Mandie said she wanted to take a picture with "her kids" so we almost managed to get all 3 to look at the camera at the same time. This picture actually sums up how our kids always are: Jack Jack often has his finger in his nose, Natalia is always posing for the camera, and Grace is usually distracted by something shiny.
Then we realized we never got a picture with all of us: (Grace is still looking at shiny things and Jack Jack is looking at Mandie like he's sad we're leaving her soon)
Here's a random pic of Sharon following Mandie, I just liked the sunlight in it:
We then walked over to Boudin Bakery to get the Shrimp Louis Salads. Did I mention we get the bread on the side? That way you get the entire salad, but they give you the whole loaf of bread in plastic and you can save it for later and it's not soggy. Genius, right?! I also get the dressing on the side because I love the take an inside piece of the bread, put a big of dressing and horseradish (which they have out front of the bakery) and add the salad. It's my favorite meal at DCA. Also, we ask for butter on the side then later during show's you have a nice big loaf of bread and butter to snack on.
Then we went back to Ariel and on the way the Phineus and Ferb show was going on in front and Mandie hysterically walks up and starts doing all the moves out of nowhere

It was so funny. When it was over she high-fived the dancers and said to us "You think I've seen this a few times?"
Sadly, by this time Mandie was going to have to leave us after 8 grueling hours of walking in high heels
She gave me a paper that had our Fantasmic reservation time and Fireworks times listed and a few open Fast Passes. I've gotten these before but they usually say "Not Valid for World of Color or Radiator Springs" but these said "Available on any ride in
Disneyland or DCA" which was really cool. We all gave hugs and thank yous (and tipped her $150 cash which she was so grateful for) and sadly watched our special lady leave. She really was kind and sweet and informative and most of all, patient!
Mom and Aunty Sharon decided to use their FP on Soarin and Gina and I took the kids over to DL to do some shopping. We bought the new black and white Beauty and the Beast tea sets and the vintage glasses and had them sent to the room (another perk of staying onsite! Not having to carry ANY purchases.) I later was dissapointed to learn that none of the items, either glass or acrylic were dishwasher safe.
Our Fireworks reservation was 9:30 and Fantasmic at 10:30 so we eventually went back to the room to change for nighttime and grab glow bracelets that I bought at Michael's and brought for the kids. I always pre-buy the glow bracelets and the kids LOVE them and they cost about $1 for 10 bracelets. It's a good idea because the kids can have as many as they want and lose them or drop them and it's not a big deal.
On the way to the Fireworks we saw Mickey and no line, we later noticed Grace has her hand in a naughty spot
The VIP seating for the Fireworks is in front of the DLRR and they set up some benches with ropes around them.
Grace and Natalia sat in the front row directly facing the castle, there is NO better place to see the fireworks- we were very impressed! They do let people stand behind the roped off area though so if you go early enough you can wait up there and get the same view standing.
Another hint: We always bring headphones for the kids to block the noise. Their little ears just can't take it!
Grace loved seeing Dumbo fly and my Mom cried from joy watching Grace sing along and be so happy.
I forgot to mention that we saw Plaid Chris (Malcon10t's fav guide) whom we know and asked if we could ride the Lillian Belle over to Fantasmic. He got on of the DLRR conductors to come over and we explained that we forgot to reserve it earlier. She said we were in luck and it had been running all day so they would hold it for us when the fireworks were over. Cool!!
Natalia started to lose it so Mom and Aunty Sharon and Natty rode the train in the regular seats and we rode in luxury. It really is a tiny car and narrow. It's also bumpy, but Gina said she got how it must have felt so luxurious to guests.
Sorry the pic of Grace is sideways but it shows how narrow the car is:
The Lillian Belle conductor - yes there is a separate conductor- gave us all tickets to be able to ride it again next time we come to Disneyland.
He said they usually give one to the group but he gave us 8! And each ticket is good for a group...score, this is how happy I was because my DH wants to ride it oneday!
We got over to New Orleans Square and grabbed popcorn and hot chocolates. We checked in with Plaid Chris who somehow had gotten over there that fast and walked in the VIP area which is huge. It's sitting on the steps next to the Dessert Package seats and one row behind people sitting on the ground. FANTASTIC FANTASMIC!
We had the area to ourselves, but when I've sat here before there are always other people but everyone is really respectful about space and sitting not standing.
We had about 15 minutes before show start time so I ran Grace over to ride POTC, which had just re-opened. There was no line and the CM told me the ride is 12 minutes long - 17 minutes with boarding and unboarding. We decided to ride it anyway. When we dashed out of the exit F! had just started and we raced back to our seats.
The show was having technical difficulties and was really much more violent and louder than I remember, I was glad the kids had headphones on.
We waited around until the crowd dispersed and chatted with Plaid Chris until Jack Jack announced he wanted to go "Ni-nights"
