In order to cut some costs, we used Quicksilver car service to and from MCO, and utilized their complimentary grocery store stop. This was one of those days that we were glad that we did, otherwise we might not have had lunch! We ate our healthy snacks, and shared with the Grandmas. Mimi and I napped while everyone else relaxed and refreshed with a dip in the quiet pool outside our room. When we came back to Magic Kingdom, our touring plan was much the same as it was in Fantasyland, but this time we were going to start at the entrance to Adventureland from the Hub, and work our way to Liberty Tree Tavern for Mimi's second special birthday meal. That's right. Two character meals in one day. We went a little crazy. But LTT was the meal that
everyone wanted, not just me
(Although I must say having been there, now everyone wants to return to CRT of breakfast again. TOOT TOOT. That's my own horn.)
Our camera battery was low and Dave forgot to change it while we were at the resort, so the picture I have of the following events are only on my iPhone. I'll get to uploading those too, eventually.
It was my idea that we should start with Pirates and work our way backwards, since there is that secret entrance to Frontierland behind Agrabah Bazaar. So we walked all the way to Pirate of the Caribbean first, stopping to get Jungle Cruise fastpasses along the way. It was very nice because the CM saw that we were a large-ish party celebrating a birthday so he let us sit in the front of the boat. I think it was the first time that Little Mimi was really able to see everything and immerse herself in the action. After shopping (LOTS of shopping) at Pirates, we redeemed our Jungle Cruise fastpass, and on our exit stopped to play with Ned's Shrunken Boats. I, happily, had remembered QUARTERS so it was easy to play. Roo had a great time and he certainly didn't want to leave the boats to stop and do even more shopping at Agrabah Bazaar!
YUCKY!
After shopping, we planned to ride on Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride, but the line was unexpectedly long, so we darted into the Tiki Room, Under New Management instead. No one liked it. Poor tiki birds. They were so wonderful just the way they were. Why Disney needed to change it is beyond me!!!
But now something completely different: PICTURES! And why? Because after the Tiki Room, we went to LTT for our 5:30 reservations! We were all grumpy and starving! Apparently healthy snacks don't always fill the belly as you would like them to! But we managed to get be seated quickly, even though LTT was packed. We were seated on the left side of the lobby, which was an area we'd never been to before. And it was significantly louder than the other side. WHEW! That was the one facet of LTT that we weren't keen on - it was extremely noisy. We're not big fans of shouting over a meal! But the food was as yummy as always, and there were characters a'plenty. Noise did nto hinder the magic of our birthday celebration!
Here was our first visitor, Miss Minnie Mouse:
Mimi said "No!" to Minnie instinctly, but she still gave her a short hug and a peck on the nose:
Chip came next, while our waitress was talking to us. He was imitating all of hand motions, which was hysterical. I think she tuned him out because we were all laughing so hard and she didn't even crack a smile!!! Poor lady - not the most flattering facial expression:
Roo loves Chip:
Ronan is overflowing with love and adoration, so he had to give his Daddy lots of big squeezy hugs:
When he came over all we heard from Roo was "GOOFY! GOOFY! GOOFY! GOOOOOOFFFFFYYYY!!!!":
Two tall fella's, just paling around:
Mimi was quite taken with Dale. She wouldn't give Chip the time of day, but Dale? Whole other story. It's still like that at home. With Roo's stuffed Chip and Dale, she always takes Dale:
This kid loves Pluto:
REALLY loves Pluto:
Mimi keeping her distance, but still loving a visit from Pluto:
Here she is unexpectingly drinking her juice:
WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAKE ARRIVES:
Gimme gimme gimme:
APPLE DIRTY TO YOU! APPLE DIRTY TO YOU! APPLE DIRTY DEAR MIMI! APPLE DIRTY TO YOU!:
I WANT IT! I WANT CAKE! I like how Mimi sticks her hand =plop= right in the middle of Mickey's face. She knows how to mark her territory:
Roo wanted an ear:
Mimi didn't care so long as she could poke it first:
So much for the nice clean shirt
:
One last shot with Goofy. Chocolate buzz is about to commence in 5, 4, ,3, 2, 1:
After dinner we walked around for a short bit, and then toured the Haunted Mansion. On our way down Main Street USA, we had one last, and very important stop to make. When Roo turned 2, we brought him to WDW as well. The best gift we gave him was his giant stuffed Mickey Mouse. It was only fair that we bought one for Mimi, too. And this was the time we chose to do just that. Dave had been looking forward to this moment all day, since it was his gift to her.
Here she is saying "Oooohhhh" and checking him out (yes, the kids are eating goldfish - they more more interested in meeting characters than eating at LTT and were both starving again in a few hours afterward):
Mimi is very happy to have a giant Mickey all of her own. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
On our way back to POR, both of the kids fell asleep on the bus. It was a wonderful day, and everyone had a great time. Only a few squabbles, and mostly it was because we were hungry and grumpy. Next time we'll make our dinner ressie earlier, or we have a larger lunch with more protein to keep us going!!!
Our Sixth Day: Mimi's Birthday The weather today was very hot and humid, cloudy.
The best thing about today was Mimi enjoying every piece of it, esp. the characters for the first time on our vacation. Albeit reluctant, she warmed up to them significantly.
The worst thing was that Mimi wouldn't wear her flower wreath or pink Mickey ears.
The funniest thing was Ronan with Jasmine.
Today we tried Cinderella's Royal Table Breakfast
and the result was good! We all liked the food and would eat there again.
The most magical moment was the kids falling asleep on me on the bus ride back. I was smothered in snoozing children! And the whole family getting to meet Mickey together.
Up next: OUR SEVENTH DAY - the day we move to Wilderness Lodge!