Mom’s Birthday (Age Undisclosed)

First day at the Magic Kingdom in 17 years! And it was also Mom’s birthday, which we would be celebrating later at Les Chefs de France at Epcot.

But first things first, breakfast (Mmm cinnamon roll) at the Riverside Mill and then off to the Magic Kingdom. We actually just arrived in time to see the opening of the park. That translates to Mickey and a bunch of characters doing their little spiel to song and dance with fireworks in conclusion. I have to admit, it was cute and got you in the mood for the park.

Main Street was all decked out and since it was Halloween time, there were carved pumpkins, scarecrows and fall leaves everywhere. Mom and I loved it because it’s both our favorite time of the year.

Yes even though I’m in my twenties, it’s pretty exciting to walk down Main Street with the matching music and all the people excited. We both were determined to check out every nook and cranny of the place. It’s a completely different feel going as an adult. The focus isn’t so much Mickey or Donald but rather the unsung details of the park (example: the sound of piano being taught in the upstairs apartment or the party line conversation in the Chapeau shop.) I wanted to capture everything!

Well when in Rome… Mom and I both needed Mouse ears. Off to the Chapeau! The shop is filled with everything “mouse” ears. Okay not just mouse ears but Pluto, Goofy, Donald and every other ear design possible. Because I’m a huge Duck fan I went with the Donald hat. Who can resist the little tail on the back? Mom went the traditional route and picked up a pair of old school Mouse ears. we both opted to get our names on back. Unfortunately that “cute little tail” caused problems on the embroidery machine and my name ended up a little lopsided. But I’m not fussy and after mom received her ears (Pink name on back. It looked awesome) we started off to Adventureland.

Travel Tip #1: Main Street is a great place to mull around first thing in the morning. Everyone has ran off to various other lands, which means it’s perfect time to browse the stores and take in all the sights. If you have kids, disregard this.

Now a trip to Adventureland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Enchanted Tiki Room. The last time I saw it (in 1995) the Tiki Room just switched to “Under New Management.” Even then, it was awful. But thankfully it’s back to the original format in the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki tiki room.

Next on to the new (updated) version if Pirates of the Caribbean. Okay, am I in the minority but I kinda hate the new version. It should be called Jack Sparrow’s Pirates of the Caribbean. It seemed cheesy that Cap’n Jack was in almost every scene. I think miss the other version (still hate that drop though…eek).

So we spent most of the morning just hanging around Adventureland and Frontierland seeing the Haunted Mansion, Country Bears Jamboree, Liberty Belle and the Jungle Cruise.

Lunch was at Pecos Bill’s Cafe. My personal favorite quick service stop through the Kingdom. But their self service computer screen was much to be desired. It took 5 minutes to send it and I still don’t know how that happened. IO still like the place though think I’m just enamored with a “fixins” bar. I ordered a taco salad but double layering it with cheese, salsa, lettuce and sour cream just seemed to make my day. Mom’s BBQ pork sandwich was also good. So much food! I was so stuffed that carrot cake was not going down. Oh we saved that for later though.

Travel Tip #2: Pecos Bill’s is packed, so seating is at a premium. Make sure someone grabs a spot while you grab food. Otherwise you’ll be fighting for place while juggling a tray.

After lunch we rounded out Fantasyland, hitting Small World, Snow White’s Scary Adventure and Peter Pan’s Flight. After waiting forever at Peter Pan, we were tried and ready to head over to Epcot for dinner. Yum!