We decided it was time to do some more shopping (not sure our husbands were too excited about it, but they were good sports) and headed to Downtown Disney. Now, E and Z's last name is Hetzel. So, what better photo opportunity than to have my Hetzels eating Wetzel's Pretzels! We had to snap a picture to capture the moment!
I did the remainder of my souvenir shopping at World of Disney (which is the most insane Disney store ever). I had been lusting after a book about the full history of the Haunted Mansion, a Mickey Mouse Mouse (get it?) and a few other small things. After everyone had done their damage, we all headed back to the bus stop. Of course during this time, it decided to pour. Luckily, we had shelter and it was just the perfect amount of rain to cool down the hot weather. We were also really lucky to have E there! She had gone over to the Coke machine to get herself a beverage, but ended up getting 3 for the price of one! She was nice enough to share her bounty with us and a couple who happened to be standing by. What luck!
Next, we decided to head back to the Magic Kingdom to finish up our vacation where it all started. I had a really tough time wrapping my head around the fact that we would be parting ways again tomorrow and ended up depressing myself a few times. I'm usually pretty good at making the best of my time at Disney, but I can honestly say it was REALLY difficult this time around. We had so much fun with E and Z throughout the week and the thought of having to say goodbye to them for a few months was seriously upsetting. E tried to keep my chin up though, even though I imagine she was feeling pretty depressed too.
We hit up our staples, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Philharmagic, and others. E and I rode Space Mountain together, and for whatever reason, it was a billion times more fun than when I had ridden with hubby a few days before. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that I know Hubby didn't really want to do the ride, while E and I both love it. I feel sorry for the other people in our car- we were both giggling uncontrollably, with "Maniacal Laugh!" filling in the spaces between.
We had dinner reservations at Ohana, so we made our way to the front of the park and decided that taking the boat across the Seven Seas Lagoon. The boat ride was seriously awesome. If you get the opportunity to take the boats at some point, be sure to take it. It's beautiful, relaxing, and it's so cool to see a side of the resorts that not many people get to see.
Let me just gush here for a second. The Polynesian is amazing. The Grand Floridian is seriously beautiful, but it's almost TOO nice. I feel like I would be uncomfortable there, like everything was too breakable or something. The Polynesian on the other hand, is relaxing from the moment you step foot on it's beautiful, oversized docks. The tiki torches invite you to it's perfect, white-sand beaches littered with hammocks and cabanas. The enchanting music recalls tropical drinks and the scent of coconut sun screen. If it weren't for the enchanting view of Cinderella's Castle being so close, you'd swear you where in the heart of Hawaii.
The inside of the resort is no different. Birds of Paradise line the walkway inside, the smell of "Disney water" made me take a huge deep breath just to take in the scent. We went straight upstairs and were escorted to our table by the sweetest Italian gentleman (who was from the same town my Grandmother lived in- Trieste!) E and Z had told us about how much (and how good!) the food was here, and they couldn't have been more right! It's an all you care to eat restaurant, and they don't stop the food from coming. I think I ate more in that single sitting that I had the entire week. I was really impressed at the customer service, too! I had passed on the steak because it was a little too rare for my liking. I was perfectly happy with my delicious chicken, but the Cast Member serving us came back with a more well-done skewer of steak just for me! I know Disney knows how to do Customer Service better than anyone else, but seriously, that was just above and beyond in my mind.
We hit up this stunning art gallery when we had our fill of dinner, and I dreamed of the day I'd be able to bring home this very Monet-esque painting of Beauty and the Beast (alas, it was $3,000- a bit out of my price range.) As we were heading outside, Wishes began. We found this perfect little patch of space near the beach and looked on to Cinderella's Castle as the soundtrack played in the musical rocks and tikis on the beach. It was probably the most perfect evening out of all of the amazing things we had done. I was watching my favorite fireworks show, with my favorite people at my favorite place on Earth. On a double-sided screen on the beach, Tangled was being played immediately after the fireworks, and families and couples played in the sand and water as the opening credits flickered. I can't explain to you how perfect that night was. No amount of planning could've made it any better. It was organic. It was worth every single penny and more.
We boarded the boat back to the Magic Kingdom, and since it was just the 4 of us, we got a chance to enjoy chatting with our captain. He was so knowledgeable! We learned more about the Lagoon, Cinderella's Castle, and the Magic Kingdom. I thought I knew all there was to know about Disney, but this guy was a wealth of knowledge! I wish I could remember his name- he was so good that I'd really love to mention him to Disney. E, do you happen to remember?
After we returned to the Magic Kingdom, we hit up Splash Mountain (which is WAY more fun at night, by the by) and a few other rides until it was time to head toward the park exit. As we made our way around the hub and toward Main Street USA, Hubby saw a few colorful flickers on the castle and told me to turn around. Those few fleeting flickers turned into something I hadn't seen in person since I was a kid- the Kiss Goodnight. I think I had posted a video of this on my blog at some point, but for those who hadn't seen it, it's a light show on the castle right before it closes for the night. A voice comes over the speakers and thanks guests for being there. I had only ever seen it a few times as a child since we lived within driving distance of the parks, but it's something I always loved. It was like Walt, Mickey Mouse, and the whole gang were literally saying goodnight to me, and it always made me feel like he was still there. This time was no different.
We took the long bus ride back to the resort and had to say our goodbyes to one another since Hubby and I were leaving so early the next morning. I hugged E and Z and had to hurry to the room before I completely lost it and began to cry. I did all of my packing, gathered all of our Disney merchandise and we made a plan to eat breakfast bright and early as a resort as our last "goodbye" to Disney.
When we woke the next morning, we loaded everything into our car, then drove over to Port Royal. We ate our usual meal of eggs, bacon, biscuits and breakfast potatoes, did the last little bit of shopping in the gift shop, and made our way to the open road.
As we drove under the famous Disney Resort sign, I looked back and waved with a little tear in my eye. I had made so many fabulous memories in the past week with E,Z, N, L and M. It was nothing short of magical.
Annnnnnnd now I'm crying.
ReplyDeleteI feel like such a jerk, but I totally don't remember his name either! What a great experience, though.