wonderful world - day 2

Patrick started orientation at his new job today, and he's playing for Dinner Theatre tonight, so I thought I would post the report of day 2.

On Tuesday morning (2/7), we got to the gate at the Magic Kingdom at about 8:30 a.m. for the 9:00 opening. One advantage of going in the off-season is that you don't have to get there at the crack of dawn to be among the first in the park. The book stresses that in order for touring plans to work, you must get there before the gates open.

I did my traditional run down empty Main Street, on our way to Space Mountain. This was my first time EVER on the legendary coaster. As a child, I never met the height requirement. On our past two visits to Disneyland, it has been closed. It was AWESOME. I was especially impressed since it was the first steel coaster ever. It has stood the test of time, and I think it's about the perfect coaster for me. It doesn't go upside down (which I don't really like), but it's still fast and unpredictable.

According to our touring plan, the next ride was to be Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, but it was down temporarily. We continued to Adventureland, where we rode Splash Mountain. We were in the front, and got considerable wetter than on the same ride at Disneyland. This was an unpleasant surprise since the temperature was still in the 50s.

We sped through the rest of the touring plan since the crowds were light and we were walking on to most rides. We only used FastPass a couple of times. Our longest wait the whole day was probably ten minutes.

That afternoon, we went back to the Polynesian and I napped while Patrick explored the hotel. We went back to the Magic Kingdom for our character dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. I didn't have my hopes up for this meal because I knew it was served family-style from a fixed menu which contained several items which were not lactose-free. When Patrick made our reservations, he had them make a note on my record that I was lactose intolerant. The server at Liberty Tree told us when we were seated that he would have the chef come out and talk to us. Al, the chef, told me what I could and could not have and what he could alter so I could have it. He made a special plate just for me with plain green beans, lactose-free mashed potatoes, and lactose-free gravy. The best part was dessert. Chef Al brought me a wonderful chocolate bundt with two scoops of lactose-free ice cream! I was in heaven! That meal was a highlight of the trip for me.

After dinner, we watched the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle. It was a great end to a magical day.