[Caldercup]

<font color="blue"> &lt;when last I wrote in this TR, Calder and I had been joined by Karen and Zack for SpectroMagic before our ADRs at the Crystal Palace…&gt;

As soon as the last SpectroMagic float passed by on its way up to the castle, the crowds around us began to disperse – unfortunately, most of them seemed to end up in the Emporium with us – making it tough-going as we headed through the back of Casey’s Corner towards the Crystal Palace. Calder saw the big screen of cartoons and slowed his pace instantly, wanting to watch. I propelled him along… we were just going to make our 7:30 ADR and I was really hoping we’d get out in time to see some of Wishes at 8.

As we walked up to the CP, there was a huge line waiting at the check-in window and lots of people milling about. A CM was walking though the crowd saying, “If you don’t have an Advanced Dining Reservation, you will not be seated.” Wow! The place looked packed! (The dining plan really affected the crowds at the restaurants the whole trip – Disney hit on a gold mine there. It just means that you really have to make those ADRs if you want to sit down to eat!) We got into the check-in line and started chatting -- a conversation that quickly turned to Karen’s DVC experiences. (I’m gunning for signing up, but the DH isn’t convinced!) A gentleman in line in front of us joined in and Karen had two rapt listeners as she outlined the program and how much it has saved her.

Finally, at 7:45, we were called in to sit at a table that backed one of the big planters on the left side of the restaurant. Karen and I snagged the “bench” seats so the boys could be out near the characters. Calder and Zack seemed interested in each other, but were feeling out the situation like alpha dogs from different packs. I found it rather amusing! (I later realized that they were so accustomed to being the sole kid on a trip to WDW that they weren’t sure about having to share the limelight! But they got along really well and seemed to enjoy hanging out together.)

I gave Karen her autograph book and admired the one she’d made for Zack. I had clickable Sharpies for them too (which the characters really love, except that they can’t see whether the tip is out or not…)

I looked at my watch and realized that there was no way we’d get done in time to see Wishes, and I didn’t want to rush or cut short the conversations flying around just to get outside. &lt;sigh&gt;

Our server greeted us and then directed us to the buffet. Yum! Everything looked delicious and I was hungry – the last thing I’d had to eat was a PB&amp;J at 11AM. Calder piled up his plate with Mac and Cheese (what else?!) and headed right back to the table.

Almost immediately, Piglet showed up and the autographs and pictures started! (Reviewing all my pics now is good for a laugh because the boys never knew which camera to look at, since both Karen and I were snapping away!)


[Piglet pics and sig]

Piglet was quickly followed by Eeyore and Calder remembered to ask the little donkey if he still had his tail – to which Eeyore promptly began swinging around to see if it was there! The handler was trying to get Eeyore to move along, but he was happy to be with us and ignored her. The couple at the next table asked me to take their picture with Eeyore and I did my best. (It was a disposable camera and I was flustered by not having that preview window of my digital camera to make sure the picture came out okay.)


[Eeyore pics and sig]

Finally, Pooh came out we got our hugs and pics with him.


[Pooh pics and sig]

Just then, I heard a big crack and boom out the window and realized that Wishes had started. Since we hadn’t even had a chance to really eat, I knew there was no way to make it outside – and I didn’t want to ditch the gang just to see it. Plus, I knew we’d see the fireworks for the MVMCP the next evening.

So, we settled in and continued on with our meal. Karen and I both went up for seconds as the boys tucked in to their desserts. I ended up soooo full from the meal that I don’t remember getting any dessert! We settled our bills and gathered up our stuff.

Then we realized that Tigger was holding court at the entrance and I really wanted to get a picture of Calder with him. The two of us headed up that way and I noticed Karen trying to convince Zack to join in…. but he wasn’t interested. Calder gamely got Tig’s signature and I snapped a pic.



Then Tigger noticed that Karen was trying to work on Zack and he got into the game. He walked towards Zack and Zack’s eyes popped open as he realized what was happening. He started backing away, but Tigger kept advancing towards him. Suddenly, they were both running and made a big circuit around the room – the tiger in hot pursuit of Zack, who was determined not to be caught.


[The blur]

But, caught he was…. And he was dragged, laughing, up to the front where both Karen and I got his picture with Tigger.


[Success!]

&lt;continued in the next post&gt;


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