, the girls look so adorable! I love how all three of the kids seem to get along so well! That is so nice to see!

I've never been to POP, only by the entrance gates, but I kind of feel like I have been, due to your pictures! I especially love your panoramic pics!

Happy Anniversary and I hope you enjoyed your weekend!!

Looking forward to your meal with the fab 5!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

You did something that we never got to do on our trip-- walk thru the castle. I'm jealous. Can't wait to hear about Chef Mickey's.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Yay! I love that first step into the Magic Kingdom - especially with children on their first visit ever, how magical!

And may I say, again, how awesome your photos are. You have inspired me to play around with my camera and try to figure out that photo stitch thingy. Unfortunately, I haven't been anywhere interesting in the last few days, so I'm practicing on photos of.... my living room. Don't worry, I won't post my results here. Wouldn't be quite as inspiring as your panoramic of the Bowling pin pool - But it could come in handy if I ever sell my house!

 

[PrincessV]

I was worried the kids would protest leaving, but they were hungry and anxious to go meet Mickey Mouse.

I have to say, reading up to this point I was a little worried about this plan, too! But well done making the destination a character meal with the Head Cheese himself - what could be a better draw to have them willingly leave the Happiest Place on Earth?!

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

Having never done a character meal, and with limited experience in the way of table service meals, I was anxious to get moving. Of course on the way out, we passed Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and of course the girls wanted to ride, and of course they begged “PLEEEEEASE DADDY”, and of course after careful consideration of the time, our average walking speed, distance to the monorail platform, average travel speed of the monorail train, barometric pressure, and relative humidity, I calculated that a ride on the carousel would be permissible, so long has there was not a lengthy wait. Which there was not. In fact we walked right up and got on.

those calculations are so tricky, aren't they?

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

great picture...captures the best of feelings IMHO...Disney through your child's eyes!


Coming up on Episode 53 - Dining with Rodents.

Great update as usual, GB. Looking forward to your review of dinner with the rodents...we'll be going to CM for the first time in September, hope it was great!

 

[MrsSpratt]

Can't wait for more!

 

[Kimberly815]

I went through the tunnel first, camera in hand to record the girls first entrance into the Magic Kingdom. All of the worrying, budgeting, dreaming and scheming had finally paid off. Biscuit has come home.

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

Nice shot!

We went ahead and jumped in line, and it actually turned out to be about 25 min from the time we lined up until the time we actually boarded our Honeypots.

Luck going your way! Unheard of! (But I like it!)

(Kodak Easy Share C713 Digital Point and Shoot in Auto Mode)

(Kodak Easy Share C713 Digital Point and Shoot in Auto Mode)

(Kodak Easy Share C713 Digital Point and Shoot in Auto Mode)

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

(Nikon N60, Sigma 70-300, Auto Mode, ISO 400)

Too cute!

Coming up on Episode 53 - Dining with Rodents.

Rodents really are the best to dine with!

 

[Normangirls]

We are so GREEDY! You post this wonderful update, and we all start asking: when's the next one coming?

But it's your own fault, writing clever and engaging TR's.

The pics of Mrs. Biscuit and the little Cinnamon Rolls are very sweet.

So when's the next update coming?

 

[GreatBiscuit]

It's the kids that soften you to actually tolerate (or dare I say, even enjoy) It's A Small World. Watching their eyes light up and smile--nothing beats it!

That’s what I figured!

As usual, you had me laughing out loud AND in tears in the same post. Love, love, love the pic of Tracy with the girls entering MK. And "Wishes" was playing on DISradio as I was reading your post-so appropriate. Ahhhhh...I'm a total sap!

Gotta love a Disney moment.

Your pictures are beautiful, GB.

Thanks BE!

I LOVED the pictures! Can't wait to show my girls the pictures so they can remember their trip. I'm kicking myself for not doing the hats! I'm excited to hear how they turned out for you guys! The kids are all smiling...awesome!!

Thanks! The hats turned out really cute. I’ll have pictures of them once we pick them up.

yay, you have finally arrived! DId the girls love the castle? did you cry?

Of course not. We manly men do not shed tears at the sight of castles! Taking naps maybe, but you gotta understand I was REALLY anxious to get the parks.

I cant belive you waited so long for hats.

You and me both!

amazing what little girls can do!

That it is!

I love these Carousel pics!!!!!!! sweet, unguarded precious moments.

Me too! I loved how those turned out.

Oh my goodness, the girls look so adorable! I love how all three of the kids seem to get along so well! That is so nice to see!

Thanks! They actually all got along very well.

I've never been to POP, only by the entrance gates, but I kind of feel like I have been, due to your pictures! I especially love your panoramic pics!

Thanks! If I haven’t said it enough, I’ll say it again. I LOVED that resort!

Happy Anniversary and I hope you enjoyed your weekend!!

Thanks! It was really nice having an evening to ourselves. (Thanks for watching the girls Nana!)

Looking forward to your meal with the fab 5!!

It was great!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

You did something that we never got to do on our trip-- walk thru the castle. I'm jealous. Can't wait to hear about Chef Mickey's.

Trust, me, you won’t be jealous once you actually go through there. It’s basically a short tunnel with a few doors leading off of it.

Yay! I love that first step into the Magic Kingdom - especially with children on their first visit ever, how magical!

It was a great moment!

And may I say, again, how awesome your photos are. You have inspired me to play around with my camera and try to figure out that photo stitch thingy. Unfortunately, I haven't been anywhere interesting in the last few days, so I'm practicing on photos of.... my living room. Don't worry, I won't post my results here. Wouldn't be quite as inspiring as your panoramic of the Bowling pin pool - But it could come in handy if I ever sell my house!

Thanks! I am still trying to figure out the whole photo software thing. (Never had to worry about it using film.) So far using One Touch Enhance creating panorama photos are about all I can do.

I have to say, reading up to this point I was a little worried about this plan, too! But well done making the destination a character meal with the Head Cheese himself - what could be a better draw to have them willingly leave the Happiest Place on Earth?!

We had really played up Chef Mickey’s an uber-cool destination in and of itself. The girls were really excited about eating there. (It was risky, but it paid off.)

Great update as usual, GB. Looking forward to your review of dinner with the rodents...we'll be going to CM for the first time in September, hope it was great!

Thanks! You are going to LOVE it!

Can't wait for more!

Hey MrsSpratt! I have a couple of TR’s to catch up on, but I’ll be stopping in your way soon.

Luck going your way! Unheard of! (But I like it!)

Isn’t that the truth!

Rodents really are the best to dine with!

That they are!

We are so GREEDY! You post this wonderful update, and we all start asking: when's the next one coming?

Tomorrow! (I suddenly have the urge to sing in an orphanage.)

The pics of Mrs. Biscuit and the little Cinnamon Rolls are very sweet.

Thanks!

 

[Nana & Papa Biscuit]

Reading the TR's make me want to go back. To all of you readers out there, traveling with Biscuit is like having your own personal travel agent. All we had to do was enjoy and watch the kids delight! I just doesn't get any better than that! Thanks Bubba (the southern version of Biscuit) . It was definitely the trip of a lifetime!

 

[MKBekka]

Sounds like you guys have had a REALLY fun time so far. Besause It's a Small World is so long, it's a good foot rester, and it also looks nice. But the song really gets on my nerves.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Reading the TR's make me want to go back. To all of you readers out there, traveling with Biscuit is like having your own personal travel agent. All we had to do was enjoy and watch the kids delight! I just doesn't get any better than that! Thanks Bubba (the southern version of Biscuit) . It was definitely the trip of a lifetime!

Hey Nana! I was ready to go back before we got home! Glad you enjoyed the trip. Now that I know that you now how to reply without me there, you know that I am going to be asking for your take on certain things from the trip right?

Sounds like you guys have had a REALLY fun time so far. Besause It's a Small World is so long, it's a good foot rester, and it also looks nice. But the song really gets on my nerves.

It was a ton of fun. After listening to some of the girls CD's seemingly THOUSANDS of times in the car, the song of doom was actually a welcome change!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Episode 53 - Dining with Rodents

Thus far, it had been a day of firsts: first time on Magical Express, first time staying on property, first time doing the Dining Plan, first time using Disney Transportation, first time riding the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and my first time bringing a child to The World. Yet as exciting as it had all been, there were still several firsts left to go.

As we headed back down Main Street, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it was that we were here. Just a few months earlier with layoffs looming, it looked like we may have to cancel the trip. I thanked God for the blessing of being able to be here, now, leading the clan to Chef Mickeys.

We headed out the gates and I successfully managed to locate the resort monorail. As it happened, a train was waiting when we hit the platform so we squished ourselves in and set out for the Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, we encountered Tahli’s arch nemesis: the down escalator! We managed to talk her through it and made it to the ground floor without too much drama.

I knew from the photos I’d seen on the Dis that the restaurant was at the “window” end of the resort, so we had no trouble finding the place.

I got us checked in and with pager in hand, we were escorted to the photo area. After being quickly arranged into an appropriate lineup, we slapped a grin on our grills and then headed to the waiting area.



I was SUPER excited about this meal. Of all our dining reservations, this was probably the one that I was most looking forward to. I had read about countless meals here and could not WAIT to wrap my lips around some Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. We wound up sitting for about 20 minutes before our pager finally lit up.

Our hostess determined that all Biscuit’s were present and accounted for, then asked us if we had ever been to Chef Mickeys. Acting as group spokesman, I advised her that we had not and she gave us the lowdown on the place before escorting us to our table. When you first walk in, there are three main dining areas: one on the left, one straight ahead, and one to the right. We wound up going to the right and scored a table right next to the door the characters used whenever they went backstage.

View from my seat:


I did not want the kids to miss the characters, so I elected to go grab plates for the girls and left my drink order with the clan. Nana followed me to the buffet and took care of getting a plate for Preston. I loaded up the girls’ plates with Mac & Cheese, Pizza, nuggets and such from the kid’s buffet and returned to the table. No characters had been by yet. Score! The kids led us in “God is Great” and Tracy got the girls settled, while I returned to the grown-up buffet and loaded up a plate for myself. By the time I returned to the table, the drinks had arrived and Tracy went up to fill her plate.

I’d like to show you a photo of that first plate of food, but I can’t. I didn’t take one. That’s right, I skipped out on my DIS-Boards duty. It couldn’t be helped. Once the Prime Rib and Parm-Taters were on my plate, I entered a dining trance and could not snap out of it until all items before me were consumed. As I recall, I had prime rib, Parm-Taters, green beans, and some sort of pasta dish. The latter two were simply there to help balance the plate out. The main attraction was the meat & taters. I grabbed my fork, and loaded up a heaping bite. With a nod to the family and twinkle in my eye, I took my first bite.

If we had an emoticon of an angel floating on a golden cloud, I’d stick it right here.

The food was DA BOMB Baby! Oh my stars a shining!

The prime rib, the Parm-Taters, the veggies and pasta were all FANTASTIC. Even the iced tea was good, which is saying something for a Texan. You’d be surprised by how many restaurants can ruin a good glass of tea.

Before long, it was time for the first round of Napkin Waving!



We were fortunate though in that the characters had just been through our area when we sat down, so we had a good 20 minutes to enjoy our food before they hit our table. This of course gave me a chance to refill my plate. For this course, I stuck with the baics: Prime Rib & Parm-Taters, (both with Au-Jus) and Tamarind Glazed Salmon with Pesto and Wasabi Mango Coulis. HOLY STINKING COW that Salmon was good!

Before long, the characters began their sweep through our area, starting with Mickey.



After spending a few moments with the Big Cheese, the girls were in need of the facilities. (Remember that whole ill timed bladder thing right?) I volunteered to take them, namely to see what all the fuss was about concerning the Chef Mickey’s bathrooms. (Hi Zzub!)

During our departure, Minnie came around and the girls missed seeing her. I didn’t realize this would be an issue until later when Hailee informed us that Minnie was her favorite. Really? When did this happen? The girl had never mentioned Minnie to me once in her life and now she’s gone straight to the coveted “Favorite”? I assured her it was no problem, the characters would be back around before we left. (Famous last words)

No sooner had the girls and I returned to the table when we were joined by the Goof.



WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM FOR AN IMPORTANT (OR NOT) ANNOUNCEMENT. The following 3 paragraphs may spoil some magic for those who still believe in the characters. (You know who are.) Now I don’t claim to be a Disney Character Cast Member expert or have inside information into the vast inner workings of the Disney machine. But I’m pretty certain there were two, maybe three CM’s playing Goofy throughout our meal.

If you recall, there was a metal door in the panoramic photo that was next to our table. This was the portal into which the characters would go about every 15 min or so. Within a minute or two, said character would pop back out. My personal theory (and again I may be off here) is that CM’s were switching off suit duty. I noticed that there were slight differences in the Goof’s mannerisms as he would go in and out the door.

The first Goof was extremely animated and was always, well, Goofing. He’d STOMP really hard through the tiled area, hide his eyes and act scared when he saw a frightened child, and ham up some crazy poses at the tables. The other Goof was still a lot of fun, but was more subdued. It’s not that he was bad, just not quite as, well Goofy. We wound up with the slightly less silly version. (I think I’m the only one who noticed though.)

MAGIC-RUINING ANNOUNCEMENTIS NOW OVER – WE NOW RESUME OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM ALREADY IN PROGRESS.

...which is why you should never sneak a live duck onto the monorail! OH MAN…I love that story.

Whew, where was I?

Oh right! We were in the middle of character greeting! These two fellows stopped by one right after the other.






Minnie was nowhere in sight so we sauntered off to the dessert table to partake of sugary goodness. After we spent quite some time reveling in sweets (and updating my live TR,) our server brought our bill to us. I had worried it would be a pain as we had two separate Disney Dining Plan groups and my Aunt Jana was paying for her meal with cash. Turns out I needn’t have worried as our server got it all correct the first time. I handed her only ONE Key to the World card (see I told you I’m trainable) and now considered myself a bona fide dining plan pro. (My card says Key to the World on it, but I’ve always seen it referred to as Key to the Kingdom. Why is that I wonder? I’m digressing again aren’t I?) We advised our server what we were waiting for and she was fairly sure Minnie would be by very soon.

After about 10 min or so, the music began again and it was time for Napkin Waving 2.0.



I think Tahli was digging this place as much as her dad. SCORE! Mickey again came by and we took another round of photos. We figured Minnie would be along VERY soon.

Then Donald stopped by and we figured Minnie would be along VERY soon. All this time, Hailee had an anxious look on her face. She kept asking me if Minnie was still there, and were we going to get to see her and would I promise we wouldn’t leave. Any thoughts of lost park time were quickly melted away and I assured we would not go anywhere until she got to meet Minnie.

Finally, a few minutes later I saw someone sneaking up behind Hailee.

What’s this?

Could it be?

It IS!

Was it worth waiting an extra 30 minutes to see Minnie?







You tell me.
_________________________


Coming up on Episode 54 – Terror in the skies!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

YAY, so happy you had a great meal/time at CM's , but dang, you are making me hungry. Better go get some dinner.

About you theory, not sayin ......

Looking forward to the next round and comments from Nana and Papa.

 

[KittyKat08]

I was just dying with the whole Minnie thing, waiting to see if she was going to make it back to you guys. It was sooooo worth the wait, the look on the girls faces are priceless.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

YAY, so happy you had a great meal/time at CM's , but dang, you are making me hungry. Better go get some dinner.

About you theory, not sayin ......

Looking forward to the next round and comments from Nana and Papa.

I made myself hungry! As to secret Disney workings...I hear you!

I was just dying with the whole Minnie thing, waiting to see if she was going to make it back to you guys. It was sooooo worth the wait, the look on the girls faces are priceless.

I was DEF worth the wait. I didn't realize just how big she was grinning until I reviewed the pictures later.

 

[PrincessV]

Tamarind Glazed Salmon with Pesto and Wasabi Mango Coulis. HOLY STINKING COW that Salmon was good!

May I say how very happy I am to hear you say that?! I loved, adored, that salmon when we hit CMs many moons ago. And we're heading back in a couple weeks - I'm having dreams about that stupid salmon! So glad to hear it hasn't lost its spark.

Finally, a few minutes later I saw someone sneaking up behind Hailee.

What’s this?

Could it be?

It IS!

( Sony Cybershot DSC-S700, Auto Mode)

YAY!!!