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Roseanne McKeever -- May 2001 -- Walt Disney World (PR)Editor's Note: Roseanne graciously agreed to allow MousePlanet to "feature" the trip report from last September, when a visit was made to plan Lucy and Hector's wedding. Now she's agreed to allow us to feature the report of the wedding trip itself!
After a sixteen month engagement, and over a year of planning, DD's and FSIL's Fairy Tale Wedding at Disney's Polynesian Resort is only three weeks away! Disney cashed THE BIG CHECK, all of the travel arrangements have been made, the bridal party is busy with fittings, and there are boxes all over my house waiting to be shipped to Disney. Working closely with Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding department, the FTC (Fairy Tale couple) has planned a magical weekend for their guests. Our original estimate of about 35 family members and friends has more than doubled - 73 of our nearest and dearest are traveling to WDW from all over the US by planes, trains and automobiles for the festivities the first weekend in May. Guests are staying at the Polynesian Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, French Quarter at Port Orleans Resort, All Star Movies Resort and the Courtyard at Marriott near Downtown Disney. Some guests are staying for a long weekend only, and others are staying more than a week. Tuesday, May 1 The Friends limousine driver arrived promptly at 11:45 am, and he remembered us from our September trip, and asked if this was the wedding trip. We made good time to Philadelphia airport, and were soon boarding our 1:50 flight. We had no problem taking Lucy's wedding dress on board - the flight attendants were happy to put it in the 1st class suit hanger. We left Philadelphia ON TIME (unheard of) and arrived in Orlando one half hour early. Our Tiffany Towncar driver was there when we arrived; he helped us with our luggage (4 large, 3 small and the wedding dress) and we arrived at the Polynesian by 5:00 pm. We were excited by our first glimpse of the Nanea Volcano pool - the landscaping around the new pool is especially lush. Check-in with concierge Marilyn was smooth - they have all of our Polynesian wedding guests listed with their arrival dates (thanks Melissa) and she told us our guests will be in the Tokelau building as we requested. Hector and Lucy's room is in a wonderful location - room 1502 - first floor two doors down from the concierge and with a direct view of Cinderella's Castle. The two boxes we had shipped to the hotel had arrived, so our room was cluttered in no time! We unpacked and decided to go to E-ticket night at the Magic Kingdom. We made PS at Tony's Town Square Café and headed out to the boat launch for the ride to the Magic Kingdom. While waiting for the boat we watched a wedding out on Sunset Pointe - in just a few days that will be Lucy and Hector! It was cloudy, windy and VERY cool. (The high that day was in the 70's but the wind made it seem colder.) We arrived at the Magic Kingdom at around 7:00 pm just in time (actually 10 minutes late) for our PS. Alfredo from Naples was our waiter. Lucy and I had the scallopine de polla al limone chicken breast sautéed with fresh spinach, garlic and plum tomatoes served over capellini pasta in a white wine lemon butter sauce, and Hector had the filetto di bue ai ferri 6 ounce beef tenderloin topped with prosciutto and mozzarella cheese served with caramelized onion mashed potatoes. Lucy and I shared dessert - a vanilla flan with blackberries and a small cannoli, and Hector had coffee. We left the restaurant at 8:00 pm just as E-night started. Lucy stopped and bought a long sleeved black sweater - she was really cold. We headed over towards Pirates of the Caribbean, which was closed, and passed the almost finished Aladdin's Carpet ride. We headed over to the mountains - we all agreed it was too chilly for Splash Mountain, and Lucy and Hector rode Big Thunder Mountain. (My one and ONLY ride on BTMRR was at the first E-night Lucy and I attended several years ago.) We headed to the Haunted Mansion next, and brought home a hitchhiking ghost! Then on to Tomorrowland, where Hector headed to Space Mountain, and Lucy and I rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (Wedway PeopleMover) twice. The commentary wasn't working, and it was nice and relaxing and very pretty at night. As we had entered the park, we had noticed several cast members and a handful of guests wearing colorful leis. (Hey wait - that was OUR idea!) We asked a cast member at TTA where she got hers and she said her supervisor had given it to her, but she thought it came from an event earlier that day at the Tiki Room. Buzz Lightyear was down so we weren't sure what to do next. We wandered a little and met up with Hector, and Buzz was open again. Lucy and Hector shared a rocket ship and I rode alone - Lucy barely beat Hector - they both scored in the thirty thousands, and I got a personal best score of 7800. (OK so I won't be saving the galaxy any time soon.) We decided to head back to the hotel, and stopped in the nearly empty Emporium to pick up some last minutes gifts to fill the welcome bags for our guests. Lucy met a sweet cast member who insisted on showing her ALL of the Tinkerbell merchandise! After a brief monorail ride back to the Polynesian, we stopped at Samoa Snacks on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House (GCH) and bought the 33 boxes of Mickey shortbread cookies that we had ordered. (Thanks again Melissa.) Back in our room, production started on 32 'welcome' gift bags - filled with a box of the cookies, a WDW post card, chocolate lollipops (Mickey, Minnie, Donald or Pooh), a Mickey shaped floating candle, a gift certificate to either a Disney breakfast or Rainforest Café (compliments of American Express Membership Miles and FreeRide) and a Mickey shaped pencil for the kids. Hector took a break at our request and went to Captain Cook's and picked up bottled water and a Mickey rice krispie treat. We put on the delivery stickers and finished at about 12:30 am. (Guest response to the bags was great - I guess everybody likes getting surprises delivered to their rooms.) Wednesday, May 2 Lucy had requested a 7:30 am wake-up call. We all went out on the lanai to soak up the atmosphere and take in our wonderful view - there were rowers on the lagoon. Lucy and Hector got ready for their 9:00 am Tiffany Towncar ride to the Kissimmee courthouse to get their wedding license. I updated my trip notes and called Carolyn Allen's to confirm our dress steaming and Hector's tuxedo fitting. Lucy and Hector returned at about 10:30 and we went to pick up a few items at News from Civilization in the GCH. Then they went for a walk over to the Wedding Pavilion (they found it beautiful but didn't like it as much as Sunset Pointe) and I stayed behind and took lots of pictures of the new pool. We met at the Kona Cafe at 11:20 for a late breakfast - Hector had a ham and cheese omelet, Lucy had French toast, and I had blueberry pancakes and a yummy café latte. We got back to our room just as housekeeping arrived, so we went for a walk up to Sunset Pointe, then headed back just in time for Lucy's trial run with her hairdresser, Lisa. Hector headed to the pool, and Lisa tried two hairstyles until Lucy was happy (for today anyway). The Disney photographer, Toni, called while Lucy was getting her hair done. We spoke - me relaying information to Lucy and Hector - for a few minutes about what special shots they might like at the wedding. After the hairdresser left, Lucy headed for the pool and I updated my notes. They both returned from the pool shortly after - a little girl (around 5-6 years old) had nearly drowned so they emptied the pool. They said she was under water for a while, and emergency medical technicians had been called in and they were reviving her. There were three very alert lifeguards at the pool, but the pool is filled with kids - parents, watch your children - especially the little ones! (When taking pictures that morning, I had seen a young boy around the same age, trying to use the pool shower. He had stripped naked, and had to climb on the Tiki statue to reach the spigot pull. He was at it for more than five minutes, climbing up and down on the concrete - and no parent in sight.) It was time to meet with Lisa so at 2:30 we headed up to the second floor concierge lounge and I filled a plate with macadamia, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. Lisa arrived soon after carrying the large box which held our place card frames. We reviewed the itinerary for the next four days, and then Lisa stopped by our room to take the welcome gift bags for resort delivery. Lucy gave her the small thank you gift we had for her, as well as the one for her assistant Candice. Lisa couldn't take the gift for Lucy's sales manager, Warren, however, because he left Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. (Lisa told Lucy later that Warren had transferred to Disney Institute sales, and then left the company.) One neat thing Lisa told us - Disney has their own weather tracking system - so we didn't need to depend on the Weather Channel or the local paper for an inside / outside decision Saturday. When we finished, Lucy and I joined Hector who was waiting for his mom to arrive at the GCH. (They were both wearing the Mickey wedding ears Lisa had delivered to them.) Hector's mom Gracely and sister Grace arrived some time later - not with Tiffany Towncar, but on the Mears bus. Somehow their Tiffany reservation got messed up or they missed their driver, so they finally just took Mears. Lucy and I waited with Gracely and Grace in the check-in line, while Hector continued waiting for his aunt and uncle to bring his grandmom from their room at the All Star Movies to the Polynesian. Gracely finished checking in just as Hector's grandmom arrived, so they left for their room and we headed back to our room to wait for them to leave for Epcot. Then we did the unforgivable - when we called and found out they had just ordered room service, we had them cancel the order, and we snuck them into the concierge lounge for appetizers. Lucy and I had a PS for Le Cellier at 7:20, but Gracely thought it would be nice if we all ate together (I told you that, Hector) so we tried to change the PS to a party of six. Nothing was available until 8:30 at Le Cellier, and since it was getting too late to catch the first Tapestry of Nations, we changed our plans and made 9:30 PS at 'Ohana. (Where a magical moment happened - stay tuned!) Hector went to guest services to pick up the wheelchair reserved for his grandmom, and we all headed to the GCH for the two monorail ride to Epcot. We arrived there and used the wheelchair entrance for our traditional first ride in Spaceship Earth. I think Gracely and Grace enjoyed it, and Hector's grandmom seemed to enjoy most of it, but said the lights at the end made her a little dizzy. Next we went over to the Land for - safe slow quiet ride - Living with the Land. The ride was uneventful and everyone seemed to enjoy it. After a cold drink break, we had to hustle over to Mexico to catch the last Tapestry of Nations for the evening. It was crowded all along the parade route, but the wheelchair section was empty, so we took advantage and staked out some prime (or so we thought) viewing space. It would have been an excellent spot to view the parade, except that it was ending there, and the Sage of Time positioned himself right in front of Lucy, Grace and myself. We repositioned ourselves, and everyone loved the music, the colors and the great interaction of this parade. It was especially moving as each of the puppets paid homage to the Sage of Time as they exited the parade route. One of the puppets gave Hector's grandmom a hug (a magical moment) and everyone agreed the parade was wonderful. After Tapestry ended, we headed back to the Polynesian (seeing some of the Illuminations fireworks from the monorail) and checked in a few minutes early at 'Ohana. We were only seated for a few minutes when we noticed a female ukulele player was entertaining tonight - and Lucy and Hector have scheduled a female ukulele player for their ceremony and cocktail hour on Saturday. She was in the middle of a set, but after hearing her speak, Lucy was sure that it was Tracey Lipoa. When she took a break, Lucy went over and introduced herself, and Tracey came over to our table to meet Hector. She told us how excited she was to be doing traditional Hawaiian music for a wedding. It turned out that she was only working that evening because she had traded with someone so she would be available to play at the wedding - what luck! She told Lucy and Hector she would play something special for them during dinner, then went back to set up a hula hoop contest for the kids. Hector had told his mom about the melon coladas, so we started off with a round of drinks, and then stuffed ourselves with 'Ohana's skewered pork, shrimp, steak and turkey. We were just finishing up when Tracey headed over to our table, and said she wanted to dedicate a special song to a special couple. She introduced Lucy and Hector to the crowded restaurant, told everyone that they were going to be married Saturday, and asked if everyone thought they should do a special rehearsal dance for us. She then sang a beautiful version of the Hawaiian Wedding Song, asking that Lucy and Hector kiss every time the restaurant patrons clinked their glasses with silverware. The Fairy Tale Couple obliged and had a beautiful romantic dance in the middle of the crowded restaurant and they looked as if there was no one else but them in the room. It was pure Disney magic - pixie dust made us change our reservations on a night Tracey wasn't usually scheduled to work. So the FTC was able to meet (and really like) an important performer for their wedding, and also to share an unexpected romantic moment on the dance floor. By this time we were all pretty tired, so after our pineapple with caramel sauce, we all headed back to our rooms. Hector had messages from his dad and his cousin Brian - more guests are arriving each day! I quickly updated my notes, then it was lights out. Thursday, May 3 Lucy had set the wake-up call for 7:30 once again, since she and Hector were meeting Reverend Tim Herring at 9:00 am. They got up and showered and dressed first and headed down to the lobby to meet Reverend Tim. I got up and got ready and started packing up my things - I'm moving to another (non-lagoon view - sigh) room today when my mom arrives. Lucy and Hector returned from their meeting saying that Reverend Tim would not be at rehearsal tomorrow night - he has another wedding - but he said Lisa has done this many times and can handle it. They went out to Sunset Pointe this morning to review things with him. Hector called some of his family to arrange a meeting time, and the FTC headed out to Epcot for their honeymoon shots. (They told me they almost missed the photographer - they were waiting at guest services and the photographer was at the International Gateway. A call to Disney Photographic Services straightened it out. Lucy also said they took some authentic shots in Morocco - they dressed them in some of the native clothes.) Back at the Polynesian, I finished packing my things, then went to the concierge and completed my registration - the room wasn't ready yet. Since it was around the time my sister Mo and her family were due to arrive, I grabbed a book and headed over to the GCH lobby. I hung around there for a little while, then came back and enjoyed the view of Cinderella's Castle from the lanai one more time. I checked mom's train status (it had left Orlando and was due in Kissimmee on time), so I wandered back to the GCH. I was walking through the lobby when I spotted my sister's ten-year-old twins sons (two of the junior ushers), followed by their mom and dad. I took the boys out to check out the volcano pool while Mo checked in. By the time we returned they were registered and their room was ready, so they went to get their luggage for the brief ride to the Tokelau building. Their room is on the third floor, just a few doors down from Hector's mom, and they have a lagoon view. I headed back to the room just in time to receive the message that mom and cousin Steve had arrived right on schedule around 1:00 and were on their way over to the Hawaii building. We stashed their luggage in Lucy and Hector's room (Steve's spending his first night here until his wife arrives tomorrow) and headed over to the pool. Hector's dad and his wife had come over from the Caribbean Beach Resort (they arrived from California late yesterday) and the whole gang had congregated at several tables near the volcano pool. There were introductions all around. Mo got lunch for her family, and I took mom and Steve over to Captain Cook's so they could grab a bite as well. Everyone stayed by the pool and chatted, and watched the kids swim and volcano occasionally spout smoke for about an hour. I headed back in to see if my room was ready and it was - room 1527 - about half way down the hall. I moved my bag and my mom's and I unpacked for the second time in two days. Lucy also brought some of her things down since she's staying with us until Steve joins Joan tomorrow. We both noticed a strange odor in this room - I thought it smelled like a strong air deodorant and Lucy thought she smelled cigarette smoke under the air freshener smell. I called the concierge to complain and within ten minutes, cast member Bennett, who is the manager of facilities and housekeeping at the Polynesian, arrived at our door to check it out. He felt there wasn't a cigarette odor, but rather some of the famous Polynesian 'mustiness' in the room, and he said that housekeeping does indeed spray air freshener to combat it. He offered us several air cleaning options - more spraying or a cleaning process where the air is pulled through an air purifier while we are out of the room. Since we were leaving soon after, we opted for the purifier, and Bennett told us if there was anything else to let him know directly, and that he was working Saturday and would be available if we needed anything at all on the FTC's wedding day. (The 'mustiness' was almost entirely gone when we returned that night and I didn't notice it at all for the rest of our stay.) Hector was leaving with his family to go to the Disney Studios, and Lucy and I agreed to meet them at the Great Movie Ride at 5:00 pm. (Mom was going to dinner with Mo and family, and Steve.) Lucy and I had one more errand to do - meet Melissa from the Island Planning Office at the Polynesian. We called the concierge and they contacted her, and she called us back to say she would come over and meet with us. We headed down to the concierge office to meet her, then realized it was POURING rain. We tried to call Melissa back to reschedule, (she was coming over from her office in GCH) but she had already left. We felt really bad and said so, but Marilyn told us not to worry - Melissa would cut through buildings to get to Hawaii. She arrived immediately after, and both Lucy and I thanked her for all the arrangements she had helped me with, and we gave her the small thank you gift we had brought for her. We talked a little more - she's engaged but hasn't started planning her wedding yet - and then it was time for her to return to work. (She mentioned that Don - the concierge staff member that we've seen every trip for years - transferred over to Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge. She also mentioned that he's a techie on the side - he developed the guest tracking system that the Polynesian is currently using, and Disney is going to roll out to other hotels as well.) The rain had slowed down as Lucy and I caught a bus to Disney Studios. We wandered through a few stores then went over to look for Hector near the Great Movie Ride. We both agreed the Sorcerer's hat is horrible - it blocks the Chinese Theater completely. We couldn't find Hector and his family so we tried to reach them on the Cobra radios. After many tries, and hearing many other conversations, we finally made contact and he told us where to meet them. Hector's Aunt Lorraine and her son Brian had joined him, his sister, his mom and his grandmom, and his dad and his wife. (We were now a party of ten.) After a few more introductions, we decided to head to the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. A show was ready to start - we were in the back in the wheelchair section - and after much jumping and waving Hector was chosen as one of the stunt extras! His performance was Oscar deserving (at least his family thought so), but the show was cut short because of the continuing steady rain - they skipped the plane stunt at the end. After congratulations on his performance, the group decided to head over to the Backlot Express for a quick dinner. I had a cheeseburger, Hector had a chicken sandwich, and Lucy had the hotdog she had been craving since we arrived at the Studios. After the entire group had their fill, we headed back out into the steady rain and over to MuppetVision 3D. Lucy ran ahead and bought several ponchos, as it was getting colder along with the steady rain. We got into MuppetVision with less than a five minute wait, and everyone enjoyed the antics of Kermit and Co. After the Muppets, Lucy and I planned to leave the group to see the Great Movie Ride, and then head to Downtown Disney to buy some T-shirts. We went to the Great Movie Ride, and had a fun ride with several families whose pre-teen kids were REALLY into the ride - screaming and cheering at all the appropriate places. We got the cowgirl scene, and enjoyed this attraction as much as we always do. It was still raining when we came out, so we decided to cancel our plans for Downtown Disney and look for some princess Minnie hats instead of T-shirts. We browsed the shops on Sunset Blvd first for housewares and jewelry, and ran into Hector's mom, grandmom and aunt who said the others were in Tower of Terror. We bought a few things (including some frames on sale) and headed out, running into Hector and his cousin Brian, who were just going to join the others. We made one more stop and found ONE princess hat, but since we need two we decided to wait. We caught the bus pretty quickly back to the Polynesian, and Lucy started some laundry while I started putting the place cards in their silver frames and checked on our next arrivals' flight. (My sister Mare and her family and brother Mike and his son were travelling together and their plane was due at 9:40 pm.) Their plane was running late, and I called US Airways several times until it arrived, then called my sister Mo who was going down with us to await this group's arrival. Lucy called me and stopped on her way back from the laundry room at the concierge lounge, bringing me some tarts and a large coffee. Hector and his mom stopped by and offered to finish the place cards, so Lucy, mom, Mo and I headed over to the GCH. After about ten minutes, a white Tiffany van arrived with my sister Mare, her husband Jimmy, their daughters flower girls Brittany (almost 6) and Shannon (almost 2), my brother Mike and the other junior usher his thirteen year old son Chris. We took the kids to see the new pool while the adults checked in, and Jimmy headed over to Captain Cook's to get some milk and snack food for the morning. They finally headed to their rooms around 11:00 pm, and we passed Hector and his mom headed to the GCH to meet two other guests who were arriving late this evening. We went back to our room, and I updated my trip notes. Tomorrow the rest of our families and friends arrive, and the wedding festivities begin. Time to get some sleep! Friday, May 4 Mickey called again at 7:30 am - 'up and at 'em' - right, Mick - we're moving! Lucy and Hector left at 9 to get some princess Minnie ears, and I headed down to the concierge to get some leis for Mare and the kids. (They didn't get any when they checked in last night at 11:00.) Mom and I met Mare, Jimmy and the girls at the door to Tokelau, and we had a brief conversation with Mo and family, and Hector's mom, grandmom and friend Ivette, who were all out having breakfast on their third floor Tokelau balconies. We headed to the GCH and the monorail; Shannon was fascinated by some ducks we met on the path. At the monorail station we met up with our good friends and neighbors Donna, John and their son Nicky. We shared a monorail car, and Shannon liked it so much she didn't want to get off. We said goodbye to our friends and hustled down Main Street for our 9:30 PS at Cinderella's Royal Table. We arrived around ten minutes late, and joined the large crowd waiting to be called for breakfast. The girls looked adorable in their princess Minnie ears, and Lucy and Hector were wearing their bride and groom ears. Our royal family was announced and we headed upstairs about twenty minutes later. (We never did make it to the front of the Fairy Godmother line, but Britt did find Jacque and Gus-Gus hiding in the parapet, and the Fairy Godmother came upstairs towards the end of breakfast.) We all enjoyed our traditional breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, cheesy potatoes and cream cheese French toast (except mom - who went with the healthy choice). Shannon loved the cantaloupe, Mare had to request a second serving of fruit. The characters this morning were Aladdin, Snow White, Belle, Mary Poppins, the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella. Brittany posed for pictures with all of the characters, and Hector requested photos with Snow White and Cinderella. Brittany told Belle she was going to be a flower girl tomorrow, and Belle posed for a picture with the two flower girls and the FTC. When we had finally seen everyone and eaten our fill, Mare and her family headed to Disney Studios - Shannon LOVES Bear in the Big Blue House. Lucy and Hector stayed in the Magic Kingdom until their appointment times (manicure for her and tuxedo fitting for him) and Mom and I headed back to the Polynesian. I was hoping to catch up with my friends Eileen and Pura who were due in this morning, but I missed their call by about a half hour. I looked around the GCH and pool areas, but didn't see them. I came back to my room to do my nails, and got a call soon after that my brother Joel and his family had arrived and were already in their room in Tokelau. He and my ten year old nephew Drew (the ring bearer) came over to bring us a dress and suit that needed to be steamed, and Mom went back with them to see my sister in law Barb and fourteen year old niece Megan (who is a bridesmaid). I applied a second coat of nail polish, and looked up to see Megan walk past the window. I called her over, and she was SOOO excited to finally be at WDW and in her cousin's wedding. She was getting reacquainted with the Polynesian, so I offered to walk with her and show her around. (Her last visit was six years ago.) She called her mom, and Barb decided to join us. We walked around the pool area, down near the boat rentals, back through the GCH and over to the concierge lounge for some water and cookies. As we headed back downstairs, the concierge told me that Paul Allen was in my room waiting to steam the dresses. (We were doing moms, grandmoms, aunts and an uncle today - bridal party tomorrow.) By this time Paul was actually in the FTC's room with Lucy and Hector, fitting Hector's tuxedo. I hung around and we chatted while Paul steamed six dresses and a suit. Paul is just as nice as can be, and working with him was a joy. After he left I went back to my room to dress for the rehearsal and welcome dinner. Rehearsal was on a VERY WINDY Sunset Pointe at 5:00 pm. The wind was blowing our hair all around and whipping at the women's skirts. We practiced walking in - twice - and that was about it. We decided my sister Mare should just walk in with Shannon so she wouldn't have a chance to take off down the hilly slope. After rehearsal we all headed over to catch the monorail to the Grand Floridian, but as we entered the GCH we noticed a Disney cruise line bus sitting outside, and it was the wedding bus. We joined the guests from the All Stars Movies, Caribbean Beach Resort and Port Orleans for the quick ride over to the Grand Floridian. The ride was almost shorter, since the bus driver stopped and people started getting off at the Wedding Pavilion. (We were seated in the back and couldn't stop them quick enough.) We got everyone back on the bus and were dropped off at the main entrance to the hotel. The Grand Floridian Summerhouse Beach Bar is a great site for a rehearsal dinner. There are white tables with umbrellas and white chairs facing the Grand Floridian beach, the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Polynesian Resort in the distance. (We were worried that the new pool construction would obstruct our view, but we still faced out over white sand beach and the lagoon.) The formal service buffet style cookout was excellent we had Dijon Vinaigrette Potato Salad, Herb Olive Oil Pasta Salad, Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with Condiments, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Corn Bread, Apple Pie, Macadamia Nut Brownies, Iced Tea and Lemonade and Coffee. The adults enjoyed table-hopping and the breathtaking view, and the kids loved playing on the Grand Floridian beach. We had made arrangements to have family portraits done during the welcome dinner, and Disney photographer Michael and his assistant (Jill?) arrived shortly after 7:00 pm. Hector's family went off for pictures first - they set up on a few chairs in the gardens behind the Grand Floridian main building. When they finished we took our turn, and the photographers were great with the kids - even getting Shannon's attention long enough to get some shots. Lucy and Hector then gave gifts to the bridal party and their moms. (They gave me the Harmony Kingdom Villains piece.) The group started to break up after this - some were catching the monorail or bus back to their hotels, and other were waiting for the second bus run to Pleasure Island. By 9:00 pm it was Lucy and Hector, Vania, Marjorie, Eileen, Pura, Jerry and Susan and their boys and myself waiting for the wedding bus to Downtown Disney / Pleasure Island. We waited what seemed like a long time for the bus to return, so Eileen, Pura and I decided we would rather go back to the Polynesian for drinks at the Tambu Lounge. We took the monorail back to the GCH (passing over ten buses filled with kids for Grad Night as they entered the Magic Kingdom) and were in the Tambu Lounge when my brother Mike found us - he, brother Joel and cousin Steve were picking up drinks and a bottle of wine for a 'pool party'. We added our drink order - 3 melon coladas - yum! - and joined the group on lounge chairs by the volcano pool. My sister and two brothers and their families, and my cousin and her husband had all decided that hanging by the pool (drinking!!) was more their speed than PI. (We must all be getting old - LOL!) The kids swam while the adults guzzled drinks until sometime after Grad Night started (we could hear the band - probably around 11:15) and then we began to wander back to our rooms. Tomorrow's the big day! Saturday, May 5 Saturday, May 5 dawned with blue skies and sunshine. At 8:30 am, Lucy, my mom, Hector's mom and grandmom and I all boarded the monorail to the Grand Floridian. We parted with Lucy in the main building - she walked over to the spa for her herbal relaxation bath, and the moms and grandmoms went to the Ivy Trellis salon on the second floor for their hair appointments. My sister Mo joined us at about 9:15, and we were all finished (and glamorous) and on our way back to the Polynesian by 10:30 am. We stopped by Lucy and Hector's room to pick up Mo's dress (which had been steamed on Friday), and Lucy seemed upset. She had just written sentimental cards for her best friend Vania, me and Hector, and she had made herself upset. Since she had us all teary-eyed, Mo and mom made a quick retreat, and I stayed while she tried to organize things we would need today. (Hector had decided not to go to a park today after all, and had been banished to the pool until noon.) As Lucy was unwrapping their (inexpensive) toasting flutes, she discovered that one had broken during travel. (She had put them in a checked bag - didn't she ever see those Samsonite commercials with the ape?) She had told Lisa we would provide flutes, so she tried to call her but got her voicemail. I remembered Franck's - and that my sister-in-law Barb really wanted to visit there. So I called Barb, and she and Meg soon joined me for the short walk over towards the Wedding Pavilion. (It was about 11:00 am.) We admired the wedding bricks and were disappointed that they are no longer available. We saw a guest bus arriving for a wedding at the Pavilion. (We were told later that there were twelve Disney weddings this day - five of them at the Wedding Pavilion.) Barb and Meg really enjoyed visiting Franck's (they both love the Steve Martin movie Father of the Bride) and we quickly picked out a set of Waterford flutes in the Mickey Mouse pattern. (Expensive - but my late father collected Waterford, and I thought it would be a nice reminder of Lucy's grandfather at her wedding.) I also bought Minnie wedding ear pens for the bridal party (and Lucy and I). Barb bought a small Mickey and Minnie wedding statue to put with her card, and we quickly headed back to the Polynesian. (Barb enjoyed the theming at Franck's so much that she took Joel for a walk over there Sunday morning - at 6:30 am!) As we approached the GCH (at about 11:59 am) we ran into Lucy, who was panicked because the hairdressers had arrived and no one was there. I pointed out that: a) it was not quite noon and b) Lucy and Megan were now both there. She was also panicked that Paul Allen had not arrived, but we had seen him a few minutes before at Franck's, and he was knocking on the FTC's door with Hector's tuxedo at exactly that moment. Barb and I met up with Paul and took all the dresses over to the South Seas Room in the GCH for steaming. Vania and Marjorie had joined Lucy and Megan, and the only one missing was Grace - Lucy had told Mare to bring Brittany over a little later. There were three hairdressers and one make-up artist at this point, so I called Mare and asked that she bring over Britt as soon as she could. Grace arrived but didn't have her dress, so I called Hector and asked him to pick it up from his mom's room and bring it to me in the lobby of the GCH. Lisa had also arrived at noon, and she needed to get some things for the reception from the FTC's room, so she left with Hector when he delivered the dress. The South Seas Room is a conference type room that would have been a perfect back up for the ceremony site if it had rained. Some of the walls are papered in a green tropical leaf pattern, and the room is spacious with good lighting. They had it set up as a dressing room with tables and chairs, pitchers of ice water and glasses, a dressing screen, and dress storage racks in the back of the room where Paul Allen could take care of the bridal party attire steaming while the hairdressers and make-up artists were working. We had brought each of the bridesmaids and Lucy a short cotton robe to wear during hair and make-up, and packed it in a large gift bag that would then store their clothes to be returned to our rooms. We brought a smaller bag for Britt - she has smaller clothes - and instead of a robe hers held pale blue teddy bears for her and Shannon. (We decided if Shannon didn't drop rose petals it would be cute for her to carry a teddy bear.) Since the hairdressers were almost ready to start Brittany, I had to go back to my room for the photo of her trial run from home a few weeks earlier. I decided I should stay and start my make-up and dressing, so Marjorie came with me to pick up the photos and drop off her things so she could come back later and dress there. A few minutes after Marjorie left for the South Seas Room, I realized I still had the tip money for the hairdressers and the money to pay Paul Allen in my shorts pocket, so I returned to the GCH again. I stopped by the concierge lounge on my way out and filled a plate with cookies. Lucy's hair was done, and I could tell she wasn't happy with it. (Lucy has very curly hair, and she felt it was pulled back 'too loosely'.) She wanted to have Vania 'fix it' so I hung around until all the hair and make-up was done to make sure they (Lucy and Vania) didn't pull out Lucy's hair and start over. (She's done that before.) Aside from my DD's hair obsession, the hair and make-up was all beautifully done. There was one small mishap - Brittany's hairdresser had put her curls up too tightly (which was how her hair was done in the picture) and after one too many tight bobby pins she started crying because it hurt. Her mom and Lucy re-explained that they wanted soft, cascading curls for her and it was fine after that. After the hairdressers left Lucy had Vania 'gel' her hair until she was satisfied. The change was barely noticeable - but it made her happy. Since there was less than an hour left before pictures, I had to leave again to go get ready. Marjorie walked over to my room again to pick up a few things Vania needed to get dressed. It seemed like it took me forever to get ready, and cousin Joan arrived before I was dressed to help mom finish up. I was headed back to the South Seas Room - late - by a little after 3:00 pm. I passed Hector and his family taking groom photos, and arrived just as Lucy was getting into her dress. (Thank you Vania!) Two minutes later she was getting out of her dress - her bra straps were showing so she switched to the bustier she had worn to her dress fittings. (Less comfy but also less visible.) After just a few minutes waiting it was time for the bridal photos. We all took our flowers (I had opted for a white dendrobium orchid lei instead of a corsage) and were led to a spot just outside of the GCH. Disney photographer Toni and her assistant did a wonderful job posing the various groups of family and bridal party shots. As each group finished with their photos, Michelle (one of Lisa's two assistants that day - the other was Candice, who we had spoken to during planning) took each group on the short ride to the waiting area in the Tokelau building. Lisa and her assistants had radio contact, so we were kept informed of what was happening at Sunset Pointe. (Bus arriving, guest seating and the like.) We thought we were set to go when Lucy realized that Andrew was NOT holding the ring pillow. Michelle radioed Lisa, and after a few more minutes wait, the pillow - rings attached - was delivered to the waiting area. More radio messages - Hector is escorting his mom and grandmom to their seats; Reverend Tim has taken his place; send out the bridesmaids - the ring bearer the flower girls (and their mom). Brittany carefully drops rose petals along the pathway and Shannon carries her pale blue teddy bear and holds her mom's hand. OK - deep breath - Tracey starts playing the Hawaiian Wedding Song, and my mom and I escort Lucy up that long path to Sunset Pointe. The sun is shining, there's a light breeze, the sky is blue over Cinderella's Castle, and there is a large crowd of people wearing leis, smiling and snapping pictures. (As part of the Polynesian theming, we had Tracey play Hawaiian love songs prior to and during the ceremony, and the three junior ushers (Lucy's cousins Chris, Mike and Andy - dressed is tropical shirts and khakis) handed out leis and bubbles to all of the guests as they arrived.) We reach the Pointe, Reverend Tim asks who gives this woman in marriage, Mom and I kiss Lucy and Hector, and the ceremony begins. When Lucy and Hector face each other it is truly magical - you can feel the love out there on Sunset Pointe. Ivette and Steve deliver their readings, Reverend Tim speaks a little, and then Lucy and Hector repeat their vows and exchange rings. They are both smiling throughout and respond in strong and emotion filled voices. Tracey begins another Hawaiian love song and Reverend Tim has Lucy and Hector 'pretend' light the unity candle - it's too windy to keep a flame going this day on Sunset Pointe. Then Lucy and Hector present roses to their grandmoms and moms, and I feel the first tears begin to stream down my face. I don't know what it was about that particular moment, but I do know they were tears of joy. I thought I had kept it pretty well hidden, but Megan told me later that she had seen me - but she said it was OK cause I did real well until then. (On a more humorous note, a huge bee flew into Grace's flowers during the vow exchange - she saw it but kept her cool and it eventually flew off.)
Reverend Tim read the Apache Wedding poem, then proclaimed the FTC husband and wife. He instructed Hector to give his bride a nice long kiss, and as everyone cheered Hector obliged.
Reverend Tim then asked everyone to prepare their bubbles, and the FTC exited to lively Hawaiian music. Lisa led Lucy and Hector to a waiting area inside the Hawaii building, and the bridal party was instructed to remain for pictures while the guests were escorted to the cocktail reception at Tangaroa Terrace. It took a little while to get everyone moving, and when Lucy and Hector came back out, Toni suggested that we take the family portraits closer to the beach - there would be less wind to deal with. She re-staged the lighting of the unity candle as the bridal party headed down the steep slope from Sunset Pointe. As we completed each set of group shots, Michelle took us once again for the short ride over to the reception site. Tangaroa Terrace used to be a full service restaurant - many of our guests remember having meals there before it closed several years ago. Now it is used for private events only. The restaurant was set up beautifully - we had eight round tables and a rectangular head table, surrounded by plush Polynesian greenery seen through the large windows on three sides of the room. The tables were set with white linens and tropical print napkins, with smoky green stemware. The centerpieces were pink dyed mini-pineapple plants with burgundy roses and stargazer lilies in silver bowls. Each place setting had a Jordan almond filled 'orchid' wrapped in fuschia ribbon with Lucy and Hector's names and the date, and a chocolate Mickey ears hat, wrapped in cellophane with a silver ribbon. (These were a huge hit with the boys - and Hector - who took turns wearing the tiny ears on their heads.) Place cards were in silver frames, and instead of table numbers, we used the names of the Polynesian longhouses - Hawaii, Tahiti, Tokelau, Rapa Nui, etc. The reception was lively when I arrived. The house drink was a guava / fruity drink that was a huge hit. Tracey was entertaining the crowd with more lively Hawaiian songs, and was very popular with the crowd. (Especially my nephew Mike - she let him strum a few bars on her ukulele.) Soon we were led into the dining room to await the arrival of the bridal party and the FTC. DJ Richie got everyone seated, then introduced the bridesmaids and their escorts. (Hector's sister Grace walked in with their dad, ring bearer Drew escorted his sister Megan, and Vania and flower girl Brittany entered together.) The new Mr. and Mrs. S entered to strains of 'Now That We Found Love." Their first dance as husband and wife (prince and princess) followed to Savage Garden's 'I Knew I Loved You'.
Lucy's uncle Joel gave a beautiful and moving toast, ending with the Irish blessing 'May the road rise up to meet you...' It was a wonderful speech - but he forgot to tell everyone to toast. As he introduced cousin Steve to give the blessing, I noticed Lisa franticly gesturing a toasting signal to Richie. Steve gave the blessing, and then Richie asked us to raise our glasses in honor of the happy couple. The Banquet Captain then escorted the bride and groom and head table to the Polynesian buffet: Pacific Sesame Caesar with Fried Wontons and Garlic Chips, Field of Greens with a Variety of Toppings and Dressings, Lo Mein Salad with Julienne Peppers, Carrots, Red Onions and Scallions in a Sesame Soy Sauce, Sliced Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella in a Fresh Basil Vinaigrette, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Stir Fried Beef in an Orange Ginger Sauce with Oriental Vegetables over Jasmine Rice, Grilled Salmon with Mango Mint Sauce, Pineapple Fried Rice, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, and Polynesian Vegetable Stir-Fry. Everyone kept pretty busy enjoying dinner, and Lucy and Hector visited tables as people were completing their meals. Richie announced Hector and Gracely's mother and son dance to 'If I Could' by Barbara Streisand. This was followed by that wedding staple - 'The Electric Slide' which got guests of all ages out on to the dance floor. The place was hopping for about a half hour, leading up to the arrival of special guests Polynesian Mickey and Minnie.
The characters were a HUGE hit - they danced with the FTC first, and then danced with very young and older guests alike. Mickey and Minnie danced several dances - always surrounded by kids of all ages - then took a break for the cake cutting. Lucy and Hector chose a wedding cake called 'The Orchid Garden' - it was a three tier cake with live orchids attached at each tier and at the top. They couldn't decide which cake they preferred at their tasting in September, so the bottom tier was yellow cake with strawberry mousse filling, the middle tier was red velvet cake with cream cheese filling, and the top was the yellow cake again. Mickey and Minnie watched the FTC make the traditional first slice, with Minnie ready with a napkin for any messiness. (There was no cake smashing.) Lucy did put a small dot of icing on Hector's nose, and Minnie jumped right in and cleaned him up. After the cake cutting Richie announced another special guest arrival - Polynesian Goofy! Goofy arrived with much fanfare and did his own wild little dance. My niece Shannon (flower girl and age 23 months) loved dancing with Goofy - she thought he was hers alone! (Her mom says her current favorite movie is The Goofy Movie.) Goofy (with some help from Richie) got a Conga line started, and soon most of the crowd was circling the room. Richie then announced a 'kids only' dance, and the kids got a chance to get on the dance floor with the three characters and the FTC.
(Goofy took 'on the floor' literally and sat down on the floor with Shannon and played with her.)
Then it was time for Mickey and Minnie to leave (sigh) but Goofy got to stay (yeah)! Minnie and Mickey took Lucy and Hector with them, and Toni went along for some private 'couples' photos. After a few more dances Goofy had to leave as well, and as it started getting dark outside we caught glimpses through the windows of the Magic Kingdom fireworks (8:30 this night). Richie stopped the dance music and had everyone sit down for one more special announcement. Lucy presented my Mom her 'toss' bouquet on what would have been my Mom and Dad's fiftieth wedding anniversary. (They were married on May 5, 1951 - which is why Lucy and Hector picked this date.) I had requested that Richie play 'Circle of Life' during the presentation - the words seemed like a fitting statement to me watching my mother and daughter sharing a special moment. The final dance was announced (too soon!) - Lucy and Hector had chosen Phil Collins 'You'll be in my Heart' from Tarzan. As couples left the dance floor, Richie directed the guests back to Sunset Pointe where the dessert party had been set up. The dessert party started just as the opening bars of the Electrical Water pageant were heard on the nearby Seven Seas lagoon. Some guests wandered down to the beach, but the view from Sunset Pointe was great also. As the brightly-lit sea creatures passed by, I informed the guests that I had arranged this water spectacular 'just for you folks!' (Maybe the barges weren't the only things lit!) The dessert party was elegant and fun - small candles in glass bowls filled with clear crystals and mini orchids lit each table, and the desserts were delicious: Kona Coffee Napoleon, Strawberry Passion Fruit Mousse, Haupia Chiffon Squares, Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake and Fresh Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream. There was also coffee, bottled water and juice for the kids. All too soon 10:00 pm approached, and after a little confusion as to where the bus was parked, some of the guests began to depart. Everyone agreed that it had been a magical day, and no one wanted it to end. So, many of the guests who were staying at the Polynesian changed back into shorts or bathing suits and --POOL PARTY! (We had more guests stay here than the other resorts combined. We had 73 guests staying in 22 rooms for between three and eleven days.) We took over a row of lounge chairs at the volcano pool, sent Hector and his cousin Brian and uncle Luis for melon coladas, and covered ourselves with towels to stay warm. (The kids swam of course.) After about an hour, Lucy - wrapped up in a Poly robe - looked like she was about to nod off, so we started to gather our things. Some of the dads went over to Captain Cook's for hot chocolate refills for the kids, and we just about emptied the pool with our 'last call'. Tired but happy, we ended a magical day! Note: pictures from the ceremony and reception can be found at www.photopoint.com - use my email address romckeev@aol.com to visit albums named Fairy Tale Wedding. Sunday, May 6 Lucy and Hector got up REAL early and put back on their wedding clothes for a photo session in the Magic Kingdom. They expected a call at 6:00 am, but no one called them. They finally checked over in the GCH lobby, and found the photographer there. We later found out that the call had been put through to my brother Joel's room, waking him and Barb. I didn't see the FTC dressed up this morning, but the concierge staff members who saw them return from their photo shoot assured me that they looked 'beautiful'. (And of course Hector looked handsome.) Mom got up for early Mass, and I slept in. At around 8:30, Hector called to ask if he could move boxes to my room. (The wedding department returned unused bubbles, toasting flutes and the like in three boxes to Lucy and Hector - now I get to ship some of it home. We had shipped down five boxes and would be shipping home one.) Hector also brought the box which held the top to their wedding cake - it doesn't fit in the room fridge, and they didn't even want to think about trying to get it home. Looks like there will be dessert for tonight's pool party! (I know - they're supposed to eat it on their first anniversary, but they both thought it wasn't worth trying to figure out a way to get it home.) Lucy also brought down her bouquet - she said we should just leave it as well, but if it still looks OK on Tuesday I may just bring it on the plane and keep it on my lap for the ride home. Soon it was time to head over to 'Ohana for the farewell breakfast. There was another mix-up with the bus this morning. (Yesterday the bus was twenty minutes early at one stop and today it was more than twenty minutes late.) Oh well - our guests are ingenious people and all found their way to the wedding events even when the bus wasn't around. 'Ohana was as crowded as always and it took a little while to get our three l-o-n-g tables set up for sixty four guests. Finally we were escorted in, and the service was quick - orange juice, fruit and banana bread was already on the tables when we sat down. Coffee and trays of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, roasted potatoes, biscuits and Mickey waffles were delivered immediately. Dale stopped by where the FTC was seated, gestured that they were newly wed (they were wearing their bride and groom ears) and took their spoon and clinked a glass until they kissed. It was very cute. (By the way - there was no glass clinking last night, which was kind of nice.) All too soon Lucy and Hector had to leave, so they visited each table with hugs all around. Their Tiffany Towncar driver arrived as soon as they reached the bell captain stand, and they were off to their four-day honeymoon on the Disney Wonder. The crowd started to break up soon after - most were heading to a day at the parks, a few (including my sister Mare and her family) were heading home. I went downstairs with Pura and Eileen so we could get our picture taken with Ed and Jerry - we wanted a shot of the old work gang. After I arrived back at 'Ohana, our two missing guests this morning - Vania and Marjorie - arrived, so I arranged with a waiter to bring them a fresh tray of food. I told them I would be right back, and headed down to the main entrance to look for the wedding bus to tell him he wasn't needed and give him a tip. After ten minutes I gave up waiting and went back to finish my cold coffee with Vania and Marjorie. I left the restaurant with them and found my brother Joel and nephew Drew hanging out in the lobby. They had checked out of the Polynesian that morning to move over to the Sheraton Safari, and were waiting for Barb and Meg to come back from renting water mice. Drew showed me the alligator head he had bought at Gator World (they went Saturday morning) and the coconut cup he had just bought at News from Civilization in the Polynesian. Joel said they were going to Downtown Disney until check in time at the Sheraton, so I took Drew back to my room to get them the extra Rainforest Café gift certificate. I hung around with them until Barb and Meg returned, and we chatted for a few minutes until they left. As I headed back to my room I decided today would be a quiet, unwind, non-park day for me. I had made tentative plans to go to Disney Studios later and meet Pura and Eileen, but I decided I really needed time to just veg out. I headed up to the concierge lounge for some guava juice, found a seat near the window facing Cinderella's castle, and started to update my trip report notes for yesterday. (Don't want to forget anything!) I looked at all the shots on my digital camera - between myself, my brother Joel and my sister Mo we had taken 184 photos between Tuesday and Saturday. When I went back to my room Mom had just returned from doing some laundry, and said my brother Mike wanted to know why I wasn't putting my trip notes on his laptop. Duh - because I never thought of it! (I've been scribbling notes all week.) I called him and asked to borrow it, and he agreed to drop it off on their way to dinner. My sister Mo called to invite me to join them at dinner - it was Mom, Mo and family and Mike and Chris and they were going to the Outback at Wyndam Plaza but I told her I was just going to spend some quiet time. She called back a few minutes later and asked if I wanted her to stay with me - I explained that I was fine and just didn't feel like going out. (No - I WASN'T depressed - and I've been at WDW enough times that I don't feel like I always have to go somewhere. Besides, it's so beautiful at the Polynesian I sometimes just like to sit on the beach and watch the boats on the lagoon.) Anyway, Mo decided to go to dinner and then come back, and since I don't see her very often I said we could do something easy and nearby that evening - like shop at the monorail hotels. Not long after they all left for dinner, my brother Joel calls and asks what I'm doing this evening. (Sheesh - what's with these guys?) I told him I was just planning on hanging out, and he asked if they could come back to the Polynesian and hang out by the pool. (Since they had just checked out that morning, they technically could still 'hang out', right?) He said that Universal was closing at 7:00 pm, and since they had spent the afternoon at Downtown Disney and had a late lunch, they decided they would like some more family time at the Polynesian. I told him that most everybody was heading to Fantasmic that night, but they were welcome to come back and use my room as home base for the evening. I told him I was going to get something to eat, and would meet him in my room shortly after. I wandered over to Captain Cook's for chicken fingers and fries, then headed back to my room and started typing the trip report on Mike's laptop. Joel, Barb, Meg and Drew arrived soon after and headed down to the volcano pool. Mo returned from dinner shortly after. I had my side curtain pulled open, and Mo noticed Donna, John and Nicky heading for the pool. Mo called them over and we all hung out on the lanai for a while. Nicky was VERY excited - their housekeeper had left a towel elephant in their room that day. (Pillows were used for the body, and towels for the head and trunk.) Joel, Barb and the kids came back from the pool area (they hadn't been swimming) and I mentioned dessert and coffee was starting in the concierge lounge. They headed up, and when Nicky dragged his parents off to the pool, Mo and I followed soon after. I had an apple tart and a banana tart (yum!) and a cup of expresso. We all sat at a table near the window, facing Cinderella's Castle and enjoyed just taking in the view for a little while. Joel and Drew headed back down to the pool - Drew really wanted to swim and Mo, Barb, Meg and I headed off to the monorail and the shops at the Grand Floridian. I stopped inside the door to press a Cinderella's coach quarter, and we browsed each of the Grand Floridian's shops. I bought a few pins and some note cards in M. Mouse Mercantile, and Meg bought a hidden Mickey ring. We also browsed the SummerLace Shop, and looked at Grand Floridian merchandise in Sandy Cove. Finished with the shops at the Grand Floridian, we took the monorail back to the Polynesian. We browsed Trader Jack's then went downstairs to find most of the shops closed. (Was it after 10:00 pm already?) We stopped in News from Civilization, where Mo and I both bought Polynesian T-shirts. Then we headed back to our rooms and Joel and family headed back to the Sheraton. Just as I got back to the room the phone rang - it was Eileen and Pura asking if I wanted a drink by the pool. They were in the GCH, and picked up my melon colada and their drinks and met me a few minutes later. We hung out for quite a while just chatting, made plans to meet for breakfast, and all headed back to our rooms. I guess a quiet, time alone night just wasn't part of my plan for today! Monday, May 7 No wake up call today, and I slept until 8:45. Since I had planned to meet Eileen and Pura for breakfast at 9:30, I hustled to get ready and out the door by 9:25 am. Mom called Mo and made plans to meet her family and Mike and Chris for breakfast. When I arrived at Kona Café, Eileen and Pura were already at a table. We decided to share two entrees, and we ordered a ham and cheese omelet and French toast. Pura and I had café lattes, and Eileen had Kona coffee. After we placed our order, the rest of my family was seated nearby. Pura and Eileen and I finally had some time to catch up, and we discussed the wedding, and what they had done in the parks during their stay. After breakfast we stopped at Trader Jack's so I could exchange one of the two Minnie and Mickey frames Lucy had received. (She received the wedding frame as a gift so I returned a similar one I had picked up at Disney Studios.) I said my good-byes to Pura and Eileen, then headed back to my room to make some phone calls. When I finished I went down to the concierge office to see about shipping the box home, and Melissa was there covering for someone. I brought down the box of wedding paraphernalia, as well as my digital camera, and after they packed up the box I shared some of the wedding photos. When I returned to my room, I had a message from Mo saying she, Mike and the boys were heading to the Animal Kingdom. Mom was going to join us, and I checked with Mike and Chris, but Mike said Chris didn't feel like walking around much, so they might head out to DisneyQuest. It was just past noon when we caught the bus to Animal Kingdom. We took our time wandering back through Harambe to Kilimanjaro Safaris, and there was practically no wait in the standby line. (Posted wait time was twenty minutes, but we pretty much walked through the queue - maybe ten minutes.) We had a great safari - there were many animals out and about. (The weather is still beautiful - highs each day near 80 with a nice breeze.) Both the male and female lion were out and alert, giving us glaring stares as we passed by. There were elephants and giraffes, crocodiles, Thompson gazelles, an adult and baby rhinoceros, and many other animals I can't name. And of course we caught the elephant poachers! The twins wanted temporary tattoos, so we went to the stand on the walkway from Harambe next. Mike got an eagle and Andy a snake. We decided it was time for lunch, so we stopped at Pizzafari. The boys had pizza, Mom had a chicken Caesar salad, Mo and Mike shared the penne pasta with Caesar salad, and I had a delicious hot Italian deli sandwich. It was almost 3:00 pm, and we wanted to see the 3:30 Festival of the Lion King show, so we went into a few shops to pass some time. We started over to Lion King at around 3:15, and ran into cousins Joan and Steve crossing the bridge to Camp Minnie Mickey. We visited for a few minutes - they were headed out to Disney Studios, and then went in and were seated in the warthog section of the Lion King theater. Mo got picked to assist in the pre-show (she's so quiet and unassuming) - she had to hand-jive to Hakuna Matata. We took some pictures and video of her, and then sat back to enjoy the music, dancing and colorful costumes of the Festival of the Lion King. (In previous visits I've always recognized some of the main performers from past shows, but this was the first time none of the main four looked familiar.) When the show ended, it was just past 4:00 pm, so we headed out to catch a bus back to the Polynesian. Back in our room, it wasn't long before Joel, Barb, Meg and Drew arrived to meet us for dinner. They had been to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure all day. We called Mike and Chris to tell them we were ready, then headed over to the monorail on our way to the Villains Dinner at 1900 Park Fare. Cruella deVill was greeting guests at the door, and she was very in character - she looked bored with all the picture taking, and was just a tad snappish and rude. She told my white-haired Mom that she had 'half of a nice hairdo'. Barb and Meg had their picture taken with Cruella, and Mom posed with the Queen of Hearts. Chris wasn't feeling too well, so he went to sit outside away from the crowd. We all soon moved out to the Mary Poppins topiary garden to wait for our dinner beeper to flash. The buffet at 1900 Park Fare is spectacular - hand-carved prime rib, chicken, roast pork tenderloin, seafood and pasta dishes, various vegetables and rice dishes, a huge salad bar, and that luscious chilled strawberry soup. There is also a large assortment of desserts, including key lime and cheesecake tarts, warm bread pudding with vanilla sauce, fudge and a make-your-own sundae bar. Barb and I had a Secret Garden with our meals - a strawberry and mango margarita. We had visits from Governor Ratcliffe, Prince John and Captain Hook. Hook took a purse from a young woman at the table behind ours, and when he was rummaging through it, a feminine hygiene product in its distinctive pink wrapper fell out. He picked it off the floor, then threw it back down and stomped on it. The three women at the table were hysterical with laughter. The good captain also had a 'hook to pointed finger' sword fight with Drew. We sat in the Grand Floridian lobby for a few minutes while Meg and Barb went back to SummerLace to pick up a few things they had seen the night before. (They carry an extensive line of fragrant skincare and bath items.) The band on the second floor was playing when we sat down, and when they finished their set the piano player came out and played 'Don't Cry for Me' from Evita. Everyone was pretty tired - our vacations are winding down - so we caught the monorail back to the Polynesian and said good-bye to Joel, Barb and the kids. We headed back to our rooms to pack, stopping at the volcano pool to briefly visit with Mo. (Andy was swimming and Mike was back in the room with his dad.) We finally went back to our room to begin the depressing job of trying to fit everything into our suitcases. Tuesday, May 8 Mom was awake way earlier than my wake up call, so of course I woke up also. I finished packing - a tight fit - I have to transport the Waterford flutes in my carry-on - and went to the concierge lounge for a quick breakfast. Steve arrived at 9:45 to meet Mom for the train ride home, and Mike called to ask what time I was going to have bell services pick up my bags. Our Tiffany Towncar drivers were all due at 10:30 - Mo and family, Mom and Steve, and me, Mike and Chris. We all headed over to the GCH for the final time this trip. Our trips home were all pretty uneventful - Mom and Steve's train actually arrived in Trenton the next morning close to three hours ahead of schedule. I took Chris with me to Lucy and Hector's house to pick up my grand-puppy. He had been with dog sitters for over a week and was very excited to see me. Most of Hector's family left on Monday, most of Lucy's on Tuesday. My neighbors Joanne and Rich came home Wednesday night. The FTC came back from the Disney Wonder on Thursday (They LOVED the cruise and want to go back for a land and sea vacation next year!) and arrived home late Thursday afternoon. (My grand-puppy was crazy to see them and has been following them around since they got home.) Donna, John and Nicky are still in WDW as I write this - they were the last wedding guests to leave - staying through the following Saturday. This was the trip of a lifetime - we didn't spend much time in the parks, but we've been there many times before and I am sure we will go back. This trip was about love and family and pixie dust - the magic that can only be found in children of all ages and the promise that Walt Disney envisioned for our great big beautiful tomorrow. Lucy and Hector's Fairy Tale did come true! Roseanne McKeever romckeev@aol.com Mail a Comment to Roseanne McKeever |
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