We drove over to Orlando on Saturday afternoon and had dinner at the
Rainfor*st Cafe at the Marketplace in the
Disn*y Village. I had called earlier in the week and made reservations, so we got there right at 5:30 and were seated right away. The restaurant is like a
rain forest, filled with all kinds of animals...not all
rain forest animals however. There were elephants there, along with monkeys, gorillas, birds and butterflies. We were told that every 12 minutes the animals come to life. This was a little bit frightening for Ella, but she soon got used to it. Our food was yummy, and then we walked around a while before going to the hotel.
The next morning we arrived at the Magic Kingdom before it opened, so we were outside for a few minutes. Since my
DIL's birthday was on Sunday, she got in free. She wore a pin that said "Happy Birthday!" and everywhere we went the cast members (that's what all the employees are called) wished her a happy birthday. Since we had been there many times, (my children and I) we went the opposite way of most of the people and got to some of the popular rides before everyone else did.
The day started out so pleasant, and it really remained that way the whole day. It was nice and sunny, yet not too hot. A couple of times I needed to cool off, so I found a cool spot in the shade and recouped my strength. Ella fell asleep around 1, so I watched Ella while the others went through the Haunt*d Mansion. We figured that might be a little bit scary for her. Before she fell asleep, though, she and her daddy rode the D*
mbo ride. She liked that one.
The last ride that we all went on was Pooh*s ride. We were all able to ride together in the car, and we took a pleasant trip through the hundred acre woods. Ella is so familiar with the video of Pooh that she recognized everything there.
Sarah and I came home Sunday afternoon. I could hardly walk. I'm either going to have to get myself in good shape or break down and use a wheelchair or an electric cart! Having MG doesn't help either.
Our day was very pleasant. It wasn't super crowded, which was nice. On the way over, I asked one of the men if
Disn*y was the largest employer in the county. He said that 62,000 employees, it is the largest employer in the country. It's all make-believe, but it is indeed a magic kingdom. For the most part, everyone goes out of their way to be helpful. I can think on only one time in all the times that we have gone that one of the cast members was not at his best.
I'm eager to see them tomorrow as they return and see what they have to say about the rest of their stay.
