Disney World day 6: Breakfast in Norway

Monday morning we got up bright and early to head over to Epcot for the first time. I was especially excited for this day because I had wanted to check out the World Showcase for years.
We were going over extra early because we had breakfast reservations in the Akurshus Castle in Norway.
I tried to reserve as many character meals as possible on this trip for two reasons: first, if you were going in for a breakfast then you get into the park before opening! second, you don't have to wait in line to meet the big characters, they come to you.
This breakfast was with the princesses!
We got over pretty early so we ended up waiting by the gate for about twenty terribly cold minutes. It was pretty sad because this was the first of the really cold days and we weren't expecting it. The girls and I were in hoodies/ sweaters, my dad was in a tee shirt with no coat, and Doug was in a short sleeved shirt and shorts!
Everyone else in line was in winter clothes, coats, gloves, scarves, ear muffs. It was crazy. I'm sure they were all looking at us like we were terrible parents. Obviously we didn't get the updated weather report.
Soon enough, they let us in and we headed back toward Norway in the World Showcase.
Here was our first time seeing Spaceship Earth up close...

The Epcot Christmas tree! It is so fun to get in the parks before main opening and see everything without people all over the place!

We were really excited to see Norway because my family is part Norwegian... here we are arriving at the Norway pavilion... one of the best things about the World Showcase is the architecture. It is truly cool. (My other favorite thing is that the cast members in each area are from that particular country)

The Norwegian Castle.... Akurshus!

This was one of the first and only restaurants that actually pronounced our last name right and it wasn't weird to them! Van Wagenen is dutch but it was familiar to them.
When we first went in, they took us into a small nook where Belle was waiting to take a picture with us! Belle is my favorite princess so Abi was really excited for me. It was pretty sweet.

They took a picture with their camera that they later brought us in a folder (this was included in the meal, we didn't have to buy it) and they also took some pictures with our camera...

A sweet moment between Abi and Belle...

Then they sat us down at our table...

Our server was really nice and funny. When he found out none of us would be drinking coffee and just wanted orange juice, he seemed surprised. Then he brought us the big container of orange juice and held it out the way waiters hold wine when they are presenting it to you and said, "2010, a very good year for this orange juice". It was so funny.
They bring the food to you family style... all on big plates and everyone helps themselves. When you run out they bring more.

The typical breakfast fare plate...

The food was all really great. We all loved it.
The first princess that came by was Aurora. She is Abi's favorite princess but she wasn't sure what to do. She was kind of overwhelmed. It was so cute. You can see our waiter right there next to her!

I think this picture is funny because you can tell how excited Abi was as she wouldn't even look at the camera.. she was looking at Doug instead.

Most of the princesses were pretty quick here, just spent a few moments with Abi, but Cinderella really took her time and was so amazing.
She was beautiful and really looked like Cinderella.

A few minutes later it was time for a parade around the restaurant with the princesses. Cinderella came over and reached for Abi's hand to take her with her. Abi didn't know what to think at first.

Then Cinderella showed her how to wave to everyone. Abi stuck her hand straight up in the air to do this... and it never dropped. Hilarious!

Here they are, coming back into our part of the restaurant, hand still up!

Cinderella then had Abi twirl a few times with her..

Then she taught her how to curtsy...

It was really fun!
Snow White came by next.

Next up: Ariel. She didn't act overly friendly and really didn't look much like the Little Mermaid, but Abi didn't notice...

Abi really loves the Little Mermaid so she was kind of overwhelmed again... but luckily we'll meet them again later!

Before leaving, Doug and the girls went into the little picture nook so I grabbed a picture! I just loved finally seeing them both in the Feliz dresses I made!