Happy Birthday Disney Princess...the Finale!!

So here we are back after an interesting Wordless Wednesday to finish up our first full day at Disney.  It was tiring but after naps all around it was time to make it to our last event of the day, dinner with Cinderella and friends at 1900 Park Fare.  I made a reservation for 7pm thinking this would give us plenty of time to get dressed and get there using park transportation and it ALMOST did.

First thing to know when booking this event is that while not as popular at Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle, it is still a popular meal so reservations MUST be made as far in advance as possible.  Unlike Cinderella's Royal Table you do not have to put the price of the full meal on your credit card at the time of booking, so the reservation can be cancelled within a reasonable period of time without any type of penalty.  This is also the only meal where you will see Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella all in one place and it is a great experience. Like many of the other character meals you are paying not only for dinner, but also for the time to interact with the characters so it is a bit of a splurge but one that I thought was well worth it, and I didn't even get to eat that much!

Now on with the photos...

 This is the little picnic table and porch off of the cabin.  Boogie doesn't look to thrilled in this photo but trust me she was excited. It takes her a while to wake up after a nap and until that time has passed she can be a bit of a sour puss.  You should know though, that I only had to do minor repair to her do after the nap, so the stuff they put in there is super strong.

We took our golf cart from the Cabin down to the Marine and waited for the boat to the Contemporary Resort.  Its a cute little boat and the ride was very unique Boogie really enjoyed herself as did my parents.  We were running a bit behind and I mentioned that to my husband and the captain overheard me.  He told me not to worry that when you make a reservation you have priority seating and they will sit you when you show up.  This turned out to be a really good thing for us, because the boat ride went very smoothly but the monorail was another story all together. 

Once we got to the Contemporary we just followed the signs for the Monorail and got in line.  If you taking a child in a stroller you should know that the escalators to get to the train platforms are not wide enough for a stroller and you will have to calapse it momentarily.  On the way back down from the train you have the option of taking an elevator so no worries there.  The monorails only run one direction so you can not get on the wrong train just follow the signs, and wait will about 150 or so of your closest friends for it to arrive.  Ours arrived in a timely manner, but then we got stuck, on the tracks, three times, for a long time and didn't make it to The Grand Floridian where 1900 Park Fare is located until very close to 8pm, I was very worried that they were going to tell us so sorry  but there is no seating.  Luckily that was not the case, once we finally found the restaurant. To me it was not clearly marked in the lobby, but a friendly cast member was more then happy to point us in the right direction, and we finally made it. 

Once we got in and got seated, with only one run in with a very very rude mom who pushed us aside and went in front of us, the characters came around immediately.  Just as inside the Magic Kingdom they were fantastic.

 I really think that Boogie liked the Step sisters best of all.  They really were fantastic and so over the top.  They would yell across the restaurant at each other, Lady Tremaine would scold them.  They fawned over Prince Charming, and pouted when he danced with Cinderella.  They really did steal the show.

 Despite loving the Stepsisters, Cinderella was really who Boogie was waiting to see, and I think she was just a bit star struck when she showed up.  She just kinda froze and didn't know what to say to her, it was cute and Cinderella was fantastic with her.

Love this photo it is one of my favorites.

 Prince Charming Boogie wasn't real sure about, and said she didn't want to meet him, but once he got to the table, she was quite excited.

 Boogie would not stand with Lady Tremaine unless Jon stood with her first.  She insisted that daddy HAD to stand with her.

 Once he did though, she was all smiles.  Also if you'll notice all three of the characters where the same characters that we saw in the park. Here is where Disney gets an A+ from me for attention to detail.

Once we saw all the characters it was time to sample the buffet.  Grant you there was plenty of time in between characters to get food, but Boogie wanted to make sure she didn't miss anyone.

I have to say that while some people were rather blah with their reviews of the dinner at 1900 Park Fare I really enjoyed it.  There was a very nice selection, it was all fresh and replenished often.  The kids had their own section to chose from and the dessert offerings were great.  The food combined with the character interaction made for a very enjoyable meal and one that I did not feel bad paying $225 (4 adults and 1 child).

We were just finishing up dessert when there was a surprise.  Prince Charming and Cinderella came out to dance a waltz.  Once they were finished they chose other people to dance with, and Boogie got to dance with Cinderella.  Another wonderful Disney moment and such a nice way for her to celebrate her 4th birthday.

Once the dance was over then it was time for the parade around the restaurant with all the kids, dancing and clapping, and Boogie got scooped up by Anastasia.  I am telling you she loved these sisters.

I'm not sure but I think that she was having a great time.  What do you think?

Don't be afraid to encourage your child just to jump right in there. It was a lot of fun, and everyone was encouraged to participate.

 All the fun did have to come to an end and although we were sad to leave we had to head back to the cabin for some birthday cake and to meet up with my brother and his wife.

 On the way back across the lagoon we were lucky enough to catch a bit of the Electric light parade that goes on every night, and the fireworks from Hallowishes at the Magic Kingdom.  The evening was a delight from start to finish even if we did get started a bit late.

 Once we picked up Uncle Joe and Aunt Erica it was time to get into Jammies and open up presents.  Boogies hair finally came down, but we still found a Birthday Princess crown to wear.

Once all the presents were opened it was time for the cake.  This cake DID NOT come from Disney, there is a Publix fairly close by and for about 1/2 of what Disney charges we were able to order and pick up the cake there.  Now if you don't have transportation it would be difficult, and they I would say use one of Disney's great bakeries and keep in mind that cakes can be brought to your table at most sit down meals.

 I have to say that I was very happy with the job that Publix did on this cake.  It was very cute and tasted fantastic.  I got the smallest one they would decorate and we still didn't eat it all during our stay.

Now for a public service announcement.  Please note that when ordering this cake the Fairy Godmother is holding a WAND and NOT a candle.  My dad was lighting the candles without his glasses and melted the poor ladies wand before we could stop him.  Boogie will still point it out to me and ask me if I remember when Papa did that. 



Boogie at one point while watching the Planning DVD said she wanted to have a big bunch of Mickey Balloons like the little girl at the beginning of the DVD.  Well people those balloons A) don't exist like you see in the DVD and B) cost $10 a balloon. So I took a quick look at EBay and for 20 Mickey Latex balloons and two big mylars of Mickey and Minnie it was $35.  Saved us a ton of money and Boogie got her wish.  I was also pleasantly surprised to find that they concierge at the check in desk would fill them all for us.  Jon looked hysterical bringing them all back from the front in his golf cart.  He said at one point he had 6 or 7 little kids chasing him down the road asking for a balloon.  I wish I had been able to get a photo of that.

So there you have it our 1st day, and Boogie birthday at Disney World.  I know it took three posts but I hope that I provided some good information along the way.  The next two days at the parks should zoom by compared to this one so hold on tight and thanks again for joining us.