Once back at the YC we headed to the CL lounge for some chips and dip as a quick snack before supper. We would repeat this many times over the trip. Those chips and the dip are soooo good.
For our first night ADR, we chose the Yachtsman Steakhouse. We havent always made the best choices for our first night, but this time we got it right.
In 2007 we made reservations for the Polynesian Luau the first night. We thought it would be fun to start our vacation off with dinner and a show (it wasnt.) We stayed at the WL and once we checked in we couldnt wait to get to the MK. We made our way to the park with plenty of time before dinner but when it was time to go we were at the back of the park and it was parade time so getting out efficiently was a challenge. After we got to the Polynesian it started to rain which made us all a bit miserable. We had great seats, right up front, but they were not under the roof so we were getting wet while we ate. All in all it wasnt an experience we would want to try again (I recommend the Luau, just not on a rainy first night.)
In 2010, we thought it would be better to just make a reservation at the Liberty Tree Tavern, since we were staying at the CR. We booked it a bit early and barely had enough time to get to the hotel and then head out to the park. We had to get the concierge to change our reservation to a later time so we didnt have to rush over after checking in.
So for this trip we picked a restaurant at the hotel at a nice relaxing time, booking the Yachtsman for 6 hours after our flight landed. It was a great decision and the meal was very good.
I was fascinated with the butcher room at the entrance of the restaurant.
While our meal was very good and we would happily return to the Yachtsman, it wasnt the best steak we have ever had and I dont know if we would put it at the top of our must return to list, but we still really enjoyed the meal. I do have to say that my mashed potatoes may be the best mashed potatoes I have ever had (and I make a mean mashed potoato).
After supper we were all refueled, reenergized and ready to head over to the Magic Kingdom. Really, how can anyone stay away from the MK on the first day of the trip? We decided to get there via a walk around the YC, a brief stroll through Epcot and a ride on the Monorail.
I loved walking around the YC at night. They do such a nice job of lighting the grounds, including the ship in front of the pool slide.
I love the way the Epcot sphere looks at night (and in the day I have many, many pictures of the Epcot sphere.)
So nice to arrive at the gates to the MK, and so pretty at night.
First up in the MK was Space Mountain, followed by the People Mover. I think we all love the People Mover and would put it at the top of our must do rides. After Tomorrowland we headed over to Small World. I know my boys find that ride painful, but we all still love riding it as soon as possible at the beginning of our trip.
After Small World it was an obvious decision to go explore the Haunted Mansion. This was our first time seeing the new queue. I think they did a great job with the queue and made our favourite ride even more fun. (Note that it is definitely our favourite ride it may come up again in this trip report.)
I love the look of the castle at night. I didn't take nearly enough pictures of it this trip.
After a long day of travelling, a short time at the MK hit the spot and we decided to head over to the bus stop and back to the YC.
Well that is enough prattling on for one day. Next up, a day of rain and an escape from WDW (and Teena!).