The Saturday of our spring break vacation was March 29th, which happened to be Parker's 10th birthday. The horrible thunderstorm in the middle of the night knocked out our power from 5am until about 10am - and yes we noticed when because Davis woke up screaming when the nightlight (bathroom light) went off. Thankfully we weren't scheduled for anything until the evening, so it turned into a nice lazy day, including some Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast.
Parker received his birthday presents from us in the morning. Daryl teased him by only giving him the card, candy and small Lego set at first, and Parker was so sweet about getting presents that the big Lego set came out shortly thereafter.
Thankfully the awful rain finally stopped in time for us to leave the condo and made our way over to Disney for a special dinner. Months ago, we gave Parker the choice of a Disney experience for his birthday dinner: the Hoop-de-Doo-Revue dinner show in Fort Wilderness or the Spirit of Aloha Luau at the Polynesian hotel. After much deliberation in reading websites about both experiences, Parker picked the Luau and we booked the early 5:15pm setting.
We love the decor and theming at the Polynesian. Here's the fountain in the lobby.
Walking through the resort to get to the Luau.
The luau included flower leis and also a picture opportunity.
Waiting to be seated in the dinner theater.
Our table was in the front section of the theater and
there was only one other table between us and the stage.
Appetizers were already on the table when we were seated and the pre-show
of singing and audience participation dancing started soon after.
There was a special time to recognize all those celebrating birthdays.
Parker had no hesitation in going up and being part of the show.
Dinner came out then and it was really, really good - pulled pork, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, vegetables and rice - all served family style at the table. Just before it was time for the official show to get going, Parker's birthday cake arrived. Chocolate upon chocolate, it was super rich and yummy. And the Mickey Mouse treat on top was edible.
The official show of traditional dances from several different Polynesian islands as well as the flame thrower was really impressive.
The whole evening turned out to be a great way to celebrate this guy's milestone birthday.
After dinner was over, the boys wanted to ride the resort monorail loop and so we hopped on and stopped at the Grand Floridian to check things out. I haven't been inside that hotel in almost 25 years and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. The boys enjoyed the live band that was playing on the second floor balcony.
Then we hopped back on the monorail and rode over to check out the Contemporary. The boys love the toy store in the middle of the hotel with the big mouse ear logo.
When we got back to the Polynesian we had one last surprise. Every night on the lake is the Electric Water Pageant - a floating parade with lights and music for the hotel guests. We walked back through the Polynesian and down to the shoreline to catch the show.
