Andrew's Bar Mitzvah Bash....THREAD TWO....COMPLETE WITH WRAP UP.....5/18 About This Page:

[Jookiba]

What a wonderful way to introduce your nieces to the MK-I love the pic of the girls dancing-you can see your niece's one foot up in the back behind her head.

I'm just loving how everything seems to be flowing so smoothly for such a large gathering of folks-although I'm sure at the time (especially during the ceremony) you were stressed, and rightfully so.

Can't wait to hear more!!

[RobDVC]

Just caught up. Great Updates! Looking forward to more!

[Caldercup]

Terrific morning at the MK, Danielle. (I love showing newbies around -- especially when they are really into it and love the attractions!) You did a great job!

More, more more!
Eileen

[Nala]

What a great job you did as tour guide! Sounds like the morning at MK was a magical one indeed!

[hildai]

Your day at MK sounded great! Isn't wonderful to share the magic of disney with newbies. It's so neat to see their excitement and wonder for the first time!

Glad you all had such a fun filled day!

[piratefreak]

Great job playing guide to the newbies. it is so much fun to introduce one to the magic of the world. Can't wait to hear more!

[lindawdw]

Sounds like a fun day was had by all!!!

[bsblady01]

more please

[Wendyismyname]

Wow! That's the only thing I can think of to say!

This is fantastic and I cannot wait to read more. I was in tears as I read your pre-trip report and all through the fantastic gifts from some very wonderful PassPorters!!

More please!

[DawnDenise]

I just got all caught up Danielle and am loving everything! The ceremony was beautiful and the pictures captured it all magically and perfectly. A wonderful dinner and great morning at MK! Love the fact that Andrew got his dream of Club 33. Very !! Looking forward to more!!

[WHMom]

I am so glad Izzy and your nieces had such a wonderful time at the MK! You did a great job of orchestrating the morning activities! You're so amazing, because you really helped everyone make the most of their time at WDW! You give new meaning to "going above and beyond!"

[disneydani]

Saturday March 15th….

I think, in a lot of ways, we were all looking forward to this evening even more than the last. Of course, the ceremony and reception were wonderfully special but there was more stress attached to the evening. Tonight, it was all about family, friends, food and fun! We all met at the entrance to Citricos at 5:30 pm. I was thrilled to learn two of our favorite chefs were working this evening. The both came over to say hello and assured us we were in for a real treat. We were ushered to the back of the restaurant where two large tables were set up, in the shape of a keyhole.

We had chosen to use one of Citrico’s existing banquet menus as we had tasted most of these dishes in the past and knew they were delicious. The appetizer trio plate consisted of warm onion tart, gateau of crab, and arancini (crispy risotto with Italian sausage, Quattro formaggi). The plate was presented beautifully and each portion was about two bites worth…perfection! The salad course was a romaine salad with hearts of palm and bleu cheese. It was also artistically plated and quite tasty. There were three main course offerings which guests could choice one: salmon fliet with orange-scented couscous, sherry roasted breast of chicken with tomato and egg cavatelli, or Citricos oak grilled filet with wood roasted Spanish onion, Quattro formaggi crushed potatoes. I myself had the chicken which was delicious and everyone I spoke to had high remarks for the cuisine at Citricos. The service was wonderful, we had a variety of servers coming and going which kept the meal well-paced and the drink glasses full!

Despite having a fabulous dessert selection, we opted to not offer dessert with dinner for two reasons. First off, we were celebrating my parent’s 44th wedding anniversary and I had arranged to have a cake delivered from the GF bakery. Secondly, after dinner, we were heading to a dessert party! Figured the guests would be sugared out if we offered any additional sweets!

In anycase, at the end of the meal, my parents were presented with two glasses of champagne an absolutely gorgeous cake which I do not have a picture of…sorry. It was a chocolate cake with raspberry filling and it was AMAZING! Unfortunately, I didn’t quite calculate the timing of everything and we had enough time to have a few bites before we were due to move on to the next part of the evening.

It was a bit crazy but luckily, everyone was really excited for our next adventure, and we all made our way from dinner, downstairs and out to the Port Cochere. Awaiting us was a motor coach which we all happily boarded. We had a 12 minute drive to Epcot and first order of business was to hand out our neon orange VIP wristbands which I happily passed down the aisle. Most of our drive was fairly ordinary but the last few minutes were totally extraordinary for us Disney Dorks (to coin Andrew’s description). We pulled up to a back entrance of Epcot and a CM came aboard for a bag check. Afterwards, we drove through the back of Epcot passing many of the countries and taking in all the cool supplies that are located behind the scenes. We were met at the back of the UK by a CM with one of those large glow sticks. She escorted us to the UK upper which was roped off and guarded by another CM. How cool was it to waltz in and enter our private veranda? Very!

It was rounding 8:15 or so and pretty dark but still, the terrace was a sight to see! There were 6 tables set with tea lights. In the far corner was a bar stocked with bottled water, juices, soymilk, coffee, and teas. Next to that was the sweet table and it was a sweet tooth’s dream! The table was adorned with caramel popcorn, bags of jelly beans, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, rice krispy treats, fresh berries and fruit, chocolate fondue with marshmallows, pretzels, strawberries all for dipping. Of course, all the guests were happy to dig right in. I was so thrilled, the weather was warm but comfortable, the terrace was so inviting. I barely ate a thing but happily chatted with all our guests in such a relaxed atmosphere. Once again, the chefs outdid themselves and made sure everything was dairy and nut free so Izzy could freely roam!

















Right at 9pm, we all pulled our chairs by the wall and hunkered down to enjoy Illuminations. Of course, I have seen Illuminations before but never like this. First off, there was nothing in front of us except the barrier wall of the UK Upper Terrace. Next, there was plenty of room and no one was elbowing in for a better space. Of course, more than anything, I was blown away by the accompanying emotion of being in one of my favorite places, for one of the proudest moments, with those who mean the most to me. I am such a privately emotional person that I was surprised by how overcome I was, once again. The show was fabulous and all the newbies were oohing and aahing, I loved seeing the reflections of the FW in their eyes….awesome.









After the show ended, we hung out for another 20 minutes or so, chatting about the evening and having second helpings of desserts. Soon enough, our CM was back, escorting us back to the bus and within 15 minutes, we were at the main entrance of the GF. It was just before 10pm and as magic would have it, we were just in time to catch Wishes from the marina which is exactly what we all did!

Afterwards, we all said goodnight…it had been a great day, filled with so much wonder and magic.

[BelmontBelle]

I'm sitting here drooling over not only your dinner, but your dessert reception too, how awesome it all must have been! I would have loved to be with your party that night! I can't wait to hear what's next.

[Eeyoresmom]

Another exceptionally lovely evening. What amazing memories you created!

[Colexis Mom]

Wow Danielle, it doesn't get any better than that What an amazing night