Day 1: Cinderella's Royal Table

In the planning stages of this Disney trip, Honey & I decided that we were going to attempt to get a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom.  I say attempt, because to secure a reservation there is no easy task to accomplish.  For those people staying on Disney property, you can begin booking your dining reservations 180 days in advance of your arrival.  This is one of the most popular restaurants to dine in.  Do the fact that you are actually eating in Cinderella's Castle, there is rarely ever an opening.  So I was up at the crack of dawn on our 180th day, on the phone with the wonderful Cast Members at Disney Dining to do my best to make this happen.   Apparently, Cinderella's Royal Table was closing down for refurbishment on the 3rd day of our trip, so our chances were even more slim than normal.  But WE GOT LUCKY!  There was one reservation available on the night that we arrived.  YEAH!!!  

So we checked into our resort, The Art of Animation (more on that in a later blog), did a quick change and headed over to the Magic Kingdom.  We were greeted at reception and then escorted into the Castle to meet Cinderella herself.  (squeal!)

It's was absolutely gorgeous!  All still decorated for the holidays ... it couldn't have been more magical.

Just so you know, I did NOT pick out this shirt for Honey.  :)  He ordered it all on his own. 

We had a little wait until our reservation time, and I had read that if you look hard enough, you might even see a few of Cinderella's mice friends hanging around.  But seeing as they are mice, they have a tendency to move (or so we were told).  So they aren't always in the same place.  But C has "Eagle Eyes" and found them right away up on a nearby ledge.  Too cute! One of my many fascinations with Disney, is that their attention to detail is amazing! They never miss a thing.  :)

Our "Royal Table" was ready & we were escorted up the spiral staircase to the banquet hall with the most beautiful stained glass windows and decor that you could imagine.  I was quickly beginning to see why this is ranked as the #1 dining experience at Disney World.

We were all treated like royalty.  Miss B was even given her very own "Wishing Star", so that all she had to do was hold it, close her eyes, and make a wish then all her dreams could come true.  :)  

The menu ranged from yummy Steak & Shrimp to a delicious Pan-Seared Chicken with roasted vegetables.  It was all to die for!  We were on the Dining Plan (which I would recommend to anyone traveling to Disney), so we were each able to choose an appetizer, an entree & a dessert.  One thing to be said about the Dining Plan, is that you will NEVER walk away from a meal hungry!  It is totally worth it!  This was L's first trip being considered an "adult" so he was a little leery about trying some of the "Big People/ More Adventurous" foods.  But he tried new things, including the appetizer of "A Royal Tasting of Cheese" and discovered that he liked it!  We were very proud!

Then came the Princess Processional!  We were lucky to be joined by a few of Cinderella's friends.  

Snow White ... L's favorite.  :) 

Princess Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty)

Ariel ...  Miss B's favorite!

And last but not least, Jasmine ... C's favorite.  :)

We finished off the meal with our desserts, which were no less than divine!  I chose the Signature Dessert ...  "The Clock Strikes Twelve".  There are no words...

It was by far, one of the best dining experiences we have had in all our Disney travels.  I highly recommend it!  (As soon as it reopens, of course.)  Isn't it gorgeous!

The night would not have been complete without a stop at Cinderella's Wishing Well, located just outside the entrance to the restaurant.  Close your eyes & make a wish...

It was an absolute "Magical" night!  The first of many on this trip to be sure!!