Wow! And did you say, "No Characters?!" Finale
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Diz · 08-16-2004, 11:29 AM

My MIL is a die-hard breakfast person. She decided that breakfast was a must for our itinerary. Today is Animal Kingdom so I thought, "Let's try Rainforest Cafe".

My MIL also made an executive decision...if the teens don't want to do something, that's okay. The rest of us will. So when morning came, she thought some would opt out of breakfast and Animal Kingdom. Wrong! The teens were so excited to get to AK! They had their itinerary which basically gave the description of Rainforest Cafe, the description of AK and some Great Things To Do tips. They were so excited to try Kali River Rapids and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

So everyone was up and ready to head to AK. DD was to meet us at the resort, but she was running late so DH and I hung around for her while the others went to take a bus to AK. DD finally showed up and we decided to drive over instead of waiting for Dtransportation. We ended up making it to AK before the rest of them! MIL said the bus just never came.

There is a rather long line to get through with bag check, so those of us bagless went in to get a table for breakfast. By the time the rest were through, we were ready to be seated. While walking up to Rainforest, DD is giving me a hard time. "Are you sure they serve breakfast? I never knew RC served breakfast. Are you sure, you're right?" How come 23 year olds can revert back to be a 15 year old? I just say, "If they don't serve breakfast, then why are they giving us a table at 8:30 am?"

We walk into the restaurant and it's about 90% empty. Apparently DD isn't the only one who doesn't know they serve breakfast. The hostess begins to seat us. She points to a table at one end of the room and says 6 there and points to a table at the other end and says 4 there. I look at her in disbelief. I say, "You are not busy, you do not have a line of people waiting...why can't we have 2 tables close together?". That's all we have available. I point out the rest of the room to her. She rolls her eyes and goes to talk to the guy making seat arrangements. She returns and says if you want to wait we'll see what we can do. Ten minutes later, only one other party had entered the restaurant and was seated. MIL was ready to give in just when they finally seated us together. As I write this, I still do not understand the childish attitude that "if you don't sit where we want you to sit, then you will wait til hell freezes over".

We didn't let them ruin our good attitude of the morning though. While waiting the teens were looking all over RC. This was, after all, their first trip there. They loved the fish in the water and of course the gift shop! After we were seated, a CM had put on a wet suit and was swimming through the water tubes with the fishes. The teens thought for sure he was going to get caught up in the small tubes. The 2 girls disappeared after ordering and soon were back with new RC long-sleeved shirts on. They were cold and found these really cute shirts to buy.

It took forever to get our food. The restaurant still had seated maybe 2 other families since we arrived. They were not overbooked, they were not understaffed because the CMs were all talking in groups around the place. I don't know the problem, but hope they fix whatever it is. It was just too dead quiet for RC even if it was breakfast. It was a long breakfast because of service and most guests don't want to waste that much time to eat.

We finally finished and went to pay the bill. DD put her cm id in with the cc and when all was said and done, she saved us $30 for breakfast.

We were going to split up when DD said, "I have to leave for work soon. Can all of us ride Dinosaurs together?". The teens didn't have a problem with it. MIL freaks out, "Is it a rollercoaster?" LOL! DD assured her it wasn't. Then MIL asks, "Is it scary?" DD says, no not at all.

On the way to Dinosaur, we stopped at Flaming Tree BBQ to purchase the AK vouchers for the teens lunch. DD was standing beside me when I ordered 6 of them and she got this look on her face. She said to the CM, do you give a cast member discount? The CM smiled and said yes we do. DD saved us over $15. That makes $45 savings so far today. How can I get one of those IDs?!

Off to Dinosaur! We wait in line about 20-25 minutes to get on the ride. DH is a joker and enjoys picking on his own 2 sons in line. He extended his normal routine and picked on the other teens too. They loved it. 2 of them have spent most of their childhood without a father figure and enjoy the fatherly kidding around. By the time this trip is over, DH has his own bonding with the teens -- the boys especially looking up to him. At one pointin line you can choose which line to get into. The teens didn't realize that meant we would be split up so DD's trying to grab them so that we can all be together, but by the time that happens, we are broken up in the same line. There was a really nice family who saw our problem and they let the teens back in.

We rode Dinosaur and have a perfect picture as a reminder! It was so funny to see MIL's expression on it. She thought it was scary! The girls were screaming and hid their faces. The boys were eyes glued to the dinosaur and having a blast.

While we were buying the picture, the teens went off on their own to ride Kali River Rapids. MIL was in no way doing that ride and DH hates water rides. DD decided she had just enough time to see Lion King with us...if we could get into the next show that started in 15 minutes. So we grab MIL and hike to Camp Mickey and Minnie. We make it as they are about to close the door. We get excellent seats - against the wall right under the AV guys. MIL is seeing this for the first time and is loving every moment. DH falls asleep!

How could anyone fall asleep during LK!!! As we're leaving LK, MIL looks at the itinerary and sees that I had suggested Tarzan Rocks as a Great Thing to Do and so she says why don't we head there. DD doesn't have any time left and has to get back to the resort for her car and to change for work. DH agrees to take her back and MIL and I trek off to Tarzan Rocks.

We make it just as the show is beginning. We are standing in the back when a CM says, do you want seats? I don't but I know MIL could use one so I say sure. She leads us down to the front section, back row! It was a perfect spot for MIL to see the show for the first time. The monkeys were rolling right by us! She fell in love with another one of my favorite shows. She really enjoyed Tarzan! LOL! I told her for awhile they had a guy who wore a fake chest. She said, "This one sure doesn't need a fake one!" LOL!

We meet up with the teens and find out they did Kali - got soaked and saw the Tree of Life and took pictures and went into It's Tought to be a Bug. Now it was Kilimanjaro time. They love it! We then head for the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. MIL and the teens thought it was rather funny how I hated the bats! They enjoyed teasing me the rest of the day! MIL wanted to keep the laminated guidemap as a souvenier, but she graciously put it back when it was time.

The teens are already hungry. MIL and I are just thirsty. Some wanted pizza and others BBQ. The pizza teens head off and decide to join the rest of us down by the pond at the BBQ place. It is always a very relaxing, cool place to eat. And for the last several trips, it's been fun watching them build the new coaster. Today we watched them laying tracks. It looks like a fun ride. While eating, DH arrives back. DD had him on a pin hunt, especially some LE surprise pins were released and she just had to have them! He says he isn't hungry, but he steals bites of pizza from
DS#2 and a rib from DS#1. The teens and I enjoy some quality talking time together. 2 of them have spent most of their life in Germany, their father was in the Air Force. The other 2 are city teens...very hard shells. We talked about smoking -- a topic we talk about a lot this trip! The 2 who smoked wondered why I was so against it. I just kept low keyed and mentioned their family health history. There is excessive cancer in the family and their grandfather and most recently very young aunt had died of cancer. It made them think hard for a few moments. It was a start. The 2 from Germany (now living in VA while dad is looking for a job) wanted to hear everything about Disney. We talked about my family's first trip to AK. It was especially interesting to them because it happened to be the trip we had brought my FIL, the year before he died. They loved hearing what PopPop did at AK and how he reacted to being in a wheelchair at Disney. It was a wonderful non-lunch for me. I'm so glad we sat with them while they ate!

The teens were now ready to shop a little and call it a day at AK. They saw the parade and headed off to their next destination...Disney Quest. This was to be a teen only night and the adults were going out to dinner. We hadn't decided where yet. We thought of DD's resort so we could eat with her, but she was getting off early so that was out. We wanted France, but no seatings for 5 (MIL, DH, me, DD, and her friend Beth). We tried LeCellier because MIL is after all Canadian, but no seatings for 5. We tried Rose 'n Crown, but forget that because of Illuminations. So we decided to just show up at LeCellier and see if they will seat us. But before dinner, it was nap time for MIL. So we head back to the resort while the teens head for DD.

DS#1 & #2 have the Premium AP for D-Quest. That left needing to buy 4 tickets for the other teens. DS#1 was able to get 2 tickets with his cm id for only $17 - total $34! DS#2 used his AP and got about $4 off per ticket for 2. So savings today now are at $86 just for tickets and food. I really do love those IDs!

Back at the resort, DH and I walk into a wonderful surprise (one I knew was to happen, but DH didn't have a clue!). A basket from Walt Disney World Florist had arrived and was waiting for us. DH's eyes widened and a grin came on his face. He loved it! It was a Cheer Basket (fruit and snacks) that I added 2 Disney wine glasses and some bubbly to. It was a perfect surprise!

After our downtime, we get together with MIL and head off for EPCOT. DD and Beth are on their way too. We end up arriving together. That's always nice -- not having to look for each other and do the cell phone thing.

We head to LeCellier when what to our wondering ears do we hear? Off Kilter! One of my Must Dos for this trip! DD looks into my eyes and rolls hers. "Go ahead Mom, I'll see if they can give us a table". Isn't she a great daughter! So DH, MIL and I head off to the toe-tapping music that we love. It is a wonderful show. The guys are so personable. They make you laugh so hard! The show isn't over yet, but Beth appears and says it's time to be seated. Oh well! Off we go, but smiling from the little we had seen!

We were seated and were so happy with our waitress, Jen from Alberta. She was very friendly and open to wisecracks from us. She even gave us a few of her own. It was such an enjoyable meal and she helped to make it that way! By the end of the night, she said she felt like a member of the family! She even picked up on our family inside jokes at DH and was picking on him as much as we were! It was so refreshing and so different from our breakfast of AK.

MIL and I had the salmon. Delicious! DD loves filet mignon and it was on the menu. When she saw it, her eyes turned into the 14 year old...mom, could I please, look. Of course I said yes. Beth didn't want much. She had soup and salad even though I tried to order her salmon because she loves it. DH had the strip steak and beef and barley soup. The rest of us had the Cheddar Soup. Everyone loved the pretzel sticks so we had to ask for more. Jen brought us tons of them! LOL!

Dinner was delicious. We heard Illuminations going on while we ate, but no one ran outside. We were having such a great time together. It was dessert time and Beth and I opted for the kid's dessert - Chocolate Moose. This is one of few Ddesserts I enjoy. MIL had creme brulee. DD ordered a special dessert for the night - Peach Cobbler. DH didn't want anything. When the desserts came, Beth didn't realize the Chocolate Mousse was really a Moose. She was laughing at the moose in front of her and then I pointed out that it was sticking it's tongue out at her. She loved it. DDs cobbler was huge! It was like a small pizza pie size!! She shared with everyone!

It was time for the bill. Earlier while we were getting to know Jen, she figured out DD was a CM because she lived in FL and we were from PA. So when it was time for the bill, she said to her...if you give me your ID I'll swipe it for you. Another savings! Cool! It ended up being $30 off and so our savings thanks to my CM children was $116 for the day! We headed out of the restaurant and lingered around while the crowds died down. We then called it a night. DH and I were being called by our romantic basket in the room. MIL wanted to go swimming. DD had to work the next day at 4 am. We arrived back at the resort and the girl teens were back from DQ already. They were ready to go swimming with Gram. The boy teens ended up closing the place! They ordered a pizza just as the food shop was closing up. They were the last ones out. LOL! They loved it so much and were making plans to return later in the trip. Not the girls. They had enough. The boy teens joined in swimming once they returned. And then everyone called it a night.

Today's Highlights:
*Dinosaur -- DH putting boys as tall as he is (six feet) into head locks!
*Festival of the Lion King --DH falling asleep!
*Tarzan Rocks -- MIL falling in love with Tarzan's chest!
*Romantic basket waiting for our return to the resort!
*Jen, our newest family member from LeCellier!

It is truly a magical gathering for us. We just look beyond the glitches and go with the flow. We are enjoying each other and building a stronger family along the way!

**Colexis Mom** · 08-16-2004, 12:17 PM

Great updates Diz

Can't wait for more

pparm · 08-16-2004, 01:57 PM

Great update!

Paula ºOº

wdw4me · 08-16-2004, 02:17 PM

Great installment!
What a special trip you've had so far - can't wait for more!

poohsgirl · 08-16-2004, 02:22 PM

<font color="purple">This is so funny! I'm glad you took things in stride or you'd be one unhappy lady! DMIL sounds like a riot.

I can't wait to

more! </font>

Diz · 08-18-2004, 12:15 PM

Last night, DH and I go to sleep saying, "We're sleeping in tomorrow."

Yeah right!

The telephone rings about 6 am and DS#1 says, are we going to AK? I'm like...you don't sound like my Mickey Mouse wake up call...and it sure isn't 9 am! He says, Ahh Mom...come on...are we going to AK for the Stitch pins? Then reality sets in. He is serious. At this point DH grunts and I tell him, don't even try it, you're getting up too! DS#1 is all ready at 6 am to go to AK for a silly pin release! I tell him, give me a few minutes to shower and get ready, ok. He said, Okay Mom, but please hurry...we can't miss them!

Somehow we manage to get out of bed, get dressed and actually drive a van. We pick up DS#1 and head off for AK. We park very close to the front,

wonder why...it's only still dark out! (Not quite, but it sure felt it!)

DS#1 races to the front. He finally gets in the park and heads up to Island Mercantile. It's at Island Mercantile he finds out, you need a wrist band and guess where the CM is with the wrist band? Back out the front exit, near the tram drop-off

. DS#1 and DH are mad. I laugh. Listen, we are here...let's enjoy it. Go with the flow. We are being followed close behind by a man and his 6-year old son. He is fuming! All of us get our wristbands - I'm smiling and the CM notices and says, "Boy are you happy". I say "This is so much fun." He said, "You just walked back from Island Mercantile, didn't you?" I said, "Yup, and loved every minute of it." At this point I thought the man was going to strike me dead. He just said some terrible words and said Disney needed to get their act together. DH feels the guys pain. He hasn't had his morning coffee yet and could easily be swayed to major negative feelings, so I try and dash him away. We get back to Island Mercantile and the wait is long. And guess who's behind us! I had a blast! I did everything I could to make the wait happy...singing, trivia, just smiling from ear to ear. His son had fun, but the guy still wanted to kill me.

We finally got the precious Stitch pins. DS#1 is happy. Now he's ready to head back to the resort to hook up with the rest of the teens. Today is Blizzard Beach. So heigh-ho, heigh-ho back to the resort we go! I give the teens their Quick & Casual Meal Vouchers which can be used at BB plus some DD for ice cream. They are set -- so off they go.

DH and I climb back into bed, but that didn't last long, once you're up...you're up. We were up and showered and on our way again. We first stopped at Target. What can I say?! Sometimes you have to shop. My sandals from the day before had broken and caused about an inch by inch sore on my heel. I needed meds and I needed flip flops or new sandals! Success!

We finally head to MGM. Our mission: lunch and a show. The show was Beauty and the Beast. My favorite. We had a slight problem with a young couple who sat behind us. The girl (about 20) sat down saying "I hated this movie". DH and I look at each other and say, then why are you here! The girl could not shut her mouth. The show began and she continues yapping away. She tries to do the dialogue, but knows nothing. Her and the guy carry on a majorly, loud conversation. DH looks back and they're quiet for maybe 2 seconds. I had enough. When a mom's had enough, you're in trouble. I look back with the worst evil eyes and stare at her. They are now quiet for almost 5 minutes. Then she begins again. This time DH looks around for a CM and that's when they don't talk again. LOL! I love the show and didn't want them to talk the whole way through. We never said a word to them...we only stared. We tried to be diplomatic. I as usual, thoroughly enjoyed the show!

After B & the B, we headed for lunch. We still hadn't eaten any breakfast. We decided to go somewhere new...Sci-Fi.

That was a financial mistake! Let me get the negative part out first -- $48 for lunch for 2! I'm still not sure how and I have the receipt in front of me!!! Unbelievable! Now on to the good part...it is really a cute restaurant. Dark! We were seated in the back of the car and the waiter told us to be careful not to neck too much. LOL! Of course DH took the cue and kissed me.

DH loved the clips of movies, but he wishes Disney would sell the movies. It is a cool place to retreat to from the sun. It is good food and our waiter was a blast! Will we try it again? Yes because the teens haven't tried it yet...but after that, I'm not sure. I think I'd rather spend the money at CRT.

About this time the teens check in with us. They are having a blast. They didn't stay at BB all day - which surprised me. They were at EPCOT going around the world and now get ready for this...they were taking pictures of each other with Characters! Oh no! Not Characters! But MIL said, downplay the Characters! I'm so glad they are not as grown up as they seem!

Tonight was to be our Spirit of Aloha dinner so DH and I finished at MGM and headed back to the resort for a nap. I've never taken so many naps at WDW before. I like this "no kids" thing.

DD meets us at the resort after work. She is excited about SoA. She loves it. The last time we went, she had a friend who did the seat arrangements and so we were seated in the front row, middle section - center stage. Perfect seats. We were wondering where we'd be seated this time with no connections.

Everyone was finally ready to go and we loaded up the van and car and headed to the Polynesian. Of course we stopped inside to see the shops while we headed to Luau Cove. Everyone was excited. The teens had no idea what to expect. We had a photo taken (later we would buy it) and waited to be seated. We walked from the one end to the other of the show floor - and I'm looking for a table of 10 not taken. We finally get to the other end - we are the next to the last table, but in the front row. Very good seats! We were pleased. Our waiter came over and he was in a rush. I've seen the wait staff in a hurry from our last visit and so I wanted to connect with him from the beginning in hopes to have a calm waiter around us! It worked! We were joking with him and just general talking and his face just showed peaceful relief. Everytime he would come to our table, he would take time to talk to us. He was wonderful!

The food at the Luau is good -- if you know what to expect. The menu doesn't change so if you do your homework, you should know if your gang would be okay it. MIL decided on the luau because she wanted something different. She said the teens would eat what they liked and if necessary, they'd get pizza back at the resort. She does go with the flow too!

But the teens surprised us. They loved the food: Tropical appetizers (salad, pineapple), Lanai-roasted Chicken, Island Barbecued Pork Ribs, Polynesian Rice, Fresh Sauteed Vegetables, Beer and Wine and regular beverages were included. The teens absolutely loved the dessert. They thought the presentation was

- dessert, Kilauea Volcano Delight.

The show was new from our last visit. This time the performers were in up-to-date surf and regular clothes. They were talking about a friend returning to the Islands and were excited for her to return. The girl who returned was in a business suit. She did not seem interested in doing any of the traditional dances and other cultural things -- which is the story line. She is moved to remember her heritage and the tradition of the Islands and by the end of the show, she is doing the traditional dance too. It is a cute story - immediately grabs the attention of children and teens in the beginning - and keeps their attention through the whole evening. I would highly recommend it. All 10 of us enjoyed it and had a ball!

We watched part of Wishes from the Cove before heading back to the resort. On the way we stopped in the Polynesian shops and just about every one of us bought something! DD found a flowered-shirt she could wear to work, I found a pair of flip flops, MIL found an intrical lamp - looked similiar to Tink's "home". The teens hung around me asking all about the Polynesian. This was their first view of the monorail line next to the resort. We enjoyed a great conversation about Disney again. We sang some Lilo & Stitch songs and headed back to the resort.

We were carried away by the spirit of the Pacific - watched a flame thrower - swayed to the tropical music - and shopped till we dropped. It was a magical end to our day.

Back at the resort, we swam once again and the teens had some desserts from the food court and then we called it a night.

Highlights

*DS#1's smile when he had the Stitch pins in hand

*Seeing the "city-hardened" teens sway to the music - not moving from their seats (not even for cigarettes or cellphones!) to watch the show

*Watching the teens eyes as the Volcano dessert erupted

*Sci-Fi smooching

**Colexis Mom** · 08-18-2004, 12:43 PM

What a great day! I'm glad you could keep your humor with the whole pin fiasco (and early start

)!

Can't wait for more

luvnwdwgal · 08-18-2004, 02:16 PM

I am so enjoying reading about the wonderful time you are all having together!! More, more!!

**DrDolphin** · 08-18-2004, 02:50 PM

Two great days!!! Thanks for all the details!! MOre please.

jakenjess · 08-18-2004, 02:50 PM

Sounds like a fabulous day! Glad the teens are really enjoying themselves. Looking forward to more!

Tracy M. · 08-18-2004, 02:52 PM

I love your trip reports

Big Baloo · 08-19-2004, 07:25 AM

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I love your trip reports

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wdw4me · 08-19-2004, 01:47 PM

Great report - and I'm happy you and your DH had some quality time by yourselves, too. Can't wait for your next installment!

Diz · 08-20-2004, 10:43 PM

I wake up on Day 5 and realize...our vacation is almost over. Can't we stay another year?!

Mickey does his job. He rings me on the phone and gets me up and at 'em! He really is a great guy!

DS#1 takes the breakfast order of the teens and he goes to the food court and uses his CM discount to buy breakfast. He really is getting used to doing this! He also loves doing it! MIL usually gives the teens $10 for breakfast, but when DS#1 is done, they always have lots of change for her.

I give the teens their Quick & Casual Meal Vouchers and some Disney dollars. Today is Epcot. This ends up being the teens favorite park! I never would have guessed it! They eat breakfast and off they go. Their mission...TT fast pass and of course, Mars! Mission successful! As a matter of fact, the entire morning is rather a success. Rides include: Mission Space, Test Track, Figment, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Spaceship Earth and a gander at the water show. By the way, they loved the...now don't let me choke on these words...they loved the Character Bus and had a blast at the "party".

MIL couldn't believe it! This is such a nice touch! I love EPCOTs opening! And IceStation Cool was a big hit! They thought it was a blast! I lost count how many times they went through!

After we ride on Spaceship Earth, DH and I leave the gang behind. The world is open and we are hungry! We didn't get any breakfast.

We discuss our choices and decide upon Rose & Crown. I love this place! Really, I love cheese and fruit -- and lucky them, or is it lucky me?...they have it on the menu!We were seated in the dining area -- but right by the bar. This is my first time in this location. It is noon time, but not busy so it is okay. If it was night and packed, I don't think I'd like this section. Our waiter was new. He was trying really hard to keep up, but kept falling behind. A nice girl saw this and started helping him out.

DH had lamb barley soup (his favorite) and he tried something new - Chicken Pasty. It was a good dish -- not big enough for DH. We decided to share. He gave one of his chicken and I gave him half of my meal. I had my favorites - Cheese Plate and Fish 'n Chips. It was a huge serving. We didn't do dessert - we had more than enough food between our two meals. Lunch, $29.00. We were disappointed as we walked through to Canada -- no Off Kilter today.

Oh well! Another day!

We walk around the world. We run into the teens and they are busy taking pics with...now hold on to your seat...they are taking pics with the Characters! Noooooo. I love teasing my MIL about this! (over and over and over!)

The teens from Germany loved Italy. They purchased some really great souveniers there. Matt bought a large (very large) puppet...ventriloquist doll with marionnette strings. He also bought this mask that looks like Cyreno de Bergerac! Matt has longer hair (at shoulder length) and when he puts the mask on...it looks like it just belongs there. And when he takes it down, he always has a smile from ear to ear. It's so great to see him so happy! Jenn bought 2 masks too. They are more feminine and smaller. They are absolutely gorgeous! She also bought a butterfly brass and glass ornament for a window/mirror. I think both of them did wonderfully!

DH and I were off again. We wanted to go back to the resort and have some quiet time together before our big night. Tonight is a Grand Gathering: International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception! I can't wait!

The teens continue to go through World Showcase and even take another ride on TT. DH and I retreat to our romantic getaway at MB.

My MIL decides to do some laundry. She took a suggestion from me -- wash your clothes - swim - dry your clothes - swim. She had a wonderful time in the pool while doing laundry. Now she's trying to figure how to fit a swimming pool in her row house in NE Philly!

It's about time to head back to EPCOT. MIL wants a quick shower and so she says she'll meet us there. DD is out of work and on her way. DH and I decide to go and stop in the Art of Disney store (one of my favorites!). We spend a good amount of time inside. DH is surprising here because he hates shopping and window-shopping is a no-no! But in the Art of Disney store, he takes his time looking and oohing, much to my pleasure! He picks a few pictures and of course he gives me suggestions as to which Big Figurine to buy this trip!

We finally start to head over to the Odyssey for our dinner. MIL is there already. Boy, that was a quick shower! DS#1 is there (no surprise here - he loves to be on time and ready!). The rest of the teens were shopping. Matt and Jenn headed back to Italy to look at more masks. Ashley hung around with them. Dustin and DS#2 were in China. DD finally showed up and was hungry! DD is 5'2 (oh, and 1/2...I can't forget the 1/2 inch...it's very important!) and about 100 lbs! When she's hungry...she's hungry! She was not going to be patient in waiting for the doors to open! As the next 15 minutes went by, the teens showed up here and there. Finally we're all together and we can check in. We go to the podium and this strange lady walks up to me. She has a wizard hat on, a long robe and she welcomes me to the party. Her name...Madame. She asks all kinds of questions about our party -- where we're from, what we're celebrating -- any family secrets! She was a blast! When we were done talking, the CM took my name and couldn't find our ressie!

She says, what name is it under. I try every alias I have ever used, but apparently not the right one. Finally we find it under "Making Memories". LOL! That was part of our Magical Gathering name: Making Memories with Grandma! She asks if everyone is there -- and in we go! We walk right into the buffet. There are 9 stations set up. We walk past the buffet, must to DD chagrin...and we are seated -- all 10 at a very large round table! Yeah! At our seats is a Grand Gathering Epcot pin! DS#1, DS#2 and DD grab theirs up and start checking it out. The other teens haven't caught the pin fever yet so they look at them, open them and put them on. That was so nice! Not in their pockets, but on their person! I pull out the camera! Our waitress welcomes us and takes our drink orders (non-alcoholic was free...there was beer and wine to buy) and off we go. We couldn't hold DD back any longer. Here's the menu for the night:

Station 1 & 2: Italy (and the best in my opinion) - Penne Pasta Alfredo (delicious), Garden Vegetable Lasagna, Three Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce (to die for!), and delectable Classic Caesar Salad. That would have been enough food right there! But nope...there's more!

Station 3 & 4: Germany - Chicken Snitzel, Spatzle with Forester Sauce, Bratwurst with WeinKraut and Potato Salad.

Station 5 & 6: Morocco - Marinated Roasted Vegetables, Tabouleh, Vegetable Couscous, and Tagine Chicken.

Station 7 & 8: Asia - Duck Potstickers with a Soy Ginger Glaze(DH loved these!), Vegetable Egg Rolls with Vietnamese Chili Sauce (DH loved these!), Barbecue Spare Ribs (DH loved these!), Vegetable Fried Rice (guess who loved this?!) and Stir Fried Pepper Steak (everyone loved this!)

And as Disney style goes, there is one more:

Station #9 For the Kids - Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Tenders, Steak Fries and Peanut Butter and Jelly (DS#2's fav)--and oh DS#2 said don't forget to tell you, they had sprinkles for the sandwiches!

Are you full yet? We were! And I left the best to last...almost everything was being cooked right in front of our very eyes! There were atleast 6 chefs preparing the food as we ate! It was delicious! It was fresh! It was hot! It was magnificant! Can you tell I liked it?!

Dinner was wonderful! While we ate, Madame (in the wizard hat) entertained us and so did a funny, crazy CM! We had our very own Disney DJ. He was hilarious! He tried jokes, he did tricks, he played music, he gave everyone a fun time! We sang, we laughed, we danced. Madame shared our family secrets with everyone! There was about 100 people joining us for dinner and we were getting to know each other and having a ball! Then Madame took all the kids aside and they talked in secret and upon returning, they put on a play! It was adorable! The kids were so excited to be on stage and involved! We danced some more and then 2 very special guests arrived: Minnie and Goofy! DS#2 was in his glory! Goofy is his absolute favorite guy! His face just shined from the moment Goofy showed up. Minnie and Goofy danced with everyone. We did a congo line and snaked our way through all the tables. The waitstaff even joined in! Then Goofy and Minnie went into the buffet area and there was photo opportunities. No rushing was involved. Each family took a turn -- watching when they were free. It was wonderful! Everyone was finished eating so I said, it's our turn. The girls look at me and say "Can we really take a picture with Minnie and Goofy?" They were so excited. That's right -- more characters - yeah! We had everyone in a photo (a CM was taking professional pics) and then we had the teens (and I was able to take a pic while the CM did too). We would have to stop at the Camera Center on our way out to check the pics!

Now you would think that we've had enough and it was time to go home. Nope. The fun was only starting. It was time for Illuminations! We were having so much fun at the party, we almost forgot! The CMs lead us to our viewing area by light wands. When we arrived, there was dessert galore! I can't even begin to name it all! And there was a buffet of drinks too. It was unbelievable! We were being spoiled! MIL found a bench and sat and ate by the water. I sought out a good place to watch Illuminations (by a fence). Soon the teens were all around me and DH. DH was having a good time with the boys -- horse playing and all. The girls were telling me about their treasure that they found while shopping around the world. And that's when I thought to myself...it's been 2 hours and no cell phones and no cigarettes! Yes!

The teens are still stuffing themselves and enjoying each other's company. The excitement is growing because this will be their first Illuminations. Finally, they don't have to wait any longer. It is time! They didn't move! They huddled all together -- watching every boom -- every light -- every firework -- and when the Earth came out -- they were so surprised! It was so magical just watching them see it for the very first time! DS#1 tried to take photos. I'm not sure if they came out. We forgot to download them on my laptop before I left FL. We'll have to wait and see. Illuminations is finished and the teens still don't move! Oohhs and aahhs and they begin chatting about it all! They didn't run off - they stayed and listened to the music for awhile. The CMs were not rushing any one out. The desserts were still there for the eating and the drinks were just waiting for someone to take them. During the entire soundtrack, the CMs were patient and never showed a bit of "hurry". It was wonderful! We listened to the music, watched the crowds rushing by and enjoyed each other's company. The time came when the teens wanted to go back to China. They headed off hoping to get into the shops before they closed. DH, DD, MIL and I just stayed and waited until the very end. We were the last ones out of the area! We didn't overstay our welcome, though. We left right after the family before us.

We found a bench by the water show and waited for the teens. DD and DH decide to run over to Canada to buy the third Off Kilter CD for DH. So MIL and I just spend the time talking and enjoying the time together. The teens make it back, one by one...well two by two! DH came back with small package in hand and a grin on his face - success. I know what we'll be listening to on the way back to the resort. We start to head out of the park and then we realize, the pictures! DD, DS#2 and I head for the camera shop. MIL and the rest of the gang head for the van. We will meet them back at the resort. We were waiting in line at the camera shop when I turn around and there's Ashley! She followed us! She said she didn't want to leave EPCOT, could she hang with us? I said, Anytime. There was a short line (but it was taking forever!). We waited and then it was time! The professional photographer unfortunately wasn't too professional.

He missed a person in each of the photos. We decide to take the teen only photo anyways because it would be a great memory for MIL. We'll give it to her for Christmas and make copies on the computer for the teens as well. The four of us dilly, dally but soon it had to come to an end. We head out to DDs car and off we go.

Back at the resort it was "can you believe the fun we had"..."madame was so funny"..."that DJ was crazy"...I loved Goofy and Minnie"..."the food was delicious"..."I can't believe all of the different kinds of dessert"..."that show was awesome"...and on and on. It's such a good feeling when plans come together!

It was swim time (a nightly habit now) and then off to bed. Tomorrow was to be another Grand Gathering and everyone couldn't wait!

Today's Highlights:

*Characters, Characters and more Characters!

*Dining Disney Grand Gathering Style -- DS#2 is sitting here saying, "the food was good mom...tell them the food was good!" This comes from a 70 lb., 5'10 kid!

*Illuminations oohhs and ahhs

*Forgetting smoking and cellphones...it's must have been a magical gathering!