May 2011 Yo Ho Ho! Let Down Your Hair! (New 10/9 Lessons Learned #550)

[Marshay]

Yes, we are eating in Cinderella's Castle for the first time!! I wanted to eat here even though the food reviews are quite bad, compared to other restaurants.

Elizabeth was only 2 years old and they provide her a small noodle bowl for free, and this was our special end-of-the-trip surprise, so I thought what a great time to try it out.

I hadn't told Rachel we were eating in the castle.

Unfortunately, with her bad attitude, she wasn't really thrilled. Esp when we had to wait in yet another line for about 15 minutes just to get in the doors.

Once inside, we looked around while waiting in yet another line for our photos with Cinderella.

I'm not sure if you've ever been inside, so here is a random photo looking up the stairs to the dining room area. It had neat architecture inside.

Then it was time to meet the royal princess herself. The CMs were wonderful and said they would get everyone to look and smile. indeed they did!

A close-up -- I love, love, love these photos!

And another one

Then up the stairs to the dining room. This was like an adventure in itself.

Now I know this meal is $$$$. And if you ONLY consider the price of the food, you should not go here.

But if you let yourself be immersed in a fairy tale fantasy -- your face will hurt from all the smiles and fun!

The ceiling with all the flags

This place is HUGE with the tall ceilings and large open dining area.

Elizabeth's teddy bear got to eat, too

And then Rapunzel wanted to join him

The view outside the windows looking at the construction going on at the new Fantasyland

You ordered your entree, drink and dessert. They also had an appetizer plate to share which was a nice little surprise. This was really good and I wanted it all.

By now we are in A/C, sitting down and everyone is calm and relaxed. Elie is having fun with her Wishing Star.

Just another random picture of Elie that I love.

 

[Marshay]

Argh!!! Oh no!!!


Okay I posted this while the update was going up. Flynn is much better than Rapunzel for sure. Look at how how kept Rachel's attention. How great is that.

No problem!! Lets me know that someone is out there!!

 

[kaoden39]

Love the picture with the teddy bear and Rapunzel on the table. And the family pictures with Cinderella.


It looks like Ellie was really good. What a couple of really sweet pictures of her at the table.

 

[Marshay]

Sorry, just found this pic. Here is Jerry and the girls walking into the dining room. One part of the room is dark and the other is light. I was so happy that we got in the light part. Would have loved to have been by the window, but not today.

The architecture is just so pretty.

I used this photo as the background page for my photobook. The stain glass windows are gorgeous.

And now the princesses start to come. They came fast and furious but were so beautiful to see

I love Ariel's headpiece

A girl at the next table over celebrated her birthday. Look at the chocolate shoe!

I was surprised to see Belle in her blue dress. Considering this is the castle, I expected her to be all dressed up in her royal yellow gown.

Jasmine looks so pretty from the side

Elie didn't want much to do with Jasmine

Her beautiful hair/wig

For lunch I chose the Major Domo which was like a Shephard's pie with flaky crust, roast beef, mashed pototoes and veggies. This was utterly one of the best meals I've had. I'm not sure why ...probably the atmosphere had a lot to do with it, but it was scrumptious!

Jerry had pork 3 ways and this was very, very good too. Jerry ate the entire thing (as did I for mine).

I enjoyed mine the best and would gladly go back there just for this meal!!

Jerry and I both chose the chocolate Mousse for dessert and boy, was this g-o-o-d!!

Rachel had a decorate your own cupcake -- how cute!

And here is how she decorated hers

Elie had a decorate your own ice cream sundae. I guess I didn't get a photo of it, so here is another cutie shot.

Did I tell you how good my dessert was? Here I am literally licking my fingers on the plate to get more of the mousse!

Jerry and Rachel -- Jerry asked for a sword (they only give them out freely to the boys) and the waitress gave him one and also a wand for me, too)

At some point they do a song and everyone is supposed to raise their wands/swords

 

[Marshay]

We tried to get a family photo...Elie was crashing from her sugar high and wouldn't cooperate.

But as we left, she found her 2nd wind

I took Rachel to the castle bathroom and snapped this photo

If you look down from the top dining area, you see Cinderella

Another cute photo spot

I'm not sure why people have given CRT a bad review...maybe they just think it's too expensive. Which it is.

but for our family, when we consider the whole experience, it was just heavenly!


This is one meal we will not forget.

 

[mnmrmustard]

LOL, yeah - can't leave the n00bs to get in quick and save the place in line

Sure looked like Flynn stole the show, my whole fam just got a kick out of his "smoulder"

Good choice with CRT, the girls are perfect ages for it! Our girls were 9 and 12 and they were almost too old for it. Wonderful family shot with Cinderella and I love that last happy pic of Elie! Looking forward to seeing how the character interactions go

 

[Marshay]

By now it was at least 1:30pm or 2pm. We had spent a long time in there. I know they try to rush you through, but I told Jerry ahead of time, that we were NOT going to be rushed but were going to savor the experience.

Then we did some window shopping and saw this beautiful Aurora dress display in one of the shops. It changes from pink to blue, just like the fairy godmothers did in the movie.

Then we rode PP

Elie loves Mr. Smee from Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Then we tried to pull the sword from the stone.

I'm not sure how it is done but a kid in front of us got the sword to rise, so I knew that we wouldn't be able to, too. But we all gave it the heave-ho.

Elie really doesn't understand why she can't raise it

Rachel is trying hard

And JErry is putting all his weight into it

 

[Marshay]

Finally Elie crashes. We decide to let her sleep in the stroller while we head over to Adventureland. Rachel plays in the tikis.

She just got splashed in the chest.

She is loving this and we let her play. I'm back to relaxed Marsha...we made it to see Rapunzel and Flynn, we got into our lunch and it was incredible...Jerry and I are back to loving each other! So let's have some fun.

I'm hot so I get a Dole Whip to share and then we head to:

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Jerry stays with sleeping Elie and Rachel and I go on this. This was a first for Rachel.

Another shot from the trees

An interesting view of the castle

When we get back Elie is awake so we ride Jungle Cruise then head to Pirates. Along the way, we see that the Pirate show is setting up. We've never seen it so we stand in line to watch Capn Jack Sparrow. They had a celebrity guest from the UK Today Show filming the episode. Every once in a while, she would turn back to the camera and say one of her scripted lines. It was kind of neat to see.

Here she is

And here is her script! Her name is Alison ...

The star of the show

And yet another photo of him ... just because

Oh, you want one more?

This kid just got done at the Pirate's League (BBB but for boys). Isn't he awesome! He got to fight with Jack Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Rachel got picked to go up on stage at the end to become a pirate! She was thrilled!! This is her trying to hold in her laughter she was so happy.

Then we were getting hungry so we stopped at Friar's Nook in Fantasyland. I hadn't eaten here before but the chips and chicken nuggets were incredily good.

 

[Marshay]

Then off to defend the universe from Zurgs, Carousel of Progress and Peoplemover.

Finally, a few photos in front of the castle

Tink!!

I like this one!

A little dark but I like this one too

Then I shopped in the Emporium using my discount and with one final and sad look down Main Street, we departed MK.

Rachel cried on the monorail ride.

 

[kaoden39]

I love the picture of Rachel and the mirror. That is such a cute picture of her.

 

[Marshay]

We got back to the room, ate leftover foods, packed and went to bed.

In the morning, I got up early and just sat out on the balcony watching the animals. After packing we went to DTD for our traditional caramel apple from Goofy's Candy Kitchen. Rachel got the marshmellows.

While at DTD, Rachel sang me this song ... it went something like this:

"May I always be the same. May we always go to Walt Disney World"

It totally made me cry. It was so sweet.

I truly cherish these vacations we have at Disney. I know I won't be able to dress RAchel up in princess gowns forever ... and one day she'll rather go off and ride stuff w/o me...but until that day comes, I'm going to hold onto these special moments.

 

[kaoden39]

These say more than words ever could.

 

[Marshay]

Then we left DTD for good and went to the Sanford train station. Luckily we got the 5pm dinner service (other option was 9pm!!). Ate dinner, watched the movie (White Lion) and went to bed.

This time Jerry went on the upper bunk and I had the lower double bed to myself (after he left it)

Oh, it was MUCH nicer to spread out on the lower, bigger bunk.

On May 22, we awoke at 6:40am and the train is arriving early. There is a wait list for breakfast (30 minutes) but we eat, go back to our room and depart the train.

Figures that our train TO Disney was late and our train back to Home was early...

Well, that pretty much sums up our May trip. Next time I'll post "Lessons Learned" and wrap it all up.

Thanks for reading so much!!

 

[Marshay]

Love the picture with the teddy bear and Rapunzel on the table. And the family pictures with Cinderella.

It looks like Ellie was really good. What a couple of really sweet pictures of her at the table.

Yeah, we had fun playing with the toys at the table. I have the pic of Cindy and us hanging up in my bedroom. I love it! Just reminds me of what fun we had.

Elie was soooooo good on this trip. She has a really pleasant personality (so does Rachel).

Somehow Elie just takes incredible photos!! I'm not sure where she got that from b/c Jerry, Rachel and I don't!!

LOL, yeah - can't leave the n00bs to get in quick and save the place in line

Sure looked like Flynn stole the show, my whole fam just got a kick out of his "smoulder"

Good choice with CRT, the girls are perfect ages for it! Our girls were 9 and 12 and they were almost too old for it. Wonderful family shot with Cinderella and I love that last happy pic of Elie! Looking forward to seeing how the character interactions go

I swear, next time I'll just do it myself!! I really thought I was giving the EASY job to Jerry to do, while I rounded up all the stuff. Sheesh!

Flynn definitely stole the show. I can't figure out why they don't have a FT Flynn.

Yes, CRT was a great choice! We are actually going to go again in January but for dinner to mix it up a bit (and b/c Elie will still be free!) I can see how when they get older it'll be "Awwww, Mom"

I love the picture of Rachel and the mirror. That is such a cute picture of her.

thanks! I was just waiting for her to wash her hands and then she went to the mirror and I was like -- hold that pose!!

These say more than words ever could.

yep -- I know you understand having teenagers. I'm treasuring these little girl years.

 

[Trentmom]

I have enjoyed reading your TR

I am glad Rachel was able to Meet Rapunzel and Flynn and it all worked out in the end

Never seen the movie, so guess will have to watch it to figure out what this smoulder is you are talking about

Looks like you had a great time at CRT.

That was nice they gave you and Jerry a sword and wand

Lot of great family shots

had sad Rachel cried.

But at least with DVC, she knows you all will be back

 

[kaoden39]

The funny thing is both girls wanted to hang out with us more than once. Loren couldn't have cared less. He and Vincent discovered they could play X-Box 360 in Innovations so we barely saw them. Unless it was mealtime or I changed parks. Which at Disneyland is as easy as walking across and esplanade.

 

[cherbear]

oh Marsha, what a wonderful ending to your trip!!

I am happy that you had a great meal at CRT. The pics of the food looked good!! Maybe things have changed! I hope to have a little girl one day and take her there.

 

[cherbear]

Flynn was cute!!

And Johnny.....yeaaaahhh thanks for the pics!

 

[Marshay]

I have enjoyed reading your TR

I am glad Rachel was able to Meet Rapunzel and Flynn and it all worked out in the end

Never seen the movie, so guess will have to watch it to figure out what this smoulder is you are talking about

Looks like you had a great time at CRT.

That was nice they gave you and Jerry a sword and wand

Lot of great family shots

had sad Rachel cried.

But at least with DVC, she knows you all will be back

Yeah the whole Tangled thing started bad, but ended great. I'm really hoping we don't HAVE to see her again in January...but if we do, I'll be the runner!

Wow, girl, you still haven't seen Tangled???

CRT was terrific -- makes me so glad I have girls!! I know boys would not appreciate it at all.

Yeah, Rachel is turning into my Disneyana.

Thankfully, we have DVC!!

The funny thing is both girls wanted to hang out with us more than once. Loren couldn't have cared less. He and Vincent discovered they could play X-Box 360 in Innovations so we barely saw them. Unless it was mealtime or I changed parks. Which at Disneyland is as easy as walking across and esplanade.

I can only hope that Rachel and Elie will still want to go to Disney and hang out with their supercool parents!!

oh Marsha, what a wonderful ending to your trip!!

I am happy that you had a great meal at CRT. The pics of the food looked good!! Maybe things have changed! I hope to have a little girl one day and take her there.

CRT was really good. There are two memorable things from our trip (I'll speak more to it in my next post) but CRT was definitely one of them!!

Flynn was cute!!

And Johnny.....yeaaaahhh thanks for the pics!

Flynn was adorable and yeah, I thought a few of you would appreciate Capn Jack Sparrow!!

 

[mousescrapper]

FYI -- Rachel is working on Rachel's letter...we've just been swamped, as I'm sure you can understand. Going to full-day school means a lot less time for play.

My rachel is doing the same


I loved your review of CRT...we enjoyed our lunch there as well Matt had the chocolate mouse dessert too, he said it was delish. I love all the pix you took and nice you were closer to the windows. BTW the reason belle doesn't wear her yellow gown is she can't fit through the tables


the trip is over...you guys had so much fun and met some memorable characters too. i am glad overall the whole relaxed feel made for a better trip am looking forward to your wrap up and start of your Jan PTR...still bummed we'll miss each other by a day but eager to read along!

J~