Princess Mindy's Mucho Fabuloso trip report! w/pics!!

[Tiggerrn2]

Hi Mindy,
Made it over here to check out your TR. Great so far!! Was hoping to find out how tea was. Drat!!! Hurry back!!!

 

[Princess Mindy]

Hi Mindy,
Made it over here to check out your TR. Great so far!! Was hoping to find out how tea was. Drat!!! Hurry back!!!

All right I'm back for another installment of..Thoroughly Modern Mindy!
Or not..

The valet beckons to a beautiful white towncar and holds the door open for us to hop in. Now this is STYLE! I am loving this one. I was expecting just your average yellow cab, but looking around I now noticed that they were nowhere to be seen. Not that I mind driving to the GF in a beautiful white towncar with all leather interior. Not one bit!

Mom still has no idea where we're going. I blissfully keep her in the dark the entire way there. Its so much fun. When we made that turn into the elegant driveway of the Grand Floridian, I see her smile get so big. She still didn't know about the tea. The security guard asks us what we're going to be doing there, and I just said we were not there to stay the night. You are NOT spoiling my surprise mr security guard man!

We enter the luxurious lobby and head toward the back, where tea is being served. I bounce up to the hostess stand and say "Two for tea please". Mom gives me a hug around this point. She has finally realized our destination. She is
Here it is!

We are seated not by the window which I would have liked, but at a nice table for 2. Everything is so beautiful and elegant, at first I didn't want to touch anything. I felt like everything was so much more elegant than I was. After staring at the menu awhile, I decided to go for the Prince Edwards tea. Mom went for her own pot of tea and a scone, and we were going to split the rest.

I am very sorry to say that our server was not great. she really didn't seem to care we were there, and it kinda made me feel like she didn't care because we obviously weren't as elegant as say the table next to us. Not a good feeling to have, but we still made the most of it.

So I get the Garden View blend tea (we just had to guess what they were like-no offer to describe or suggest passed our server's lips, as the table down the way was being explained everything in detail), and mom has some kind of fruit tea. There are about 20 teas to choose from, so I'm sure you'll find something that strikes your fancy.

First comes the tea. We get our beautiful china teapot and cups, and she pours the first cup and places a velvet warmer onto the teapot.
Mom's scone comes out next, and some tea sandwiches for me.
The tea sandwiches were okay, nothing all that special. There was a chicken salad, a vegetarian one, another I can't remember-I think shrip, and an onion tart (my least favorite). No crusts, and they were cut into perfect little triangles. So dainty.
After the sandwiches ( and a fair bit of waiting-but we have tea) I get my scone, which was wonderful,and the devonshire creme can't be beat. It was scrumtious. It was accompanied by a strawberry jam tart which was also very good.
The scones (sorry ate the jam tart)

We cool our heels for a bit and drink our tea (which was never poured for us again and that handle was HOT!) while we listen to the table beside us ordering dessert. They order strawberries and creme. That sounds wonderful. The server took our order right after theirs, but immediately served them and made us wait around 5-10 minutes until after she came from the back. Not sure what she was doing back there, but the bowls and strawberries and creme were all behind us on a tray waiting to be served. Wouldn't you just serve both your tables at the same time?

Heres one pic of the yummy strawberries and creme, which was amazing and huge. So glad we split.

all in all it was a decent experience. They didn't remember my birthday even though I had that on the reservation. The service was likewarm at best, but the food and tea was good, and the china was beautiful. I may still do it again, but keep my fingers crossed for a more attentive server.

So afterwards we strolled the magnificent lobby and did a little shopping before we boarded the monorail for another MK adventure!

Greetings from the GF!

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Minty!

Thanks for posting the info about the tea. Sorry you didn't get a better server. I love that tea. I didn't get the strawberries last time, but I was jealous when I saw other people get them. They look soooo good! Next time, for sure!

Love the pics!

 

[paigevz]

Great report Mindy! I HATE being disappointed in an experience just due to server attentiveness. I love your pics!

 

[thmar]

Anxiously waiting for the rest of your TR. It definately sounded like you loved the Swan...glad to hear it. I just love afternoon tea...so far, my favorite is at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider on Oahu. (I see the Swan is also a Starwood hotel ) I WILL have to try the afternoon tea at the GF. PLEASE...keep it coming!!

 

[Princess Mindy]

I know its been awhile, but I'llattempt to finish day 3 for my few but loyal readers

We're a short monorail ride away from the magic, so we glide over there for a little shopping and then a royal treat! And who was waiting to greet us but the main mouse himself!

after a hug and a smile, we head in and do a little shopping before ambling over to the castle for our noshfest continuation. The castle was very lovely this evening, it was kind of an odd mix of eerie overcast and pretty colors

We get to the castle and are royally greeted by the very friendly host staff. The doors are opened upon the royal presence hall and we are immediately next in line to take our pictures with Cinderella. She was as sweet as ever and we shared fashion secrets with each other while admiring each others' outfits (my "gown" as she called it-frankly I think shes got me beat on fashion sense). After a brief wait we head up the curvy staircase to the dining room. It is absolutely beautiful. Chandeliers and stained glass and other touches to really make you feel like the royalty you are. we get a window seat overlooking the carousel-in my opinion one of the best seats in the house.

Our server is very nice and very attentive-always calling us "my lady". I LOVE that-if only I can get DBF into calling me that at home..oh well I'll keep trying. We both have salads and pretzel bread to start with-very excellent-and our drinks are served in blue goblets. I order the lamb at our servers suggestion (he said it was the best thing on the menu) and mom had the prime rib which looked very good. My lamb was very very good and I am glad I took our server's suggestion. It had mashed potatoes on the bottom which was a perfect balance to the suculent lamb.
The lamb:

and the Prime Rib:

For dessert mom had the blueberry buckle and I had the chocolate mousse cake. (sorry no pics-I ate it too fast-it was GOOD!) I was also presented with a birthday chocolate cake mound with icing and sprinkles which was very good-but at that point I was so immensly full I couldn't finish it! The show with the fairy godmother was cute but kind of lame. The godmother does not pose for pictures, but did a speech about following your dreams and acknolwledged everyones birthdays (at this point our servers presented us the cupcake with a candle to blow out), Then we all sung Bibbidi Bobbiti Boo. Suzy and Perla interacted with the crowd quite a bit and were very friendly little mice

All in all it was a wonderful time and although the Cinderella pics didn't look the best (it was my faces' fault, not the cameramans'. I was recovering from sunburn city) I though it was a nice experience and one I wouldn't mind doing again. The food was very good and the service was excellent. To me that was worth it to feel like a princess!

We rode some fantasyland rides after dinner-including Philharmagic which is the best thing I've seen in a long time. We head back to the resort after seeing Spectro again-front row seats right where it started- just too cool-some characters waved at me what a way to feel special!

When we got back to the resort I was all set upon going to jellyrolls for some fun-but then I got the worst stomachache which lasted most of the night so we didn't go. I don't know why-maybe too much rich food. We never did make it to jellyrolls. Oh well, next trip maybe. I went to bed early, my 25th birthday looming ahead and of course another magical day in the Magic Kingdom!!

 

[thmar]

Mindy...the castle dining sounds wonderful...it does sound like you got the "best seat in the house". What type of transportation do you use to return to the Swan after being at MK?

 

[thmar]

Oh...I also love the picture of you and your mom with Mickey

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Minty, Keep the great, detailed TR coming! Great pics! Love the one of you and your mom, and the Mouse!

 

[puglove]

I love your TR!!!! Usually I just quickly skim them but yours really had me engrossed. Sounds like you had a GREAT time, and you've inspired me to try going to Disney in style someday instead of commando, lol! Keep it coming!

 

[Princess Mindy]

Mindy...the castle dining sounds wonderful...it does sound like you got the "best seat in the house". What type of transportation do you use to return to the Swan after being at MK?

I take the bus. The Swan and Dolphin have a Disney bus that takes us to the resort. I can;t remember if that one had the Yacht club/Beach Club and Boardwalk on it or not. If it did, Swan was first stop

 

[Princess Mindy]

I love your TR!!!! Usually I just quickly skim them but yours really had me engrossed. Sounds like you had a GREAT time, and you've inspired me to try going to Disney in style someday instead of commando, lol! Keep it coming!

thank you so much for those kind words-I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy further installations of my TR! Day 4 includes a Magical day at the MK and dinner at Ohana! So stay tuned!

 

[SamIAm21]

Staying tuned Mindy. I think there are a lot more people reading this than you might think!

I'm so glad you and your Mom had a great time. And quit saying negative things about yourself. You look GREAT!!!!!

 

[thmar]

I take the bus. The Swan and Dolphin have a Disney bus that takes us to the resort. I can;t remember if that one had the Yacht club/Beach Club and Boardwalk on it or not. If it did, Swan was first stop

Thanks for the info

 

[Princess Mindy]

quick bump-pics added!

 

[3NJDisneyDivas]

Great trip report. I am so glad you included the dining with your report.
I can't wait to hear more.

Lisa

 

[thmar]

That prime rib looks wonderful...I like my prime rib rare...it's making me hungry

 

[Princess Mindy]

Its Day 4 and a very special day for me. Today I turn 25. A quarter century old. I am OLD now. I've crossed into another age bracket. I become a low risk driver. I'm halfway to getting an AARP card...
I roll out of my heavenly bed reluctantly. At least my tummy has shut up long enough for me to have a good nights rest. Who couldn't in those beds? Oh I wish I had smuggled them into my suitcase!

I have decided that today I want to be where the magic is-for the whole day. This is afterall the reason I've come to Disney during the blisteringly hot early September. I want to party with the mouse with my castle in the backdrop!

So we board the bus which is conveniently awaiting our arrival at the bus stop Such good fortune and not a cloud in sight! Its going to be a beautiful day

We arrive just in time for the opening ceremony at the train station up above. I teared up when they were singing me a welcome to my happy place. I don't know why-I just get a little emotional sometimes. Sporting my birthday button I head out into the parks. I run into some cool chataracters along the way. They were all super wonderful. Stitch was super excited when he saw my Stitch pin. He was a mischevious little guy though! Thankfully there was no spitting involved. Alice was precotious as ever. We had a chat about how it was my birthday and it was her unbirthday and how we shall have a very merry one indeed!

This ones for my Mad Chatter sistas!

I then skipped over into toontown and followed Minnie and Pluto on a tour of Minnie's house. The pots and pans came alive as she "made popcorn". Then a short trip through the tulips and around the gazebo and were were at the character tent, where some awesome characters were waiting to say hello! I had to say hello back. Pluto was especially great

A quick trip on the railroad and a wave hello to the hundreds of folks pouring into the park and I was in Frontierland! Splash was a blast and mercifully I did not get wet. I then wandered over to Pirates where the Pirate tutorial was about to start. I got a front row seat for my meeting with the wonderfully gorgeous captain Jack! He was very good I must say. He had the walk, he talked the talk, and I was hanging on his every shake of the hips..I mean..word The Pirate show was great. I didn't become an honoray Pirate, but watching was enough for me. It was a million laughs! Afterwards I hopped on Pirates..the RIDE..get your minds out of the gutter! which had no wait at all! The Jack Sparrow additions are incredible. Its almost like he is really there. Its very lifelike. I wish I could have taken pictures for you. All in all I like the rehab of Pirates. I think it provides a fresh loook without comprimising the historical integrity of the ride.

Then it was lunchtime. Columbia Harbor House. I got chicken and mom got fish and we split. Not too bad. Beats the alternative of burgers and fries, which I wasn't too keen on at that point. And the place is airconditioned which was a welcome break from the increasing scorchiness outside. Tip: go upstairs when you eat there. It was practically empty and we got a nice window seat overlooking Fantasyland.

After a quick ride of haunted mansion (i forgot to look for the ring AGAIN! Grr!) and a repose in the Hall of Presidents, we chilled out, shopped and rode all the Fantasyland rides we hadn't gotten to in other days. The Dream Parade came and we secured fabulous seats on the rocking chairs in front of the store in Frontierland. Very nice. We grabbed some Dole Whips (OMG-can we say YUM!) and had a grand time watching the parade, which I think is better than the last one with the globes. I had an obscured view so I didn't take pics, but it was a good time and I wasn't about to move from my comfy seat.

OH I almost forgot! Remember I was wearing my birthday button? Well in Tomorrowland we were hanging out and mom was buying a light saber keychain, a CM came by and asked me if I'd gotten to ride all the TL rides. I was heading for Stitch which was my last one, so I said that. He asked me then if there was any I'd like to go on again. I said I wouldn't mind going on Space again. So what does he do but present me and my mom with 2 front of the line fastpasses for Space! With a yip of glee we rushed over to space and had a good ol time with no wait. What a great way to close my last day at the MK.

Well its almost 6 and time to hop the monorail for dinner. My birthday choice is Ohana at the Poly! I have never been to the Poly before let alone the restaurant, so I was in for a treat!

pics and Ohana review coming up!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Great report Mindy. I love all your pictures.

 

[schmoopypoo]

Lovin your TR so far. Can't wait to read the rest. That is so sweet that you get to enjoy the magic with your mother. I can't wait to take mine someday, but she just hates heat LOL Oh yeah, and happy belated birthday too