Belle*s 30th Birthday Trip! June 9 - 13,2004 (Also starring Stitch)-Updated with Epcot Day About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Sounds like it was a great evening at MK at least Can't wait to hear all about V&A's

[Belle*]

Thursday, June 10 – My 30th Birthday!!!!



I forgot to mention that the previous night prior to going to sleep Shawn had presented me with birthday cards from him, Ryan, Max (the Dog) and the cats! So sweet. I love getting cards.



Anyway…we woke up pretty early on the morning of my birthday. We showered, dressed (I in my PassPorter shirt and birthday button ) and went to the Float Works Food Court for breakfast and to purchase refillable mugs. I had the biscuits and gravy plate with beignets and I don’t remember what Stitch had. We left the mugs in the room and headed for the MK!



The weather today was sunny and HOT! The Magic Kingdom was very crowded as it was EMH day but it is my favorite park so we wanted to start the day there. Plus, we were hoping to meet up with Wendyismyname to ride Splash Mountain! We went straight to Splash Mountain and were appalled to discover a 90 minute wait. We got FP’s and chose a visible spot to wait. We waited until about 11:10 am but having seen no one wearing anything PassPorter or even looking like they were looking for someone, we called it a day and decided to get out of the heat! The area around Splash was insanely busy and crowded so it is a distinct possibility that we simply missed Wendy. If so – Sorry!! The park was so crowded and hot we decided to shop our way out and head for another park. After a quick stop for pictures with Aladdin and at the Watch store to make sure they still made the Tinkerbell watch I’ve had my eye on for 2 trips now (they did ) we went back to the car. (Oops! We also stopped at Exposition Hall to pick up a photo of us in front of the castle that came out well. And had a picture taken with Meeko!) Once in the car we decided to go to MGM. On the way we saw a sign for the Beach Club and decided to go to Beaches N Cream for lunch, the one we had missed yesterday due to the room mix-up.



Me with Aladdin!



Me with Meeko



Anyone watch Great Hotels with Samantha Brown on Travel Channel? If you’ve seen the one on the Yacht & Beach Clubs then you are familiar with Art, the greeter/pin trader who works at the Beach Club. He was the first person we saw when walking in the door! He greeted us and I, like a dope, said, “You’re Art!! I saw you on Great Hotels!” At this point Stitch is looking at me like I’m crazy but sure enough Art said, “Yes, that’s me! What a blessing to be recognized. It’s been so wonderful.” He was just a sweet as could be. He directed us to Beaches and Cream, wished me a Happy Birthday and assured me they were waiting for us! I was so flustered by seeing someone “famous” I forgot to have Stitch take my picture with him so I could show my “Great Hotels” obsessed friend at home! Oh well…



There was no wait at BnC and we were immediately seated at a booth. We both ordered the Cheeseburger having heard such rave reviews on this board. I ordered a Cherry Coke (fountain style ) and Stitch had some type of Coffee Shake thing. The burgers were very good and the service was quick. In no time at all we were on our way to MGM!



Once at MGM we stopped to order Mickey Ears for some of our friends new babies and had them sent to the hotel. (Love that service! ) MGM was also suffering from pretty long lines at the major attractions but we saw that there was a Millionaire Show starting soon! We went and grabbed FP's for the next show and decided to go catch Muppets 3D while we waited. I found the key under the mat! Bean Bunny is my favorite Muppet so I love this movie. But we had underestimated how long it was and had to sprint back to Millionaire to make our FP window! We made it though and got seats towards the back of the theater behind the Hot Seat.



Stitch and I are consistently in the Top 10 when they check the audience scores and this time was no different. At one point Stitch, Me and the guy sitting next to me were all in the Top 10!! But the guy sitting next to me was punching his key pad so hard he broke it. It just stopped registering what he pushed! So the first guy gets so far but neither Stitch nor I are in the number one spot. So another woman gets in the Hot Seat and does pretty well but gets a question wrong about where the first votes are cast in the American Presidential Election. That's ok since she's Canadian! So she exits and they check the scores and I AM IN THE NUMBER ONE SPOT!!!! And Stitch is number two!! You know what that means right?????...........That means we are out of time - Thanks for playing!



Stich and I slink out of the theater being comforted by people telling us we were robbed and by telling each other we were robbed. We think about going back in for the next show but I can't face the heartbreak again!



The good news is that we caught a bunch of characters just coming our for pictures and got photos with Tigger, Eeyore and Pluto. We then went and rode Star Tours, spent the obligatory time in the store letting Stitch drool over the Star Wars Legos. That done we decided to go over to Downtown Disney to do some serious damage with our AP discount. After all – it is my birthday!



Stitch in front of the Star Wars Weekend Sign



Me with Pluto



Coming Up: Shopping at Downtown Disney and V&A's!!!

[simbarel]

You were so robbed! How could they do that do you on your BIRTHDAY???
Great photos, looking forward to more!

[chezp]

I can't believe you got so close at Millionaire! Rachel's right - you were robbed!

Great installment and I love the photos, it's so nice to be able to put a face to the names!

[buckysmom]

So unfair to miss out on Millionaire! There should be a birthday clause in there somewhere
Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day!

[Colexis Mom]

Gosh Sara, you guys were so close Definitely robbed! We Art to, and forgot to take a picture of him (Matt would always get disappointed when we didn't see him in the lobby! ) Great pictures, can't wait to hear what you bought at DTD

[Stitch]

[ QUOTE ]
Thursday, June 10 – My 30th Birthday!!!!



I had the biscuits and gravy plate with beignets and I don’t remember what Stitch had.

[/ QUOTE ]

Stitch had a breakfast crossiant sandwich!

And the first primary votes are held in New Hampshire, not Iowa like the "phone a complete stranger" thought! She just took a few minutes too long to lose

I've been robbed twice at Millionare! arrgh!!!

[BritDisFan]

Your photos are great Sara, I don't know if it is my eyes but Aladdin looks a bit orange!, maybe he's been overdosing on the St Tropez .

Can't wait to hear all about your wonderful birthday dinner.

Karen

[my2girls]

Aside from your bad start, it sounds like you and Stitch are having a wonderful time. Can't wait to read more. Have a wonderful (late) birthday.

Kristine

[Annabel]

Wow you really were robbed - and on your birthday too!!! No fair!! Sounds like you had a great day tho - there really is nowhere else better to spend your birthday than WDW. Look forward to reading more.

Annabel

[Wendyismyname]

Hi Sara!! I am sooo sorry!!! I believe we were in the line for Splash at the same time you were! Only we left because the ride was experiencing techical difficulties!! You're right though, those crowds were the worst I've ever seen for an EMH!!!

[whoSEZ]

Art is the coolest, isn't he?! Love him.

And I must agree ... you were ROBBED. And on your birthday!! That's just not right.

So glad you're writing a TR -- looking forward to more!

[Luv2plan]

Just caught up with your report am I'm really enjoying it! Looking forward to more!!!

[Jennifer2003]

Great report so far! For some reason, I pictured you with darker hair! LOL

ANywho...at first I was appauled by the woman at the airport, but then when she made her grand guessture, I had to laugh! I'm still laughing! Some people!

And as far as your room's state goes...just be glad you didn't walk in on anyone changing!!! I would have left hotels! LOL

Looking forward to more! Happy Birthday!

Jennifer

[Belle*]

Thursday, June 10 – continued!!



We drive over to Downtown Disney and score a primo parking spot behind World of Disney. One of our goals for this trip was to pick up 2 bags of White Chocolate Covered Pretzels that Stitch’s co-workers had requested. Bags, mind you, not the boxed kind. They didn’t have them at the resort and while we had seen them at the ML Confectionary we didn’t grab them since we were going shopping and figured we could use our AP discount at WoD, right? Wrong! They didn’t have the right kind. Oh well! They did have my Tink watch which I gleefully purchased and wore immediately. I also picked up a pair of large “Diamond” Mickey Earrings to wear that evening to V&A’s. Stitch found a T-shirt that he had seen at PO-FQ with Mickey Hands spelling out M-I-C-K-E-Y in sign language that he really loved. Happy Father’s Day Sweetheart!! We asked about the pretzel and were told to try the Candy Shop for them. The only Candy Shop we knew of was the Cauldron over on the West Side. So off we trooped on our pretzel hunt past Pleasure Island and down the walkway to the West Side. We arrived at the Candy Cauldrom only to discover that they are sold out of the required pretzels!! Luckily, a lovely CM offered to call over to the Goofy Candy Shop back at the Marketplace to see if they had them. They did!! We reversed direction and discovered the new Candy Shop attached to the Earl of Sandwich. We obtained the correct pretzels along with a bag of Mickey & Minnie Gummies and were off to the Days of Christmas shop!



We collect Disney Christmas ornaments but had bought so many on our last two trips that we were determined to only buy something if we truly loved it. In the end we purchased 1 blue glass Mickey Head ornament and one Pink glass ornament with Baby Minnie on it and had them personalized for Ryan’s First Christmas and Katie’s First Christmas. (My sister is due with a girl, Katie, in October. ) We arranged to have those shipped home and also bought a few new……Antenna Toppers!!! We found the Mickey Bunny Topper for Easter, the St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Leprechaun and the Snowman wearing Mickey Ears. We also saw the Mickey Pilgrim for Thanksgiving but I’m holding out for the Mickey Turkey I saw a couple years ago. Our shopping concluded we drove back to the hotel to rest up and dress for my birthday dinner at Victoria and Albert’s!



When we got back to the room the most beautiful bouquet of flowers was waiting for me!! It had roses, carnations, etc and a “Happy Birthday” Balloon tied to the basket. It was just gorgeous and was sent by my sister and her husband.



My gorgeous flowers!

I also had a vm from her to make sure I got them. While Shawn showered, napped, etc I called her and my parents and brought them up to date on how our trip was going so far. Then it was my turn in the shower. I should mention that during all of this it is pouring rain! Which means I had to have a serious hair debate. As you’ve seen, I have VERY curly hair that is not real “rain-friendly”. Taking into consideration the weather, I went with up. The next consideration was how to get to the car in 3 inch heels in pouring rain. We decided that Shawn would go get the car and pull up to the main entrance under the portico. That way I would only be in the rain for 15 feet as I crossed from Building 5 to the Main building.

I garnered a whistle or two as I flew through the lobby in a black cocktail dress and heels and while I was waiting for Shawn a woman standing nearby asked where I was going all dressed up. We chatted for a moment before my carriage and Prince Charming arrived.



After a brief tour around the MK parking lot (translation – we got lost) a CM told us the back way to the GF through the CM’s parking lot. (Thank you! ) We pulled up at the GF Valet, handed over the keys and entered the lobby of the GF for the first time. It is SO beautiful!!



The beautiful GF lobby

I have stayed at the Hotel del Coronado which is what the GF is based on and so was surprised by how light the interior is. The Del has a very Victorian dark wood interior that is a contrast to the GF’s airy light feeling. Both beautiful but I prefer the GF’s take on Victorian! We snapped a few photos, checked out a few of the shops and presented ourselves for check-in at V&A’s.



I have to confess that I was slightly intimidated by this restaurant. I was worried about the limited menu options, whether the atmosphere would be stuffy, would I recognize the food, etc. Turns out I had nothing to worry about! (I found out later that Stitch was having the same worries.) The atmosphere is slightly stuffy but just enough so that you know you are having a special meal unlike any other. The service is astonishing, the food is absolutely incredible.



We were uncertain over which utensil to use once or twice but no one looked at us strange (and I caught the couple next to us having the same debate!). There was some confusion concerning my wine allergy which I had made certain to notify them of ahead of time. It was in the system and the chef had been notified but our servers had not been. So after we ordered and the Amuse Bouche had been served the waiter circled back to clarify the allergy and let me know that most things I had ordered did come with a sauce that had wine as an ingredient and would be served on the side. Fine by me!! Now down to the good stuff – here is what we had!!



Amuse Bouche

Buffalo Tenderloin wrapped around Cornichon – I could have made an entire meal of this! The one tiny bite made my mouth water so badly I couldn’t wait for the Cold Appetizer. Which was….

Cold Appetizer

Lemon Grass Poached Lobster with Pickled Papaya and Tat Soi – Belle*

Herb Cured Poulet with Pumpernickel Curls and Miniature Romaine Lettuce – Stitch

The Lobster was very, very good but Stitch’s chicken was fabulous!! I tried to switch plates but he wouldn’t let me.



Hot Appetizer

Jamison Farm Lamb with Serrano Ham and Goat Cheese Gnocchi, Tomato Jam – Belle*

Jumbo Lump Crab Stuffed Squash Blossom with Zellwood Corn Sauce – Stitch

I was the winner in this course. The Gnocchi was so good I am salivating thinking of it now! And the lamb was done to a turn without being the slightest bit gamey.



Soup/Appetizer

Barely Seared Copper River Salmon with Asparagus and Ramps – Stitch

Butternut Squash-Hazelnut Cream with Florida Rock Shrimp – Belle*

I don’t remember Stitch’s opinion of his and I don’t like Salmon very much but my soup was just amazing – rich and flavorful with the most succulent little bites of shrimp! I didn’t come anywhere close to finishing this as it was so rich.



Entrée

Roasted Duck with Mission Figs and Consomme and Foie Gras Tortellini – Stitch

Grilled Prime Filet with Cauliflower-Potato Mousseline, Natural Jus – Belle*

Stitch loved his and even really enjoyed the Foie Gras Tortellini!! My filet was astonishingly tender; you could have cut it with a fork. I can’t imagine adding sauce to this meat; it was so flavorful on its own.



Cheese Course

Colston Bassett Stilton “Cheesecake” with Bing Cherry Compote – Belle* and Stitch

We both opted for the cheese as the alternative was Pineapple sorbet and enither of us likes Pineapple. The cheesecake was good, there was a lump of blue cheese on the plate that was horribly strong! I could not have the cherry compote as it also contained wine but Stitch seemed to enjoy it.



Dessert

Pyramid of Tanzani Chocolate Mousse – Stitch

Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle – Belle*

Dessert was superb. My Souffle was perfectly puffy and accompanied by a Godiva liqueur sauce. I can have alcohol, just not wine so I was generous with this!!

Stitch’s Mousse was smooth and creamy and delectable.



We also ordered the coffee which is the neatest presentation and preparation I have ever seen! Even if you aren’t coffee drinkers, order it just to see it.





Completely satiated and happy we signed for the check. I was presented with a chocolate birthday card and a long stemmed rose. After snapping a few more photos, we were back in the car and on the way back to PO-FQ. I felt like a Princess! It was the best meal of our lives and well worth the price.







Next Up: Epcot and Belle* conquers Space!!