Since we missed rope drop on Wednesday due to our breakfast with Mickey, we knew we had to make it happen on
Thursday. It just isn't a Disney trip without a rope drop ceremony at Magic Kingdom. It was another hot day, but thanks to the clouds and a slight breeze, it was more than manageable. We started off with breakfast at Main St. Bakery. Nothing like a big ole sugary, fattening cinnamon roll to start your day. We had hit so many of the main attractions on Wednesday that we really just took it slow and repeated the rides that we love most.
Since we had missed the teacups on Wednesday, DH and Grace decided to start there. Last year Grace was a little bit scared of the the teacups. Not sure why, but we decided to try it again. Boy, what a difference a year makes. Instant smiles and giggles from my girl when that cup started to spin. I can't ride on anything that goes in circles like that, so this fun belongs to a Daddy and his little girl. I thoroughly enjoy standing behind and taking photos and videos and watching the two of them have fun. Dennis laughed so hard when the ride stopped and the door started to open. Grace yelled "NO!" and tried to close the door. She didn't want to get out. So, off they came and right back into the line they went. They didn't have to wait at all, and Grace was a happy kid!
During the course of the day we took took two more rides on Pirates, and another trip through Pooh and Small World. Later in the evening, Daddy took Grace on one last spin in her favorite cups.
We spent lunch at Pecos Bills. We shared the burger with the massive onion ring on top and Grace had the taco salad. It was all delicious.
After lunch, we decided to head back to the room for a break to swim and cool down since we had dinner reservations and wanted to stay to watch the Electrical Parade and Wishes. This is the first year we have done so much of the back and forth between the resort and the parks. It really does help to renew your energy level and keep from getting so worn out.
We had dinner reservations at Tony's Town Square so we headed back to the park. Grace's favorite foods are pasta and pizza so we knew she would enjoy this dinner. We checked in about 15 minutes before our reservation time and were seated right on time. We began the meal with warm bread, and cold pomegranate lemonade. I didn't realize how hungry I was until that bread arrived. I orderded the chicken parmesan and Dennis ordered the steak. Grace, of course, chose the spaghetti and meatball. Everything we ordered was delicious. It wasn't the most authentic Italian food I have ever eaten, and it isn't a meal I will crave during our next trip, but we most certainly enjoyed it. The atmosphere alone in this place is worth a visit. We had a table right next to the infamous statue of Lady and the Tramp in the fountain.
When it came time for dessert, I almost declined because I was so full. If I had followed my gut (pun totally intended) I would have missed out on total deliciousness. I had the tiramisu, and Dennis had the most delicious pistachio creme brulee. Grace's choices were fruit or ice cream and she had chosen fruit as her side with her pasta. Since she is lactose intolerant, I asked if she could have the green apple sorbet and they happily agreed. She absolutely loved it and I can see why. It was one of the most interesting textures of sorbet I have ever had, but it had a great flavor.
After dinner we walked to Haunted Mansion for one last scare. We were not as fortunate to have the amazing CM as we did on Wednesday, but I loves me some hitch hiking ghosts!!
By the time we decided to head to Main St to find a spot for the parade and Wishes, we were later than we had hoped for. We found a decent spot in front of Crystal Palace that wasn't horribly crowded. Although we really couldn't see the parade much, it was a good view of Tinkerbell and Wishes. I always tear up a little when the fireworks start and this year proved no different. Especially when I knew we only had one more day before the magic would end for another year.
The bus situation getting back to the resort wasn't much fun and we had to stand for the first and only time the entire trip. However, Dennis had a great opportuntity to stand next to the driver and get some great Disney transportation stats. For example, the bus we were on was one of the newer busses. It was only 7 months old and had 107,000 miles already. The driver was retired but had been driving for Disney for about 15 years. He talked about how he liked to stay busy and he loves his job. They talked about the reticulated "bendy" busses that were considered early this year. He said they can transport twice as many people but they cost about 3 times as much to operate and he doesn't believe they will ever make the switch.
It was another wonderful, magical day. Although we were sad that it was coming to an end, the memories created will last a lifetime.
We indulged in some sweet treats from Karamell Kuche and a soft pretzel and strawberry slush for our girl who doesn't eat candy. She's the only 10 year old I know that doesn't eat chocolate.
