Tequila, Dole Whips & Tonga Toast: Celebrating 50 years! Read all about it!

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

WELCOME!

So glad you're joining me on my first trip report! You'll laugh, be appalled, think awww, isn't that nice & maybe even learn a few tips how a recovering commado tours & drives her family nuts but I do hope you ENJOY a week packed with fun & celebrations!

Proper introductions follow, but first, I'm so excited to have learned about 2 weeks after starting this report how to insert links! So please read along in order or click on one of the following links to fast forward to what sounds like "must read" posting to you!

Oh yeah, pictures ARE included - they're big pictures (one day I'll learn to make them smaller) but this is another first for me!

Pretrip & flying to MCO, keep on reading post #1
A Smooth Check in at ASMusic, scroll down to Post #3
Where's the Tequila Bar? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37807673
MK rope drop Taming 3 Mountains http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37815926
So how hard is it to find POTC? A little family drama http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37816280
A special 14th birthday http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37831449
Dad comes through BIG! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37848630
DHS: The Solo Tour http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37849287
It's TOO early for this Thanks for reminding me, DH! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37880277&postcount=36
Poor Goofy one more repressed memory http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37889346&postcount=43
An uneventful birthday http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37894260
The day improves http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37894606
DOLE WHIPS The beginning of overplanning? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37941749
The mountain that whipped my DH http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37942498
Drop the rope already! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37967328
The "meat" of the Luau http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37968216
Mutiny on the 7 Seas http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38034344
The night improves Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38034455
How to exhaust yourself A test of endurance: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38087949
Jammin Jungle Day Tape up your feet http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38108666
BUGS & a show (& we're not talking Bugs Bunny) http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38182550
A bumpy ride & a gorilla or two.... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38192707
This is Dynamite! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38210295
More Dynamite: Who makes my day? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38211231
Dinner & A Movie: Is it possible to relax at WDW? http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38240987
The Quest for TONGA TOAST http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38254181
Here We GO! Keeping ahead of the storm http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38289801
Double 4-somes http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38313277
A proper 50th Birthday celebration & the second Double 4-some http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38362068
Creeps & Kinks WOW & Right On! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38403199
con't: WOW & Right ON! Main St. Electrical Parade http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38403376
Who's coming to lunch? & I hope it's good afte the morning I've had! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38445475
"THE" Anniversary Dinner Pre-dinner - Part 1 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38459175
"THE" Anniversary Dinner Le Cellier - Part 2 http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38459535
The finish line A wet & productive morning www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38604814
A Golfing we will Go! and then sigh Home! http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38610582




Introductions, Pretrip & arriving at MCO

So glad you're reading along! Although I've been to WDW several times, as I mentioned, this is my first ever trip report! I'm so excited to share our most amazing week at WDW as we celebrated my 50th birthday DS's 14th birthday and DH's & I's 18th wedding anniversary Yep, they all happen in the same week of August & we wanted to celebrate big! Is there any better place than WDW to do just that

After months of obsessing, reading the DISboards I couldn't wait for August 3 to arrive. Having always booked everything a la carte, this was our first time booking a package since I FINALLY got a pin for free quick service dining! I was tickled about 2 things with booking a package: First, they allowed me to upgrade to DDP for a nominal fee & second, although you have to pay in full 45 days before your trip, it's great to know on the day you leave for your trip it's all paid for

We booked our air transportation with Disney as well, in fact they were able to save us over $80 had I booked on-line at the time. I like having all my t's crossed & i's dotted so waiting to book a flight later was not an option. I know people do this from reading the transportation board but it would have made me a nervous wreck. I was happy to see that the fare never did drop lower than what I booked through Disney travel. Thanks to this extra savings, I decided to pay extra for our seats in advance & to check 1 bag. Doing that the flight was still less than what I would have paid on-line so I was really pleased about that.

The morning before the big day I went to do on-line check in & there were 3 better seats available. I chose those only to find out that AirTran then credited the fee I had paid for the first 3 seats chosen so I ended up not having to pay for my checked bag Chalk that up to the first sprinkle of pixie dust! We leave our house the next morning about 5:30am, I drop DH & DS off in the front terminal & go park the car and as soon as I have it locked, up pulls a shuttle & I'm back with my guys in no time flat. I'm saying a little prayer of thanks for the smooth sailing so far.

I just learned how to add pictures to the DISboards (so excited, remember I'm turning 50 this month & technology is not my strong point ) Anyway, I thought this picture of DS was neat

Call me weird, I love taking pictures of the clouds when I fly

I've looked at clouds from both sides now

And here we see the city of Orlando

Is it me or do these lakes look like a hidden Mickey?

Tune in for our arrival at MCO. See you real soon!

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Excited to be reading along. Can't wait for more

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Yeah! Glad to have you along for the ride Sweat Pea

A smooth check in at All Stars Music

Speaking of rides, our flight to Orlando was smooth sailing. Had no trouble going through security, there was room in overhead for our carry on, plane left on time & our non-stop flight was about 10 minutes early. I was on how well the morning was going. We are not frequent flyers, DH's first flight was for our honeymoon so he always gets a little nervous when we fly so it's always a great thing when things go smoothly on a flight with DH

Once we landed, we bee lined to ME, was promptly greeted & moved second in the line I barely had time to use the ladies room when we boarded our bus. About 30 teenage girls boarded with us, on their way to ASsports for a competition, I was wondering how loud this ride would be having read on the boards how obnoxious some of the sports competitions were. Well shame on me for being concerned, these young ladies were so well behaved you didn't know they were on the bus

Just the beginning of getting to my happy place

And my all time favorite welcome sign-isn't it a sight for sore eyes?

Once we arrived at ASsports, while waiting for the large group to exit & get their luggage, my cell phone rings. Lo & behold, Garden Grocer is calling to say they just dropped off my groceries at luggage services & here we are, one stop away from our resort, ASMusic Can this morning get any better?

We arrive at ASMusic, our first stay here, and having done on line check in, our room is ready! It's not even 11am & I'm being "showered" with celebrations buttons - 2 birthday pins, 2 anniversary pins & 3 "I'm celebrating" pins. It's going so well dare I ask if we got our requested building, Jazz? The CM asks if we're celebrating anything else (as if we didn't have enough ) and I explain yes, actually we are celebrating that DS made the Jr. High Jazz band, which is why we had requested to be in the Jazz bldg. She smiles & says, "Then you're going to like your room in Jazz Bldg #9!"

Here is the view from our room #9544. We were on the second floor, on the end but "inside" the corridors, around the corner from pop & ice machine - DH liked that, much easier to ice down his beer delivered from Garden Grocer . ANd around the corner from the pop & ice machine was the elevator. It turned out to be a somewhat noisy room with traffic but we didn't care at all. We loved our location.

Now that we've got our room, we settle in, unpack & decide to go swimming. I couldn't believe I forgot to take pic's of the pool until the last day we left, but anyway, here is the themed guitar pool

Before swimming, DS announces he's hungry - the 7am pizza at the airport has worn off so we go to the food court to get him a burger & buy a couple of mugs for hubbie & I. Here is the entrance to the food court at ASMusic

And don't forget the "Singing Spirits" pool bar

This is what I love to look up & see when laying out at the pool

Ahh, I'm lovin' me some pool time

Up Next...Where's that tequilla bar in Mexico?

 

[mandas08]

Wow the room was ready at 11am thats awesome! I hope ours is ready that early

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Wow the room was ready at 11am thats awesome! I hope ours is ready that early

Yes, I couldn't believe it. We were totally prepared to change into our swim suits using the facilities at the pool so it was a pleasant surprise. Our plane had landed before 10am, we were on ME no later than 10:15 & at the resort before 11am. It really was a perfect start to our trip

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Where's that tequila bar in Mexico?

After some R&R at our resort & a dip in the pool, everyone was ready to head out to Epcot. A bus came withing 10 minutes. DS was hoping to ride either Soarin' or TT but I knew it wasn't going to happen as late as we were arriving. The only chance would be for EMH which was that night & it was going to depend on how we felt since we'd been up since 4am

We checked the times board right away & as expected, all the days FP's were gone for both Soarin & TT with long waits. So we got a FP for Mission Space & then headed over to the Seas & rode a clam & visited Nemo & friends. Afterwards we just made it in to a showing of Turtle Talk with Crush although it was crowded & we had to stand to the side. No matter, I find this attraction so enchanting. The interaction Crush has with the audience is amazing! You must see it at least once

Next we headed over to the Imagination pavilion to see Captain EO. I was so excited to see this, having grown up loving Michael Jackson. DS didn't get it at all, thought the electronic touches were lame & basically said dad & I were old farts So DH laughed & reminded him he has to take care of us in our old age For old times sake, we took a ride on Figment's imagination. DS loved this ride when he was 4, I was so glad when they brought Figment back. He wanted to ride for "old times sake" I said he should then understand my love for Michael Jackson Journey into your imagination is cheesy, but I love all the WDW attractions, even the cheesy ones On a hot crowded afternoon, I was glad to have some of these airconditioned attractions to tour

Seeing as we toured those 2 pavilions in a short amount of time, we headed over to the land to torture ourselves not being able to see Soarin. Asked a CM if they would be giving FP's when EMH started, nope. Oh well, we shared our first CS meal on the DDP at the Sunshine Seasons, had salmon & a double portion of rice, shared the diet coke & DS ate the brownie dessert. I was impressed how good the food was having never eaten there. Then we took a ride on Living with the Land. I did take a few pictures here.

Isn't this pretty for a garden - wish mine looked so good!

By now it was time for our Mission Space FP so we headed over there. DH decided to sit this one out, he really doesn't like any of the thrill rides. It used to bother me, well, more like disappoint me since I would love to ride with him but I've tried to raise DS up right & now he rides with me. It works great when we FP an attraction twice since DH won't ride, DS & I get to ride 3 times instead of 2. Anyway, we left DH on a bench to people watch which he likes to do & we rode MS. We were in line with 2 guys & the one was sweating buckets I asked him if it was his first time, yep, how did I guess Not to discount the signs but I do think WDW sikes you out too much for this ride, it's intense but I've yet to see anyone running off it ready to heave ho....although I probably wouldn't ride it on a full stomache Well, it's a great ride & I asked the guys if they're feeling a little dizzy? THe newbie says he feels like he just drank a beer - LOL - I said there's a tequila bar over in Mexico, join us & keep the thrill going!

By now it's time for our ADR in Mexico at San Angel Inn. This kick off trip dinner is to commerate DH & I's anniversary. He picked the restaurant. We arrive & there is no room at the inn, I could see many disappointed people hanging around the podium, asked if they were in line, one lady snipped, "Well, unless you have a reservation they aren't going to seat you." Okay, thanks so much, we do We're told there will be a wait, DS wants to go on the 3 cabinera's boat ride but first....

Where's that tequila bar I read about on the DISboards?

Ah, there it is!

This was a really "cute" little place if you can call a bar cute. Only a few steps away from San Angel, we felt comfortable allowing DS taking his boat ride & promptly coming right back. So while he was off feeling a little independence, DH & I ponied up to the bar for an anniversary drink. I couldn't decide which tequila to choose, so the bartender suggested this:
Notice the 3 part tequila shot at the bar

This was a 3 part shot. First, you took the lime top off, rolled it in the peppery spice on the left & licked it, then you picked up the lime, drank the shot of tequila inside, squeezed the lime for a slurp, then followed up with the salsa tomatoey spicy liquid on the right. Man oh man, that was fun! I highly recommend it if you like tequila! As you can see, DH enjoyed a beer. Me, I like going with the theme

About the time we finished there, our beeper went off, DS was returning from his boat ride & we had a lovely dinner at San Angel, which included both a lime & strawberry margarita! Woo Hoo, I was Cocoa Cocoa Puffs I did try to take a picture inside but it just didn't work out. After dinner, we went outside & watched a portion of Illuminations by the path that goes along the side from Mexico over to future world. DS was chomping at the bit to ride TT so we kissed DH good night who decided to head back to the resort. We waited stand by for TT, was able to ride in about 25 minutes. I wish I could say Soarin was that quick of a wait ANyway, we were running on adrenaline by now so we went ahead & waited about 45 minutes to ride Soarin. By then, we were ready to crash & burn so we meandered out of the park & caught a bus right away & crashed before 1am. All in all, a wonderful first day.

Tomorrow morning, Rope Drop at the Magic Kingdom & taming the 3 mountains

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm in...great so far.

 

[mickeymouseclubhouse]

Great trip report so far! I enjoyed seeing your pics of ASMu! What a great way to start your trip with everything running smoothly!

 

[Dreamin'Stitch]

This is great so far,I'm really enjoying it!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I'm in...great so far.

Glad to have you!

Great trip report so far! I enjoyed seeing your pics of ASMu! What a great way to start your trip with everything running smoothly!

Thank-you Yes, I was really feeling so blessed that our trip started on such a positive note from the time I did on-line check in to arrival at ASMusic

This is great so far,I'm really enjoying it!

I'm so glad you joined! This being my first trip report I was hoping to have some readers Thank-you!

I will be writing about our first day at MK later this afternoon - I promise. Just a teaser, we did have a smidge of conflict that morning but it was all in the family

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Rope Drop at the Magic Kingdom & taming 3 mountains

AFter yesterdays very long & exciting arrival day, I was hoping DS would have enough fuel to make it to Magic Kingdom for rope drop our 1st "official" full day. He assured me as he dropped off to sleep that he would, wake him 20 minutes before I wanted to be at the bus stop. DH said not to let the door hit us in the rear, he was going to sleep in that morning but call him & he'd meet us for lunch. I was really glad we had the privacy curtain in our room so I was able to get up & get ready without waking DH. He doesn't get too many mornings during the week to sleep in & since taming mountains is not his idea of fun, him meeting up with us later would make everyone happy.

So about 7:40 I wake up DS & tell him to put a move on, he grumbles a little he's tired but then I remind him that the WILDEST RIDE IN THE WILDERNESS is waiting, he bolts right up out of bed

I grab my mug & get a cup of that horrible Necafe coffee from the food court on the way out. I kid you not we no sooner walk out to the bus stop & here comes a bus to the Magic Kingdom. THere are guests from ASsports already on board, yet we're able to get a seat

We are through bag check & the turnstyles & it is about 8:30. We are postioned well to stampede...I mean walk in an orderly fashion with the rest of the crowd, carefully calculating to make sure we're not behind any strollers or wheelchairs

No way is DS going to give up his prized spot to get front & center for the opening ceremony. So my pic's of that are from the side, but you can still get the jest of the building excitement

Here you see the cast announcing there's a train on the way

Then you can see more CM's addressing the crowd as the train is pulling into the station

I get tingly just reliving the excitment as you can see Donald Duck riding in the train close to the front

I'm feeling like a child again getting my first look at that famous engineer greeting the crowd good morning

You first see Pluto in the picture, but look to his right & you'll see Mickey!

ANd then the Magic Kingdom is opened & off we walk in an orderly fashion...un huh We follow that rope down Main St. & make a.....a...um...which way DS? Today it's going to be......RIGHT! Yep, over to Tomorrow Land. We FP Space Mtn, get a really quick return time & get in the regular line. S.C.O.R.E. SCORE! By 9:20 we've rode SM, have a FP in hand & we're hightailing over to FrontierLand. I sure do hope my DS appreciates how young at heart his almost 50 yr old mom is

By the time we arrive at Frontierland, BTRRM is about a 10 minute wait. We ride, by the time we finish, we get a second set of FP's for it. Then off to Splash Mtn, my all time Disney classic favorite. Yeah, we're in the back so we won't get drenched! I just love this ride, just puts me in a ZipaDeeDoDaDay kinda happy

We finish up Splash & DS needs a snack. The coveted Mickey ice cream bar About the time we finish, it's now after 10 & we've rode all 3 mountains. This is what I love love love about rope drop And lo & behold, the park must not be buzy because we can now get our 3rd FP shortly so we decide to go back to Splash Mtn to wait it out. Once the window opens up, we now have our THIRD FP so we hang onto to them so we can ride all 3 mtns again later today I'd say we did a good job taming those mountains

Next, How hard is it to find Pirates of the Carribean....a little family drama

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

So how hard is it to find POTC?
A little family drama

The plan, don't you just love the best well thought out plans anyway, the PLAN was to meet DH over at the Columbia Harbour House for lunch sometime around 11:15. Being our first time on DDP & not being big counter service conosuers, I figured like everything else at Disney, if you don't want to be in a line longer than Manhatten Island you need to be where the crowds are not, right

Well, seeing as we were so sucessful with the 3 mountains, we figured we had time to squeeze in pirates of the carribean before lunch. We were right there by SPlash so why not. Now this is a ride DH will ride, so let's call him on the cell phone to see where he's at, maybe he'd like to meet us over there. It's now about 10:45 so he just might be entering the gates about now to meet us in 30 minutes, wouldn't you think

So I call DH, good morning, how are ya, where are ya? Well, he's already postioned over at Columbia House, in fact, he's already rode his all time favorite, Haunted Manshion. PERFECT I say, why don't you walk over to POTC & meet us, by the time I go to the RR you'll be here, it's not too far.

DH: Um, I don't know where POTC is

Me: It's right inside adventureland dear, from where you're at, walk down frontierland, go left about where the country bears are & you'll be beside the magic carpets, go right & wha-la, you're at POTC

DH: That's okay, I'll just sit here & wait for you

Me: You like POTC, why don't you come over & meet us. We'll wait for you, I need to use the RR anyway. DS will be waiting on a bench right across from the entrance.

DH: I can't find adventureland

Me: Sweetie, ask any CM, they will be happy to show you the way. Just head towards those 2 tall mountains, Big THunder & Splash Mtn, the ones you refuse to ride. When they are all the way on your right, either the Bears or Pecos Bills will be on your left. Adventureland is on the other side of them & that's where POTC is.

DH: DW, I don't know where adventureland is. I see the castle.

Me: DH, go AWAY from the castle, towards those 2 mtns. Now you can do this, I've GOT to go to the RR, DS is waiting opposite the entrance. It will take you less than 5 minutes to get here. Do not go back towards to HM or fantasy land or you've gone the wrong way.

So I hang up, DS wants to know if dad is coming. I tell him I don't know but I have to go to the RR.

I return from the RR. DS is still sitting alone.

DS: I called dad, he said he is standing by a carasail. Mom, he went the EXACT OPPOSITE of how you told him to go. He's in fantasyland! I told him he didn't follow directions & he hung up on me. I've called him 10 times.

Now in DH's defense, his cell phone has been acting up but by now I'm feeling a little huffy & puffy about this. So I try to call DH about 4 times, he finally answers on the 4 try.

Me: Where are you?

DH: I'm over at the restraunt. Just go ahead without me.

ME: (now acting like a child) For the love of God dear, how hard is it to ask a CM how to find Pirates of the Carribean & get your butt over here & ride with us. Is that so much to ask?

DH: I told you before to just go ahead. Okay.

And he hangs up

So DS & I ride POTC alone. I'm fuming. I shouldn't be, but I am. ANyway, POTC, a classic, always a great ride LOVE seeing Johnny Depp in the scenery. They did a great job adding him.

By the time we finish riding, it's about 11:10, we head over to Columbia Harbour House to meet DH for lunch. We arrive, no DH to be found. I call his cell phone about 3 times before he answered.

ME: We're at Columbia House, I don't see you. Where are you?

DH: I'm at Pirates of the Carribean



ME: Well, we're waiting for you at the COlumbia House. Hurry up, it's getting close to 11:30.

I tell DS dad just finished riding POTC

DS:

Me:

ANyway, we start talking to a CM at Columbia Harbour House. A wolverine of all things! (He's from Michigan, we being from Ohio we are big rivals). ANyway, he teased us all through our meal & spent a lot of time with us after we were seated. Offered to get us extra napkins, straws, etc. Really went out of his way to be friendly, gave us touring tips, etc. I enjoyed him very much & he and DS & DH spoke college sports so he was definately a splash of pixie dust so we didn't all sit around annoyed with each other at lunch

BTW, Columbia Harbour House lunch was DE-LICIOUS if you haven't tried it. DS got the chicken nuggests, we got the tuna sandwich on multi grain bread & they had low-fat yogurt for dessert. THis was our favorite MK counter service. I highly recommend it. We sat upstairs & could watch the traffic & see the steamboat as we ate. By the time we left, it was about noon & it was CROWDED, CROWDED, CROWDED.

We went to Mickey's Philharmagic, got a POOH FP (relocated there due to the refurbishments), & then enjoyed Mickey's Philharmagic. I ADORE this show. It's so cute

Then we walked out via Tomorrowland & were able to get 3 more FP's for Space Mtn. By now it was about 1pm & we decided to head back to our resort for a swim & a rest. We really had an awesome morning. Plus we had these to use when we returned in the evening Notice, we also got an extra Splash Mtn FP w/DH's tix - JUST in case he'd ride with us later, we can always hope, right?

Lovely as gold aren't they

Next, a special 14th birthday dinner at Chef Mickey's

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here! Now I gotta go back and read all the details.

Lisa

 

[Queenofallthings]

Joining in

When we stayed last August at ASMu we were in room 9744! I agree, traffic around the room was busy, but I did love the location.

Great start and can't wait for more

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I'm here! Now I gotta go back and read all the details.

Lisa

Great - welcome aboard

Joining in

When we stayed last August at ASMu we were in room 9744! I agree, traffic around the room was busy, but I did love the location.

Great start and can't wait for more

It's a small world afterall

How bizarre of all those rooms we were practically in the same one? Now that's what I call a coinsidence. Glad to have you join me

 

[Queenofallthings]

I was mistaken....I went back and looked and WE WERE IN THE SAME ROOM!!!

Our shot from the room

I always take a picture of the room number, cause if I love it I want to remember and request it again.....

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I was mistaken....I went back and looked and WE WERE IN THE SAME ROOM!!!

I always take a picture of the room number, cause if I love it I want to remember and request it again.....

WOW! That is really amazing out of all those rooms we were in the same one. When were you there? Just curious

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

A very special 14th birthday party

After our afternoon swim & down time back at the lovely ASMusic, everyone was ready to head out for our 5:15 dinner at Chef Mickey's.

I've always told DS he was the best birthday present I ever got because he was born the day before my birthday. But now with him being a young teen it is easier for me to appreciate what my girlfriend used to say about her then teenagers - God gives you teenagers so it isn't so hard on you when they are grown & ready to move out Now at the time she told me this, DS was just a mere tot & I couldn't even begin to imagine ever being glad for the day of him going off to college, but now that DS has begun his teens years I'm understanding a little.....

Well anyway, although those extra special days of the preschool & elementary school days have passed, DS is still my baby & always will be but as it is, he doesn't care so much for a bunch of motherly fussing over him anymore. But on today, on our way to Chef Mickey's I could see that he was feeling a little nostalgic about the pending fun to be had with a dinner with Mickey & friends. About the time we walked to our bus stop, sure enough a bus was pulling right up for us to board! After a quick stop over at ASMovies we were off.

About 20 minutes later we exited the bus & walked over to the monorail to catch the first stop at the Contemporary Resort.

Here is the view of Chef Mickey's from the monorail stop

It was about 4:45 so we were about 30 minutes early. The restaurant hadn't opened yet but already a line was forming so DH waited in it while DS & I hung out in comfort on the lobby chairs overlooking the pool area & back side of 7 seas lagoon.

We were seated early & able to begin serving ourselves on the all you can eat buffet. Of course the restaurant had just opened, but everything was fresh & hot. WOW are the cream parmesan mashed potatoes yummy! And the carved beef was very good, I'm really shocked at some of the negative reviews I've read about Chef Mickey's. We adore this place & having usually opted for b-fast, since we were on the DDP we chose to try dinner & I'm glad we did! It was really great.

I would love to post the nice family picture we purchased here getting all wrapped up in the moment but DH & I decided not to post pic's of DS, so instead I'll post some pic's of DH interacting with a few of the characters that made the rounds!

Minnie giving DH a kiss - should I be jealous?

DH will shoot me when he sees this but it's too funny not to post. No, he doesn't have indigestion, he is actually mid-quack in talking to Donald Duck DH has a talent for sounding like Donald, little kids will come over to look at him, curious where Donald Duck is when he starts "quacking" Of course, when Donald heard him he started covering his "bill" and started holding his belly as if laughing for joy

I think it only fair I post a nice picture of DH with Donald

Well as you may imagine, Mickey, Pluto & Goofy were among the cast of characters to come to our table. I just love dining here at Chef Mickey's. The character interaction is amazing & we've never been disappointed. And who can't get excited doing the swirling napkin party song

By the time we about finished & DS had stuffed himself with several amazing oversized chocolate chip cookies, out comes our sweet waitress, a real pro, with a special plate made up just for DS. He was so embarassed over the attention but secretly, I think he loved every minute of it!

Here is the special plate our waitress brought for DS

Stuffed to the gills, we decided it best to walk back to the Magic Kingdom. I enjoy this about the Contemporary Resort, it has its own little walkway over to MK, the only resort on property you can do this. In case you don't recall, we had this to finish up

Walking back through tomorrowland, we picked up 3 FP's for Buzz Lightyear. DS & I rode SM twice, then I sat with DH to people watch while DS used our last FP for SM. He totally enjoyed getting to take a ride on SM on his own & I enjoyed the time with DH, who was starting to get a little grumpy being hot & just waiting around.

DH: Why don't I go over & ride Haunted Mansion?

DH loves that attraction

ME: Because it's on the other side of the park

DH: Well, you could meet me there when you guys are done

ME: We tried meeting earlier, we didn't do so good Besides, DS will be finished soon & then I can annilate you on Buzz Lightyear

DH just shakes his head, but I see a small grin form

ANyway, DS finishes up & we go to Buzz Lightyear. Now DS & I are really competitive on games, DS being the pro on his Mario Kart Wii game, you can't touch him on it, in fact, he won't even play us amatuers anymore preferring the web for better competition. SO when I ask him if he wants to ride with either of us or go solo, he opts to ride solo BUT he wants to ride BEHIND us so he can see my score to make sure I don't fudge my numbers Boy, you think you know a guy....

Well, of course, I annilate both of them (they don't know about the volcano, you HAVE to hit the volcano BULLSEYE for BIG scores. Anyway, I didn't so great, only scored 139,000 something, but still annilated them both. DS was hanging his head in shame, beat by an almost 50 year old

We head out of tomorrowland but DS needs a snack, you're kidding me? After that huge dinner? So a Mickey Ice cream bar it is. He loves those things. About the time he finishes, we're at Winnie the Pooh & ready to use our FP.

We get in the line & it's NOT moving? What the It turned out to be the longest line we were in all evening. GO figure. DH is looking at me like, "why are we here? I want to ride the HM"

But you have to ride Pooh, it's a disney classic! We finally board & enjoy our ride in the 100 acres woods. Those heffalumps & woozles

It's about 8:30 as we reach the haunted mansion. There is a 20 minute wait...hum, the parade starts at 9pm & we need to leave early so we can get up early for our only Hollywood Studios day....tomorrow, I'm thinking maybe we should postpone HM for another day when we go to MK....plus we've got FP's for BTRRM & SplashMtn.

ME: DH, we really want to ride HM with you, but a parade is starting in about 30 minutes which is going to deter your ability to exit the park (I'm feeling really guilty because that's all he wanted to ride tonight & instead, he got Buzz & Winnie )

DH: DW, really? Thanks for telling me, I'd much rather head out & get back to the resort to relax & have a beer

ME: So you're not disappointed we haven't rode HM with you yet?

DH: Do I look upset?

Well, as a matter of fact he really didn't

ME: Do you mind if DS & I stay to ride our last 2 mtns

DH: If it makes you happy, it tickles the pixie dust outta me

& with that, he kissed us both goodbye. Last thing I remember DS telling him, "Dad, Head FOR the castle!"

This is DS & I taking our last spin on Big Thunder Railroad Mtn & Splash Mtn

On the bus home (we beat the fireworks crowd ) DS says, "Mom, I really want to do Toy Story Mania at the Studios tomorrow, but I don't think I can do rope drop. I'm bushed"

Next: Dad comes through in a BIG way!

 

[mickeymouseclubhouse]

Wow! You really know how to work the fastpass system!

Our family really enjoys Chef Mickey's too even though it gets less than stellar reviews for dinner. What a great little birthday surprise for your son

Even though things didn't go as planned for your your DH, he seems like a trooper and a great guy!

 

[Queenofallthings]

WOW! That is really amazing out of all those rooms we were in the same one. When were you there? Just curious

I know....what are the odds? We were there last summer Aug 21 - 30! Hoping to get the same room this summer.....I really did enjoy the locations.