Importent note: About halfway into the episode, there was a loud rumbling outside that shook the house. I could only assume that was the sound of a years worth of fanon shattering.
Observations: When luna started to refer to herself as "we", I thought that some freaky stuff went down off screen. Than I rewound it and cought her "royal we" bit.
Apperantly, a thousand years ago Celesta used a hammy voice. One could only hope we get to hear it eventualy.
Dashes Shadowbolt costume was a nice call back, considering they showed up for
less than a minute in the
season opener.
Pinkie derped up a few times this episode, mostly while eating. What wonderful captions to be had.
Also, Lunas " Yes, I could tell,by the adoring shreiks of childeren as they
run away." should be put into the quotes section on tvtropes, if it has not happened yet. Going on there to check, and may add if needed.
Also, as for why Rarity was not to be seen: she was still recovering from sewing a towns worth of costumes! Being a dressmaker gives you a big oppertunity for moneymaking each year, I would belive.