We've made it to Valentine's Day! We had a special dinner planned for the occasion at Artist Point. They had recently started a character dinner there with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen. Not only had we never been to this restaurant, but we had never even been to the Wilderness Lodge. Patrick and I had seen it once from the bus stop in dark, but that doesn't really count does it? So, we were excited to have this little something special to celebrate Valentine's Day. We decided to spend our day before dinner at Magic Kingdom. So of course, we were there before the 9:00 park opening, getting that mandatory castle picture.
I think LittleCGC was more interested in LittleCJC's donut ears.
9:00
When the park officially opened, we made our way to Tomorrowland and started our day at Space Mountain, attraction #1.
In typical Patrick fashion, while LittleCJC and I were on the ride, he found a photographer.
Before we used our rider swap pass, we decided to ride Astro Orbitor, attraction #2 before that line got any bigger.
I rode with LittleCGC, while Patrick rode with LittleCJC.
Here's a video from Patrick's view if you want to join.
As soon we finished here, we went back to use our rider swap at Space Mountain, attraction #3.
Someone was really excited.
In typical fashion of this trip, while LittleCJC and Patrick rode the ride, I nursed LittleCGC.
10:00
Before moving on from Tomorrowland, we decided to meet with Stitch, character #1.
LittleCJC thought it was so funny that Stitch thought he could eat her donut ears.
During this visit, since Minnie was meeting with Mickey on Main Street, Daisy was meeting here with Pluto, character #3.
As we were leaving the circus, we stopped by the snack cart and got a pretzel.
11:00
Of course, we then needed a drink, so we decided to stop at Gaston's Tavern. They had special treats, so we decided to try them; a sparkling cider and a birthday eclair.
After our snack, we were able to use our first fastpass at Big Thunder Mountain, attraction #4.
The girls played for a bit before we switched riders and LittleCJC rode Big Thunder Mountain, attraction #5.
12:00
I feel like I'm missing something in our plans here, but eventually we traveled back to Fantasyland and enjoyed some Hook ice cream.
After our ice cream, it was time for our next fastpass at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, attraction #6.
1:00
Instead of immediately swapping riders, we decided to use our last preplanned fastpass at The Haunted Mansion, attraction #7. Again, I feel like something is missing here, but unfortunately, I don't remember.
2:00
What I do know, is that we made it back around to the back side of Fantasyland and rode The Little Mermaid, attraction #8.
We then circled back around and used our rider swap pass at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, attraction #9.
At some point, we had picked up some new fastpasses and we were ready to meet some princesses. Up first, Rapunzel, character #4.
I love how LittleCGC looks in awe of her here.
Next up was Tiana, character #5.
After meeting both princesses, we worked on getting our next fastpass, and decided to take a ride on The Mad Tea Party, attraction #10 while we waited.
3:00
LittleCJC pointed out something else we hadn't done yet this trip, so we made our way there now. It was time for Mickey's Philharmagic, attraction #11.
LittleCGC used this opportunity to take a nap. After the show, we stopped for a snack at Sleepy Hollow.
We love both the waffle snacks they sell there, but LittleCJC definitely prefers this sweet option filled with nutella and strawberries.
4:00
After our snack, we were ready to use our next fastpass to see the other two princesses at the Fairytale Hall. Our first stop was with Cinderella, character #6.
We also visited with Elena, character #7.
While we were waiting for our turn with the princesses, we were able to pick up our next fastpasses. We succeeded with an immediate pass for Barnstormer, attraction #12.
Daddy rode first with LittleCJC, so of course I took a few pictures.
We instantly switched riders and this time I got to ride Barnstormer, attraction #13
5:00
The next fastpass we were able to get was at Buzz Lightyear, so we decided to go ahead and make our way to Tomorrowland. Once here, we rode a family favorite The Peoplemover, attraction #14.
When we completed our tour of Tomorrowland, it was time for our last fastpass of the day at Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, attraction #15.
6:00
We of course made it to the hotel with plenty of time. We didn't mind though, as it gave us time to explore the hotel. Like I said, we had never been inside here before, so we enjoyed looking around. When it was time for our reservation, we checked in and entered without any issues. The restaurant is decorated in a way that you feel like you're entering the forest.
Once seated, we were greeted by our menu and a fun place setting.
This tree set up in the middle of the table was used for both the appetizers and the desserts. Before we even got to those though, Snow White, character #8.
As soon as Snow White left our table, we received our appetizers.
LittleCJC got her own plate of appetizers with fruit, vegetables, a cheese stick, and a make your own honey butter. However, we were also served three servings of the adult appetizers. Included were the following: winter squash bisque served with a caramel lollipop and granola, hunter's pie filled with chicken and black truffle served with stone fruit preserve, and wicked shrimp cocktail complete with soy, miso, avocado, Thai chili, and greens.
I remember everything being delicious, especially the winter the squash bisque and the hunter's pie. While working on our appetizers, we were greeted by Dopey, character #9.
At one point, the characters danced around the room some as well, but we also had a personal visit from Grumpy, character #10.
You may notice LittleCJC had her autograph board out. At first, we didn't think they would sign since you're given their autograph at your place setting, but Grumpy did when we asked after seeing someone else getting signatures.
This meal is set up to where everyone shares the appetizers and desserts, but each person picks their own entree. On this evening, Patrick chose the Magic Mirror Slow-Braised Veal Shank with celery root mashed, wilted winter greens and jus.
I chose to go with the Royal Prime Rib Roast served with horseradish mashed potato, hay smoked carrots, a popover and jus. Let me say, this may be my favorite meal I've had on property with the exception of my dining experience at Victoria and Alberts. I still don't know exactly what a popover is, but I'm still thinking about it. I was also hesitant about the horseradish potatoes, but they tasted great especially with the jus.
LittleCJC of course had the princess pasta with cheese sauce, also known as mac and cheese.
When it came time for dessert, we were again presented with three options placed on our tree centerpiece. First we had the Miner's Treasures, a sponge cake with chocolate gems and buttercream icing. We were also offered Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie with gooseberry and meringue. The third dessert was the "Poison" Apple, a white chocolate-apple mouse with a sour center.
They were all delicious. We were so happy with our meal thinking that was the end, but it wasn't. When we finished these desserts, a server appeared with a smoking box presenting The Hunter's Gift to the Queen, crackled maple popcorn with ganache hearts.
Our server presented the box to LittleCJC and asked her to get the hears out for everyone.
This was such a fun and unexpected ending to our meal. Upon finishing off all our goodies, we also were able to meet the Evil Queen, character #11.
Lol, I love LittleCGC's look of concern for us to be so near the Evil Queen.
After our visit with the Queen, we made our way back to the docks so that we could take the boat back to Magic Kingdom.
From there, we took the ferry boat back to the parking lot and our car.
Both girls passed out during our boat rides, before we made it to the car.
This was the perfect ending to our day, and I think it is safe to say that this was my best Valentine's Day to date!
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