After a very quick visit to the Magic Kingdom, we went back to our hotel (didn't get lost this time, go Team Smith!!) changed and went down to check in for our dinner at 1900 Park Fare. At first Zoey wanted to wear her Cinderella costume, and I told her that I didn't think very many kids would be in Princess costumes, and that I thought the step sisters would joke around with her if she had her Cinderella Dress on. Zoey was going back and forth over whether she wanted them to talk to her, so I wanted her to be prepared. After much thought, she wore a blue dress, reasoning that it was "Blue like Cinderella, but not her dress, so they won't talk to me, but Cinderella will get it." Gotta love 5 year old logic!! I had read a lot about this dining experience, from the food was the best buffet ever, to it was the worst ever so I had no expectations on the food at all. We were all tired from our trip and I really just wanted to survive dinner without any meltdowns, from Zoey or from me!
We went to check in and were the first ones there. This is when I discovered that I left the mini m&m tubes that i filled with quarters and pennies at home. Whoops!! Luckily, we had enough change between the two of us for Zoey to start squishing some pennies. After she did that, we checked in and they asked if we wanted to take a family photo, which we did. Then they asked if Zoey wanted to open the restaurant. The manager told her what she would have to do, and after saying yes, she realized she'd have to do it in front of other people, so she changed her mind. No big deal for me or JP, Zoey tends to get very shy when she's overwhelmed and I wasn't going to push her into doing it. Another family with 2 girls who were going to the
MNSSHP party and were dressed in costume opened the restaurant, and were seated first. We were next, and we got seated at the table that the characters go to first. Everyone made a big deal of how great this was--and JPs first comment was "Does this mean we can't eat right away?"
About this time, Zoey is starting to get REALLY fidgety and nervous. I ask her what's wrong and she starts to cry and say she doesn't want to meet the stepsisters or Lady Tremaine. I felt SO bad for her, you could tell she was really scared. Part of me wanted to just leave and eat someplace else, but I knew that really wasn't the answer. So, we talked it over, and I pointed out a few babies that were there and how they didn't seem nervous. Then I pointed out little girls wearing their Cinderella costumes, and how they were probably going to be talked to more because of their dresses. Zoey was a little more calm, but still on the verge of a breakdown, so I did what any Mom does in those situations--I bribed her! She wanted to go swimming so badly, so i told her if she got through dinner with no tears, a little night swimming would be the reward.
So, off we go to the buffet, where she loads up on pizza, mac and cheese, and pasta. I throw a bunch of random different food on my plate and get back to the table just as they announce Cinderella. JP and I were so thankful she was the first one out. She stopped by the table, chatted briefly, took a picture and was on her way. I have to say, if she was at our table for more than 30 seconds, I'd be shocked. It was so quick, and when reading other people's reviews you read about how they thought the interactions were fast. I have to agree--it was super quick. It didn't really matter what I thought though, this meal was for Zoey, and she didn't seem to think it was fast at all.
We kept eating, all the time Zoey kept eyeing the door and then they announced Lady Tremaine. She came over to the table, snatched Zoey's autograph book off the table, and as she was singing it, asked Zoey if she should sign her book. It was priceless. Zoey LOVED her and ended up chatting with her for a while-a nice surprise from meeting Cinderella. When Zoey stood to take her picture with Lady Tremaine, she commented on Zoeys blue shoes, which Zoey informed her she got at Target. It was priceless to watch the actor playing Lady Tremaine try to not crack a smile at Zoey's response.
When Lady Tremaine left, Zoey was grinning and laughing, saying she had no idea she was going to be funny. JP and i were beyond relieved!! After that, Anastasia and then Druzilla came out, each commenting on Zoey's shoes as well. When Druzilla visited the table, Zoey was eating just a bowl of the vanilla sauce you are supposed to put on the bread pudding, so she made a big fuss over that, and demanded the waitress we had bring over extra napkins and spoons and asked Zoey why exactly she wanted to eat just the sauce. The step sisters really were very funny with their interactions with all of the tables, they made our meal.
After a bit, the three of us were ready to go to our room and Zoey asked where Prince Charming was. She was patiently waiting to meet him, and he had yet to be announced. We asked our waitress and she said he was sick, but that they were hoping to get another Prince Charming there. JP and I debated whether we should wait or go, and decided to just go back to our room. We told Zoey Prince Charming wasn't going to be there, and when she asked why, I explained he was back at the castle watching Bruno and Lucifer so they didn't get in trouble. She looked at me wisely, nodded her head, and went "Like how we had to leave Boutros with Papa?" (Boutros would be our dog!) JP laughed and said "Exactly" and on that note, we headed out to our room. When we got there, there was a bottle of champagne, chocolates and cards wishing us a Happy Anniversary and Zoey a Happy Birthday (never got old during the trip, no matter how many times we corrected them they still kept noting it was Zoey's birthday.)
Since there were no tears during dinner, we let Zoey do a little night swimming. We checked out the pool and let her stay for about 10 minutes and then went back in and called it a night. Getting up at 3 a.m. made for a really long day, and we were all ready for bed. JP and I stayed up to watch Hallowishes and crashed pretty soon after.
Saturday, 10/22 was our Animal Kingdom day. We had no breakfast plans, but early lunch ADRs at the Rainforest Cafe in the Animal Kingdom, and then 7:45 dinner reservations at the California Grill. I didn't think we would be at the Animal Kingdom a full day, so I was hoping to get Zoey a nap in before we had a late dinner. You know what they say about best laid plans, right???
Here are some pics from the rest of our day:
Penny squishing
Zoey and friends:
Mmm..dessert
Me and Zoey kicking back at the hotel:
Waiting for us in our room:
Pool:
Nightswimming:
What a sweetie!
