It was gloriously sunny yet cool and windy. Walking in I *almost* thought it was a bad choice, but I sure am glad I pressed forward!
I headed over to my favorite little stand in Africa for a breakfast of cheese, fruit and coffee while I waited for my sweet friend Disneyfied Ash to arrive!!
Our first stop was Dawa Bar for a pair of the YUMMY Bloody Mary’s I’ve been dying to try. They were already sold out of the fixings for two of the four that they make and it was probably 10:30AM. Guess we weren’t the only early Thursday morning cocktailers, huh?
I twisted her arm and she indulged me in a visit with Minnie and Mickey :-) I’m a total sucker for them dressed up in themed attire. Note that the north GA gal is wearing uggs and a full winter coat while the FL chick is wearing flip flops. You’d think it would be the opposite.
On our way to Expedition Everest we stopped at Yak & Yeti (another first for me) for another round. My cocktail was called the pink something and it was ahhh-mazing. I really want to bring Honey back here!
We made one last stop for the safari before heading out. It was such a wonderful morning and I was SO happy to have the chance to visit with Ashley. It’s super fun to tour the park with her!
By this time, my oldest besties in the world had arrived at Caribbean Beach Resort!! L made us these precious hangers for our medals and princess shirts. I didn’t take pics of Caribbean Beach, sadly, but we were in one of the refurbed rooms and it was SO much nicer than last year. Queen beds, a barn door to the bathroom and no more outdated bedspreads and wallpaper borders.
At this point we headed to the Race Weekend Expo to pick up our packets and browse the booths.
We signed up as a team in addition to our regular registrations and received a commemorative bib
“Team MOE” (the birthday girls initials) and princess sash.
We had reservations for the Luau at the Polynesian that evening, but it was cancelled do to the frigid weather. Instead, we headed over to Wilderness Lodge and had drinks and tapas in the Territory Lounge. (Finally a pic with LLT…) The portions were very large and the food was super yummy. We had the pork nachos, mushroom soups (Sister is asking for a soup tour of Disney because they are ALL so yummy), cheese fondue and parmesan truffle fries between us. It was a laid back and cozy lounge and I definitely want to go back!!
We got back to the resort around 9 and hit the hay. It was a wonderful first day in the world!!!
xoxo
