DisneyJen
12-17-2001, 10:38 AM
HERE IS THE REAL DAY TWO REPORT ... SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION
Players: DH, 40, who after 17 years of marriage has learned that visiting WDW is part of our yearly family vacation plan. Me, DisneyJen, who has loved WDW since first stepping on property in 1972. Our DD, who is 9, stayed home with my parents since this trip was partly a Christmas shopping trip.
Background: We own DVC and are now at the point where we are deciding if we should add more points at DVC or add a week via Marriott's Vacation Club. Dear friends of ours own three weeks at Marriott and since they referred us we were able to stay at the Marriott Grande Vista for a very reasonable rate if we sat through a presentation, which we wanted to since we are in the fact-finding stage.
Today’s theme: Marching along we’re adventurers
When we planned this trip I had to promise that we would not do this Mom and Dad Alone trip in commando speed. Dh should no better by now…
We breakfasted, showered and were out the door by 10 a.m. We drove over to EPCOT, parked the car and cleared security and the gate by 10:45 a.m.
Our first order of business was to make priority seating for 1 p.m. at Teppanyaki. This is traditionally our last day restaurant but we decided we would start here for a change. After leaving Guest Relations we headed to our traditional first EPCOT ride, Spaceship Earth. At 11 a.m. it was a walk-on.
After traveling through time and space, we decided to get Fast Passes for Test Track. Our return window was between 1:50 and 2:50. Nothing like a zip around the track after Japanese food.
We then spent some time shopping in Mouse Gears. It was finally noontime so we headed over to World Showcase. First stop was the Holiday Story Teller in Canada. We listened as Santa talked about the different ways the holiday is observed by our neighbors to the north.
DH and I then strolled to the UK with the obligatory stop at Rose Crown. We were the first and only patrons in the pub at 12:30. We both could not believe how quiet it was at this usually busy place.
We took our beers with us and watched the World Showcase Players perform their hysterical version of “The Holy Grail.” Before we knew it, it was time to head to lunch.
We were seated with a lovely couple from Georgia and a young family from Michigan who are DVC owners as well. DH had Tonosama - New York Sirloin and chicken and I had Fujiyama - New York Sirloin and shrimp. Both came with Grilled Fresh Vegetables, Mixed Green Salad and Steamed Rice.
After good food and conversation we headed over to Test Track. This is my favorite ride in EPCOT … especially the part when you do the outside loop. I wish that part were a little longer … maybe two laps instead of one.
After Test Track we headed to the EPCOT Christmas tree to listen to “Cast in Bronze.” This group included a huge carillon, drums, guitar and piano. We listened for a while and then headed moved the car from the EPCOT lot to the Boardwalk lot since we were having dinner at Flying Fish.
We just missed the boat so we decided to walk from the Boardwalk to the Studios. This was the first time that we used the path. It is an easy walk on pathways that are wide and well lit.
We arrived at the security checkpoint and gate around 5 p.m. and it was a zoo. We cleared in about 5 minutes. We checked out the games under the Sorcer’s Hat and then headed over to the shops by the Muppets. We then headed back to New York Street where we watched some streetmosphere players. We collected our special angel viewing glasses.
Before we knew it, there was snow coming down from the sky and the lights came alive. I first saw the Osborne lights three years ago when I was in Orlando on business. I was concerned that Dh would think that I had over rated them. After we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the lights he said to me that I was right. It was the most incredible Christmas display he has every seen.
We walked back to Hollywood Boulevard and checked out some shops. The boat dock was mobbed so we decided to walk back to the Boardwalk. We though we would check out Jelly Rolls. It has just opened and there wasn’t a soul in it. We decided to sit on the Boardwalk, call home and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
Around 7:30 we headed over to the Flying Fish. Our priority seating was for 8 p.m. but we were seated right away.
This was our first trip to the Flying Fish. DH is not a big fish eater but he was willing to give it a try.
We both started with Hail Caesar" Salad - with garlic croutons and aged parmigiano-reggiano crisp. DH did not see anything, other than the crab cakes, that he wanted so the cast member recommended that he get a double order as an entrée. So, DH had "Peeky Toe" Crab Cakes - with "Flying Fish" slaw and ancho-chili remoulade and I had Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper - with creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction. Both were good but I think DH’s choice was the best.
Both of us were too filled for dessert. After settling the bill we strolled back to EPCOT to catch IllumiNations. We had about 30 minutes until show time. I was the first to admit that all the walking had tired me out and that I wouldn’t be disappointed if we didn’t see IllumiNations since we have seen it many times and will see it again in May. I think was DH was relieved, as his feet were hurting.
So we walked back to the Boardwalk and headed back to the room.
Players: DH, 40, who after 17 years of marriage has learned that visiting WDW is part of our yearly family vacation plan. Me, DisneyJen, who has loved WDW since first stepping on property in 1972. Our DD, who is 9, stayed home with my parents since this trip was partly a Christmas shopping trip.
Background: We own DVC and are now at the point where we are deciding if we should add more points at DVC or add a week via Marriott's Vacation Club. Dear friends of ours own three weeks at Marriott and since they referred us we were able to stay at the Marriott Grande Vista for a very reasonable rate if we sat through a presentation, which we wanted to since we are in the fact-finding stage.
Today’s theme: Marching along we’re adventurers
When we planned this trip I had to promise that we would not do this Mom and Dad Alone trip in commando speed. Dh should no better by now…
We breakfasted, showered and were out the door by 10 a.m. We drove over to EPCOT, parked the car and cleared security and the gate by 10:45 a.m.
Our first order of business was to make priority seating for 1 p.m. at Teppanyaki. This is traditionally our last day restaurant but we decided we would start here for a change. After leaving Guest Relations we headed to our traditional first EPCOT ride, Spaceship Earth. At 11 a.m. it was a walk-on.
After traveling through time and space, we decided to get Fast Passes for Test Track. Our return window was between 1:50 and 2:50. Nothing like a zip around the track after Japanese food.
We then spent some time shopping in Mouse Gears. It was finally noontime so we headed over to World Showcase. First stop was the Holiday Story Teller in Canada. We listened as Santa talked about the different ways the holiday is observed by our neighbors to the north.
DH and I then strolled to the UK with the obligatory stop at Rose Crown. We were the first and only patrons in the pub at 12:30. We both could not believe how quiet it was at this usually busy place.
We took our beers with us and watched the World Showcase Players perform their hysterical version of “The Holy Grail.” Before we knew it, it was time to head to lunch.
We were seated with a lovely couple from Georgia and a young family from Michigan who are DVC owners as well. DH had Tonosama - New York Sirloin and chicken and I had Fujiyama - New York Sirloin and shrimp. Both came with Grilled Fresh Vegetables, Mixed Green Salad and Steamed Rice.
After good food and conversation we headed over to Test Track. This is my favorite ride in EPCOT … especially the part when you do the outside loop. I wish that part were a little longer … maybe two laps instead of one.
After Test Track we headed to the EPCOT Christmas tree to listen to “Cast in Bronze.” This group included a huge carillon, drums, guitar and piano. We listened for a while and then headed moved the car from the EPCOT lot to the Boardwalk lot since we were having dinner at Flying Fish.
We just missed the boat so we decided to walk from the Boardwalk to the Studios. This was the first time that we used the path. It is an easy walk on pathways that are wide and well lit.
We arrived at the security checkpoint and gate around 5 p.m. and it was a zoo. We cleared in about 5 minutes. We checked out the games under the Sorcer’s Hat and then headed over to the shops by the Muppets. We then headed back to New York Street where we watched some streetmosphere players. We collected our special angel viewing glasses.
Before we knew it, there was snow coming down from the sky and the lights came alive. I first saw the Osborne lights three years ago when I was in Orlando on business. I was concerned that Dh would think that I had over rated them. After we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the lights he said to me that I was right. It was the most incredible Christmas display he has every seen.
We walked back to Hollywood Boulevard and checked out some shops. The boat dock was mobbed so we decided to walk back to the Boardwalk. We though we would check out Jelly Rolls. It has just opened and there wasn’t a soul in it. We decided to sit on the Boardwalk, call home and just enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
Around 7:30 we headed over to the Flying Fish. Our priority seating was for 8 p.m. but we were seated right away.
This was our first trip to the Flying Fish. DH is not a big fish eater but he was willing to give it a try.
We both started with Hail Caesar" Salad - with garlic croutons and aged parmigiano-reggiano crisp. DH did not see anything, other than the crab cakes, that he wanted so the cast member recommended that he get a double order as an entrée. So, DH had "Peeky Toe" Crab Cakes - with "Flying Fish" slaw and ancho-chili remoulade and I had Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper - with creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction. Both were good but I think DH’s choice was the best.
Both of us were too filled for dessert. After settling the bill we strolled back to EPCOT to catch IllumiNations. We had about 30 minutes until show time. I was the first to admit that all the walking had tired me out and that I wouldn’t be disappointed if we didn’t see IllumiNations since we have seen it many times and will see it again in May. I think was DH was relieved, as his feet were hurting.
So we walked back to the Boardwalk and headed back to the room.