Today we nearly got up with the sun. Why, you ask? Because we needed to be up and on our way to the Magic Kingdom for a behind the scenes tour!!! Whoot! This would actually be our second excursion. The first was the very entry-level and short “Behind the Seeds Tour” at Epcot. This time we will spending the whole day with the “Keys to the Kingdom” tour. Time to head out!
This view, right?
The Barcelona lounge, where we had our drinks yesterday serves chi-chi coffee and grab and go breakfasts. Very smart.
Thank you Disney, for not listing the calories.
We arranged a Lyft this morning to be sure sure arrive on time.
Good morning, gorgeous!
Intricate tile floor, reminding you where you are.
We were given these devices so we could hear our guide loud and clear.
Our vested tour guide, Alex. He was a cutie pie.
Our first stop was a look around and the windows of Main Street. Disney Legends are honored there, with cheeky signage.
We made our way towards Adventureland. We gathered for our first attraction, the Jungle Cruise.
Our group got their own boat, not this one.
Our Skipper held back the groan-worthy puns and just steered us around as our guide spewed out facts like this one: The waterfall here is where they add the dark green dye that colors all the waterways at Magic Kingdom. Now you know.
Trader Sam wears bloomers fashioned out of the former awnings of the junk boats. Oh, the facts we learned!
“Thatched Roof” of the Tiki Room is actually metal. Yup, I paid attention.
The tour even included lunch! We pre-ordered from the Pecos Bill’s menu. There was a room set aside for us with drinks and all the fixins’. Taco salad for me.
Jeff got Taco Tacos.
After lunch we got to slip into the back door of the Haunted Mansion.
Very blurry pic of the “Servants’ entrance”
The tour continued into the renowned “Utilidoors” or underground tunnels. Photography beyond this point was a strict no-no. There is a whole city of activity that goes on under the Magic Kingdom. This was a wondrous experience for this Disney nerd. The tour lasted five hours and cost one hundred bucks per person, plus the cost of your ticket. Was it a value for money? One hundred percent, yes! Even if you’re not really into the Disney trivia, you are ushered through the crowds as a VIP, you get access to at least two attractions with no lines, enjoy a private lunch and see exclusive areas of the park. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could be assured we’d learn new things.
Time for a break. We did do a lot of walking!
How about the view without my feet? I love this side street.
We scooted back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. But first, a beer.
Just like that, we’re back at the Magic Kingdom. We had a fastpass for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that we had to hustle to make in time.
Mr. Jones was hankering for a snack. He got in line while a snagged a prime spot for people watching and enjoying the twilight.
When in Rome.
We headed over to Tomorrowland to defeat Zurg.
On the way out we manged to see the newest fireworks show “Happily Ever After”. As you can see, we didn’t exactly stakeout the best spot.
Time for drinks! We had reservations at California Grill. Cucumber Martinis.
Did not steal.
We had dinner here years ago when we took the kiddos for the first time. They had done a major refurbishment since then.
Well stocked wine fridge.
K-razy lights.
They brought us champagne for “Anniversary”!
First course: Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons Doenjang Miso-Cola-Onion Sauce, Crispy Garlic-Chili Oil, Radish, Pickled Lotus Root
California Combination Roll Jumbo Lump Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Shrimp Tempura
Apple Tarte Tatin Applejack Brandy-roasted Granny Smith Apples, Cinnamon Streusel, Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream
We enjoyed our dinner very much. I regret ordering sushi only because I forgot we are going to a Japanese restaurant tomorrow, but it was excellent. I have to say the dessert was not good. It was not really a “tart tatin” as advertised, and that would be okay, but the apples were hard. Not sure if the chef intended it, but I didn’t enjoy it. The ice cream was yummy though.
Also, did not steal the mat.
Up Next: Is this Epcot?