Next Up: Via Napoli
I apologize in advance for the lack of “people-pictures” in this update.
In my reports, I try not to identify children who are not my own by name or photo. I have permission to post the group picture here, but I won’t have other pictures of ~S. It’s too bad, because she is absolutely adorable and helped make this part of my trip extra-magical.
On the flip side, Teena has indicated it is ok to share some pictures of the light of her life, Lily. Although I have “known” her since before she was born, this trip was the first time I had actually met her in person! I am so glad we had a chance to get together. I am not exaggerating when I say that Lily is a polite, well-behaved and engaging young lady. From the time she met ~S, she engaged and entertained her. The two were in their own little world, looking at sticker books (the Food & Wine guide, LOL) and appearing as if they were life-long friends. So heartwarming!
As you may recall, this reservation went through a few iterations- originally a reservation for 8 people at 4:20 pm. Then 2 reservations for 4 people each, at 5:20 and 5:40. When Beach Club Disney Signature Services contacted the restaurant directly, they said to show up at the earlier time, with all guests and they would see what they could do. No guarantees.
After we had all arrived in Italy, and posed for our obligatory group shot, I went to check in and let them know we were all there, and remind them that we hoped to sit together or at least close by. Again, the response was “We’ll see what we can do”
Now, at that point, I figured they would have it figured out, but we were brought into the restaurant not really knowing if we would be seated together.
Happily, we were lead to a round table that seated all 9 of us.
Anyway, it appears that I did not take many pictures during the meal of the others at the table. And I guess I didn’t ask the waitress to take a group shot either.
We had a great time together and I enjoyed catching up with Teena!
Food Porn
Even though we were very grateful that the folks at the restaurant did their magic to get us seated together, we asked for more magic at the beginning of the meal. Teena has Tables in Wonderland, which gives a 20% discount on meals. We asked if it would be possible to have the discount apply to all of us on 6 separate checks- me, ~GG, Janet, WoodNymph & DH, ~N and ~S & Teena and Lily.
We were told yes, but when it was time to pay, only one check was provided.
Teena said that since an 18% tax is automatically added to the check, and a 20% discount is applied, just adding up what each person/group ordered would tell us what we should pay.
Not especially complicated, but a little time consuming. Teena and I both tallied the items on the check, twice, but we did not come up with the correct total. We were about $8 off.
That was easy enough to deal with, but the actual payment process? Complicated!
I used a gift card, there was some cash and probably 3 different credit cards for the waitress to keep straight.
Somehow it was all sorted, and sadly, it was time to part ways.
Next Up: A little more EPCOT