mrsapalm
<font color=FF0099>WDWWDS COO & Senior Exec. VP<fo
- Joined
- May 10, 2002
- Messages
- 1,265
Another early rise this morning - I'm giddy like a child because it's my birthday and we have a PS for CRT. We made it to MK by 8:10 and thoroughly enjoyed walking down an empty Main Street. The first thing I did was pick up my "It's My Birthday" button at City Hall, and proudly affixed it to my shirt.
A CM was leading a group of newbie CMs on a tour, and he called me over to their group. He asked if it was my birthday, and I said, "Yes." He then led his group of newbies into a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. I'm sure I was turning red at this point, but giggling the whole time. What a lovely start to My Day.
We took our sweet time heading up to CRT (PS was for 8:55), stopping to take in the scenery, take pictures, and video the sights.
We loped over to CRT, checked in, and waiting in the lobby for our time. I took the obligatory picture of DH in the throne, we spotted Gus-Gus and Jacques, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Belle strolled out and took her place on the throne. She is a doll for putting up with (already) gripey parents and whiny kids... I respect all characters for doing their jobs well!
We were finally announced, and headed up the red-carpeted stairs with baited breath... excited about what would be awaiting us. We were shown to our table... a Window Table! Yay!! It was decorated with Mickey Head confetti and streamers. Our server (Ron) was a bit odd... not warm but not too cold... looked out of place there. We dove into our fruit salad, muffins, and croissants. Soon, our big plates arrived, laden with French Toast, Potato Casserole, Sausage Links, Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs. The French Toast scored huge points with me, as did the Potato Casserole with DH. He took my picture with Mary Poppins, Princess Aurora, Snow White, and Aladdin. We missed Cinderella, but she was there. They also signed my "100 Years - Magical Moment" card that I received. I also got a chocolate-chocolate chip muffin with icing, Mickey Sprinkles, and a candle (made a wish) for my birthday. How lovely!
We eventually waddled out of there stuffed to the gills, me with a huge grin plastered to my face. We walked onto Peter Pan, where a CM on exchange from Tokyo Disneyland greeted us with warm smiles and birthday wishes for me. Then, it was off to the Haunted Mansion (5 minute wait), and BTMRR.
We were to ride in the first car on BTMRR, so we were standing right next to the conductor's podium. He (older man, thinning white hair, a bit portly) chatted with us, wished me happy birthday, and was so incredibly nice to us while we waited. We got on, enjoyed the ride, and were again greeted by that CM when our train returned to the station. The CM said to us, "Mickey said for me to tell you happy birthday, and that he reserved a special seat for you in the back for this trip!" We were ushered to the very last car, and took our seats. We again experienced The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness, this time with even wider grins and a huge, huge appreciation for that CM. He went above and beyond the call of duty for me, and I really appreciate it.
Next, we were off to PoC, then to TTA, and over to Goofy's Barnstormer. As we were making our way out of Mickey's Toontown Fair, a custodian CM pulled me aside. She asked if I had received any special phone calls today, which I had not. She walked me to a phone station by one of the merchant carts, dialed a few numbers, then handed the phone to me. On the other end was Goofy, singing to me and wishing me a happy birthday. I thanked her profusely, giggling all along and appreciating her thoughtfulness.
After that, we rode Space Mountain, with me in the very front seat. It's a lot of fun in that seat - I would recommend it be done at least once that way for all Space Mt. enthusiasts!
At this point, the crowd was starting to pick up a bit, so we made our way out to the bus stop. DH talked to the driver the entire way back to CBR. There, we freshened up, grabbed our ponchos (the reason for returning to our room), and left again.
We arrived at EPCOT, made our way to Ice Station Cool, and enjoyed our cold sodas with giddy delight. DH tried the Beverly. I tried to warn him. It was too late. And way too funny!
We then made our way to the World Showcase and Les Chefs de France for lunch. Our server (from Lyons) was so nice! I had the Escargots and Salade Nicoise. DH had the Onion Soup/Sandwich/Creme Brulee special. Our server rounded up all the staff, and they made their way to our table, desserts in hand (I had the Profiterolles and they also brought a birthday cake). They sang the French birthday song, some looking slightly embarrassed. It was lovely, and I cheered for them when they finished. Our server (kicking myself for not noting her name) explained that they were nervous that they wouldn't sound good, but I assured her that it was marvelous. Everything was absolutely incredible, so off we were, again waddling our way out of another restaurant.
After strolling around some of the shops in France, we took in Impressions de France. Wonderful film, breathtaking music... a highlight in the W.S. in my opinion. Outside, we saw a couple get engaged, and the shopkeepers showered them with flower petals in celebration. How wonderful! I'm a sucker for romance.
From there, we walked all the way over to Mexico, where we had the obligatory ride on El Rio del Tiempo. DH thinks it's sort of insulting, as if all Mexicans live to party and sell tourists stuff on the street. Would love to see it revamped.
We made our way back over to America, where we watched the American Adventure. Nice set movements, moving story, interesting highlights. Very enjoyable.
We found the AP Lounge, and reveled in cooling off and refilling our water bottle. Pluto was up to some mischief, holding another guests shoe hostage, and playing around with everyone. He tackled DH in a bear hug, then played with my hair. All in good fun - made for lots of laughs.
We were making our way out of the Lounge when I commented on the Passholder t-shirts/pins/hats that were on display. One of the CMs on duty, Cheri, asked if I had received anything special for my birthday. I told her that I've gotten some special treatment, but haven't actually Received anything. She then scribbled something on a card, handed it to me, and told me it was good for a t-shirt anywhere in Epcot. I couldn't believe it, and almost stumbled over myself to thank her profusely. That was WAY above and beyond anything she had to do to ensure the happiness of my birthday. We made our way down to the shop where they had the Passholder shirts, and I procured one for myself, courtesy of Cheri. It just goes to show that, when you DON'T expect it, you can get some very special treatment at WDW.
After that, we went over to ride JIYI. It broke down right at the end, the work lights came up, and we saw a few CMs scuttling about behind our train. After 10 minutes, the train stop-started its way to the unload station. The song remained in my head for much, much longer!
We decided to go light and eat at Matsu No Ma Lounge for dinner. We dined on sushi and enjoyed our drinks as Illuminations began. We got to enjoy the show from our air-conditioned, elevated, padded seats and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. What a show!
Afterwards, we wandered slowly out of Epcot, reflecting on our fabulous day and the beautiful sights all around us. Dreamily, we caught our bus back to CBR.
-MrsAPalm
A CM was leading a group of newbie CMs on a tour, and he called me over to their group. He asked if it was my birthday, and I said, "Yes." He then led his group of newbies into a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. I'm sure I was turning red at this point, but giggling the whole time. What a lovely start to My Day.
We took our sweet time heading up to CRT (PS was for 8:55), stopping to take in the scenery, take pictures, and video the sights.
We loped over to CRT, checked in, and waiting in the lobby for our time. I took the obligatory picture of DH in the throne, we spotted Gus-Gus and Jacques, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Belle strolled out and took her place on the throne. She is a doll for putting up with (already) gripey parents and whiny kids... I respect all characters for doing their jobs well!
We were finally announced, and headed up the red-carpeted stairs with baited breath... excited about what would be awaiting us. We were shown to our table... a Window Table! Yay!! It was decorated with Mickey Head confetti and streamers. Our server (Ron) was a bit odd... not warm but not too cold... looked out of place there. We dove into our fruit salad, muffins, and croissants. Soon, our big plates arrived, laden with French Toast, Potato Casserole, Sausage Links, Bacon, and Scrambled Eggs. The French Toast scored huge points with me, as did the Potato Casserole with DH. He took my picture with Mary Poppins, Princess Aurora, Snow White, and Aladdin. We missed Cinderella, but she was there. They also signed my "100 Years - Magical Moment" card that I received. I also got a chocolate-chocolate chip muffin with icing, Mickey Sprinkles, and a candle (made a wish) for my birthday. How lovely!
We eventually waddled out of there stuffed to the gills, me with a huge grin plastered to my face. We walked onto Peter Pan, where a CM on exchange from Tokyo Disneyland greeted us with warm smiles and birthday wishes for me. Then, it was off to the Haunted Mansion (5 minute wait), and BTMRR.
We were to ride in the first car on BTMRR, so we were standing right next to the conductor's podium. He (older man, thinning white hair, a bit portly) chatted with us, wished me happy birthday, and was so incredibly nice to us while we waited. We got on, enjoyed the ride, and were again greeted by that CM when our train returned to the station. The CM said to us, "Mickey said for me to tell you happy birthday, and that he reserved a special seat for you in the back for this trip!" We were ushered to the very last car, and took our seats. We again experienced The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness, this time with even wider grins and a huge, huge appreciation for that CM. He went above and beyond the call of duty for me, and I really appreciate it.
Next, we were off to PoC, then to TTA, and over to Goofy's Barnstormer. As we were making our way out of Mickey's Toontown Fair, a custodian CM pulled me aside. She asked if I had received any special phone calls today, which I had not. She walked me to a phone station by one of the merchant carts, dialed a few numbers, then handed the phone to me. On the other end was Goofy, singing to me and wishing me a happy birthday. I thanked her profusely, giggling all along and appreciating her thoughtfulness.
After that, we rode Space Mountain, with me in the very front seat. It's a lot of fun in that seat - I would recommend it be done at least once that way for all Space Mt. enthusiasts!
At this point, the crowd was starting to pick up a bit, so we made our way out to the bus stop. DH talked to the driver the entire way back to CBR. There, we freshened up, grabbed our ponchos (the reason for returning to our room), and left again.
We arrived at EPCOT, made our way to Ice Station Cool, and enjoyed our cold sodas with giddy delight. DH tried the Beverly. I tried to warn him. It was too late. And way too funny!
We then made our way to the World Showcase and Les Chefs de France for lunch. Our server (from Lyons) was so nice! I had the Escargots and Salade Nicoise. DH had the Onion Soup/Sandwich/Creme Brulee special. Our server rounded up all the staff, and they made their way to our table, desserts in hand (I had the Profiterolles and they also brought a birthday cake). They sang the French birthday song, some looking slightly embarrassed. It was lovely, and I cheered for them when they finished. Our server (kicking myself for not noting her name) explained that they were nervous that they wouldn't sound good, but I assured her that it was marvelous. Everything was absolutely incredible, so off we were, again waddling our way out of another restaurant.
After strolling around some of the shops in France, we took in Impressions de France. Wonderful film, breathtaking music... a highlight in the W.S. in my opinion. Outside, we saw a couple get engaged, and the shopkeepers showered them with flower petals in celebration. How wonderful! I'm a sucker for romance.
From there, we walked all the way over to Mexico, where we had the obligatory ride on El Rio del Tiempo. DH thinks it's sort of insulting, as if all Mexicans live to party and sell tourists stuff on the street. Would love to see it revamped.
We made our way back over to America, where we watched the American Adventure. Nice set movements, moving story, interesting highlights. Very enjoyable.
We found the AP Lounge, and reveled in cooling off and refilling our water bottle. Pluto was up to some mischief, holding another guests shoe hostage, and playing around with everyone. He tackled DH in a bear hug, then played with my hair. All in good fun - made for lots of laughs.
We were making our way out of the Lounge when I commented on the Passholder t-shirts/pins/hats that were on display. One of the CMs on duty, Cheri, asked if I had received anything special for my birthday. I told her that I've gotten some special treatment, but haven't actually Received anything. She then scribbled something on a card, handed it to me, and told me it was good for a t-shirt anywhere in Epcot. I couldn't believe it, and almost stumbled over myself to thank her profusely. That was WAY above and beyond anything she had to do to ensure the happiness of my birthday. We made our way down to the shop where they had the Passholder shirts, and I procured one for myself, courtesy of Cheri. It just goes to show that, when you DON'T expect it, you can get some very special treatment at WDW.
After that, we went over to ride JIYI. It broke down right at the end, the work lights came up, and we saw a few CMs scuttling about behind our train. After 10 minutes, the train stop-started its way to the unload station. The song remained in my head for much, much longer!
We decided to go light and eat at Matsu No Ma Lounge for dinner. We dined on sushi and enjoyed our drinks as Illuminations began. We got to enjoy the show from our air-conditioned, elevated, padded seats and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. What a show!
Afterwards, we wandered slowly out of Epcot, reflecting on our fabulous day and the beautiful sights all around us. Dreamily, we caught our bus back to CBR.
-MrsAPalm
