Once Upon a Birthday-November 3, 2002, Day Six: “The great Chicken Wing Caper"

[IvyandLace]

Our day plan: Extra Magic Hour at Magic Kingdom; to MGM in afternoon and watch Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade at 3:30pm; to Epcot for evening

Our meal plan: Breakfast: Main Street Bakery
Lunch: Casey’s Corner
Dinner: 1900 Park Fare with PS at 7:50pm

Our weather today: sunny, warm with low humidity…beautiful!


It was a beautiful day today, and with Uncle T leaving tonight for home, we were beginning to feel a little sad that the end of our vacation was within sight. Because of this, we were determined to make the most of today. That brought us to attending another Extra Magic Hour at Magic Kingdom united in our matching white 4th of the July Mickey shirts. To complete our happiness, Jack had made a wonderful recovery to the point that he refused the offer of a wheelchair today! We were thrilled for him. It’s no fun being sick at Disney. (Remember that.)

It was funny to see Jack try to get through security today. I know that security probably makes a big deal over teenagers more than anyone else, but it was like they were gonna strip this kid or something. He was good-natured over it, but said, “Where’s the love, man?” He had a good point.

We immediately headed to the Main Street Bakery and while some of us enjoyed a quick breakfast snack of cinnamon rolls and French toast loaf-both very yummy!-others took time to get even more autographs and pictures with the many characters out today. Not only is Extra Magic Hour a great opportunity to ride the attractions without the crowds but it is also a wonderful time to spend with Disney characters.

Uncle T, Ariel, Princess M and I made time to see Ariel in her grotto for pictures. Uncle T honestly told us that he had ulterior motives in seeing her because she was “scantily clad”. Ariel was especially excited to see her alter ego and stated that she was the nicest face character we had met this trip.

Besides Ariel, we saw the Evil Queen from Snow White, Cruella da Vil, Jafar, Tweedil Dee and Tweedil Dum, the White Rabbit and, our favorite, the Queen of Hearts. I had the funniest run-in with the Queen herself when I went up to her and motioned with my finger across my throat to imitate her in her famous saying “Off with your head!” She was extremely offended, of course, and chastised me with a hand-on-hips pose and then pointed furiously to my lanyard as if to say “Where am I on here, hmmm?” She was so interactive! When I went up to pose with her, she put her hand up for attitude and accidentally hit me in the face! I know the person inside her costume had to be laughing hysterically; it just seemed so vindictive…my family and I were speechless and then broke out in laughter! She was fun! Needless to say, I bought a Queen of Hearts for my lanyard soon after that.

After a trip to Toon Town, riding on Peter Pan, watching Harry buy his first lanyard to display his new pins, and collecting more pressed pennies, we boarded the Walt Disney World Railroad to Frontierland. I love riding around the park-it’s relaxing and gives you a new perspective on the Magic Kingdom.

We finally got our Splash Mountain picture (!) and took another gander at the Haunted Mansion. We even had time for a moment of silence at the Liberty Square. *sniffle sniffle*

Our IllumiNations cruise driver Aaron had suggested we try the Casey’s Corner hot dogs that he called “the best in the World”. Well, I don’t know about the hot dogs (I had a frozen Coke), but Casey’s Corner is a fun place to eat! We especially liked the fact that they had a “by request” piano player who thrilled us with playing our requests, “Zippa-dee-do-dah” and the “Mickey Mouse March”. Everyone eating outside at the patio tables at Casey’s joined in on ‘M-I-C…” Very fun with great atmosphere.

I couldn’t believe how much time we spent getting character pictures today! They just seemed to be everywhere and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Finally we pulled ourselves away and headed to MGM. We went straight to One Man’s Dream to enjoy the attraction. This time I really took my time reading and viewing all that it had to offer. I was surprised to see Princess M lagging behind and taking even more time to look at everything. She couldn’t get over the fact that these were actually Walt’s belongings on display. The rest of the group went ahead and watched the movie at the end, but Princess M and I took much longer to look at everything. It was really special to be able to share that information with her and to see her interest in how Walt became the man we know today. Unfortunately we ran out of time looking at all the displays and didn’t get to take in the movie at the end of the attraction-it was time to find seats for the parade!

Actually, GM, Harry, Uncle T, JP and Jack went ahead while we were still loitering at One Man’s Dream and got seats right across from the wizard’s hat. On our last trip with GM, Ariel and I (Sept 2001), we had seen this parade’s soft opening and loved it! I think that everyone liked the floats and characters, but, unfortunately, the MC was extremely annoying and didn’t let us enjoy the parade and the music. She was always gabbing about trivia. Just let us watch the parade! This parade came in last in everyone’s opinion due to her.

I had wanted to take Uncle T to play “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, but it was time to head to Epcot before he left for home. We decided to take the boat from MGM to Epcot and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the waterway again. This is such an interesting way of traveling between these two parks. On the boat we called my dad who sounded wistful at our fun and told us of the cold blustery weather they were experiencing. Isn’t it great to enjoy the sunshine of Florida in November?

Our main objectives in Epcot were the following: see Voices of Liberty and American Adventure shows, play at Innoventions and ride Spaceship Earth. We hit the last show of Voices of Liberty after viewing the flag from the World Trade Centers and were “wowed”! They have such a beautiful sound. Very patriotic. Ariel, JP and the kids took off after deciding they would rather find some churros, and I bought Uncle T his “last meal” from the American Food and Wine booth: crabcake and clam chowder. The crabcake was extremely small…definitely not enough to share, but I had a taste of the creamy clam chowder. Yum! We all liked the American Adventure, of course. I would definitely recommend it over the Hall of Presidents, personally.

Meanwhile, Ariel, JP and the kids were enjoying their churros and Innoventions. We said “goodbye” to Uncle T after trying unsuccessfully to convince him to skip more school and met up with the rest of the crew at the front of Spaceship Earth. I love Spaceship Earth-I think everyone else just “tolerates” it for me. However, JP and Princess M made the ride interesting for themselves by looking for Hidden Mickeys, their newest favorite pastime. (I was surprised how much everyone enjoyed and really “got into” searching for Hidden Mickeys’ this trip…very fun! If you haven’t done it, I would suggest you start!) We took a few minutes to play in the Global Neighborhood exhibit after the ride.

GM was especially excited about our PS at 1900 Park Fare, and we had heard so many good things about it. Since Crystal Palace was being refurbished, this would be our only “Pooh” character dinner. We were going to surprised Princess M with an early birthday cake too (request at podium…extra $10 and feeds at least eight).

First of all, 1900 Park Fare was super crowded!! Even with PS, it took a bit time to seat us. (We figured the crowds would have died down by 8pm!) We were disappointed with our table as it was tucked behind a post and blocked the characters’ view of us. At least, we think this was what kept them from visiting us. Well, to be fair, they did make their way to us, but it was very begrudgingly. They were definitely the worst characters we had run into this trip. They barely hung around for a photo! Other than that, the dinner itself was great! A different variety of food than at other buffets, and the dessert table was extravagant! JP, GM, Princess M and Harry especially liked the chicken wings (hold that thought), and I tried the strawberry soup-very “dessert like”. We were drooling with the thought, but most of us held off because of the cake.

Because Princess M didn’t realize that we were going to surprise her with a birthday cake, she went off to the dessert table. Meanwhile, we were desperately waiting for our somewhat absent-minded waitress to reappear with our cake! When Princess M returned, I vowed to myself that I would have to grab the cupcake off her plate and stuff it into my mouth so that she wouldn’t eat it..but I was saved from such actions when our cake arrived just in the nick of time! We sang an exuberant “Happy Birthday”, and Princess M was embarrassed but pleased!

We had a good time eating cake (which had yucky “Crisco” frosting) and watching Princess M in the birthday mode. We only wished that it was less noisy and chaotic in the restaurant! Everyone was tired and although we were sad that tomorrow was our last park day, we were excited too…it was Princess M’s birthday, and we had so much fun planned!

Tips for the day:

1. The Main Street Bakery is wonderful-enjoy the cinnamon rolls in the quiet provided by the Extra Magic Hour
2. The more fun you have with the characters the more they will play back with you! Have a good time…don’t be shy!
3. When you need a song, stop by Casey’s Corner!
4. Don’t be afraid to take your children to One Man’s Dream. Make sure you walk through with them and talk about what you are seeing so that they understand. This provides a great learning opportunity for kids and adults alike.
5. Don’t miss the churros in Mexico-a great snack that are very portable! One of our favorites!
6. Expect 1900 Park Fare to be very crowded no matter what time you go. If you don’t like where you are seated, ask to be moved because location does affect your meal at character meals.

Who could have known that those chicken wings
Would bring much misfortune among other things!
It’s a birthday celebration that just goes all wrong
And Cinderella’s breakfast for three that doesn’t last long!
While the rest of the bunch will lay sick and rejected,
Us three continue on with plans as projected.

Don’t miss the most interesting “Favorite’s Day” ever…Once Upon a Birthday-November 4, 2002, Day Seven: “Bathroom Birthday or Ohana means family and we don’t have one”

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I am laughing at your little poems at the end - another full and fun day - thanks for posting!

 

[kidzmom3]

thanks for sharing!!