Let The Memories Begin! – Day 14
Today would be our third Magic Kingdom day. We would also be attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tonight.
Upon arrival at the Magic Kingdom, Jarod had to get his Starbucks Frappuccino he had been thinking of since yesterday. We redeemed one large cup with our snack credit (ZA : small, medium or large – all 1 snack credit. Of course we redeem the large one) and headed over to Sleepy Hollow to get the Funnel Cake. This time, we tried powdered sugar instead of cinnamon. We liked both but Ashley preferred the powdered sugar. Ashley wanted to repeat the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, we went went to get FastPasses. As there was not much time left before our lunch reservation, we did some shopping at the gift shop. Ashley would stop by every gift shop but we usually had to hurry her as we already had activities lined up. This time round, she was eyeing the Izzy plush doll but we did not get it for her.
We left the shop and headed towards Cinderella’s castle, We had a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Eating inside Cinderella’s Castle is a quintessential experience as it gives you the best taste of the royal residence itself. The interior of Cinderella Castle is every bit as grand as the outside. We were first ushered into The Grand Hall where we had the opportunity for a meet and greet with Cinderella. After which, we took the red carpeted spiral staircase to the Royal Banquet Hall. As we finally walk into the Banquet Hall, the scene that unfolds is really incredible. Even Jarod couldn’t help and marveled at the exquisite details. We were lucky enough to get one of the window seats and could see Beast’s castle from our view. The server brought wishing stars and magic wands for Ashley and me and a sword for Jarod.
After ordering our drinks, we were served Chef’s Tasting Plate and Ashley has grapes and cheese. For our mains, Ashley ordered Chicken Nugget and we ordered the highly recommended Major Domos Short Rib.
Throughout our meal, Disney princesses would make a grand entrance and visited every table to sign autographs and take pictures. We had the chance to meet Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine and Snow White. We were kept very busy until the last Princess visited our table. We were also given a complimentary photo package.
For desserts, Jarod ordered an interesting chocolate cake called When The Clock Strikes Twelve. The cake came with the plate dusted with chocolate that looked like a clock. ZA ordered Lemon Sorbet while I had the cheesecake. This lunch requires 2 Table Service Credits and ZA felt that Akershus Banquet Hall was more worthwhile. Having said that, the experience of dining in a castle itself is really a big draw.
After lunch, we checked in at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, just across Cinderella’s Royal Table where we have made a reservation for a make-over package for Ashley. The boutique promises with a wave of her magic wand, your very own Fairy Godmother can turn little girls into a princesses. We were given a brochure with 4 hairstyles to choose from. Ashley was torn between the Fairytale Princess and Disney Diva style. She eventually chose the Diva style against ZA’s wishes that she choose the Fairytale Princess style. Ashley was in total heaven while getting transformed into a princess. She was treated like royalty. They let her choose between pink or blue polish, ( you get to keep both) which colour she would like on her eyes as well as what face gem she would like. The hair does get pulled pretty tight, but the Fairy Godmother was gentle. Throughout the experience, she was not allowed to look into the mirror. Finally, she was ready and with the wave of the wand, the Fairy Godmother told her to close her eyes before turning her over to face the mirror. The look on her face was priceless! She also gets to keep the makeup palette, a princess sash and a princess cinch bag. Although she looked lovely with the makeover, we very much preferred her old self.
We headed towards the Adventureland next to ride the The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. We were afraid that the ride would mess up her hair but the worry was unnecessary as it stayed intact.
We managed to get photos with Tinkerbell and Periwinkle.
As Ashley was hungry, we stopped at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn Cafe for a snack. ZA ordered Chili Cheese Fries and Onion Ring Basket. She must have been too distracted by the princesses during lunch that she did not eat much.
Next, we visited Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto for autograph and photos. To our surprise, this Ariel recognised Ashley and even remembered her name. We wandered where we met this Ariel but had no clue. We crossed over to Frontierland again to ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Although our third time already, we still liked it. We went back to Fantasyland for Enchanted Tales With Belle again. This time, Ashley was chosen to act as the role of Belle’s wardrobe. She was happy to be given a different role.
Soon, it was evening and we exchanged our Christmas Party tickets for wristbands. We went over to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe for a quick dinner. Ashley had Chicken Noodle Soup and Hot Dog, Jarod had Beef Sandwich while ZA and I had 1/3 Lb Angus Cheeseburger. We preferred our meal at Columbia Harbour House though. Our dessert was Carrot Cake and Gelato, While the Gelato was quite good, the Carrot Cake was too sweet for our liking and we ended up throwing them away.
By now, the Christmas party has started. The Main Street was filled with people so we decided to do the reverse. The Princesses would only appear with their Princes at The Princess Fairytale Hall during Christmas Party nights. We headed there to meet them. The first line was for Cinderella and Prince Charming and Aurora and Prince Philip. Ashley was given much attention by the Princes to her delight. Next, we stood in line to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and Snow White and The Prince. While meeting Rapunzel and Flynn, Ashley asked Flynn if he really wanted to steal the crown or did the Stabbington Brothers made him do so. He was really cute and told her they made him do so but has the crown with him in safe custody. He made her promise not to tell this secret, opened his bag and showed her the shiny crown. We were amazed by the details Disney went into right to the character meet and greet itself.
We stopped next at Pinocchio Village Haus to get some complimentary Hot Chocolate, Cookies and Apple Slices. The Hot Chocolate was really good and especially appreciated during cold nights like this. We headed over to Main Street to stake out a place to watch Holiday Wishes next. Holiday Wishes is definitely our highlight of the night. It is amazing in its ability to thematically incorporate fireworks so they fit not only the name of the show, but more importantly, with the accompanying song lyrics. It was truly spectacular. We wanted to do the meet and greet with the Seven Dwarfs who only appear during Christmas parties but the line was way too long so we gave up. Next, we watched the Mickey’s Once Upon Christmastime Parade. This parade has marching toy soldiers, dancing reindeer and gingerbread men, and not to mention Santa Claus. The floats are colourful, Chip & Dale are mischievous, and Mickey & Minnie are dressed in their holiday finery. The Princesses also appear with their Princes and Belle was decked out in her red Christmas outfit. The one thing we were truly impressed was the incorporating of scent during the parade. We could smell the candies as the floats with candies passed us.
It was close to 11pm after the parade. There were many other activities and shows that we would like to do but we were feeling cold and tired. We decided to call it a day. Jarod stopped at Main Streey Bakery to order a Starbucks Latte which sounded perfect for the weather while Ashley headed to the Emporium and found what she was looking for – Sofia’s Royal Bed. We proceeded back to our hotel. After I removed Ashley’s wig and cleaned off the all gel, she agreed that she looked better in her usual self.