We set out on our trip on a Monday with our Fodor's guide to Orlando only to return the following Friday with a wand and tired feet. I had taken the liberty to plan out our itineraries for each day and made dinner reservations for each night.
Because we got there so late on Monday, I had made my mom and I dinner reservations for the early setting at the famous Victoria and Albert's restaurant inside the Disney walls. Complete with a six course meal, a formal dress code, and a rule for no children under ten, we knew we were in for an adventure. We started off with a lobster amuse-bouche that was delish and a good sign about the rest of the meal, which was followed by a cold appetizer of tuna and octopus. Next, our favorite course of the night- vegetable ash-crusted Halibut. Before then, I have never had Halibut, but it is now one of my absolute favorite dishes. Fourth course was a chicken, truffle, and wild mushroom creation that was divine. I die for anything with truffles in it. The main entree was veal tenderloin for me, which just melted in my mouth. Now, by this point in the meal, we had consumed a good bit of wine, so when I took a bite of the sweetbread on my plate, I wasn't exactly comprehending what I was eating. By the time the realization hit me, it was too late. I can now say I have eaten cow brains. Wow. My stomach still flips when I think about it. Although, they were quite appetizing. We finished up the dinner with an amazing Creme Brulee and without a doubt the best coffee either of us had ever had that was brewed for us at our table. This dinner was an experience that my mom and I will never forget and one I would recommend to anyone. Of course, the personalized menu, two waiters, and red rose after dinner helped!
Tuesday- The day I have been waiting for. The day I would see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I forced my mother to wake up bright and early, so we could be at the park right when it opened at 9, which is exactly what Fodor told us to do. I truly don't know if I have ever been so excited; there was no comparison on the excitement level between me and a 10 year old standing next to me. We rushed to Hogwarts Castle where the major ride attraction for the park is in attempts to beat the crowd. After winding through the castle filled with all sorts of Potter memorabilia, we jumped on the virtual ride where we faced a dragon, giant spiders, and flew on a broom with Harry and friends. Mom and I got off the ride laughing hysterically and ready to do it again, which we did later that day. Getting a wand was a major objective for the day, so we got in line for Ollivander's Wand Shop for which we waiting longer than any ride. To my surprise, when we went inside the shop with 35 other people, Ollivander chose ME to find a wand, or rather have a wand find me. I was thrilled that I was chosen over all the other children and teens in the room. After all, I have definitely known and loved Harry longer. With a huge smile on my face, I clutched my wand of Holly with a core of Dragon Heartstring while we waited in line to purchase it. Yes, I realize I am a huge nerd of epic proportions, and I don't care. The day was truly fantastic and unforgettable, and I am so thankful that my mom was so very patient with me and my childish enthusiasm throughout the day. Dinner at Narcoossee's, a great seafood restaurant, was a lovely way to end the day, where I had Swordfish and mom ate Crab-crusted Mahi Mahi.
Wednesday was the day for Epcot, where neither my mom nor I had been. Our timing for our trip was perfect because they were having their Flower and Garden Festival. In other words, we got to see all of our favorite Disney characters sculpted out of ivy, moss, and flowers, which was really neat. In Epcot, we walked around the World Showcase tasting and sampling food and, of course, alcoholic beverages from a variety of different countries. It was a day filled with cultural experiences and tons of laughter, which I'm sure the alcohol had nothing to do with. It is unreal how Disney has recreated the charm of other countries in such exquisite detail as they have done so in Epcot.
Even though our feet were so very worn out after all the walking, we had a big night planned. Tickets to the Cirque de Soleil show La Nouba was on the itenerary. We grabbed an easy, casual dinner at the Wolfgang Puck Cafe in Downtown Disney and parked it at the House of Blues for some music and drinks before the show. Here, we also watched people scatter for shelter from the thunderstorm that passed through. We didn't make fun of anyone at all. I promise. There are no words to describe La Nouba. All I can say is that you must see if for yourself to appreciate it. From here on, I will take full advantage of any chance I get to see any Cirque de Soleil show. Cannot wait for the next one!
Our last day in Orlando was filled with revisiting old memories of our childhood. We spent the day in the Magic Kingdom, which I now believe is still magic no matter your age. We rode It's a Small World, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, all the while giggling like we were seven. New to the list was Buzz Lightgear's Space Adventure, which was the highlight of the day! It was so fun to take out space enemies with my own light gun, just like Buzz's. We watched the parade, where we got to see all of our Disney favorites, including all the princesses, Mickey, and Minnie. To finish out the afternoon, we parked ourselves on a bench in front of Cinderella's Castle with a Mickey Mouse ice cream to people watch. Absolutely hysterical.
Friday. No fun Friday. While we were ready to get back home, we were sad and nostalgic driving through the resort one last time. Mom and I do have a complete list and plan for when we return with sweet Abigail for her first Disney trip. All in all, it was a great, fun-filled, and stress-free trip- easily one of my top 3 favorite spring breaks!
No comments:
Post a Comment