|
Author |
Message |
| Common
Ground / Goofy's HUGE!
/ Day 1; 12/11/02 |
poohlover
Cast Member
Posts: 195
Registered: Sep 2002
|
Posted 12-21-02 08:33 PM
As usual we raced like mad to make it in time for our Chef Mickey reservations for our first night tradition. No matter how much we prepare we just never get an early start on our trip. Randy made the trip in record time (let's just say his vehicle has an automatic fuel shut off that will keep us from ever improving on the record).
Our ps was for 9:15 (the last seating so I could not push it back). I knew that ordanarily ps's were held for 15 minutes, but I was not sure if that was the case for the last seating so I was rather tense.
We pulled into the Contemporary entrance at precisely 9:15. We were greeted by a charming security guard, who told Randy that he had a choice: He could "trust his fine automobile to some stranger that he never met" or he could self park. Randy answered self park and the guard commented "fine choice"
We parked practically right in front of the door. (This was very different from our experience at the Grand Floridan the following Monday, where persons who want to self-park now have to park across the street).
As we rushed into the Contemporary every Disney employee we passed greeted us with a cheery welcome... the magic was starting.
We were seated at Chef Mickey's with no problems whatsoever. We have found the last buffet seatings to be excellent since they continue to stock the buffets but the crowds have dispersed. The characters also seem more relaxed. We were greeted by Chef Mickey himself, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Donald, and, Goofy managed to sneak up behind me with a kiss.
The first napkin twirling was awesome. By the last twirling of the evening, everyone was just going through the motions.
The parmesan mashed potatoes were yummy, as always, but I was surprised by the quality of the other entrees. In the past they had been mediocre, this time they were quite good (Or I was very very hungry). The desserts were good but not actually as good as I had remembered.
A manager type came by to make sure we had interacted with all the characters and we assured him that we had. (I wondered if they always do this or they just do it before releasing the characters for the evening. In any event it is a nice policy). By the way, we were far from the last to leave.
Then we were off to check into the Yacht Club. We pulled up with all our baggage, and were greeted immediately. Since we drive, and are not limited by airline rules, we believe in packing anything we may possibly need, including a case of bottled water. It all fits on the baggage cart easily.
The bellman and Randy quickly bonded over restoring old mustangs (how does that happen?) and kept the discussion going throughout the trip.
Our room was lovely. I only get an upgraded room for a view that matters to me such as ocean front or castle view. Otherwise I am not picky. We had gone with standard view. However, I had heard that some of the standard view rooms overlooked the wedding gazebo and you could actually see weddings from them. Well since I am planning my own wedding and am hooked on TLC's a Wedding story... this was worth requesting. I simply made the request when I made the reservations, and it was granted. Since our room was on the corner, when we stepped out on the balcony we could see the lake and boardwalk..alas we never did get to see a wedding.
This time I had requested a king bed, and that was what we received. Randy recalled that our last room with two queens was actually larger and stated that he had prefered it. I think the King bed was actually larger than a standard King. Anyway in the future, queens beds will do just fine (it is nice to have the spare for luggage and such). Our only real beef was that the bottom sheet kept coming up, I would happily pay more for a fitted bottom sheet... I would not even care if they color coded the corners.
Then I put on my favorite channel... "company clips" with all the great "Magic Happens' Disney commercials. Unfortunately none of my favorites were running this time.
|
|
Mary
Cast Member
Posts: 465
Registered: Aug 2002
|
Posted 12-21-02 08:42 PM
quote:
poohlover wrote:
A manager type came by to make sure we had interacted with all the characters and we assured him that we had. (I wondered if they always do this or they just do it before releasing the characters for the evening. In any event it is a nice policy).
In my experience, they do ask this all the time. If not the manager, the server or hostess ask. I usually don't worry about this but I once saw a family waiting while the 'manager type' rushed off to bring Donald back to a table where the child had been at the buffet when the Donald made his appearance. I agree, it is a good policy.
Mary
First Mate, Good Ship Stickey Mickey and Keeper of the Ships Log
|
|
|
Common
Ground / Goofy's HUGE!
/ Day 1; 12/11/02 |
|
