A Whole New World 09/11/12

[joolz1910]

9th November

MVMCP DAY! I surprised the girls by booking the Christmas Party but before that we were going to Chef Mickey's for dinner. Kev and I both rolled our eyes at what Emilia would make of this meal, but we knew that Jess and Olivia would enjoy it. We hung around the pool in the morning and then the girls dressed in their finery to meet the mice.



Chef Mickey's

Loved taking the monorail directly to the restaurant! We were seated quickly but requested a corner table so that Emilia would not be exposed to the characters. She reacted as we had expected by hiding away whenever a character came near. Jess and Olivia posed happily for pictures with some of their favourites:













Now, I don't know what it is about this place, but it brought out my inner-child and I wanted some photos too!



Although I don't know what made me stoop to be at Minnie's height lol.

Then Minnie made a 'crying' gesture to Emilia and the atmosphere changed... Emilia suddenly became interested in Minnie, who blew her several kisses. She shyly blew one back.

As soon as Minnie walked away, Emilia expressed a desire to hug Minnie! I asked the CM's if there was any chance she could do that. They allowed us to have a quick minute with Minnie before she went 'off-stage'.


It seemed that we had turned a corner!



The food was fine and there was a good selection. There was definitely something for everyone. The desserts were a bit dull, but the kids liked the serve-yourself ice-cream.



Coming up - The Christmas Party!

[joolz1910]

MVMCP

As we came from the monorail, the queues looked enormous and we all worried that it would be too packed to be enjoyable. We need not have worried, the mob thinned out once inside the park.



The Castle looked truly spectacular and I was bowled over by it.



This was my favourite, as it was a sort of turquoise:





The Christmas decorations were lovely!









I decided that we MUST watch the parade, so we positioned ourselves by the Barber shop and waited for about 30 minutes. It was a great spot and well worth the wait. Apologies for my awful photographs. I can never seem to take good photos at night lol.








The most magical moment was when Santa passed us in his sleigh. Jessica has been having doubts about whether Santa was real. As he came around to where we were sitting, he was shouting out children's names: 'Be good Karen!' and 'Be good Jeremy!' etc. Just as he passed by where we were sitting, he shouted out 'Be good, Jessica!' Her mouth dropped open and she was astounded. She spent the entire evening trying to work out how we had 'arranged' it. I told her that he did not to personal shout-outs to children by request, as it would be too unfair and that she was just extremely lucky. It was a lovely moment.



We headed off to Columbia Harbour House for some free cookies and hot chocolate. It was nice to sit inside for a while and the alternative offering of apple slices went down well. The hot chocolate was way too sweet for me and the cookies too.

We had a wander around a rode some rides, including a favourite - The Haunted Mansion.



We had a great time and I was really glad that we got to experience both parties.

[irongirlof12]

Was it cold? I notice you have sweaters on looks like you all really enjoyed yourselves.

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by irongirlof12

Was it cold? I notice you have sweaters on looks like you all really enjoyed yourselves.

Yes, it was pretty cold. I was really glad that I had taken fleeces. Apparently, it was the effect of Hurricane Sandy.

[Chilly]

You are packing so much in.

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by Chilly

You are packing so much in.

It's going to take another 4 years to save up to go back again, so I wanted this trip to be great! I could have easily spent another week there and not done everything. Can't wait to go back in 2016.

[The First Davenger]

Looks like you had a great time! I remember Chef Mickey's when I went with my parents, I was like 14, looking at those photos gave me a great flashback

And, very jealous! We'd love to go visit around Christmas, just proves to be a bit too pricey for our budget, so we opted for May instead to hit the Star Wars weekends

[scottishgirl1]

Love your photos and glad MVMCP went well for you. What a lovely memory with Santa calling out your daughters name!

We have only ever been able to time a trip to go to MVMCP once in 2011 and thought it was a really magical evening. My oldest DS had his 12th birthday that week also and one of the CMs walking ahead of the parade got everyone around us on Main Street to call out Happy Birthday to him. His face was a picture.

We were at one of the first parties but they really make you feel Christmassy by the time you see parade and fireworks and Santa.

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by The First Davenger

Looks like you had a great time! I remember Chef Mickey's when I went with my parents, I was like 14, looking at those photos gave me a great flashback

And, very jealous! We'd love to go visit around Christmas, just proves to be a bit too pricey for our budget, so we opted for May instead to hit the Star Wars weekends

We only just caught the start of the Christmas celebrations. The MVMCP we went to was the first one! It was great to be able to do Halloween and Christmas in one trip.

Originally Posted by scottishgirl1

Love your photos and glad MVMCP went well for you. What a lovely memory with Santa calling out your daughters name!

We have only ever been able to time a trip to go to MVMCP once in 2011 and thought it was a really magical evening. My oldest DS had his 12th birthday that week also and one of the CMs walking ahead of the parade got everyone around us on Main Street to call out Happy Birthday to him. His face was a picture.

We were at one of the first parties but they really make you feel Christmassy by the time you see parade and fireworks and Santa.

I love Christmas and it felt very Christmassy even though it was November. My eldest was a Christmas baby and I would love to take her there for her birthday (23rd Dec) but it is too busy and too pricey.

[disneydaft70]

I always thought I imagined it but years ago I thought I heard the Fairy Godmother wishing someone a Happy Birthday by name...then I thought, nah, can't be??? I'm so happy to hear I wasn't losing the plot How do you arrange that?

Loving your TR by the way, your girls are gorgeous!! And well done Emelia on finally making friends with Mickey and the gang

JA x

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by disneydaft70

I always thought I imagined it but years ago I thought I heard the Fairy Godmother wishing someone a Happy Birthday by name...then I thought, nah, can't be??? I'm so happy to hear I wasn't losing the plot How do you arrange that?

Loving your TR by the way, your girls are gorgeous!! And well done Emelia on finally making friends with Mickey and the gang

JA x

I didn't organise it - it was a freaky coincidence lol. Very fortunate for us though.

I was really pleased when Emilia hugged the characters - it was so sweet to see her.

[scottish mum]

Just caught up with all your days so far, seems like you were non stop doing everything. I would love to be there and see the christmas decorations one year

[Nubbedy]

Yay to Emilia turning a corner with the characters! How fab that Santa called out Jessica! Would love to attend a MVMCP one day.

[joolz1910]

Originally Posted by Nubbedy

Yay to Emilia turning a corner with the characters! How fab that Santa called out Jessica! Would love to attend a MVMCP one day.

Lol, she is constantly trying to prove to me that Santa doesn't exist. It is a battle of wills.

[Ware Bears]

So pleased that Emilia had her photo taken with Minnie.