It's still Thursday December 11, 2003
We check in with the CM at the castle for our lunch PS, and are ushered into the lobby of the castle dining room on the main floor. WOW! It feels like were in a real castle! The throne is massive , and the Christmas tree is also impressive. DS likes the suit of armour, and we play I spy while we wait for our names to be called.
Before too long a castle maiden comes along with her scroll in hand and proceeds to announce the families to begin their ascent to the 2nd floor and the Castles dining room.
We take the elevator up (it looks and feels like it belongs in a castle
, Yep this ones original!)
And when the doors open were treated to festival of sights! The stained glass windows, the banners hung from the ceiling, the period furnishings and feel of the room are outstanding!
Were met by our server Gustavo, who welcomes us to the Royal Table with M Lord and M Lady and a grand helping of Young Warrior Prince thrown in for good measure. Hes a pleasure to have waiting on us, and made the meal that much more special for us. Thanks Gustavo!
Were lucky to be seated in the first grouping, as we get a window table, facing the Carrousel, and offering exceptional views of Fantasyland and the clear blue sky background beyond.
The food was superb! Not terribly expensive at all, and the portions are generous. Dw and Auntie K had the Coachmen Sandwich; DS sampled the Majors Cheeseburger; and I thoroughly enjoyed Major Domos Favorite Pie (sliced Prime Rib in a traditional English pie Mmmmmmm)
Gustavo offered to take our picture, and we took him up on his offer. I think this is one of very few pictures with all of us in the shot!
Filled with delicious food, and great memories, we head back down to the lobby and exit the castle, grab the stroller, and walk around the East side of the castle and take some pictures. A boy, his son, and a castle
We head back to Main Street DW, DS and Auntie K to shop, Me to the barbershop for a special MK haircut! What a gem hidden among the storefronts around the corner form the Emporium, towards the Fire Hall. Turn of the century detailing, and the most relaxed atmosphere Id felt in a very long time!
There were triplets (about 4 yrs old) boys, finishing their cuts ahead of me, and I have to comment on these little gentlemen. An example of the most well-mannered, best-behaved boys Ive ever seen while waiting for a haircut!
Yes the Disney Light-chasers and stickers were helping to keep them occupied, but nonetheless, these three were a delight to observe!
Id later learn from the barber that their mother brought them here regularly for their haircuts so the experience was not brand-new to them, but even he was impressed by his young customers! And of course they got Pixie-Dust ontop to finish their cuts!
While I was in getting my ears lowered (or increasing my thinning hairline, or both) DW was over at the Jewellers, buying the family jewels! Very sparkly, and silvery, Mickey earrings and necklace. Mighty nice.
I joined up with them and surprised DS by removing my Santa Mickeys hat and showing him my Pixie Dust! He laughed! So did Auntie K!
I hope you're laughing at the Pixie Dust...
We browse and shop a bit longer, and by 2:30 were ready to say goodbye to the most magical place on earth, at least for this trip, and Auntie K tries to hide those little tears starting to form as we return the stroller and exit for the final time. The crew is headed towards the bus stops when I call them back.
No. This way!
And lead them up the Monorail ramp. If Auntie K is going to say good-bye to the MK today, shes going to do it in a special way.
We arrive at the TTC and board the bus for AK to catch Mickeys Jungle Jammin Parade!
At AK we exchange our receipt for a new stroller and map and head to Harambe to find a spot to watch the parade. Mom stops in at Disney Traders to return her too-tight frilly leopard-print-Mickey-Head shirt (I thought it looked okay ) Along our way, we spot Flick outside ITTBAB!
So we grab autographs and pictures with him.
Were feeling a little tired as it is our rest time by now and
Hey! Were not in the Magic Kingdom anymore! (My group doesnt understand the significance of this trivial matter) They dont serve drinks in the Magic Kingdom
But they do in the Animal Kingdom!! WOO HOO! Its Happy Hour at the Dawa Bar!
We sit in the shade and enjoy our refreshments (DS has his happy hour ice cream) while we wait for the parade. Life is good!
We move to the edge of the bar and stand to watch the parade. Fantastic! Great music, great puppetry, the colours and rhythms! Spectacular! Different than a MK parade but very entertaining.
After the parade passes, we shop in Harambe, looking for some goodies for the house decorative accessories, African motifs etc.
While we peruse the wares, DS finds some carvings and walking sticks hed like a closer look at, so he climbs into the stroller to get a better view. I catch a glimpse of his familiar head up above the top of the display, and it piques my curiosity, since A, hes not that tall, B, I thought he was with DW, and C, our stroller is parked outside
I walk over to see him and quietly ask the father of the family whose stroller my son has seconded if he wanted another child to add to his group?
He good-naturedly assures me no harm was done the stroller was empty but DS has figured out this isnt his stroller that hes chosen to use as a perch. Now hes feeling very self-conscious, and shy, and also very embarrassed Hes feeling tired too, so hes a little sulky and pouty, and just wants to be left alone to deal with his misfortunes.
Its bad enough we've been involved in two episodes of stroller-napping so far this trip - now one of my own is guilty of it too! Oh the Shame!
We purchase our goodies and ship them back to the resort, and decide to stay in Harambe and watch the parade return! With no crowd!
Dont you guys know the parade comes full circle and ends back here? Okay, thats more room for me! And even better video and pictures!
We follow the few remaining guests out of Harambe after the parades end and make our way toward the exit. We walk that long trek to the All-Stars bus stop, and catch a ride home by 5:15.
We lounge and have leftovers for supper, and unwind for a little while. Its been a very busy day again, but were not finished yet!
We take the bus to Epcot and arrive just after 7:00. This is our first foray into the world of Epcot, so we arent sure whats in store. The park layout is not what we expect. Strollers are on the left hand side upon entering a first in WDW and our first impressions are that this place doesnt feel very Disney-like!
The crowds tonight are the largest weve faced so far this trip. We make our way over to the World Showcase and proceed to walk around the world through Canada (yay home!) the UK, France, Japan and Morocco, before arriving at our destination for the evening: USA and the American Garden Theatre home of the Candlelight Processional during this holiday season!
The 6:30 show is currently in progress, and we sit and listen in. It sounds amazing! We listen a while longer, then join the now-forming line for the 8:30 performance. David Ogden Stiers is the celebrity narrator this evening, and from what Ive heard so far, hes doing a wonderful job!
The temperature is dropping pretty quickly now, and gloves are a welcome comfort. The Theatre is outside seating, something we were prepared for, but judging from the comments of fellow guests around us, not something everyone was aware of.
We begin to enter the theatre after the CP PS guests have taken their seats personally, I didnt see the benefit of catching an early meal just to get 10 or 15 rows closer to the choir. The sound here is absolutely amazing, and its not a performance that needs to be seen up close- its one that needs to be heard. There are no bad seats in this venue unless your view is blocked by one of the many trees, which the seating is arranged around and through.
Listening to David Ogden Stiers and the choir this evening it struck me (and very profoundly) that this was the first, and probably only, time during our pre-holiday vacation that the true meaning and reason for the season is discussed.
Thats sad on some levels
But again, a truly beautiful show!
DS fell asleep during the performance, so I bundle him into his stroller and we walk along the Lagoon to find a spot to watch Illuminations. Mom and Auntie K stop for hot chocolate and we set up shop on the bridge before UK and take in the Illuminations fireworks show. Wow again! Fireworks, lasers, pictures and effects on water! Very Special!
We leave Epcot tonight with thousands of others after the fireworks, and take the long, long walk towards the bus stop. I carried DS the entire way boy do they get heavy at this age!
We arrive home by 10:30 and fall into bed.
Its been a long day but hey! 3 parks, lots of rides, a parade, happy hour, lunch in the Castle, Candlelight Processional and Illuminations!! WOO HOO
...while visions of Disney World danced in their heads
Link to Part 13
We check in with the CM at the castle for our lunch PS, and are ushered into the lobby of the castle dining room on the main floor. WOW! It feels like were in a real castle! The throne is massive , and the Christmas tree is also impressive. DS likes the suit of armour, and we play I spy while we wait for our names to be called.
Before too long a castle maiden comes along with her scroll in hand and proceeds to announce the families to begin their ascent to the 2nd floor and the Castles dining room.
We take the elevator up (it looks and feels like it belongs in a castle
, Yep this ones original!) And when the doors open were treated to festival of sights! The stained glass windows, the banners hung from the ceiling, the period furnishings and feel of the room are outstanding!
Were met by our server Gustavo, who welcomes us to the Royal Table with M Lord and M Lady and a grand helping of Young Warrior Prince thrown in for good measure. Hes a pleasure to have waiting on us, and made the meal that much more special for us. Thanks Gustavo!
Were lucky to be seated in the first grouping, as we get a window table, facing the Carrousel, and offering exceptional views of Fantasyland and the clear blue sky background beyond.
The food was superb! Not terribly expensive at all, and the portions are generous. Dw and Auntie K had the Coachmen Sandwich; DS sampled the Majors Cheeseburger; and I thoroughly enjoyed Major Domos Favorite Pie (sliced Prime Rib in a traditional English pie Mmmmmmm)
Gustavo offered to take our picture, and we took him up on his offer. I think this is one of very few pictures with all of us in the shot!
Filled with delicious food, and great memories, we head back down to the lobby and exit the castle, grab the stroller, and walk around the East side of the castle and take some pictures. A boy, his son, and a castle
We head back to Main Street DW, DS and Auntie K to shop, Me to the barbershop for a special MK haircut! What a gem hidden among the storefronts around the corner form the Emporium, towards the Fire Hall. Turn of the century detailing, and the most relaxed atmosphere Id felt in a very long time!
There were triplets (about 4 yrs old) boys, finishing their cuts ahead of me, and I have to comment on these little gentlemen. An example of the most well-mannered, best-behaved boys Ive ever seen while waiting for a haircut!
Yes the Disney Light-chasers and stickers were helping to keep them occupied, but nonetheless, these three were a delight to observe!
Id later learn from the barber that their mother brought them here regularly for their haircuts so the experience was not brand-new to them, but even he was impressed by his young customers! And of course they got Pixie-Dust ontop to finish their cuts!
While I was in getting my ears lowered (or increasing my thinning hairline, or both) DW was over at the Jewellers, buying the family jewels! Very sparkly, and silvery, Mickey earrings and necklace. Mighty nice.
I joined up with them and surprised DS by removing my Santa Mickeys hat and showing him my Pixie Dust! He laughed! So did Auntie K!
I hope you're laughing at the Pixie Dust...
We browse and shop a bit longer, and by 2:30 were ready to say goodbye to the most magical place on earth, at least for this trip, and Auntie K tries to hide those little tears starting to form as we return the stroller and exit for the final time. The crew is headed towards the bus stops when I call them back.
No. This way!
And lead them up the Monorail ramp. If Auntie K is going to say good-bye to the MK today, shes going to do it in a special way.
We arrive at the TTC and board the bus for AK to catch Mickeys Jungle Jammin Parade!
At AK we exchange our receipt for a new stroller and map and head to Harambe to find a spot to watch the parade. Mom stops in at Disney Traders to return her too-tight frilly leopard-print-Mickey-Head shirt (I thought it looked okay ) Along our way, we spot Flick outside ITTBAB!
So we grab autographs and pictures with him.
Were feeling a little tired as it is our rest time by now and
Hey! Were not in the Magic Kingdom anymore! (My group doesnt understand the significance of this trivial matter) They dont serve drinks in the Magic Kingdom
But they do in the Animal Kingdom!! WOO HOO! Its Happy Hour at the Dawa Bar!
We sit in the shade and enjoy our refreshments (DS has his happy hour ice cream) while we wait for the parade. Life is good!
We move to the edge of the bar and stand to watch the parade. Fantastic! Great music, great puppetry, the colours and rhythms! Spectacular! Different than a MK parade but very entertaining.
After the parade passes, we shop in Harambe, looking for some goodies for the house decorative accessories, African motifs etc.
While we peruse the wares, DS finds some carvings and walking sticks hed like a closer look at, so he climbs into the stroller to get a better view. I catch a glimpse of his familiar head up above the top of the display, and it piques my curiosity, since A, hes not that tall, B, I thought he was with DW, and C, our stroller is parked outside
I walk over to see him and quietly ask the father of the family whose stroller my son has seconded if he wanted another child to add to his group?
He good-naturedly assures me no harm was done the stroller was empty but DS has figured out this isnt his stroller that hes chosen to use as a perch. Now hes feeling very self-conscious, and shy, and also very embarrassed Hes feeling tired too, so hes a little sulky and pouty, and just wants to be left alone to deal with his misfortunes.
Its bad enough we've been involved in two episodes of stroller-napping so far this trip - now one of my own is guilty of it too! Oh the Shame!
We purchase our goodies and ship them back to the resort, and decide to stay in Harambe and watch the parade return! With no crowd!
Dont you guys know the parade comes full circle and ends back here? Okay, thats more room for me! And even better video and pictures!
We follow the few remaining guests out of Harambe after the parades end and make our way toward the exit. We walk that long trek to the All-Stars bus stop, and catch a ride home by 5:15.
We lounge and have leftovers for supper, and unwind for a little while. Its been a very busy day again, but were not finished yet!
We take the bus to Epcot and arrive just after 7:00. This is our first foray into the world of Epcot, so we arent sure whats in store. The park layout is not what we expect. Strollers are on the left hand side upon entering a first in WDW and our first impressions are that this place doesnt feel very Disney-like!
The crowds tonight are the largest weve faced so far this trip. We make our way over to the World Showcase and proceed to walk around the world through Canada (yay home!) the UK, France, Japan and Morocco, before arriving at our destination for the evening: USA and the American Garden Theatre home of the Candlelight Processional during this holiday season!
The 6:30 show is currently in progress, and we sit and listen in. It sounds amazing! We listen a while longer, then join the now-forming line for the 8:30 performance. David Ogden Stiers is the celebrity narrator this evening, and from what Ive heard so far, hes doing a wonderful job!
The temperature is dropping pretty quickly now, and gloves are a welcome comfort. The Theatre is outside seating, something we were prepared for, but judging from the comments of fellow guests around us, not something everyone was aware of.
We begin to enter the theatre after the CP PS guests have taken their seats personally, I didnt see the benefit of catching an early meal just to get 10 or 15 rows closer to the choir. The sound here is absolutely amazing, and its not a performance that needs to be seen up close- its one that needs to be heard. There are no bad seats in this venue unless your view is blocked by one of the many trees, which the seating is arranged around and through.
Listening to David Ogden Stiers and the choir this evening it struck me (and very profoundly) that this was the first, and probably only, time during our pre-holiday vacation that the true meaning and reason for the season is discussed.
Thats sad on some levels
But again, a truly beautiful show!
DS fell asleep during the performance, so I bundle him into his stroller and we walk along the Lagoon to find a spot to watch Illuminations. Mom and Auntie K stop for hot chocolate and we set up shop on the bridge before UK and take in the Illuminations fireworks show. Wow again! Fireworks, lasers, pictures and effects on water! Very Special!
We leave Epcot tonight with thousands of others after the fireworks, and take the long, long walk towards the bus stop. I carried DS the entire way boy do they get heavy at this age!
We arrive home by 10:30 and fall into bed.
Its been a long day but hey! 3 parks, lots of rides, a parade, happy hour, lunch in the Castle, Candlelight Processional and Illuminations!! WOO HOO
...while visions of Disney World danced in their heads
Link to Part 13
