Cam's Golden Birthday Adventure **Updated 8/23** COMPLETE - Page 22 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I got a bit ahead of myself and forgot that we made a quick stop into Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories before heading to the bus stop. While Luke moved next door to check out the artwork, Stefanie purchased another Goofy pen and some pencils. I got a Mickey Mouse embosser kit along with the Mickey Body Parts antenna set and file folders. So now the shopping is officially done and we can get some supper.
We probably waited about 15 minutes for a bus to the Grand Floridian, but we still had plenty of time before our ADR, so we also had no stress. In the past when we’ve arrived at 1900 Park Fare the line to check in has been quite long, but tonight we were the only ones. We were given a pager and then we all made a stop at the restrooms before finding a comfy couch in the lobby to wait. Soon our pager buzzed and the royal Matthews were ushered to a table.
Our server quickly appeared and described the buffet offerings for the evening. She also let us know that we would have a while before the first character came to our table if we wanted to make our first trip to the buffet. When we got back to the table, our server had a Happy Birthday tiara for me to wear. And wear it I did for the entire meal. I also got a birthday placemat.
I think I looked rather royal in my tiara! Don’t you?
Soon after our return Prince Charming also arrived and Stefanie blushed as she talked with him about Cinderella.
We had a little while before the next character to eat some of our meal. As we munched, I saw Lady Tremaine (the wicked stepmother) enter our area. I was truly wondering how Stefanie would feel about the stepmother and stepsisters being here, and had tried to prepare her for the change in characters. She has gotten several of the villains’ autographs before, but openly told them she does NOT like them. A few minutes later, I got my answer when Lady Tremaine arrived at our table and politely asked Stefanie if she could sign her autograph book. Lady Tremaine is exceptionally well-mannered and Stefanie was definitely impressed.
Lady Tremaine even requested a photo with the birthday girl, telling me to make my sternest face. But Luke was already laughing at me, so if you look closely you can tell my sternest expression is about to transform into a big ole laugh.
Just as soon as Lady Tremaine left, Cinderella arrived. But just as she finished signing Stefanie’s autograph book, it was announced that she and the Prince would be having a dance. She politely excused herself telling Stefanie she would be back as soon as her dance was over.
We went back to eating and then were suddenly startled to hear screaming come from the back of our room. Anastasia was throwing a fit because the young gentleman she had asked to dance with her had refused.
I’m not sure how long this would have gone one (it really was funny) if it hadn’t been for another young gentleman of about 5 or 6 years of ages who finally approached her, offering to dance with her. After that she was smiling widely and gushing thanks to her “prince.”
Not long after, Cinderella arrived back at our table to finish her visit with Stefanie who began to ask her how Gus and Jack (Stef’s favorites) were doing and what they were up to. Cinderella was full of information and Stefanie was happy that her favorite mice were happy and doing well.
By now Anastasia had made it to our table and she was truly loads of fun. Stefanie admitted that she was glad Anastasia had gotten to dance. Stefanie confessed that she even found her likable in person and that her dress was very pretty. Anastasia soaked up all the praise. Stefanie always tries to find the good in people, and if she can’t, I’ve found she is also an accurate judge of character.
Anastasia requested a picture with the lovely little princess’ birthday mom. She stayed so true to character the whole time. She was my favorite anti-princess.
In between characters we all headed back to the buffet for dessert. Shortly after we arrived back, Drizella stopped by for a visit. She wasn’t nearly as much fun as Anastasia had been, but Stefanie still told her that she liked her as well.
Later I was brought a birthday cupcake and asked to stand as the room erupted in song. So much fun for a birthday!
Stefanie wiped her lips and announced that it was time to check out the gift shop upstairs. But before we headed up, I had Luke snap a last shot of me under the restaurant sign.
Overall, going later to 1900 Park Fare was a wise choice for us as it was much less crowded and the wait was a lot shorter. We didn’t feel at all rushed to finish our meal so others could have a table and the later crowd seemed less noisy. In addition, I was treated very special for the entire meal.
Stefanie bought something (I can’t remember what) at the gift shop and then we boarded the monorail to take in evening Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom.
As we entered the park, Spectromagic was just beginning, so we headed up to the porch of Exhibition Hall, finding an open spot for all three of us to take in the parade for a third time.
Stefanie becomes so wrapped up in this parade that I’m not sure she knows that anything else is going on.
As the parade ended, we made our way through the traffic and those staking out spots for Wishes to make it into Tomorrowland. First up, we decided to ride Stitch’s Great Escape as it literally had no wait. We entered as the opening video was just beginning and then we were soon moving ahead to receive our training. Stefanie loves this ride, but doesn’t like the way the room looks as we enter. She was really unsure as her Daddy led us right up to the front row. She commented later how cool it was to be so close to Stitch, but still wondered why he had to burp on us.
As we exited, Stefanie asked if we could go to Toontown as we hadn’t visited Mickey and Minnie’s Country Homes yet. As we walked on the hidden sidewalk between Space Mountain/Tomorrowland and Toontown, Wishes began and I stopped smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk and began shooting pictures. No one else was there so I didn’t have to worry about being rude.
Stefanie began to tug on me, saying she still hadn’t seen Mickey’s House yet. So off we went to visit her pals. At this time in the evening, Toontown is pretty much abandoned, and as we walked through Minnie’s House there wasn’t another soul around. So very cool!
Stefanie and I have now had our picture taken 7 times in Minnie’s sun porch wicker chair. I guess that makes it a tradition.
Next up was Mickey’s House where we were all disappointed that Mickey’s mailbox was gone. I asked a couple of cast members standing nearby what had happened. I learned that it had been removed for refurbishing and would return soon. Unfortunately, that broke our tradition of 7 years taking Stefanie’s photo here.
Once again we had no company as we explored, and so Stefanie ask that I please get a picture of Pluto’s dog house since we didn’t already have one.
I also got a few of Mickey’s very interesting garden.
Luke and I wanted to ride Barnstormer, but Stefanie refused to be left alone. So Luke rode Barnstormer while Stefanie and I laughed at folks’ reaction to being squirted as they exited the ride. Most were quite hilarious and we chuckled until we were very silly.
Our next adventure was back to Tomorrowland to ride the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. We took the more traditional sidewalk this time, making a big circle of the park. The line wasn’t too long and in about 15 minutes we were strapped into a car. Stefanie was driving me and promising not to give me “swishlash.” But since it was dark and she doesn’t pay attention to the road, I soon was being tossed to and fro as she wickedly laughed the whole way. Our ride was much longer than normal as the car in front of us barely moved at all. In fact, we had to stop numerous times in order not to run them over.
By now it was midnight and we needed to get our Extra Magic Hour bracelets. Luke spied the Tomorrowland spot and headed us in that direction. Luke and I were getting tired, but Stefanie still wanted to do a few more rides. Her first choice was the Mad Tea Party where she promised once again not to give me “swishlash.” Our funny moment for the day came when the ride made the funny noise as it begins to slow. Stefanie had really been working the wheel and thought she had caused it. Her eyes got so big. Then she couldn’t understand why her parents were laughing so hard.
Stefanie full of energy didn’t want to miss Dumbo at night, her favorite time to ride it. The line was fairly short and within 10 minutes she and I were aboard an orange Dumbo. She asked to control the up/down button and actually took us to the top without too many oohs. I love this ride, but I do wish it was a bit longer, so I could gaze longer at the park from up above.
Stefanie still wasn’t ready to leave, and since Cinderella’s Carousel was nearby and had absolutely no line at all, we knew where to go next. We walked on, and because I was too tired to ride a horse and hold Stefanie on her own horse, we chose to ride in the sleigh. My feet truly were killing me by now. Luke rode a nearby horse.
By now Luke and I were pretty sure we needed a long rest. Stefanie must have sensed our weariness because she told us she was finally ready to go back to Wilderness Lodge, but she wanted to ride the boat. That sounded good to all of us, so we headed back through the park. We were soon the first ones in the boat line, watching the Electric Light Parade make its way through the lagoon. The cast member stationed at the dock was super friendly, wishing me a happy birthday and chatting with Stefanie. He actually became the captain for our boat. As we leisurely made our way across the lagoon, enjoying the pleasantly cool breeze and our captain’s corny jokes, I thought to myself: why do people get so anxious about Friday the 13th? Our day had been very lovely and full of fun, but if this had been a TV show or movie, ominous music would have begun to play. But I can’t tell you why until I get to Day 7 as I didn’t know until then myself.
Stefanie and I had a little bit of trouble disembarking as we had grown joint stiff during the voyage. Thank goodness for our helpful captain. We trudged our way back to our room, practically collapsing in our beds. I suggested as we all began to fade out that maybe the pool would be a great way to start our Saturday. Luke and Stefanie mumbled yes and Friday was already history.
So what did happen on Friday the 13th? What adventures do the pool and Epcot hold for us tomorrow?
Oooh, suspense, suspense - I can't wait for the next update!
I'm so glad you enjoyed your dinner at 1900 Park Fare - the character interaction sounded wonderful. Stephanie was so polite to Anastasia and Drizella and Lady Tremaine.
What a magical evening at MK!! You all have so much stamina - that was a long day.
Great update, Cam! What a wonderful birthday dinner at 1900PF! I think royalty suits you! Isn't the view of the fireworks from ToonTown amazing?? Granted, it's weird without the castle, but they seem so close that it makes you feel like you can almost reach out and touch them. Can't wait to hear more
I love the tiara, it looks like it was made just for you!! I always hesitate to book 1900 because of the characters but it sounds like they were a lot of fun. It was nice of Stephanie to pity you and Luke and call it a night!!
Could your ominous music be playing because of the backpack you can't show us a picture of ????
Dinner sounded great!! Love the pics!! And gosh, you guys had quite the night at MK as well Great pics and what a great time!! I hope it's a late start for you tomorrow......I'm exhausted just reading all about your night
Terrific update! Sounds like Friday the 13th was lucky for you... packed with fun! Shopping IS awesome, especially as Disney, so I'm glad you and Stefanie found so many treasures. Glad you had such a wonderful birthday dinner at 1900 Park Fare. We'll need to get back there to check out the new cast of characters. Looking forward to your next installment, Cam!
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What a great dinner at 1900PF! I'm glad you had such great interactions with the characters there! Love the pictures! You had alot of fun in the MKm too. It sounds like it was a wonderful day, but I'm a little nervous about the next installment.....
So glad you enjoyed 1900 Park Fare. I'm looking forward to trying it in a couple weeks!! MK at night sounds awesome. Sure sounds like ya'll had a great day. Wonder what happens next. Hurry back.
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Isn't the view of the fireworks from ToonTown amazing?? Granted, it's weird without the castle, but they seem so close that it makes you feel like you can almost reach out and touch them. Can't wait to hear more
PassPorter Guide Author
I always hesitate to book 1900 because of the characters but it sounds like they were a lot of fun. It was nice of Stephanie to pity you and Luke and call it a night!! 
Great pics and what a great time!! I hope it's a late start for you tomorrow......I'm exhausted just reading all about your night 
Aimee
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