The next morning I set my alarm and wake up call extra early so that I could make my way to MK, and get there early. I grabbed a paper and asked the front desk if they could please, PLEASE fix the soaking area in the carpet before I got back. "yep yep yep no problem". I sighed and caught the bus.
Bugs, why did it have to be bugs
As I waited for the bus there was an enormous amount of those little insects that are always fly around. Finally the bus arrived and we were off to the Magic Kingdom. I have to say this, I am an adult male but believe me, when I saw the castle again, believe me, I just become a big kid at heart. First stop was Tomorrowland where I vowed to conquer Space Mountain yet again. Just as the ride was about to start, I heard a small "SNAP" and felt something hit my arm. I looked down and naturally my bad luck continued. The watch snapped in two. it wasn't a expensive watch but i muttered curses as I held onto the pieces and the rail. After Space Mountain, was in need of my spirits being lifted, so I wento Buzz lightyear. Didn't score very well, but got a few chuckles when I "inadvertently" shot the riders around me *and scored points*. After I stepped out of Buzz, I decided to get my laugh on with Stitch and the monsters Inc . After a good laugh with the "churros guy". i went out and examined my watch. noe, the pin was gone which meant replacing it was needed. I went to the main store on Main street and noticed the deal they had on "get a limited edition lithograph (POTC 3) and a watch. What the heck I thought. The lithograph was really nice and the watch was adequate. With a new watch on, I decided to head to the new POTC
Sigh, the Dole Whip stand is still not open...c'mon, hungry people are lining, ok, so just me, but still, open you crazy fools open!! I had to settle for a Mickey Bar with my snack credit
The weather is really warm as I duck into the POTC building..ahh, the cool air feels really nice. I get in the boat, and were off!! I have to say it is very cool seeing all of the new changes with Barbossa, Davey Jones, and Jack Sparrow updated with the movie. As I am leaving, somebody reminds me that the new pins come out the next day. I am a bit of a pin nut. First time I went, I collected pins from the major rides, ToT, Mission Space. etc., plus one from each of the four parks. i mentally jot it down and grab a FASTpass to Big Thunder and make a U turn to Splash Mountain. After getting soaking wet, and loving it, I decide to go to head back to Big Thunder. While waiting in the FASTpass line I met a family from England and we talk about life on the other side of the pond. I was there in 1998, and I am really hoping to go back there ASAP. After having a blast and conquering the triple mountains, I make my way to Peco Bill's. I went in and decided to have the BBQ Pork Sandwich($7.59), a sprite(2.39) and a PB Chocolate Mousse(3.59). The meal was ok, but I think the crowd and the heat made me lose my appetite a bit.
As I made my way to Liberty town, i passed by a vendor with those little water fans. Was it really worth it, but one of the spritzers caught my eye. Hmm, pump and spray...what the heck, i handed the clerk and tested it out...It was refreshing!!!! Sadly, I lost it later that night
oh well, grin and bear it
I then made a sprint to Hall of Presidents before walking over to the Haunted Mansion. I took a lot of pictures in MK as I did for the entire trip (only about 1500
Most were doubles and triples ) The grave stones were classic as well as the parts at the exit. From there, I made my way to PhilharMagic which as always was a blast and I decided to go to Snow White, which I hadn't gone to before.
With a few hours to go till my meal at CRT, I turned towards Mickey's Toontown. I will say this, as an adult, I saw a lot of adults with no kids wanting to go thru the area. This really surprised me. As I made my way through Mickey and Minnies Houses, snapping up pictures(why, oh why didn't I buy a camcorder. Oh, thats right, use it once and forget about it..sigh). I saw the Judge's Tent. Holy cripes, the line was long..But I wanted to get some pictures of me and Mickey..did I mention I was a big kid at heart. Once I made my way through, it was nearly time for my ADR at CRT
Most people would say prior to the trip, "Shawn, you're an adult male. why oh why are you going to CRT for a meal, particularly solo". Well, like I said before, when I saw the menu options, I was blown away by how "adult" the CRT meal really was. As I walked into the castle, I took pictures of all the murals,, nooks and crannies of the Castle. As we waited, a beautiful figure came down the stairs. it was Cinderella.
I blushed. Mentally my mind was going into "word salad" mode. wow oh wow she was beautiful. When my name got called, i kind of hopped up and asked the photographer if he could take a picture with my camera as wellHe obliged, and I felt like a prince as he snapped the picture.
I will say this about CRT, they honestly make you feel like noble lord or lady when you sit down to eat. As I sat down I was presented with the menu, and I made my choices. To start with, I ordered a pink lemonade, and ordered the Castle Salad, no bluecheese, and it surprised me how good it was. For the entree, I chose the Prime Rib, which was a little undercooked , but was satisfactory. Finally, for the dessert, I had the poached pear on Angel food with mango sorbet. wowzers. The meal was excellent. As the dessert was being served , the floor show got underway. The crowd got involved, and I snapped up a few pictures. I was seated nexted to the windows facing Fantasyland, and I noticed the rain starting to fall...Nooooo. The day was looking to end so perfectly, and maybe, just maybe I could catch a night show. As the waiter handed me the bill ($37.99), I handed my DDP card. CRT for all its crticism from others would be a meal I will seriously consider coming back to, even with the 2 Table Service credits needed. When I stepped outside, the rain fell harder, and glancing at my light jacket knew I was out of luck. Still, with a picture of Cinderella and I stowed safely away in my backpack, I made my way back to the hotel.
When I stepped back into my room, I saw the light on my phone flashing, meaning I had something at the gift shop. Bugger, I lost it. Still I was hoping that they would have my room # and not create too much of a fuss. Next, I checked the wet area next to the bathroom. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy(this is a family site)!! Nothing was done. This was ridiculous. I put on my heavier coat and made my way to the main building, first to get my package and then to get someone, anyone who could get this looked after.
First stop was the Gift Pick up. I knew i would be raked over the coals for not having my little slip. I calmly explained that I lost it but showed some ID and thought it would just take a little longer than normal. Well, they hemmed and hawed and were adamant and then resorted to saying it wasn't there. Good grief, I got the phone call, so I knew it was there. Then they resorted to the whole "you don't have your slip, you're not getting it". Finally after 20 minutes...they miraculously found my package, but not before lecturing me about remembering my slip. I know they technically were in the right, but after all I was going through with the resort, a little help wan't out of the question.
With packages in hand I went to the front desk in person. No more Mr. Nice guy. I angrily told them that i had a problem with my room and they had not resolved it. They radioed a plumber *what a novel idea* (sarcasm on). Within 5 minutes she would be at the room. I welcomed her in, and explained the situation. After 5 minutes she found the focus of the problem, One of the pipes next to the sink had been leaking incrementally and led to the puddle. She fixed the problem in 15 minutes. I tipped her and thanked her for her help. Well, with the weather tapering off and the hour growing late, I set the alarm early. There was a premiere of some movie starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley (whatever could that movie be??) the next day and some kind of mania around some limited edition merchandise. There was also Epcot and a packed day with the granddaddy of the ADRs Le Cellier *cue choir of angels*
Coming up: Day 3 Epcot known as Oh Canada, or There be pirates