Trip Report There's Something About Mary...and it's called DRAMA!

I think it's time to get this thing started...hoping it will help my mood and sanity levels. For those that missed the PTR (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/lawdy-lawdy-look-whos-turning-40-ptr.867181/) - the early pages should help you catch up on the bulk of the big details, and for those that missed our problems from day 1 of our trip (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/how-not-to-start-your-wdw-vacay.873853/ )...well, it kind of speaks for itself. I am going to try and keep this as upbeat as possible, but we have a very long road ahead to fix things...so, please bear with me as I vent in between some of the magic.

September 18th

I left work early on the 18th so I could pick up the girls at school and have them with us when we took our dog to get boarded. This is our Daisy Doggy...

What's really funny, the pic above was taken with Sammie's Fisher Price plastic kiddie camera!

After getting the dog situated at boarding, we went home, had some dinner, and the heavy duty packing started. I'd actually started packing my things on the 17th, but now it was time to really focus on the girls. I let them sleep in the guest bedroom that night so I could pack all of their stuff without keeping them up...i.e. so I could pack all of the surprise outfits without spoiling anything. It was A TON of packing, but I finished up around 1am. I had thought about setting up the outfits and bags in the guest room for the reveal, but Sammie got up to use the bathroom right around that time- soooooo, I decided to wait until just before the big reveal.

September 19

I guess I got close to 4.5 hours of sleep (good for the night before a travel day)...and at 6am, it was finally time to set up and reveal the big secret. I got everything set up and then DH came in to help me. The video I took is pretty awful and sleepy girls don't make for really good surprises, but this is the vid I took and I swear...they were REALLY happy.



You can all now probably appreciate what it's like getting these two up for school each morning.

Actually, the girls were super quick to get dressed once it really sunk in what was going on. They were even good with posing for pictures before hitting the road...

We loaded up my SUV and hit the road...sadly, we wouldn't get far. The accident took place about 2.5 miles from our house. I really don't want to rehash all of the scary details, but when we realized we'd all be able to walk away from this horror - we had to decide if we'd continue with this WDW trip. While the girls' initial screams and cries were from the accident itself, they morphed into cries that they wouldn't get to see their grandma and grandpa. We usually try and visit every 3 months, but we pushed it a bit longer b/c of this trip. It was for this reason DH and I decided to push forward with the trip even if the odds weren't in our favor. I guess I just figured getting everyone to "the most magical place on earth" could be therapeutic. Don't get me wrong...I love that the EMTs and lead sheriff on the scene were super lovey with the girls - they really needed something super positive...so, Disney it was!

So, after I took care of the most important initial phone calls, I got Southwest on the line (at the scene of the wreck) and started working with them to rebook the outbound flight. We were yelling over ambulance sirens and traffic, but after about 20 min, we were rebooked from our 9:15am departure to a 3:55pm departure. They also said DH could ask for a blue card for pre-board (we were now in group C after paying to be in group A on the original flight)...while it's gotten better, he had some leg pain that day and was limping from the aches. The timing also worked well since it gave me time to go to the collision center, talk to the various insurance companies, etc. My wonderful MIL was also kind enough to pick up DH and the girls from the scene. This enabled him to get his car and she was able to love on the girls for a while until we were ready to regroup and get travel plans rolling again.

While our flight out of Houston was delayed close to 3 hours due to weather and mechanical issues (not helping Kendall, who was now terrified that the plane would crash), but we got off the ground a little after 6pm and we were on our way...

Sammie sat with DH on the way to FL-- with Pooh, of course...

I had Kendall...

...and we spent the entire flight doing this big word search on her tablet.

We flew into terminal A and DME is in terminal B. It was after the girls' bed time, so we opted to just get our baggage. Soooooo, we went down to terminal A baggage and then lugged it over to DME in terminal B. Thankfully, Kendall has overcome her fear of escalators, so minus losing her shoe for a while on one of them we were in good shape.

I think the CMs manning the DME entrance could read all of the stress and worry on my face, because they promised me pixie dust and magic from that point on. We had our Magic Bands on at this point, but I had my vouchers out so in the interest of time and sanity, they just used those. They directed us to the line for AKL and while we were let on the bus right away...we were so late that the bus was accommodating a number of resorts from various lines. Still...Kendall and I wound up with this prime spot!

I swear, I got choked up when I looked up and saw the screen...like that "we're really on our way" moment.

It took a while for them to load up the bus since they were waiting on people to come in from all of these late or delayed flights, but it wasn't long before we were off.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

The next big decision is whether or not we should return to Epcot. I really wanted to see Illuminations, but my dad wanted nothing to do with the crowds, the girls looked tired, and DH said he could care less. So, we started to make our way to the boat while the rest of the family staying at the Dolphin walked off towards their hotel…

We opted to head towards DHS rather than Epcot since we’d have to make it through all of Epcot to get to those resort buses. Secretly, I’d hoped they’d choose this option since sticking around for Illuminations would be a no brainer if we were already in the WS, but everyone else opted for the boat to DSH since the bus stops are a much shorter walk. There was a juggler setting up as we were discussing, but they weren’t even interested in watching that. So, I took a few pics of the Flying Fish signage while we waited.

Definitely another restaurant I'd like to try if we make it out for F&W next year. Seems like a good place to escape the festival crowds for a later evening bite to eat.

It wasn’t long before the boat arrived and we boarded…

What I hadn’t thought about was DHS closing at 8pm. My watch battery died months ago and I haven’t gotten around to taking it in to have it shipped off for repair, so I’m often clueless on the time if I don’t have my phone out. Actually, forgot about that…I left my phone back at the room and DH forgot to charge his…so, by this point, his phone was dead. In any event, while on the boat…they noted – trying to be funny – that we’ve missed the end of American Idol, all of Fantasmic, and a bunch of other things – since DHS was already closed. Still, it hadn’t been closed for too long, so the buses were still running.

The girls were fading, but we made it to the bus stop and just sat. We probably waited a good 15-20 min for a bus. I'm guessing we just missed a bus to AKL, hence the wait.

...bus is finally here!

In fact, by the time we were pulling out and heading back to AKL, you could see Illuminations going off in the distance. One of the girls actually asked why we weren’t in the park watching them and I’m like… uhhhhhh, you were tired and you told me no. Thankfully, the response was, “Oh yea.” Considering we’d been on the go since before 7am and had an 8:05a ADR the next morning and MK EMH the next night…it probably was for the best.
The girls were pretty pooped by the time we got back, but there was definitely more energy in them than the night before. Well, at least enough to fight over the top bunk for a few minutes.

After they were officially in bed, DH and I tried pulling up the Disney website to see if it would let us book any FP+s for the next day yet, but it was still showing us ineligible. It was late and the crowd calendar for the next day looked favorable, even with MK EMH, so we just figured we’d use normal FPs. Of course, this also meant I’d have to remember our cards for our tickets since there’s no way of getting those with a Magic Band. At least we’d all sleep a little bit better this evening.

Finally, a totally unrelated side note- I recently was stealing candy from the girls’ MNSSHP bags and I’ve discovered these little treasures.

Can you say LOVE! Of course nobody else likes them, so I have them all to myself. Talk about total genius…”apple” filled caramels. YUM!!!

Coming up…pre-park opening in MK, Cake 2, and Kendall’s next journey in space. And it might take a little while since these pics need to be edited, uploaded, etc.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Cant wait to hear about Kouzzina. One of our best dinners this summer!

Well, I really enjoyed it. I totally think DH's opinion would have been really positive had he taken my ordering suggestions. I'm going to do my best to get him to give it a second chance.

 

[coachwnh]

We were a bit early for our 6:30 Kouzzina ADR, but I figured I’d check in. Our table wasn’t ready, but I was informed that they’d be willing to seat us prior to the rest of our party arriving if our table opened up. In the meantime, I took pics. The lights above actually kind of remind me of Christmas ornaments…at least the shapes…i.e. all the finial styles.

More décor…

Everyone finally arrived and it wasn’t long before we were seated. This was my main view during the meal.

Bread came out pretty quickly with a nice assortment of oils and olives.

I was hoping to try the saganaki or spanakopita, but DH wanted to share the spreads. I think we had the tzatziki, the feta with peppers, and the olive tapenade. It wasn’t bad…it wasn’t great. We also ended up trying it with the bread as well as the provided pitas.

It wasn’t long before entrees came out. Kendall has been on a grilled chicken kick, so she got that with whole wheat pasta and green beans. She loved the chicken and the beans, but neither of the kids are fans of the whole wheat pastas they’ve had at WDW.

Sammie had the kiddie pastitsio and I had the adult portion. DH wasn’t impressed- called it glorified meaty mac & cheese, but Sammie and I really enjoyed it. It was also A LOT Of food. I think my SIL also got this…and none of us came close to finishing it. I believe they even boxed hers up and my brother snacked on it back at the room.

My mom got the trio, which she loved.

DH got the cinnamon stewed chicken, but he was not happy. I had to try steering him towards the lamb shank, and I think he wished he listened. My mom had the chicken dish in her trio- and she liked it a lot, but I know DH’s preferences well enough to know in advance that this would not be his thing.

Looks like the girls borrowed…I mean stole…grandma and grandpa’s sunglasses during the meal.

We were all painfully full…which is probably good since the one dessert I really wanted is just way too dangerous to eat around Kendall. Yes, I’m a bit of a baklava addict and I’ve had to be very careful of when and where I eat it considering her allergies. Still, my mom and I got birthday cuppy-cakes, so we had a little sweet treat.

I can at least tell from this pic that stolen glasses had been returned.

DH – not looking happy…

Grandma also got a turn to take the kids to the bathroom towards the end of this meal. I swear…we must have gone to the bathroom 4 or 5 times.

I was waiting for them to notice the big Goofy’s Candy Co. displays in the shop to the right of the bathroom. Thankfully, there were no candy requests.

All in all, I enjoyed Kouzzina. It wasn’t quite as amazing as I hoped it would be, but I think our overall feelings would have been more positive had we made a different appetizer selection and had DH trusted me with his entrée pick. The service was excellent and I actually came out of the meal feeling very rested and relaxed…i.e. not the chaos you feel in some places. Still, DH is in no hurry to go back although I may twist his arm…at least to try breakfast…if we go for F&W next year. There are just so many great looking things on both menus!

I am a big fan of the trio!!!!!!!!! I could make a dinner out of their excellent appetizers too! Did you try any Greek Beers?

 

[farrellbarrel]

Love the pictures!!

 

[coachwnh]

We love FF as well!!! Another excellent menu with great wine pairings and local beers!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I'm with you on the Werther's caramel apple candies. They are to die for!! I also am the only one in our house who will eat them. Such a hardship!! Loving the updates and can't wait to read more!

 

[ThatBrunette]

Borscht Belt?!? Now, I must visit. The commercials for the NY lodges and resorts used to run during the 11pm-2am late night shows.

I have not noticed any of the Werther's Apple, yet. I will find one even if it means eating every piece of Werther's in the bag!

 

[TaraWdopeyfan]

Love your TR, sorry about the start of your trip. And your girls are adorable!

 

[fractal]

Great update and Congrats on the Cake Win! I love the pictures of the girls twirling and dancing at DHS. Love the pics of BW, I don't know if I could ever choose it over BC, but who knows?

Sorry Kouzzina didn't live up to expectations. I can relate to your husband - several times we've eaten out and I'm the only one not to enjoy the meal or restaurant.

 

[disneygirl1]

great update!!! OMG caramel apple, they look yummy! Might have to look for them! Yummers!

 

[Tigger19]

Phew all caught up! Looks like you are all having a brilliant time

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I am a big fan of the trio!!!!!!!!! I could make a dinner out of their excellent appetizers too! Did you try any Greek Beers?

I didn't, but DH and my dad did. That being said, I have no idea what they had. I had thought about getting a drink but we were nearing the end of dinner by the time I was like "oh yea- I forgot to order" - so I skipped it. My mom really enjoyed the trio. It seems like it would be a good combination of flavor profiles.

Love the pictures!!

Thank you!!!

We love FF as well!!! Another excellent menu with great wine pairings and local beers!

Nice! I've really wanted to try the crab cakes and the potato wrapped snapper. Sounds yummy!

I'm with you on the Werther's caramel apple candies. They are to die for!! I also am the only one in our house who will eat them. Such a hardship!! Loving the updates and can't wait to read more!

I didn't even realize what it was when I initially opened one. I just thought it might be a normal Werther's that got mushy from travel...and then I was very pleasantly surprised. I think that's part of why I can't buy them...I'd be the only one who'd eat them and it might involve too much self control to not eat them all in one day.

Borscht Belt?!? Now, I must visit. The commercials for the NY lodges and resorts used to run during the 11pm-2am late night shows.

I have not noticed any of the Werther's Apple, yet. I will find one even if it means eating every piece of Werther's in the bag!

Sadly, so many of them have declined or closed. I can't believe I'm referencing Dirty Dancing, but commercial airfare really killed the Catskills...that, and much of the dying off of the WWII generation that made them popular. This was the one that my family frequented the most...both winter and summer.



While very nice when we went in the late 70s to early 90s, they were definitely past their heyday. Still, the scenery was gorgeous, elegant to trendy inside, great indoor and outdoor pools, you could tailor your dining plan- and this was a real dining plan- all you could eat really top notch food, and just tons of activities and entertainment- much of it in the price. I think the Nevele may reopen soon, but it won't be the same.

You might be able to order the Werther's online.

Love your TR, sorry about the start of your trip. And your girls are adorable!

Thank you! Definitely not the way to start a trip, but still thankful and amazed that we walked away.

Great update and Congrats on the Cake Win! I love the pictures of the girls twirling and dancing at DHS. Love the pics of BW, I don't know if I could ever choose it over BC, but who knows?

Sorry Kouzzina didn't live up to expectations. I can relate to your husband - several times we've eaten out and I'm the only one not to enjoy the meal or restaurant.

Thanks! Love it when I can involve cake with my real job Also love it when the girls ham it up for the camera. Not sure how much longer either girl will be willing to wear things like that- so, just making the most of it. As for BW, part of me wishes I could blend it with BC. Some of the décor in there reminds me so much of beach style décor & art my mom made for the summer house. Maybe you could do a split stay? Although, it sounds like Val was pretty taken with the GF.

It happens. He certainly didn't hate it, but what he ordered wasn't his thing and the bulk of the menu didn't appeal...at least not that night. I know he likes Greek food, so I'm hopeful we'll get to try it again.

I love, love, love those Werther's - but... you don't get very many in a bag!!

What a long fun-filled day of vacation!

Even more reason for me to skip buying the bag...I'd eat the whole thing in less than 2 hours!

I was looking at how long it took me to post that day and thought, "Wow- and I have almost twice as many pics for the next day." I take a lot of pics

great update!!! OMG caramel apple, they look yummy! Might have to look for them! Yummers!

Thanks! They are DELISH!

Phew all caught up! Looks like you are all having a brilliant time

Thanks! Definitely a fun day!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I may actually have an update tonight. I've got 200 pics from the next day uploading as I type and there are only about 25 pics left to go in the upload.

Drama Update...

The girl with the insurance co never called me. I left her a message over the weekend...nothing. I tried calling her multiple times...nothing. I tried calling her back up's number- they're out. I sent her an email via the claim section of the website. I called the main 800 number for the insurer- not even their upper mgmt. can help on this due to the level of claim, but they did give me the name of the adjustor's supervisor and his direct line. I called him- he's out until tomorrow- so I left him a message. UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!! Now, my insurance co did call me back and were shocked by the poor level of service from another well known and highly regarded insurer. She got all of the info from me and put in her own calls to the adjustor and her sup. It's not much, but she at least had a great level of empathy, is trying to assist me and walked me through the basics of the process if we have to run this through my insurance and then double back to reclaim as much as possible.

I also had my first treatment at the chiropractor today. I'll be in treatments until mid-December. It had its painful moments, but I felt some relief and some of it is very relaxing.

Beyond this...trying to decide what vehicles to look at once we finally get to that stage. I don't think I can psychologically handle being in my totaled vehicle's clone. There is one large SUV of interest, but that thing is going to make my insurance skyrocket even though the gas mileage is comparable. There is a crossover SUV I've loved ever since it debuted several years ago, but I'm not sure the cargo area or 3rd row seats are enough...not that I use them all the time, but it's nice having a bigger cargo area and a more comfy 3rd row. Then there's the minivan. I've never been a minivan kind of person, but it would definitely lower my insurance, it would cut my gas consumption, and the whole third row/cargo concern would be well covered. Decisions.

9 pics left- should be updating shortly

 

[HouCuseChickie]

September 22nd
We woke up bright and early…but not as bright and early as the previous morning…because we had an 8:05a ADR at Crystal Palace. I usually like to get out on the early side for these pre-park opening ADRs since you just never know what to expect with the buses. While our stay at WL was the only time we’ve truly had issues with this, it’s made me pretty hyper-sensitive.
I really don’t know how long we waited for an MK bus, but I’d put it more than 5 min and less than 10 min.

Here it is…

I was actually more nervous about my parents. I called the Swan/Dolphin months earlier to inquire about the early buses and was informed that they are not included on these early morning bus routes. A bit of a pain, but I instructed my family to just walk to either Boardwalk or Yacht Club to pick up a bus. Well, rather than go straight back to the Dolphin the night before, my dad popped into YC just to confirm. The guy at YC told him they’d be out of luck there as well as the first buses don’t run until an hour before park opening. I know the WDW hotels change out staff periodically, but man was I ticked. I know many people love YC and have had wonderful service there, but with everything being subpar for our stay there last year…finding out a YC CM gave my dad bad info made me pretty mad.

In any event, I told my dad they got bad info and that we speak from experience that you can definitely get earlier buses at YC to make those early morning character meals. We got a text from them at some point while we were on our bus to MK. He said they waited less than 5 min for a MK bus at YC. Nice. They thought we might have been the bus directly behind them, but I told him probably not since the drive from AKL is a longer one…which is kind of annoying when you’re used to shorter bus trips. Still, it’s a nice resort, so I’m not too critical of that.

As we approached MK, I could see the excitement in the eyes of a number of the kids on the bus. I think one family was headed to BBB while the other was on their way to CRT. My kids, well, they just wanted to see grandma and grandpa…which is a good thing.

We also got a pretty surprise when arriving at MK…yup, turns out that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is actually the Magic Kingdom. Seems fitting.

Sorry, it’s kind of hard not to take a number of pics of something like this.
You can see the time on the clock above…time to get into MK for some pre-park opening pics.

Also important to note here…I guess the whole early morning thing was too much for all the prep involved with my nephew, so they opted not to join us.

Now, I’ve never done the whole family on MSUSA pic with the castle before, and it’s kind of sad that I chose to do it when the crane is putting up the Dreamlights…but hey, now I’ve done it.
If only I could get everyone to look up.

Um, I could use all smiles.

Much better.

Had to take some pics of the Halloweenish stuff on MSUSA

I think everyone expected me to turn towards Crystal Palace when we were up by Casey’s.

Sure, there is a small crowd forming, but this is the whole point (to me) of a pre-park opening anything… get those pictures!

Unfortunately, this is probably the least quiet pre-park opening day we’ve ever had. That’s OK…still fun to be in there at this time.

Ahhhhhh…nothing like a crane!

Ok- so everyone started getting really antsy at this point. I was getting a ton of, “do you realize what time it is?” and “don’t you think we should be checking in for breakfast?” Fine…we’ll start heading that way.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

So, I got in the line to check in- with my trusty camera in hand.

What’s funny…the guy in front of me was trying to check in, but they needed his resort. He had completely forgotten where he was staying. All of a sudden he’s like…”oooh- oooh! It’s the Louisiana one and there are these alligators.” The poor CM checking him in just looked at him blankly, so I blurted out (in a nice voice, of course), “You’re staying at Port Orleans French Quarter.” He had this EUREKA look on his face when he turned around and let out a big “YES! YES! That’s where we’re staying!” Glad I could help.

Sammie was having fun watching me as I waited. She always looks forward to Crystal Palace though, so it makes sense she’d be in a good mood. She has always had this love of Winnie the Pooh, so this is her meal.

It wasn’t long before they opened the doors and started calling people in.

We actually waited a bit…I think it was after 8:10a when we were called in (DH seemed very concerned for some reason), but there was a benefit to … and no, it’s not just me taking random pics during the wait.

In being seated just a tad later, it meant we were seated on the right side. We’ve never eaten on the right side. We’ve always eaten on the left, usually right along the windows for the check in line. We at least had lots of Mickey confetti waiting for us. I think they know we're celebrating more than Friendship Day!

And right away, the kids started sticking them all over their faces…because that’s just what we do.

Sammie had seen Pooh and immediately started dancing in her seat. The rotation in this section was odd since not all of the characters were following the same pattern, but we got a visit from Pooh right away.

This next series of pics cracks me up because I can flip through them really quickly and kind of get an action moment from it all, but it’s Sammie going in for a big Pooh kiss…and Pooh is a bit overwhelmed by all the love.

The girls were so wiggly that I didn’t get a single clear posed pic. Oh well.

Pooh also asked me to get up. Pooh saw my birthday button and wanted to give me a hug. I could also hear a kiss through the costume. I do like it when the characters understand that the adults are fans too. Mind you, I know not every adult is, but considering I started my usual Pooh hunny conversation- I think it was a good sign

As usual, Kendall and I had to wait on the chef. It was a different chef than we’ve had our last few visits. I also found out from him that the Mickey waffles now have a potential cross contamination risk. They’ve never been identified as an issue before…in fact, just the day before at Chef Mickey’s they were fine. Oh well, here’s my first plate of food and a bowl of amazing awesomeness.

That bowl may not look like much to the untrained eye, but to those of us in the know…that glorious goodness is the famous and much loved breakfast lasagna. Holy cow- that stuff is amazing!!! Must try this at home!

OK- more tomorrow...I'm getting sleepy.

 

[epcotisbest]

OK- more tomorrow...I'm getting sleepy.

You're getting sleepy and I'm getting hungry looking at those breakfast pics. Might just have to make a midnight omlette.
Oh, the pics with Pooh are really cute, even blurry!

 

[coachwnh]

Off to a great MK day!!!!! Love those early morning ADRs!

 

[TheMouseFan]

I can't wait to try that breakfast lasagna in November. That and the puffy french toast!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

You're getting sleepy and I'm getting hungry looking at those breakfast pics. Might just have to make a midnight omlette.
Oh, the pics with Pooh are really cute, even blurry!

Yeah- I went to bed thinking about breakfast food. Eggs sound really good right now!

I figure we have so many stellar pics of the girls with Pooh over the last few years that I'd rather sacrifice a chunk of the posing time for fun interaction.

Off to a great MK day!!!!! Love those early morning ADRs!

Wishing I were there right now! Early mornings in MK are definitely one of my most favorite times of a WDW trip.

I can't wait to try that breakfast lasagna in November. That and the puffy french toast!

There's some of the puffed French toast on the plate too. I think my fave part of the lasagna is how they bake on a layer of brown sugar...gives it sort of a crème brulee style topping. I really want to make it at home, but I need two things...

1. a proper waffle iron
2. the inclination to make a true pastry cream

 

[HouCuseChickie]

OK...I'm going to try and get one post up before I have to start work. Love work from home days!

Up next was Tigger. Tigger was great with the kids, but a little confused with the adults. Our server – who was super sweet – said Tigger is a cake stealer, so that was the joke we led with when he approached the table. Yeah- he had no clue.

(I think Sammie is going in for another big kiss here)

They're actually posing and bouncing at the same time. I think someone (me) had the bright idea of bringing up a bounce off while I was trying to get a few posed pics.

More kisses...

Next up was Piglet…and for whatever reason, Kendall took her bow out so she could show him how they matched.

I really have no idea why, but Sammie was insisting on snout snuggles...

I don't know what it is, but the girls always go nuts over Piglet. They just love the pink piggy!

Snout kissies...

I really wish I knew what was going on here. I think Piglet may have started tickling them. It was really hard to tell, but clearly they were super happy.

At this point, the girls were getting nervous because we’d been eating for a while and no Eeyore in our area. I guess at least Kendall was in a posing hammy mood. It's funny...Sammie looks more unnerved, but it's Kendall that was worrying.

Ooooo- looook…more breakfast lasagna and other goodies!!!

I probably should have skipped the seconds on breakfast lasagna because the cake was brought out right after I got back to the table. And yes, I was much happier with my mom’s cake.

My only gripes-
1. I think the measuring tap could have been a bit neater
2. With a fine tipped brush, I could have gotten the writing on that tape
3. The cake was covered in fondant…it was supposed to be covered in buttercream with fondant decorations
And while not really a gripe...as much as I like the candle in the top...I think the carousel horse would have really completed the look.

Yes, some of my issues are petty, but after the cake the previous day…well, I was still a bit bitter. Either way, it was a much better end result as far as cakes go. Also funny, the chef came by to let me know that the cake was baked in a bakery that also processes things with nuts. While part of me was thinking that was kind of a given, I’m sure plenty of people have ordered cakes and been unaware of the risk.

Eeyore’s visit happened to coincide with cake.

At least he also helped us sing happy birthday!

My mom and I also both got cards and I was surprised…we’ve gotten many cards before, even the placemats from 1900 PF the other night, but this was the first time they wrote our names in the cards and on the envelope. I know it’s a last minute thing, but it felt really special.

On a side note…I didn’t get a pic of it, but the funniest thing was going on with the set up of the table next to us. They hadn’t really filled up our side of the room in our time there, but the table next to us was being prepped. A very large Winnie The Pooh (classic) plush was seated at the table ahead of the family and a small jar of honey was placed on the table in front of him. I kept hearing various CMs saying “that’s her special Pooh and her parents requested it this way.” I think they actually included Pooh in their ADR #s so he had his own seat. Wow!
I could see from the looks of things that the park was now open, so it was really time to wind down breakfast and start our day in MK. It didn't look too horribly crowded out there.
Ultimately, this was a truly wonderful breakfast at Crystal Palace. Then again, we’ve always had really wonderful breakfasts at Crystal Palace. What’s funny is even my parents really loved it. They had been nervous after being a bit disappointed with breakfast the previous morning, but I got the impression that it was kind of “magical” for them too. I don’t know if it was the food, service, cake, highly interactive characters or what…but they were gushing about it for a while. This was the beginning of lots of discussion on "when are we all coming back?" and "maybe we should even think about doing sea AND land." My parents cruise at least once per year, but never with Disney. They were previously pretty keen on doing a cruise together, but now I think they want to do both.

OK- time to get out there and have some park time!!!

Up next…we split up, but not in the usual way.