Day Four - In Which Jon is Overcome by Princesses

[Miffy2003]

Saturday December 11th

Today is a very exciting day as we have breakfast with the princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Those of you who have done this will understand the excitement of securing a Priority Seating for this event. Can it possibly live up to all the hype and our high expectations?

We were up and at ‘em early this morning as our CRT PS is at 8.05. The girls are dressed up in readiness for their treat (OK so Tinkerbell isn’t really a princess, but this is who Erin wanted to dress as. Believe me you don’t argue with Erin unless you are brave or have very good cause!) Hardly waited any time at all for the bus and we had boarded and were on our way before half past seven. I’ve never caught a bus to the Magic Kingdom before and I must say it was highly convenient to cut out the TTC and see a part of WDW I haven’t before. The Christmas tree at the Contemporary was really striking.

We queued outside in the line marked for PS arrangements and soon enough we were allowed in the park – for those of you that are interested in this sort of thing, our PS number wasn’t checked. What a magical experience it is to be inside the MK with hardly anyone around! Naturally I took a few obligatory photos of the castle with absolutely noone else in the shot (unless you were related to me by blood or marriage, that is )

We were directed round the back of the castle by the CMs (who were determined that no unwitting guest should stray from the path) and gave our name and number to the Greeter. We were ushered into the waiting area which is extremely intricate and themed just like the inside of a medieval castle complete with the appropriate pennants, coats of arms and other heraldry on the walls. There was no Fairy Godmother in attendance this morning but let’s be fair; she may be as good in the mornings as I am and not clock on until nine

Soon enough “The Govier Family” were announced and we made our way up the winding staircase to the restaurant. All I can say is, wow! It was themed in the way only Disney can manage – it was so believeable, detailed and sumptuous I really thought I was in a castle. The use of rich materials and clever lighting transported us all! For me to feel like a princess though, that was going to take a few cups of coffee. The tables are set with exactly what you would imagine a medieval feast would have (barring the Boar’s Head stuffed with apple), including luxurious runners.

We had a fantastic server who filled our coffee cups more than anyone else managed the entire holiday. There was a nice selection of fruit and pastries to nibble on and our hot food came out after a few moments. The food was not fantastic but it was absolutely fine; hot, tasty and plenty of it. There’s a limit to what you can do with bacon, sausage and egg though! I really liked the French Toast that was stuffed with (I think) blueberries.

There was a continual stream of princesses to see us all. The interaction with the girls was wonderful; they each spent a few minutes for photos, videoing and of course chatted throughout. The meal isn’t cheap (especially for the food you get) but it was worth every single penny; an absolutely priceless experience for everyone.

Especially Jon.

After Aurora, Snow White, Mary Poppins and Belle had visited us, I looked over at my husband. He had not touched his food, so I asked him with some concern if he was feeling all right. Well, he could barely speak but he managed to convey that he was just so excited he simply could not eat. And he didn’t! He did pose for some photos though. Mary Poppins didn’t think he was a patch on Dick Van Dy ke though.

We were really happy to discover the Fairy Godmother in place downstairs on our way out . She was brilliant with the girls and spent ages talking to them about what they had been up to.

As we left, the Greeter called us over. She bent down and whispered a poem to the girls, simultaneously giving them a handful of sparkly Mickey’s head confetti with the instruction: “If you believe in magic, drop one anywhere you want in WDW and make a wish, and you will come back there again one day”. This almost finished me off after the delight of the breakfast and I had to think of very dull things to keep control of myself! In case anyone is wondering, the girls dropped these at every ride in Fantasyland and left some under their pillows at ASMo so we will have to return there one day…..

 

[Miffy2003]

We spent the rest of the morning autograph hunting and character meeting. We met Ariel in her grotto who was again fabulous with the girls; totally in character.

Jon was getting properly into the swing by now and demanded a photo with the lovely mermaid. Unfortunately for him the camera battery chose that moment to give up the ghost so I’m pretty sure we will be paying another visit in August (irrespective of whether the girls dropped a Mickey head here or not!). We then ventured over to Toontown and met Winnie the Pooh and Friends, toured Minnie & Mickey’s houses, went on the Barnstormer and got wet at Donald’s Boat. We felt obliged to do this as when we’ve tried before the water’s been switched off!

We decide to head back to the hotel as we have arranged to meet Kevin Stringer and his gang this afternoon at Epcot and it’s now gone one o’clock. We head out on the train (doing a full circle before departing at Main Street). It looks pretty busy; there are long queues to get in and the Seven Dwarves are entertaining the guests so (of course) we have to get photos.

We had to wait about ten minutes for the bus during which time Julie made the somewhat odd statement “You’d think they’d have a bus that went to all the hotels all day wouldn’t you?” She does come out with some peculiar things but she thought there should be an all day bus service (erm, there is) which went from each park and dropped off at all the hotels. So it could take hours to get from MK back to your hotel via the other nineteen. She kept getting the names for things wrong which caused much merriment; as we were stood at the bus stop on this occasion she admired the Christmas tree outside “The Complimentary Hotel”.

Back at the ranch, Jon and I got ready to go out and the girls got ready to swim and wear their grandparents out for the rest of the day. We said we would be back at nine and went off. Freedom!!!

We were heading to Japan (in Epcot; there wasn’t time to get to Japan itself and back by nine) so caught an MGM bus with the intention of catching the boat between MGM and the International Gateway. What a relaxing and picturesque way to travel!

I’m afraid there are no more photos here as we forgot our new memory card today and had to resort to a disposable. But for those that are desperate to see shots of Kev Stringer, let me know and I’ll send you a copy

We entered Epcot just before three and headed up to Japan (stopping briefly to purchase a couple of Daquiri’s in Morocco, our very favourite!). We knew we were a couple of moments late but as the Japanese drummers were in full flow decided to hang back (with our Daquiri’s ) until they had finished as it was rather busy and could have made locating everyone a bit tricky.

We found them (Kev & Tammy, Deb & Matt and Kath (nativetxn)) with no problem – guys it was great to meet up with you. We really enjoyed ourselves! Matt had gone back to the Complimentary Hotel for some warm clothes (I think?) for Deb; somehow I misheard the reason and thought he’d gone to collect Candlelight Processional tickets (perhaps Derek’s hearing difficulties are catching?!)

Kev suggested the MatsuNoMa Lounge (I think?) for a drink so we headed up the stairs. The CM did not like the look of us and made us wait for a table (keeping an eye on us while they did). If they thought we might have second thoughts, clearly tales of Kev’s legendary patience when it comes to waiting for an alcoholic beverage had not reached them and we were happy to wait.

I’ve never been in here before but it affords a fantastic view across the lagoon and has a pleasant ambience. Our server was very pleasant and helpful and we were soon tucking into Kirin Beer, Plum Wine and other Japanese delicacies. Soon after our drinks arrived the place almost emptied but I’m sure the two events were unrelated.

We then made our way to Morocco to the Tangierine Café for a Shawarma Sandwich (I found this a bit odd) and some Moroccan beer which was surprisingly good. Don’t know why I say surprising as I’m no beer expert, but we did enjoy it. We wandered through the UK onto Canada for a Moosehead Beer. We chatted for a bit by the lagoon and realised that many hours had passed somehow (how?!) so Jon & I said our goodbyes as we had promised ourselves a walk around the World Showcase before needing to return to ASMo to relieve the babysitters.

We spent a wonderful couple of hours strolling round the lagoon hand in hand with nobody to please but ourselves. I can’t think of anywhere I would rather spend time with my husband and we simply soaked up the atmosphere in all the different countries. Our Drinking Around the World plans had turned into Restrooms Around the World due to the quantities of drink and the temperature which had become slightly nippy now that the sun had gone down. We didn’t have time to finish our day with Illuminations as we had to head back, but I’m not sure how much better today could have been.

We got back to ASMo at nine, collected the girls and had chicken strips and fries in the room.

The perfect day.

 

[SusanEllen]

"Perfect" is the perfect word for the day. I'm sure all of you will remember this one forever. And thanks to your sharing it with us, a lot of us will remember it, too. The picture of Amber and Erin in front of the Castle with no one else around brought a lump to my throat. Rare and magical, it is.

 

[SusanEllen]

ps to Jon--From the smile on your face when you snuggled up to Belle and were arm in arm with Mary Poppins, it looks like it would be all right with you for Kevin to keep his old Hooter's girls. They couldn't have coaxed a wider smile from you. I applaud your good taste.

 

[MsPennieLane]

Wow, what a wonderful day. What the greeter said to you at Cinderella's nearly had me in tears anorl! Lovely pictures of the girls posing with the princesses - and John Keep it coming!

Anz

 

[mandymouse]

What a wonderful day, trip report and photos - lovely

mandymouse

 

[Pootle]

Beautiful pictures and a lovely report - a great start to my day; thanks

 

[AlanUK]

Well done Karen another great report

I'm glad you enjoyed CRT, Amber and Erin looked happy enough and I think the photos of Jon speak for themselves

I hope you have made a note of everywhere the girls dropped those Mickey Heads

Restrooms around the world sounds a most appropriate tour following an afternoon hanging out with Mr Stringer too

Looking forward to Day 5 now.

Alan.

 

[allie5]

Great reports Karen! Enjoying them immensely!

Daniel is having his first daytime nap since coming home from Florida, and Im having a lovely afternoon catching up with your wonderful reports!

Very entertaining and Im loving the photos too! Jon looks like all his Christmasess came at once! I think Neil & Daniel had a better time at CRT than Jessie! Cinders even gave Daniel a little snog...bet Jon didnt get that

Right, Im up to date with them all now...NEXT PLEASE!!!

 

[Disney_Jedi_Jon]

Hi.

Jon's Point of View.

This day is one of my favourite days of the holiday(if not the best!!).We got the disney bus to MK,God bless the Disney Transportation System!!!!!!
We entered the park,which was very quiet and made our way towards the castle.I got out the camcorder to film some of the park and the castle.As I started filming I noticed the camcorder acting very strangely with strange symbols appearing on the camcorder view screen!!!???!!!!Damn it,this is the one day I'd wanted the camcorder to work.I start to worry and my stomach starts to churn.I voice my concerns to Karen who tells me not to worry.

We arrive at the castle and check in for our ps,we enter the lobby which is breathtaking,we wait to be called and I film madly praying that the camera is gonna work.Our name is finally called after a short wait and we head up the spiral stair case to the main dinning room.I walk in the room and I am totally blown away,again filming madly we are shown to our table,which is set out beautifully.Everything Karen has said about this place is true,its just amazing, the decor is out of this world.The view out of the window is great,an excellant view of fantasyland!CRT IS PURE DISNEY MAGIC,YOU MUST DO THIS!!!!!!!Our CM is brillant,he wins the award for server who filled my coffee cup the most this holiday.Its very,very cool to be addressed as my lord,but maybe thats just me.

To be continued....

 

[UKDEB]

This day is one of my favourite days of the holiday(if not the best!!)

Well, it's not every day you get to drink with the legend that is Kevin Stringer (and his posse).

 

[Disney_Jedi_Jon]

Back again...

Food was brought out to the table,which included danish,muffins and fruit.I sampled all the food which was very good,but didn't eat very much,due to worrying about the camcorder,filming(please work) and enjoying myself.I filmed the children with cinderella,snow white and aurora,and Karen took pictures.The children loved hugging the princess and getting their autographs.I was a little concerned that maybe talking characters wouldn't be as magical as non talking ones i.e Mickey,how wrong could I be!
Now I have to admit falling hopelessly in love with Mary Poppins,good job I have an understanding wife(My parents thought I was mad).So when Mary came to the table and the kids had met her,the camcorder was put to one side.Resisting the urge to declare my undying love for her,I instead opt to politely ask to have my picture taken with her.Mary was great and she held my arm as Karen took the photo.After Mary left,Belle came to the table and was hugged by the children.Having a soft spot for Belle myself,I once again get up to have my photo taken.Mum and Dad are convinced I'm insane at this point and give me strange looks.At this point Amber and Erin discover to their horror,that they have forgotten to get Cinderella's autograph.We explain to our helpfull CM what has happened and he rushes off with the girls autograph books to get cinderella's autograph(who is now on the other side of the room).Our CM returns and the girls are happy.As my hot breakfast is now cold our server askes me if I'd like a fresh plate,I thank him but decline.I then drink my seventh cup of coffee which is quickly refilled again.After a truely magical breakfast we head back down to the lobby.To find the fairy god mother meeting children.We queue up to meet her,Amber and Erin are very excited.Dad starts talking to a nice amercian lady who is wearing a Manchester United shirt about football(soccer to our amercian friends).So i'd like to offer my apology to her,Dad loves his football.Amber and Erin met the fairy god mother who is great,Karen takes pictures and I film(please work).To add the finishing touches to a great breakfast,a nice CM gives the girls pixie dust as we leave.10 out of 10 for Cinderrella's Royal Table.

We head over to Ariel's Grotto,Amber has fun playing and dancing,as does Erin until a collision with a little boy.Amber plays while we queue up.After about a 10 minute wait,we get to meet Ariel.The girls love her and chat and hug Ariel,Karen takes pictures and I film(please,please work).After the girls have finished I have to have my picture taken.I chat with Ariel and hug her karen the declares that the camera has run out of batteries.NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!Karen shouts for my mum who is walking out the exit,Julie hurrys back in to take the picture.Mums camera is not working very well,so I hold out no hope for the picture.Picture taken,we head outside,I think I'm falling in love with Ariel as well.(I hope Mary isn't the jealous type.)

We then head over to Toontown Fair,every one gets wet on Donald's Boat except myself who is outside with the cameras.Everyone decides to go on Goofys Barnstormer,after riding Erin decides she dosen't like the Barnstormer any more,oh dear!Karen and Julie want to meet Winnie the Pooh so we go to Mickey's Town Hall and have fun with Pooh Bear,Tigger and Eyore.
After Toontown we head back to the all stars.

Jon.

 

[Disney_Jedi_Jon]

Couldn't agree more Deb!

 

[Disney_Jedi_Jon]

Back again!

After getting back to the All stars, we got Amber and Erin ready to go to the pool with mum and dad.The children head off to the pool and Karen and I head to the All star bus stop.Once again, thank goodness for Disney Transportation,it means I can relax and don't have to drive and that I can sample some of the yummy beverages at the world showcase.A MGM bus arrives so Karen and I hop on,once at MGM we head to the resort boat dock and climb on board the Friendship 6.What a great way to travel,very relaxing and I get a great view of lots of Disney resorts.

Upon entering the world showcase we head straight to Morocco and get some Daquiris,yum,yum.Karen and I love these drinks and allways try to have at least one every visit.Upon getting the drinks we head over to japan to meet Kev and the gang.Every time we went to Japan this holiday, the Drummers allways seemed to be just starting their act.We meet up fairly easily with kev,considering the crowd watching the drummers.Kev introduces us to kath who was very nice.Tammy and Deb arrive from buying hello kittys at the department store.Matts gone back to the Contempory and is meeting us at the MatsuNama lounge.We all head into japan and go to the lounge,we have to wait for a table but not for very long(about 10mins,I think.)Drinks are ordered,I order a Kirin beer and some Tempura(as I didn't eat much at breakfast).The tempura was really good and I even managed to eat my rice with the chop sticks,something I've never tried before.I was very impressed with the MatsuNaMa lounge,it has a great view of the lagoon and would be a good place to watch Illuminations.
After leaving Japan we go to the Tangierine Cafe and Karen and I share a Shawarma Sandwich,which I wasn't to keen on.The moroccon beer is great though.Then on to Canada for moosehead beer.Kev and gang head off to watch the British Invasion and Karen and I head off to have some quality time in the world showcase.It was really great to meet up with you all and I had a fantastic time.

Jon.

 

[Miffy2003]

I think I'm falling in love with Ariel as well.(I hope Mary isn't the jealous type.)

Ahem! And what about moi?

 

[Kevin Stringer]

I’m afraid there are no more photos here as we forgot our new memory card today and had to resort to a disposable. But for those that are desperate to see shots of Kev Stringer, let me know and I’ll send you a copy

You do realise you will be inundated with requests now, don't you? I'm not sure that the postal service will be able to cope!

It was a fun day though.

Kev

 

[Kevin Stringer]

ps to Jon--From the smile on your face when you snuggled up to Belle and were arm in arm with Mary Poppins, it looks like it would be all right with you for Kevin to keep his old Hooter's girls. They couldn't have coaxed a wider smile from you. I applaud your good taste.

In the interests of fair play, I think it only proper that Jon accompanies me to Hooters in order for him to give a balanced judgement. If you could arrange this quickly please Susan. We will be waiting for the plane tickets.

Kev

 

[Miffy2003]

Should we have a vote?

 

[allie5]

Thats you in the middle isnt Karen? And I was on the right if I remember rightly.

Those shorts got a bit tight after a couple of shifts, so Ive given it up for a job at the Harvester instead

 

[florida sun]

After an hour of tryng to log on , my patience is rewarded with this trip report, fab interaction from you both Karen and Jon and great to see the other joining in as well.

Keep them coming, brillant,


Sue