Last day at Disney

SATURDAY
Our last day at Disney was one of the best. All 3 girls woke early and headed for the Magic Kingdom for the second time. Benj and I joined them mid morning. The thronging masses had left and the place was much more manageable I guess we’d adjusted during the course of the week as a 45 minute wait to get Pooh and Tigger’s autographs didn’t phase us at all. Most of the rides had very short lines and fast passes made it still quicker. Gab and Nat rated it the best day without a doubt. Lots of last minute Disney pin buying was also done. Benj lost his Disney access card however a quick call to the number on my card and we were able to get a replacement at guest relations. Disney is run with military precision, with the exception of food outlets.

B/c of the early start the girls were happy to return to the hotel at 3pm. We finally discovered the hotel’s water slide and beach pool. It was great however the fact we discovered it so late confirmed my theory that Disney is the reason people are here and also a big part of the reason why the service is not that great. It’s efficient and is there when you need it however it lacks tum. I think the ‘cast’ members know people will leave satisfied with the Disney experience whatever and hence it’s hard to find a smile on many of their faces.

We saved our best dining experience till last. I somehow managed to get a booking at the California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Hotel (have to provide a credit card with the booking in case you don’t pitch), just 2 monorail stops away. The kids were thrilled at being allowed to ride with driver in the nose of the train and received their co-pilots license on entry then on to the restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of dining at. Stunning view of the parks (at 9 they turn the lights out and hold the meals while everyone goes out onto a 30 metre platform to watch the nightly fireworks from the Magic Kingdom.). We had a plumb position right next to the huge open kitchen teaming with chefs and Gab in particular delighted in watching the food being prepared. Stunning presentations. Gary, our Hawaiin born waiter was superb and explained the history of the place. It opened with the park in 1971 and used to be a strictly formal black tie only place with stage shows every night before being transformed into a huge restaurant. I highly recommend it. On the way home there was only 1 seat available in the nose of the monorail so guess who casually waved goodbye to us on the platform and stepped into the cockpit while we rode in the compartment behind…yep Benj.

Completed our packing at 1am and ordered a bag pickup for 6am!