[disneydani]

With the service over, I know Andrew was definitely relieved and ready to really enjoy himself! We only had to walk across the hall to the Napa Room which was beautifully set up. Only a bit more of official business to take care of before we could totally kick back. The Rabbi performed the blessing over the Challah and then we could start our meal! We were blessed with having two of the most attentive but not overbearing servers that evening, Khalid and Majid. They had an uncanny ability to be wherever you needed them and then be gone when you didn’t. They immediately started passing drinks and the wonderful flatbreads we had selected. Boy, they were yummy and everyone was busy munching away as we began the candle-lighting ceremony. Andrew would first say a few kind and meaningful words and then call up each family group to light a candle around his cake. It was a wonderful opportunity for each group to offer their congrats to Andrew and to hear his words of appreciation. All the while, the photographer and videographer were busy recording this for posterity.

A few pics from candle lighting....







Right about then, Andy Mation arrived, our amazing entertainer. I don’t even know how to describe how fabulous he was. To describe him as a balloon artist would be an insult; this guy was like the Picasso of balloon art. He had the kids absolutely mesmerized for over three hours creating his masterpieces. I, of course, was totally thankful for this. I was quite worried that no one entertainer would be able to reach and connect with over a dozen kids ranging in age from 6-16. Well, Andy surpassed my expectations was worth his weight in gold. I regret I don’t have great pics of all his handiwork but here is a sample.





In the meantime, the adults were enjoying a sumptuous meal courtesy of the California Grill kitchen. I wish I had the talents of some of my fellow passporters to describe the meal in detail but I will try. The first course was Andrew’s request: peeky toe crab crake with slaw. Kosher? Nope…good thing we are all reform Jews! (I did offer potato pancakes to the Rabbi and anyone else who doesn’t eat shellfish) Absolutely delish. The second course was a market inspired salad with mixed field greens,sun-dried tomatoes, sour dough croutons, and wine country vinaigrette. It was fresh and crisp and perfectly light. Up next was a quick palette cleanser of cantaloupe sorbet served in a small glass. It was about three spoonfuls and a wonderful, refreshing treat. The main courses were served on three beautifully arranged platters: slow roasted atlantic salmon with wheat farro risotto, sliced oak-grilled tenderloin with roasted fingerling potatoes and carmelized onions, and oak-fired chicken with semolina gnocchi, wilted arugula in a sauce vierge. They were all outstanding! The dessert for the adults was a banana bread pudding with drunken butterscotch coffee bits and banana bisque. I didn’t try it as I was too busy flitting around but I heard wonderful accolades from those who sampled it. The kids had a great treat: they had Mickey ear-shaped cakes to decorate with a variety of frostings, sauces, and sprinkles. They, of course, had a blast doing so. The best thing about the meal? The entire meal was “Isabelle safe”, (dairy and nut free) so that she could freely roam the room and we could relax a bit and enjoy the festivities!

The meal was leisurely paced and it really gave everyone time to sit back, unwind, and enjoy their table mates. Dessert was being cleared away and we only had to wait a couple of moments for a magical ending to our evening….the lights in the room dimmed and we knew the fireworks were about to begin. Guests had two viewing options. They could remain indoors and enjoy the view from the picture windows while the music was piped into the room or, they could head out onto the private catwalk and take in the scene from outdoors. Probably half went out and half stayed in and they were mesmerized. You see, not only did we have VIP viewing of fireworks but tonight was a Pirate and Princess Party so the fireworks were truly spectacular! I enjoyed watching all those near and dear to me enjoying the show. It was one of those wonderful, heart-warming moments, one I will remember forever.

Here is a few pics from the evening...













It was about 10:20 once the fireworks were over and we were all ready to head back to the hotel. It was a quick trip downstairs to the monorail station and then loop to the GF. We exchanged our goodnights and headed back to our rooms...exhausted but exhilirated....it had been a fabulous evening.

danielle