Disney: Day Two at the Mom Blogger Mixer

After a nice continental breakfast, we head to DisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom.  That’s the one with the castle. 

First, we go to a grassy area to get our photos taken by our paparazzi (okay, James) in front of Cinderella’s castle.  Because we’re princesses.  You know.  All girls are.

Visiting the Magic Kingdom is so surreal.  Every tiny detail is thought out.  Every. Tiny. Detail.  The topiaries are even dancing!

I could learn a lot about housekeeping from Disney.

After a delicious lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby, we head off to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) to scoop the media by being the first non-Disney people to tour the new Toy Story ride, called Toy Story Mania.  It will be open in a couple of months.   

While in the waiting line at Toy Story Mania, you won’t be bored as you are surrounded by recognizable toys, which are all your size (or are you their size?).  Lincoln Logs, game boards, TinkerToys, and a Mr. Potato Head are together, surrounding your tiny self.  While touring the still-under-construction set, Mr. Potato Head surprised us by dropping his ear (!) in the middle of our tour.   The Imagineer (our guide) said it wasn’t on purpose, but I think  know Mr. Potato Head looked guilty.  It was frightening having a giant ear clang to the ground.  I hope Mr. Potato Head pulls it together before the opening day!    I didn’t see a Mrs. Potato Head, and that’s probably the problem right there.

After a visit to PlayHouse Disney (a show) and a parade, we go back to our rooms to rest (whew) and prepare for a full evening. 

Walking out of the lobby, looking so pretty (ie. no spit-up on our shirts), we’re surprised by Michelle, our Disney hostess, who has brought us three white stretch limos, complete with chauffeurs in ties.  Champagne, Cokes, and water are in each limo.  I can’t remember ever being in a limo before.  I think I might be able to get used to being treated like that.

(I’m in the black and white top. Wish I didn’t just tell you that. I don’t like being in front of the camera)

Steven, our limo driver, takes us to the California Grill, which I’ve been told is the best restaurant at Disney.  I know one thing:  it’s on the 15th floor and has an awesome view

and awesome food.

One of the fun things about our trip is getting to meet Disney experts.  At the California Grill, while someone strums a guitar, we’re introduced to two of Disney’s top chefs.  I asked one of the chefs (a lady from Germany) if I could take her home to be our family’s personal chef. 

“We’ll give you lots of appreciation.  No money, but we’ll thank you.”

She refuses my offer.  Ah, well.  You just never know.

That leads us into a quick chat about cooking, and after hearing my frustration over my cooking skills (must have a recipe.  must follow the recipe. can’t find a recipe. didn’t think ahead.  peanut butter and jelly, everyone?), she says something that I hope changes my cooking skills forever.

“You don’t need a recipe!  Just taste.  If it tastes good to you, it’s good!”  She suggests adding a dab of, say, sauce or spice to a dish I’m preparing and tasting that.  If it’s good, add more.  If not, well, don’t.

She suggests thinking of what takes the longest to cook and cooking that first, adding that the starch (rice, potatoes) usually takes the longest. 

I know that’s really simple advice.  But I’m a simple gal and need simple advice.   

After dinner, we get into our limos again to head to the Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba show, one of my favorite shows on Earth.  No, I think it is my favorite show on Earth.  But I’ve only been to one.  But, still, it would be even if I’d gone to more than one.   

After the Cirque, we meet two of the La Nouba performers, the singer and the ballerina, who are also moms.  We’re able to ask them a few questions about how they juggle motherhood and work.  Inspiring girls, those two!

So ends our very long but very memorable second day at the Disney Mom Blogger Mixer.  Here is JoLynne and I in the limo on the way back.  We look a bit more tired but quite happy! 

So, happy, in fact, that we’re glowing, it seems. Sigh, lighting.