Who Needs Self Control At Disney??? - A Slightly Solo Feb 2016 Trip Report COMPLETED 4/24

[Carathryn]

Day 2 - Part 6: 1900 Park Fare Dinner

After upping my phone battery and a quick outfit change I was ready to go be a guest and Cinderella’s royal ever after dinner. I walked to the bus stop only to find probably about 100 people waiting to get to MK. I saw a bus waiting to go to epcot so I ran and got right on. I sat next to a really friendly family who asked me all about my plans for the night since I was a little dressed up. The previous bus rides I had felt a little sad having no one to talk to to pass the time so it was great to have a good conversation. The family had been gifted free DVC points from a friend to stay in a safari view 2 bedroom at AKL so if any of my friends are reading this and want to gift me with their DVC points, I will gladly accept them.

Once the bus got to Epcot I grabbed a monorail to the TTC. I had some time to burn so I decided to walk from TTC to the poly and then possibly continue walking to the GF since it is such a pretty evening stroll. This turned out to be a great decision because I ran right into the Poly torch lighting by complete accident. I didn’t get any great pictures but it was really cool to watch. If you’re in the area at the right time I highly recommend taking the 10 minutes to see it.

I quickly pulled out my phone so not great pictures, but it was really cool


There was a quick little fire show with a drummer and an announcer before the torch lighting continued​

Stopping to see the torch lighting took some time so I decided to get on a monorail to the GF. I had perfect monorail luck this trip and there was one waiting for me. I ended up arriving at the GF right on time for my 6:10 reservation. Photopass photographers take your picture outside with a castle backdrop. This is kind of an out of place picture opportunity. In several of the pictures I had taken they cut out the castle. I got some nice pictures but it would have been really cool to have the fairy godmother outside helping you arrive at the dinner with some bippity boppity boo magic (take note if anyone of Disney importance is reading this).

Here are my only two pictures that actually got the castle backdrop​

I got taken to my table right away to find that I had just missed all of the characters and would have to wait for them to come back around. Luckily this gave me plenty of time to explore the buffet without having to rush back to my table. I started off with the signature strawberry soup. The soup is served cold. It is like eating a creamy strawberry dressing more than a soup but I enjoyed it. I would have gone back for more but the first time I had a really hard time getting the soup out of the dispenser and managed to spray strawberry soup all over the counter and some napkins and spoons. A cast member saw and came to clean it up as I ran away a little embarrassed. So I avoided trying to get more after that experience.

Strawberry "soup"


My first plate. I may have gone back for more ravioli.
Sorry, no pictures of the buffet, it was too crowded and I didn't want to seem like a creeper taking pictures of people while they are piling their plates with food.​

My absolute favorite thing at the buffet was the butternut squash ravioli. It was so good! I would come back just for that. It was creamy, slightly sweet, with perfectly cooked pasta shells and a really good sauce. If you can’t tell by now, I really enjoyed it.

The rest of the buffet food was pretty average. Nothing stood out as being really gross but nothing else was really good either. I did have a chef walk me through the buffet and point out everything I could eat as a vegetarian so that was nice. All of the food was hot and fresh. I am not a big salad person, probably because when people find out you’re a vegetarian they don’t know what to feed you so they stick lettuce and spinach down your throat, but there was a nice salad station as well as several pre made salads. I believe there was a pear salad and a Mediterranean one that I enjoyed. I wasn’t starving since I had been to Ohanas for breakfast but I was still able to try a good sampling of everything I wanted to as well as try all of the desserts.

I tried a majority of the desserts, just so I could report back to you guys of course
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I liked the soft, pastel colored decor and thought it fit in perfectly with the GF.

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[Carathryn]

(continued)

I finished eating and had to wait about 15 minutes before the first character came around. The characters seemed to be frequently leaving and coming back with Cinderella and Prince Charming dancing everytime they came back.

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When Prince Charming arrived the first time he tried to get several little girls dressed as Cinderella to dance with him and all of them said no. It was hilarious that it took Prince Charming 6 little Cinderella’s turning him down before he got one to dance with him. I also was not too charmed by the prince. He seemed a little young and not quite what I pictured from the movie so we just took a picture and he moved on to the next table.

He reminded me of my 16 year old brother which kind of creeped me out, no offense to Prince Charming since my brother looks a lot older than he is
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Next up was Cindy who asked if I was having a princess night out. She was also not very chatty so we took a picture and she was on her way.

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But I wasn’t here to find a prince or talk to Cinderella. I was here for Lady Tremaine who had recently been cut from MK and her two lovely daughters. First up was the Lady herself. She told me an odd little story about how she plays cribbage with my mom and that my mom appreciates that I chop firewood for her. I wasn’t sure what to say to that so I nodded and laughed. She then commented on my hair and how maybe someday I can get it long enough to wear my hair like hers. The best part was when she saw my ring and was very happy that I found a husband. She asked if he was rich and then insisted I helped her find suitors for her daughters. She pointed to a 5 year old boy and asked if I thought he was too young.

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After we agreed that she would have to keep looking she moved on and up came Drizella.

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Drizella asked if I had any brothers for her to marry. We agreed that my 16 year old brother was a little too young but she said maybe in a few years. She then asked if I had a cat. I tried telling her about my dog and showed her a picture but she insisted that Lucifer was cuter than Riley and that she was going to get 10 castles and put 10 cats in each one so that she has 100 cats and 10 “catsles”. I asked if she was going to be a crazy old cat lady and she was glad I understood her and then took off.
Right behind her was Anastasia.

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As Anastasia was grabbing my hair and complementing my dress Drizella grabbed a rubber duck from a table, filled it with water from a water glass and game and sprayed water on Anastasia. This was a hilarious scene to be a part of. As Drizella ran off to torment a teenage boy into marrying her Anastaisa and I talked about how sisters can be the worst and how right now she liked Cinderella better than Drizella.

These fantastic character interactions were so worth the wait and the price of dinner. The only problem is they Lady Tremaine and the stepsisters are not always guaranteed to be there and I have heard that every now and then Suzy and Perla show up instead. I will return when we bring my teenage brother so he can get fought over by the stepsisters, and for that butternut squash ravioli.

Up Next: A night at the Magic Kingdom

 

[MickeyReeds]

Great update--the sisters are so fun!

 

[Carathryn]

Great update--the sisters are so fun!

They really are great! I wish they were guaranteed to be at dinner every night, they really make it worth the money to watch their hilarious antics.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

I love meeting Gaston! He's such a riot!! It sounds like you were having a great day!!! Would you believe I've NEVER been to the Tangled bathrooms??!! The timing of my needs just never lined up!!

 

[Carathryn]

I love meeting Gaston! He's such a riot!! It sounds like you were having a great day!!! Would you believe I've NEVER been to the Tangled bathrooms??!! The timing of my needs just never lined up!!

WHAT??? NO TANGLED BATHROOM VISITS??? Tangled bathrooms are a must see, you don't even need to use the bathroom to appreciate them!

Gaston is great, I like that I never need to worry about what to say to him to get an entertaining conversation since he always has something to talk about, himself. This really was a fantastic day! That first day in MK is always the best of the trip for me.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

WHAT??? NO TANGLED BATHROOM VISITS??? Tangled bathrooms are a must see, you don't even need to use the bathroom to appreciate them!

Gaston is great, I like that I never need to worry about what to say to him to get an entertaining conversation since he always has something to talk about, himself. This really was a fantastic day! That first day in MK is always the best of the trip for me.

I know, I know......on this list in May ----GO TO TANGLE BATHROOMS!!!!

 

[Carathryn]

Day 2 - Part 7: A Night At The MK

Following my dinner I walked out to the monorail to conclude my night with a couple more hours at the MK. As I was walking in Celebrate the Magic was starting so I got to watch part of it while I walked. I was saving wishes for the next night so I took advantage of the empty lines while people crowded around the hub.

I got one quick photos picture right before CtM started​

I started out the night by walking right in to see Rapunzel with no wait. We talked about watching out for pirates who steal your teeth and sell them to the tooth fairy. Next up was Cinderella. I told her about my dinner with her and her family. She told me that the stepsisters had been working on getting along but it was still very much a work in progress.

Enjoy this super awkward picture of me


Enjoy another awkward picture


Cindy is so pretty!
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Next up was Ariel in her grotto. This one had a 15 minute wait but that was much better than the 50 minute wait I had seen for her earlier in the day. She made a video for one of my swim lesson kiddos who loves Ariel and is working on her “mermaid” kick. She also has long wavy red hair like Ariel and is the most adorable 4 year old ever so I couldn't wait to show her the video of Ariel giving her advice on how to swim like a mermaid.

Ariel was impressed with my thingamabob

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Next I had a fastpass for Splash Mountain but the wait time was posted at 5 minutes so I didn’t bother using it. I walked right on and luckily did not get wet at all. This was the start of my ride photo problem. I got several ride photos for other people and missed out on my own which I was really trying to have entertaining photos.

Can you find me?
Probably not because this is not my picture!


Splash Mountain looked so inviting that night​

The park closed early at 9pm tonight but I was able to squeeze in a ride on POTC at 8:50. After just riding the DL version this one was a little disappointing. For any pirates fan, the DL version is a thousand times better and features a whole extra starting scene and drop. But I still enjoyed my ride. All of the costumes are looking really great on the animatronics. My only complaint is the dog looks awful compared to the new costumes.

Like I get it, the dog is supposed to be scruffy, but come on Disney!​

When I got out the park had just closed. I had good bus timing and was able to get right on. It had been an exciting, exhausting first day and I was ready to get some sleep and start the next day.

Next Up: My first and only planned day at MK

 

[Carathryn]

Day 3 - Part 1: A Magical Morning

Friday, February 26, 2016

I woke up bright and early with the purpose of stopping for some tonga toast before hitting rope drop at the MK. I got to the bus station to find another overfilling line for the MK bus. I decided to just take an Uber to get to the Poly. It took about 10 minutes for my car to arrive. The driver had problems finding me and he did not speak much English. I was standing right outside the All Star Sports lobby at the passenger drop off/pick up so I am not sure where the Uber driver was trying to go but luckily he found me eventually. The whole ride he kept apologizing that he did not speak English and asking me if I speak Spanish. I felt bad, it must be hard to be an Uber driver and not be able to communicate with your passengers, but I also think that is part of the job. He dropped me off at the TTC and told me to get out. I wasn’t about to argue with him since he couldn’t understand me and just got out and walked to the Poly. I got to Capt’n Cooks and placed my order for tonga toast. Tonga toast at this quick service location is only like $7! I think that is a really good deal for a Disney food item. I grabbed my tonga toast to go and hopped the monorail to MK, eating my tonga toast a I went. I got several jealous looks and comments regarding my delicious breakfast.

My delicious fried french toast sourdough bread stuffed with bananas and topped with cinnamon sugar​

I arrived at MK about 10 minutes after Magic Morning hour had started. I decided to cross an item off the Disney bucket list and waited 15 minutes to meet Talking Mickey for the first time. Mickey was fantastic. I was really impressed with how his facial features move and how well he is able to talk to guests. He asked if I would help him practice a magic trick. I of course said yes and picked a card. He then tried guessing what card I chose and after failing a couple times he switched our cards and help up my card, asking if that was the one I chose. It was funny and I was laughing the whole time. The character attendant told Mickey he needed a bit more practice.

Mickey approved of my Minnie t-shirt




Our magic practice
Has anyone done any other magic tricks with Mickey?

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After stepping out of town square I saw that Minnie was out meeting. The line was a bit long but I had my Minnie attire on and really wanted to meet her in her classic look. I waited about 25 minutes before it was my turn.

The never-ending line of people behind me


Minnie coming back from her break
Right before she was attacked by two children who were old enough that they should have known better and whose parents encouraged them to go hug Minnie.
Once the character attendant told the boys to leave Minnie alone (In nicer terms than that) the kids went to attack poor Pluto


Minnie was excited about my Minnie gear


I love meeting Minnie in her classic, cute red and white polka dot dress.
I'm a little sad that I crossed my arm over the Minnie on my t-shirt but oh well
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Up Next: Main Street Photoshoot

 

[Carathryn]

Day 2 - Part 2: Mainstreet Photoshoot

Following my Minnie meet I walked up main street. It was a beautiful morning and I stopped for some main street photos and got a great photo shoot. I also got to see some main street entertainment.

Nice work cropping out the crane photopass photographer!
I also love how no one is next to me and then there is a wall of people behind me




Not sure what is going on here but I was definitely excited to be at MK


I got like 5 tink pictures in my two days at MK
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I made my way towards the castle and stopped for some more pictures before heading to BTMR. If you have had enough with photos pictures of me feel free to skip these ones.

I love this picture with the partners statue, and the castle, oh and the construction workers!​

Splash Mountain looked very inviting again this morning but I decided to pass and continued on toward BTMR​

I haven’t been on BTMR in several trips. It took about 20 minutes to get on but I got lucky and got to ride in the front of the train. After my wild ride I headed back towards the castle to knock off another character bucket list meet. On the way I stopped for a photo with a lonely photos photographer. He was on crane picture duty for the day. So instead of taking a photo with the crane he just cropped out the castle and crane and gave a picture with Olaf instead.

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Merida has about a 20 minute wait so I got in line. The family in front of me had three girls who were not so patiently waiting to meet Merida. The youngest, who was probably around 6 kept stepping on my foot, staring at me, and then she would step on my foot again. It was not a fun wait but finally I was meeting Merida. We talked about curly hair and how Merida loves to swim in the creek with her brothers but afterwards her hair is a mopping mess. She then told me good luck on my adventures and to make sure I don't get turned into a bear.

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I stopped to look at my photopass pictures for the meet and found that I also had the photos from the lovely family in front of me. So now I get to remember the face of the princess who repeatedly stepped on my foot, forever, lucky me!

Up Next: Fantasyland Fun and Tangled Bathrooms!

 

[Carathryn]

Day 2 - Part 3: Fantasyland Fun and Tangled Bathroom

Following the meet I had a fp to use on SDMT. This was my second time riding it and first time in the daylight. It reaffirmed my feelings that it is a fun, cute ride but it is way too short to ever wait more than 20 minutes for. The posted wait time was already up to 55 minutes but with my fp I got on in 5.

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Next I decided it was about time I took a journey under the sea. I waited 10 minutes for my clam shell. Even after repeatedly riding this ride in DCA last month, I still very much enjoyed it. Yes, I am that person singing and dancing the whole time.

Following my time under the sea I made my way to the Tangled bathrooms. Here are some more pictures for those of you who haven't had the chance to experience them.

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I also stopped by the Rapunzel's tower photo area.

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Next up was my next fp for Peter Pan’s Flight. I waited less than five minutes which was great. I have yet to experience the updated interactive queue so I am adding that to the list for next trip. Much like SDMT, I enjoy this ride but would not wait more than 20 minutes for it.

I love how bright and colorful the ships are looking
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While I was over there I looked on the app and saw that Peter Pan would be meeting soon. He has a really popular meet and greet which I had never done before so I figured I would cross yet another character off the list. Peter Pan was coming out in 25 minutes so I got in the line with only a couple groups ahead of me. This was a fun meet. Peter has soooo much enjoy and was jumping from group to group and talking the whole time. He asked me about my travels for the day and if I had run into any pirates. He grabbed my bag and asked me what I had in my satchel and talked about how he always carries pixie dust with him. We then posed for a picture and I was off.

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Up Next: Be Our Guest Take Two

 

[Magnolia85]

Loving your pics!!

 

[LindseyJo22]

This looks like so much fun! Your MK pictures are great, and I love the ones with Mickey

I stopped to look at my photopass pictures for the meet and found that I also had the photos from the lovely family in front of me. So now I get to remember the face of the princess who repeatedly stepped on my foot, forever, lucky me!

I've had this happen, but I've also gotten my pictures in addition to other people's. I've heard that if you know around when you rode an attraction you can go somewhere (maybe Guest Services?) and they can manually look it up and add it to your account. Might be a pain, but if you want the pictures it could be an option!

Following the meet I had a fp to use on SDMT. This was my second time riding it and first time in the daylight. It reaffirmed my feelings that it is a fun, cute ride but it is way too short to ever wait more than 20 minutes for. The posted wait time was already up to 55 minutes but with my fp I got on in 5.

I love this ride, but I refuse to wait over an hour for basically anything with FP+. But I am also lucky that we get to go to Disney relatively often at the moment, so I don't usually feel like I have to ride absolutely everything.

Yes, I am that person singing and dancing the whole time.

Me too! I love this ride!

Much like SDMT, I enjoy this ride but would not wait more than 20 minutes for it.

Yep! We actually went through the new queue one morning during EMH because the line was super short. Now I didn't really get to see much because everyone was basically just walking through quickly to get to the loading area, but I liked what I did see! There's a part where Tinkerbell sprinkles pixie dust on you as you go through one of the doorways that I particularly liked!

 

[Carathryn]

Loving your pics!!

Thanks! Since my park days were solo and I wanted to take advantage of photopass I have a ton of pictures of myself so I am trying hard to incorporate some more pictures other than just my face. But I got so many great photopass pictures that it has been hard to narrow them down.

This looks like so much fun! Your MK pictures are great, and I love the ones with Mickey

Thanks! I am really glad I finally took the time to meet the one and only talking Mickey!

I've had this happen, but I've also gotten my pictures in addition to other people's. I've heard that if you know around when you rode an attraction you can go somewhere (maybe Guest Services?) and they can manually look it up and add it to your account. Might be a pain, but if you want the pictures it could be an option!

I might have to look into this for my next trip. At the time I don't think I would have taken the trouble to go and hunt them down but it is nice to know that they are retreivable.

I love this ride, but I refuse to wait over an hour for basically anything with FP+. But I am also lucky that we get to go to Disney relatively often at the moment, so I don't usually feel like I have to ride absolutely everything.

I am the same! I have been so blessed with so many Disney trips these last couple years, it makes it a lot more enjoyable when you don't have the need to wait forever to squeeze in every single attraction.

Me too! I love this ride!

YES! I feel like this ride is slightly under appreciated. Sure, it's not a crazy cool new technologically advanced ride but it is so fun and colorful and fits in all of the great Little Mermaid songs.

Yep! We actually went through the new queue one morning during EMH because the line was super short. Now I didn't really get to see much because everyone was basically just walking through quickly to get to the loading area, but I liked what I did see! There's a part where Tinkerbell sprinkles pixie dust on you as you go through one of the doorways that I particularly liked!

The actual queue is definitely on the list of things to do on my next trip. I'm glad the people who are willing to wait for it get a better waiting experience.

 

[ariane37]

Jumping in here! All your character meets so far sound awesome, especially Snow White! None of us have met talking Mickey yet; my boys don't
have any interest but I may have to gently convince them before our next trip lol.

we all know there is only one bathroom you go to in MK, the tangled ones!

The Tangled bathroom is by far my favorite in any of the parks I do wish they did more with the movie than a restroom but I'll take it. I even commented to DH at some point on one of our last 2 trips, "I haven't used the Tangled bathroom yet today!"

This turned out to be a great decision because I ran right into the Poly torch lighting by complete accident

We totally missed this while we were at the Poly in January, I bet it would've been cool to see.

I also was not too charmed by the prince. He seemed a little young and not quite what I pictured from the movie so we just took a picture and he moved on to the next table.

Ummm. yeah. He looks younger than my almost 14yo son.......quite awkward!!!!

I really love all your Main St. pictures in your Minnie shirt, too. Look forward to reading more

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Awesome updates!!! I think you put the Tangled bathroom pics in there since I've admitted I've never stopped there, huh? Well, your pictures are wonderful! I love how many characters you are meeting --- so much fun!!! I would have said something to the little foot-stepper's parents!! I will not put up with that crap, especially with the arthritis in my toe!!!! I can't wait to read more!!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Enjoying your TR report! Sounds like a perfect first day- 2 character meals plus MK time! Day 2 is sounding so much fun too! I love your outfit and you got so many nice PP pictures

 

[Carathryn]

Jumping in here! All your character meets so far sound awesome, especially Snow White! None of us have met talking Mickey yet; my boys don't
have any interest but I may have to gently convince them before our next trip lol.

I was a little hesitant to meet talking mickey, I thought he would be a bit creepy, but it was SO COOL to see him talk and get more interaction with the guests!

The Tangled bathroom is by far my favorite in any of the parks I do wish they did more with the movie than a restroom but I'll take it. I even commented to DH at some point on one of our last 2 trips, "I haven't used the Tangled bathroom yet today!"

I will admit to going out of my way just to use the Tangled bathrooms. They make me happy.

We totally missed this while we were at the Poly in January, I bet it would've been cool to see.

I highly recommend it! I wish I had planned more and gotten to see the entire show, maybe next time!

Ummm. yeah. He looks younger than my almost 14yo son.......quite awkward!!!!

THANK YOU! I don't want to completely bash on the poor CM who is friends with the prince but really Disney? He does not fit the character well at all and looked really awkward dancing with Cinderella, who looked at least 4 years older than him.

I really love all your Main St. pictures in your Minnie shirt, too. Look forward to reading more

Thanks!

Awesome updates!!! I think you put the Tangled bathroom pics in there since I've admitted I've never stopped there, huh? Well, your pictures are wonderful! I love how many characters you are meeting --- so much fun!!! I would have said something to the little foot-stepper's parents!! I will not put up with that crap, especially with the arthritis in my toe!!!! I can't wait to read more!!!

I just thought I would add some more inspiration to get you to visit the Tangled bathrooms on your next visit!
Unfortunately the little foot-stepper's family did not speak English, or at least they pretended not to. The parents were letting their children go crazy in the line so I don't think they really cared. Looking back I wish I had tried to do more to stop it but I was in a happy MK daze at the time.

Enjoying your TR report! Sounds like a perfect first day- 2 character meals plus MK time! Day 2 is sounding so much fun too! I love your outfit and you got so many nice PP pictures

Thanks for reading along! I had such a magical time at the MK both days! I don't think there is such a thing as a bad day at Disney but both of those days were memorable with lots of first time experiences and getting to take everything at my own pace.

 

[Carathryn]

Day 2 - Part 4: Be Our Guest Take Two

I had some time before my lunch reservation and waits were starting to get long.

People wait 80 minutes for PPF on a friday in February???
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I walked over to Gaston’s and happened to run right into Gaston in Belle’s gift shop. He was not happy about the Beast stuffed animals and decided to return them from the display to the merch cast member. He stomped around and threw a notebook with the Beast’s face on it on the ground. It was so fun to watch such a spontaneous Gaston. I stalked him as he stormed over to BOG and harassed the people standing in line waiting to get in the castle to order. Apparently Gaston is not a fan of the grey stuff. This unexpected entertainment reminded me that there is still magic to be had around fantasyland despite the crowds and cuts.

Since I was by BOG and there was a lonesome photopass photographer I stopped for a picture. While she was snapping a picture of me some rude guest interrupted her and was outraged that an adult was let into the park wearing a costume and asked why they bend the rules for some guy to dress up like Gaston in the parks. The photographer in true CM fashion, calmly explained that an actor was not running around the parks but a local business owner was causing some problems because the girl he loved wouldn’t marry him. I was cracking up and the angry customer stormed off.

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After that entertaining encounter it was time for my second BOG lunch reservation. I had once again pre ordered and got to skip the 30 minute line of people and go right in to find my table.

The line was even longer than this. Pre order people, unless you enjoy waiting in long lines!
Once again, you can preorder right before you check in so these people as long as they have a smart phone.​

I ended up with a perfect table in the ballroom right next to the windows with the snow falling outside. My French onion soup and master’s cupcake were once again delicious. I love how generous they are with the cheese serving on the French onion soup which was very hot and fresh.


As I was eating a little girl dressed as Belle was spinning around next to me and kept waving to me. Eventually she came up and said hi. She was the most adorable little Belle ever and I had seen her an hour ago being escorted into Gaston’s tavern by the big man himself. She seemed to be having the time of her life. I asked her if she was enjoying dancing in her ballroom and if she could tell me where her library is and she whispered in my ear that she was not really Belle. It was the highlight of my already amazing lunch. It was nice having a family to chat with.

Here are some more BOG pictures.

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The only room I didn't sit in this trip was the Rose room. I think this room is underrated. If I had one more meal at BOG I would have ate here.

I love all of the pictures on the wall and the lighting.


And the music box in the middle is beautiful
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And that concludes my BOG lunch!

Up Next: Finally on to Tomorrowland!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a great time all around at BOG! The little girl sounds so cute