Just back Mon, 10/20-wanna go back

[frannn]

What a great trip! DH, me, and DD1 (from NY) set off to Boca on 10/7 to start off our trip with work/play at my co's main office in FL. People on the flight down with us remarked on how well behaved DD was. (Could it have been the Dimetapp her Dr had us give her?) We stayed across the street from the office at Homestead Suites (how convenient!) After some quality time with the office, on 10/9 we set off to Ft Myers to visit relatives, staying a night at the local Hojo. On 10/10, we embarked on the 3.5 hour drive that would take us to WDW, to begin DD's 1st Bday trip (and first ever trip!). Smooth check in at WDW at AS Movies- Got requested Dalmations section! DD had a bit of a problem with the elevators at first. She made friends with everyone she encountered in the food court and on the buses, enchanting them with her big blue eyes, beautiful smile, and glowing personality! First park is traditionally MK for DH and me, so we went there just to pick up Pal Mickey and her Bday button, and show her the castle. We did CRT twice, PSB, CP lunch, RFC dinner twice, CM dinner, Baskervilles, Cindy dinner, Pepper Market, counter svc and food court (used meal vouchers at some-great deals even at AS). A few memorable moments were: At CRT, Cindy borrowed DD (dressed in full Cindy garb) and carried her around the restaraunt, having each of the princesses give her a very bright kiss as she passed them. When DD returned, she was full of lipstick kisses! DD also got special attention from Snow White at PSB (dressed as her), Belle at CRT (dressed as her), and Minnie & Mickey at CM (dressed as Minnie). Her first sight of the real Mickey was at Epcot, when the character bus literally stopped almost right in front of us. She proceded to get her picture taken with each of the Fab Five, grabbing their noses and giving hugs, kisses, and smiles to all. She got tons of autographs and pictures, and lovely cards and placemats at the meals for her special day. She even got a crown at Cindy's dinner!
As long as she ate when she was hungry (and she ate a lot!) she was thrilled to go with the flow and do whatever. People watching facsinated her, as well as the new foods and characters she met. Playhouse Disney was one of her favorites, and her clapping, babbling, and dancing all but convinced DH that she needs to come back! I am currently trying to teach her to say "Want Mickey" to guarantee future trips. Knowing DD is the spitting image of DH (his own personal Minnie-me), he said this of her obvious love of her first dose of WDW, "See, she did get something from you". I wholeheartedly agree!
Sorry for the novel. I will post details later if anyone wants.

 

[corky805]

Glad you had such a great trip!! Thanks!

 

[anne60]

So glad you had a great time,,,, sounds like you took your cues from your little one and did not try to do too much (unlike the CRAAAAZY folks I have seen with small kids in complete meltdown mode who just keep going). One of my favorite moments at WDW was being behind a guy with his toddler son on Buzz Lightyear. That kid was soooo cute and having such a good time I could have watched him all day!!!

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

Hi Frann. Thanks for sharing about your trip. Sounds like you had a great time sharing the "World" through your princess's eyes! How fun! We will be going in a few weeks, could you give me details on your meal at baskervilles? What meal was it, etc, details please. Oh, and how do you get there once you get to the Grosvenor? Thanks.

 

[frannn]

We went on Friday & they had a seafood buffet. They had stuffed crab, snapper, cocktail shrimp, seafood soup, and a whole bunch of other delicious things! There was a piano player and singer. You pull into Guest Parking at the Grovsner and I think the restaraunt was on the second floor. Everything was fresh and good, and it appeared to be ok for families with children. Our waitress did not bat an eye when we gave her the Entertainment card for the discount (Buy 1, Get 1). This pretty much paid for the book, which was good, since we didn't use any of the other coupons! It was not very crowded at 7:30, but they were expecting a very large group later that evening.
I forgot to mention a few other notable things about our trip- we went to MNSSHP 10/14-not extremely crowded, but the waits for the fortune teller were tedious...
Chef Mickey's dinner tasted better then I remembered from last trip...
For a special celebration, I would definetly recommend the Cindy dinner at Grand Floridian. The food was good, as were the characters....got a "Happy Bday" crown & placemat...
Princess Bkfast in Norway was great! DD got a complimentary cup with her juice in it, a signed certificate type Happy Bday paper, and a paintable cookie for her Bday. WOW!
CM at check in at AS Mo said there is no Mickey Wake up Call????
But instead, sent a Happy Bday card from Mickey (w/picture) up to room.
There was a TON of new HM souvies to be bought (by me!) and they had a walk through tour for the movie, including part of the set, costumes, pictures, drawings, and a short film. Unfortunately, no photos/video allowed, but a great photo opp outside the tour in front of the 3 Dimentional type sign!
Found that the meal vouchers can be good value even at AS food Courts-Meal= 11, drink=3, sundae= 5. Total saved is about 8.75/person after tax...
Japanese counter service at Epcot-used vouchers-ton of food for each voucher, but did not enjoy food at much as Chinese counter svc...

 

[Nanajo1]

I"m glad to hear the your enjoyed Cindy's Gala Feast. We are going there with our 5 DGD. They all have princess dress to wear. It sounds great. Thanks for posting.