February 2019, Day 6: Valentine's Day at Magic Kingdom

 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.

After visiting with Stitch, we decided to make our way to the Storybook Circus and visit Daisy, character #2.

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.

We decided at this point that we had better leave to make sure we had plenty of time to get to the restaurant for dinner.  Instead of heading back to our car and driving to the hotel, we decided to take the boat shuttle.

6:00

Here's LittleCJC excited to be on the boat.

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!

Musical/Movie Project Week 2

 Well, this week wasn't quite as exciting as the first, but I'm still loving this project.

Musical Monday - The Fantasticks (1995)

I knew absolutely nothing about this show when I started watching it.  As it started, I was excited.  I loved the song "Never Say No" but unfortunately, for me, it seemed to all be downhill from there.  Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but I didn't love it.  This is one of the odd times with a musical, that I remember the plot fine, but can't seem to remember many of the songs.  Honestly, I think I enjoyed some of the stage ideas more than the show itself.  I feel like I'm being hard on this one and it's not like  I hated it, but I do think I'll enjoy some of the other shows on my list much better.

Tune Tuesday - Disney's Frozen the Broadway Musical (2017)

We watch the Frozen movies almost daily in our house right now.  So, I wasn't super excited for this one, but it only made sense to listen/watch it after our Frozen Disney dinner night.  I was familiar with some of the changes of this show from the movie, because I had also seen a Frozen Jr production.  So, honestly, I just expected to listen to the soundtrack this day since it's a newer, popular show.  However, I checked on YouTube and was surprised to find a video of the show on Broadway.  I was so excited, since my cousin worked on this show designing all the sets.  In fact, my whole family was planning on watching the traveling production this spring, but of course with Covid, that's not happening at least at this time.  However, while I'd rather watch a show than just listen to the soundtrack, this video wasn't that great in terms of seeing much of the set designs or even the full cast.  They seemed to focus only on who was singing at the moment.  Which, I know some videos that are taped of a full stage view, constantly struggle to stay in focus.  I guess I'd rather see a close up of someone's face than a white blob.  As expected, the show was fun.

Way Back Wednesday - La Dolce Vita (1960)

Like Monday, I didn't know anything about this movie.  I only chose it because it showed up on so many lists of best classic movies.  I don't know why.  Maybe because of some filming techniques used or something like that.  I will admit there were some pretty scenes, but oh my goodness, I could not get into this movie.  To be completely honest, I didn't even finish it.  I know that seems like cheating, but this movie is  three hours long and I gave it a good two hours of my time before I turned it off.  I don't know how the movie ends, but from the two hours I watched, there's no story.  Maybe I'm not cultural enough to appreciate it, but I just couldn't make it any further.

Throwback Thursday - Cool Runnings (1993)

I loved this movie when I was young, and it was just as fun now.  I was really hoping LittleCJC would watch it with me, because I thought she would like it too.  She didn't show any interest, though, but maybe another day.  I don't know what it was really like for the Jamaican team that first year, but at least the idea made for a great movie.  I almost want to research it now, but let's be honest, I probably won't.  This movie is a perfect 90s movie and I love it.

Friday First - Wind River (2017)

I guess this was the week for me to be clueless.  I guess I missed this movie when it came out, and I was a little surprised to find it on my list when I saw that it was only from 2017.  Any title on my list that I'm not familiar with, must have appeared on several lists for me to add it blindly.  So, I'm surprised I wasn't familiar with this recent movie.  If you're not familiar either, let me say, it's a little heavy.  That being said, I don't want to say I liked the movie, because honestly it was a little hard to watch.  However, I was interested in the storyline and very intrigued to see what happened.

Seasonal Saturday - Message in a Bottle (1999)

I thought I remembered this movie, but I have to admit I didn't really remember much.  So, it was nice watching this especially after the heavy film of the day before.

Disney Dinner - Inside Out (2015)

This movie was fun to watch.  LittleCJC knew was familiar with the characters, thanks to our Disney trips, but she didn't really remember the movie.  It was so cute, when Riley got a brain freeze and the characters all froze, LittleCJC finally realized that they were her brain.  I don't know if she wasn't listening at the beginning when it states this, but I loved it.  Be sure to check out my Disney dinner post for the meal details.

Disney Diner: Frozen

 Week 1

Yay, Frozen! Lol! Like we don't watch this movie on a daily basis right now in our house.  However, I really didn't want to skip it and it only makes sense to watch it in winter.

Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of our dinner, but it was mostly a repeat from the last time we had this movie/dinner night.  Please check out that post here if you want to see a picture.  Basically, we had Norwegian style meatballs and gravy with roasted cauliflower and carrots.  The girls ate maybe a meatball a piece, but Patrick and I were happy with this meal.  We also made blue jello ice cubes, which the girls were most excited about.  Dessert was great, though!  I made some white hot chocolate that I colored blue, added marshmallows and sprinkles and everyone was happy.  LittleCGC didn't drink much, but everyone else loved it!

As you might notice from the picture above, the girls opted to watch the movie on their tablet while doing everything else.  I didn't argue since, like I said, we watch this movie almost everyday right now.  I think the takeaway from this evening is that I may need to make the hot chocolate again!

Hello Monday

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend!  Patrick's parents came in town Friday evening and spent the night playing games with our girls.  We also watched the original The Parent Trap, even though the girls didn't get into it, all us adults enjoyed it.  On Saturday, his parents spent some time at his sister's house while we prepared for dinner, when they were to all come back to our house.  If you missed last week's update, both Patrick and his sister recently had birthdays so we had fun celebrating with everyone.  On Sunday we went to church and the girls were able to play with a friend afterwards.  The rest of the day was spent at home watching football and our Disney dinner, Inside Out.  Of course, I didn't get any pictures of the birthday kids, but here's a picture of the little kids being their crazy selves.

 Hello Monday

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day, so everyone is home.  Plus, we're getting a new furnace installed so it's a little crazy around here.  However, once we get past today, the rest of the week should be a normal schedule and I don't think we have anything planned for next weekend.  I'm sure we'll come up with something though.

Hello Movies

Here's this week's musicals/movies:

Musical Monday - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Tune Tuesday - Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Wayback Wednesday - Little Women

Throwback Thursday - The Cutting Edge

Friday First - An Affair to Remember

Seasonal Saturday - Mr. Popper's Penguins

Disney Dinner - 101 Dalmations

I think I'm most excited for Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, because that appeared on many favorite musical lists when I was doing my research.

Hello Books

So last week, I did finish Amber Frost by Suzi Davis like I planned, but I can't say I made any progress in the second book of this series called Silver Dew.  Hopefully, I'll get to that one this week.  I did listen to Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, but I can't say I loved it.  It was a short, easy read (or listen in my case) but I definitely didn't find it humorous like so many reviews stated.  I also listened to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.  Maybe I was just in a reading funk last week, because I didn't care for this one much either.  It was an interesting idea, but I didn't enjoy the way it played out.  I will say I enjoyed the ending, but the middle left a lot to be desired in my opinion.  This week, I've already started listening to The Huntress by Kate Quinn.  So far, this book is everything I expected it to be.  I will probably also listen to Exit West by Mohsin Hamid this week, since I borrowed it last week from the library but ended up getting The Huntress (which was on hold) before I started reading.  We'll see if I get to anything else.

I guess that's all for now.

Happy Monday everyone!

Disney Dinner: The Incredibles

 Bonus

We started the year off with a bonus Disney dinner before the first week of 2021.  I decided to start with The Incredibles, because I am determined that we are going to have an incredible year.  LittleCJC liked my logic.

So, for dinner, we had Mr. Incredible's Powerful Crunchy Chicken.  I got the recipe from Reel Fancy Dinners, but she said she got it from a Disney cookbook.  We also had Elastagirl's twisty mac 'n cheese with peas, since that's the only way my girls will eat any veggies.  Our drink was Violet's juice.

The verdict...

The chicken was good and everyone ate that.

The mac n' cheese, well, the girls ate it this evening but I learned over the next few days that they didn't like these noodles as they like the pre-packaged, cheap mac n' cheese better.

For Violet's juice, I gave them Cranberry Grape juice that they drank, but weren't crazy about it.

I think everyone was most excited for dessert, Mr. Freeze's Float.

I simply put ice cream in a cup and poured some blue Hawaiian punch over it, topping it with mini marshmallows and sprinkles.  The girls loved this idea, but neither one of them finished theirs.  LittleCGC barely drank any of hers, but neither one of them complained about it.

As for the movie, LittleCGC liked the scenes with baby Jack Jack and LittleCJC watched for most of it, but she did let LittleCGC distract her about 2/3 of the way through.  Overall, we still had a fun evening and an incredible start to our return of Disney Dinners.