A Little Universal and Disney with the uninvited Guest of Milton

[Pumpkin1172]

Welcome to my first attempt at a trip report!

Where do I even begin this tale .

I am Canadian living in northern Alberta. Living here is not for the faint of heart. We live in a small rural city that is nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. On a clear day - we can see them on the horizon. We are an outdoorsy family that takes advantage of all the things we can do outside- even when it's cold Well, maybe not me. The cold weather and me being outside don't mix well.
But dh and boys do!!!

I found the DIS 7ish years ago when Myself and dh were gifted a cruise by my father-in-law ( dh's dad ). Dh had no desire to go - we decided I would take our dd and I would add a few extra days onto the cruise and DD and I would visit Orlando.

I have always dreamed of visiting the parks - and once dd and I went to Disney and one wrecked day at Universal ( I will hopefully be able to weave that into this story ) I knew I would return one day!!!

5 Years later ( yes it took me that long to convince certain - ahem cough cough dh - people ) Dh and I spent 10 day in Orlando as our gift for our 50th birthdays. That trip happened at the start of the " Revenge Travel" from covid, and the crowds were very unexpected. We only spent one day at Universal. We went onto Transformers for our first ride. Dh not really knowing anything about he parks - got off the ride and his words were " OMG - we need to call the boys tonight and tell them about this, and we need to bring them here!"


So here we are




I'm Cindy - Fearless leader and planner

Dh - our hard working dependable man. He is a master electrician and he is part owner of a large commercial company that specialized is H-Vac, plumbing, electrical, and specialized sheet metal work.

J2 is between dh and I - He is out youngest. He is currently working for dh and is completing his first year as an appreciate as an electrician.


J1 is behind all of us in the black hat. He is our second oldest. He also currently works for dh and will be completing his third year in the new year as an electrician as well.


I will say that even with three electricians in the house - I don't have a working doorbell by my front door. At this point, I don't know if I should be mad or just laugh at irony of it


So needless to say - this was a first time trip to Orlando for our boys. As we were walking out of MCO J1 commented this this is their first trip into the US. We haven't had the funds to be able to do big trips like this when they were small. But boy - we were going to have a great time now.


For the past 8 weeks - we have been watching all the Harry Potter movies. We are big Potter heads, as well as Star Wars fans. So this is a trip of a lifetime for them! All my planning was for them to have the best time!


We all were so excited and more than ready to go!!! Even dh was watching youtube videos trying to remember the parks we were in, and where all the rides were that had been on.


We had a loose itinerary planned. I refused to plan the military style that some people have of even scheduling in bathroom breaks. We knew which park we were going to be in each day. We only had 9 nights 10 days - and 2 of those days were travel days. So not as much time as you think to see and absorb alllllllllllllll there is to see while there.

We had been watching the weather - and see that Mon/Tuesday are calling for some rain. Good thing I planned and packed some ponchos and a small umbrella that fits in my travel backpack I take everywhere.

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day 1 Travel Friday - Oct 4

We woke up bright and early. The first leg of our flight left here at 6:05 AM I am NOT a morning person, but for a trip, you can bet I will be up and ready!!! We wanted to be at the airport for at least 4:15/4:30 at the latest.

We got all checked in and waited for security to open up. When chatting with the lady scanning all our bags - they had quite a few sick calls and she would be pulling double duty. I don't envy those employees a times. Travelling is stressful and exciting, but the stress makes people be irrational at times.

We got through security with no hassles, picked up a coffee and muffin from the little kiosk there and waited.

As we were waiting for the flight crew to get the plane ready ( as it come in at midnight and goes back Calgary in the morning) I was buying our lightening lanes for Disney!!!! Since we were not staying on site - I couldn't purchase those 7 days ahead - and could only purchase 3 days ahead. The only one I didn't get that I wanted was Remi's in Epcot. But over the course of a few days I would be able to snag that one

It was a short flight to Calgary.

We had enough time to get through customs in Calgary. It is creepy how as soon as you get close to the US Customs part of the airport - your phone goes off to let you know you are in no longer on Canadian soil.

We got through customs with no problems - grabbed some breakfast, then waited for the next stop



It was a great flight. Mimosas were had. A few winks happened as we were up at 3:00 am.

We landed, found all our luggage and headed to the car rental desk to pick up our car.

We must have beat the crowd. About 10 minutes after we got there - there we only 4/5 groups in front of dh, but there were probably about 20 behind him. Thank goodness out luggage was first off the plane.

We had pre-booked our car, knew what insurances we needed/wanted. The gentleman gave us a free upgrade. It was a Genisus crossover type car. It was comfy - but dh said it drove horrible. There must have been something wrong with part of the drive train.

We were staying off-site. Close to Universal - just down from Dockside and Summerside Hotels on Universal boulevard. It is a newly renovated hotel. The rooms were clean and quiet, the beds were comfy. The hotel staff seemed nice (when we checked in) and besides the boys's room being a little damp - which we didn't question it as it's Florida. Everything is damp - that will come into play later in this storyl Close to many restaurants, Universal, Icon Park etc etc. We knew the area from our previous trip. It was going to work just fine for us!


We ended our day with a little drive around. Showing the boys a few places - We ended the day with a meal at Chick-Fil-A!

The weather was still showing - lots of rain Tues/Wed

Next up - Park day #1 - Universal!!!!!!!

 

[alohamom]

Excellent so far, can't wait to read more!

I will say that even with three electricians in the house - I don't have a working doorbell by my front door. At this point, I don't know if I should be mad or just laugh at irony of it

I get ya, my hubby is a mechanic and I think the lights on my dash have been on since 2017!

 

[Robo56]

Pumpkin great start to your trip report. I’am looking forward to reading more.

 

[keishashadow]

Alrighty, caught up . Great start to your first TR, carry on.

We had pre-booked our car, knew what insurances we needed/wanted.

Yikes re some issues with the car’s handling. Oddly, have heard of this happening more in last few years. I’m keeping an unofficial count, seems to be issues with budget & dollar. Curious, do you remember what rental agency?

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day #2 - Saturday Oct 5 - Part 1

After a great sleep - we were itching to hit the park! We woke up to a bright sunny hot day!!!

Normally I am NOT a morning person - but for a park day, I will get up and be ready as early as needed!

We had agreed the night before to meet at the car around 8:30. We met the boys grabbing a quick bagel / muffin from the continental breakfast offered by the hotel then headed for our first park day!!!!

Universal...Here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After getting through security we were finally in City Walk heading to Studios and onto Diagon Alley! The boys wanted to start their day there!

After standing in awe at the sheer awesomeness of the fire breathing dragon, it was time to do our first ride. Onto Escape from Gringotts! It was basically walk on. The boys walked through like many others - in complete awe at the details. Needless to say - they LOVED the ride.

Next on our agenda - was to hit the wand show at Olivander's Wand Shop. Again, next to nothing for a line up! Unfortunately, neither of them got picked. I asked them if they wanted to go in again. They both declined, stating they didn't want to take the opportunity from someone else being " truly chosen" vs someone who was picked just because they got into line 4,5 or more times.

They both spent some time inside picked their wands and came out with purchased with big cheesy grins on their faces. J1 picked Sirius Black and J2 picked the Elder Wand. We spent quite some time with them performing most of the spells in Diagon Alley. We also indulged in some butterbeer as well. We tried both regular and frozen. We all loved the frozen much more than just the regular.



Once we had full bellies of butterbeer and they felt like they were ready to move on, we headed out of Diagon Alley. We stopped at Grimmauld place to see Kreacher and also check out the purple bus.

We checked wait times - and see Men in Black was about a 15 minute wait. So off we went o shoot some aliens. I did NOT do well shooting at this ride. Dh and the boys faired much better than me. But all in all - it was fun!

Next on the agenda - Transformers!!!! Dh has a special place in his heart for this ride - as it was the first one we did when we had our first visit. The wait time was under 30 minutes -so off we went! J2 is a huge transformer fan. They loved all the different areas in the que. Again - another winner!!!



Now we were getting a bit peckish for something to eat. It seemed it was just after 1:00 and so when I checked some wait times - we tried to get into Finnegan's. But there was quite a wait there - so we settled for Louie's Pizza. All I will say is - it filled out stomachs

We found Bruce



Then enjoyed the parade!!!! I will say - it was pretty good. We all enjoyed it. I think I enjoyed the Ghostbusters and Jurassic Park floats the best!



By now - it was mid afternoon, and time to head over to Islands of Adventure. There was quite a long wait to take the train over - so we decided to walk.

I think I will end our first part of the day here.

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day #2 - Saturday Oct 5 - Part 2

For this side we had no real plans. As we were walking past Hulk - the 3 of them decided to get on - as the wait time was only 15 minutes. I was the holder of all the items that way we didn't have to worry about a locker. I pick and choose my rides. I don't know if I could do the hulk. Just from others reporting on it, I don't need a good head banging. I already suffer from headaches/migraines. So I sat this one out. They of course - loved it!!! J1 forgot to take his hat off - and lost it on the first roll We seen it on a pad in the water just beside the bridge walkway. It looks like he wasn't the only one to loose a hat. He did put in a request at lost and found - but never got it back.

Next we just strolled though toon town, and headed to Hogsmeade to check out the castle. The boys performed a few more spells, then we hit Forbidden Journey. Again, we lucked out with another wait time of less than 15 minutes. Again, they boys were flabbergasted at the que. I think this que is one of the best ones!!!!! I could walk through it again and again and see something different in the que each time.



We checked out wait times - and Hagrid's was about 120 minutes and Velocicoaster was at about 75 minutes. We decided to hit those up tomorrow, and we would ride some lower wait time rides now.

Next up - Kong. That's a one and done. It's fun,,,but not one I would rush to do more than once per trip.

Next was Jurrasic River Ride. Again, we lucked out with a low wait time - 15 minutes, We were about to get front row - until Mom pipped up and asked NOT to be in the front. I had ZERO desire to be at the front of the boat. Nope...not happening

Next was Spiderman - again, another walk on of less than 15 minutes. J1 is and has been a huge fan of Spiderman. Even when we would go shopping - he would always point out all the spidermans even as a toddler. He especially loved this one.

After this one, it was time to head out of the park. It was almost 7:30 and we were pooped. So we decided to call it a day.

As we were walking out - we decided to see if we could get a bite to eat somewhere on City Walk. We were surprised that if we waited about 20 minutes - we could get into Margaritaville. So we headed out to wait and parked out butts on the grass near the water and waited.

We checked the weather and still seen only rain forecasted. Dh tend to watch the "Windy app" to see how the winds will be blowing. It was not predicting much rain or wind....YET I was fiddling with some of the times of our genie+ while sitting and scored a Remy's one and fine tuned a few others. In no time at all....we were seated and enjoying some music and good food and drinks. I don't remember what I had to drink - probably something with rum and sweet juices of some sort. And I had the shrimp tacos. They were definitely yummy. I forgot to take a picture before I dove in. Everyone enjoyed their meal. We had a great server, which makes the whole experience great.

We went back to the hotel with full tummy's and happily exhausted ready to tackle the parks again tomorrow.

 

[Robo56]

All caught up. Enjoying your report.

Yes, Diagon Alley is something to behold. The Fire Breathing Dragon on Gringott’s is really the center piece for sure.

So glad to hear you all had some reasonable wait times for your rides. I know Hagrid’s and Velocicoaster typically have long waits,

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[disneyseniors]

Hi Pumpkin!

You are doing a wonderful job with your first TR!!! I envy you. I can't write anything that I would want to read, so I enjoy others
Did you go through Knockturn alley in the Studios HP land??? I hope you did as it is amazing, but pretty dark to navigate.
My son and I missed it on our first visit to HP in the Studios. I can't believe we didn't see the entrance! I go there every time we visit and still missed the entrance. We went back to US side and hit Knockturn alley that same day.
I agree with you on Kong. It is "okay". Did you get to ride the first Kong ride at Universal? That was years ago and it was an awesome adventure. I wish they had made this Kong as good.
Happily following along, (this distraction is just what I need right now

ruth

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Yes, Diagon Alley is something to behold. The Fire Breathing Dragon on Gringott’s is really the center piece for sure.

It really is. I wish I could post the video I took of us entering Diagon Alley and getting the kids reactions!!!! With all our cold crappy weather and blowing snow, I'm enjoying being about revisit our trip and try to find some pictures. Dh took most of the pictures. Honestly, I just enjoyed and soaked up all the moments of the trip.

Thanks for joining in on the report

Did you go through Knockturn alley in the Studios HP land???

No We wanted to go there when we had scheduled to be back there Thursday/Friday but then Milton joined the party and we had to revamp our plans. I had been on the Kong ride when it was 3D and the busses drove outside then back into main part of the ride. That was when I went with our daughter about 8ish years ago now.

Thanks for following along. I hope your trip with your son was great as well

Excellent so far, can't wait to read more!

Thanks for following along

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day #3 - Sunday Oct 5 - Part 1
We woke up to rain this morning. The forecast didn't predict it to last long at all. So I made sure to toss some of those disposable ponchos and my small umbrella in my bag. A little rain was NOT going to stop us

Unfortunately - the storm had been upgraded to a hurricane We had decided we would just take things day by day. We knew we would probably loose at least 2 park days - but forecasters were not sure what days would be impacted yet. Honestly with the storm rolling in - and forecasters not really sure which days would be impacted - we were just going to make the most of the time we had. We knew what we wanted to make a priority - so we would focus on those.

We met the boys in the lobby again, and shortly we were in the car headed to Universal day #2.

First stop was the gift shop. In allllllllllllllllllllll the packing and planning I did, I forgot to toss in a ballcap for me . Don't ask my why I didn't think I would need one, but here I am - looking for another hat. The universe must have though I needed a Hogwarts hat I would need one to keep the drizzles of rain(mostly) off my glasses. The boys had fun finding a few more items.



They didn't run out of things to see, look at or try on

Once momma had her new hat, we were off to get onto Hagrid's. Again - we lucked out. I don't think the line was more than 60 minutes for Hagrid's. When dh and I were in line 2 years ago - it was a posted wait of at least 90 minutes. We were in line less than 10 minutes and we were entering into the building part of the que. We were actually hoping to take a picture in the outside part of the que where there was an amazing view of the Castle. It looks like that spot is now overgrown and no longer a picturesque spot. Dh and I had an amazing picture we took of us on our previous trip.



Again, the que has lots of little things to look at and their attention to detail is amazing! Within no time at all it was time to ride. I rode with J2 in the sidecar with him on the bike. I told him to hang on tight and we were off!!! J2 wasn't expecting the drop, and I howled with laughter at his surprise. We lot a little wet as it was drizzling as we were riding on it. Even with the rain - it is an awesome ride!!!!! I think it might be my favorite one

Next - we hit Velocicoaster. The post wait time was 45 minutes - another win!!! Now, this coaster I will go on! Like I said previously - I pick and choose the rides as well as knowing how much time is between each ride. I ruined the one and only Universal day with dd 8ish years ago. And vowed to never do that again.

We hopped into line, and before we knew it, we were in the pre-show. We were lucky enough to score the front - and we let J1 & J2 ride the front together with dh and I right behind them! Man alive...that ride is sooooooooooooooo fast and smoooooooooooth!!!!! About half way through - I always wonder - Why the heck did I get on here Then by the time we are rolling in to get off and I want to go again!!!!!!

While we were in line - my phone went off asking if I still wanted to keep our dinner reservation. We had decided that we wanted to try Cowfish while we were there. I had made the reservation for 8:00 - and we decided that we would probably be done by 7:00 so I changed it to 7:00. Ummmmmmmmmmm big mistake I knew I should have kept the original time

​

Since we were close - we went onto Forbidden Journey again! Another score of less than 15 minutes. It was basically walk on!!! I don't think we stopped this time until the Gryffindor room.

Next up, J1 wanted to do Spiderman again. So off we went - and did Spiderman again. the wait time was less then 10 minutes. Again - another score.

Then quickly the three of them went onto Dr. Doom since we were so close to it. Again, another low wait time. Momma passed on this one and I was the pack mule while they rode. This one would be too intense for me and I didn't want to chance anything for me getting motion sick or a headache. I decided I would go on the Disneyfied version when we were in Hollywood Studios.

Now we decided to head back to Hogsmeade. The boys wanted to do a few more magic spells - Had some frozen butter beer, then we took the train over is Studios.



I'll end this here with part 2 coming soon

 

[keishashadow]

Enjoying following along

The boys walked through like many others - in complete awe at the details. Needless to say - they LOVED the ride.

I just love to see “big kids” having a blast in the parks!

I was fiddling with some of the times of our genie+ while sitting and scored a Remy's one and fine tuned a few others.

the irony is not lost on me that you need to fiddle with plans for one park, when in another park.

No We wanted to go there when we had scheduled to be back there Thursday/Friday but then Milton joined the party and we had to revamp our plans.

Stoopid Milton.

Ummmmmmmmmmm big mistake I knew I should have kept the original time

Love a good cliff hanger in a TR lol

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day #3 - Sunday Oct 5 - Part 2

We took the train over to Studios. It was about a 20 minute wait. Such a cute short ride. It is definitely a must do!

Next the guys wanted to hit Rip, Ride Rocket. The posted time was 5 minutes. They were trying to get the ride going between little spurts of drizzling happening. I sat this one out. I was happy to be the pack mule for phones/wands, hats etc. Again, I like to pick and choose. Too many rides and I will be out for the rest of the day.

After about 20 minutes they came out. They never did get to ride it. There was just enough of a sprinkle of rain - it wasn't going to run and they didn't want to waste any more time on a ride that may or may not run. So needless to say - they were a little disappointed.

So off to the next ride - Mummy!!!!

This had been closed for the long refurbishment when dh and I were here for our last vacation. So both he and I were really excited to ride this one. I had not watched any videos of the ride so I didn't know what to expect. What a fun ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is definitely impressive with the flaming ceiling!!!!! We all were all impressed with it.

Up next we hit Minions. It was a posted wait of about 20 minutes. We probably waited a little longer. My boys were big minion fans when they were younger, so this was a must do. Very cute! I loved the part of the que with the house. Dh and I agree that gd would love that ride.

Next we would hit Transformers again! Posted time was 15 minutes. I don't think we even waited that long.

Next we would go to ET. We were starting to get a little peckish. The boys wanted to find something quick and easy to eat. J1 wanted a turkey leg. So we found a turkey leg and some pretzels. We all tried a bit of it. He liked it, but wouldn't try it again. You gotta at least try it.

Off to ET. I believe the posted time was 10 minutes. I wasn't sure what to expect on this ride either. The que definitely made me feel like we were is some deep forest in B.C with the smells, the fog. Such a great waiting que. The ride - even though it is one of (if not is) the oldest ride in the park - it is definitely "Iconic" . We loved it!!! I definitely felt like we were in part of the movie - trying to get ET back home.

Next we hit Men in Black again!!! Momma still sucked with the worst score again. By this time - it was time for us to head back to Islands - as HHN was going to be starting soon.

So we went back to Kings Cross Station - to take the train over to Islands again. That wait time was a little longer heading back into Islands but I didn't want us to miss going on the train both ways.

We had about 1,5 hrs until our reservation at Cow Fish. We took a look at wait times - and thought according to posted wait times - we could maybe sneak in Velocicoaster, Hagrid's, and Forbidden Journey one more time today. Well, by the time we walked to Velocicoaster - the line was MUCH longer than the 30 minutes posted. So that was out.

Next we went to Hagrid's. The posted time had changed to 45/60 minutes. We didn't want to chance that we would be stuck in the line and miss our reservation.

If we wouldn't have changed our time - we probably would have been able to hit all 3 again before leaving the park.

Oh well, so off we went to Forbidden Journey. The posted time was 15 minutes, but again - it was mostly walk on. Again - we all love that ride.

Sadly - we figured we didn't want to risk being late for the reservation. We really just wanted to end our day riding rides! It had been such an amazing day, I just didn't want it to end.



We decided that we would close off the day with a walk through Seuss land and a ride on High in the Sky to top off our day.

We wandered out of the park to check in for our reservation. We had a few minutes to spare so we checked out the Epic exhibit. It looks like it will be an amazing addition to the park. I could see us loving a ride from each of the areas. I don't know if we will get a chance to see it. Maybe when we come with dd and gd to go to Disneyworld in (hopefully) 2026 for gd's 6th birthday.

Soon, we got the text that our table was ready - so off we went inside. We were upstairs on the 3rd floor.

We had a wonderful server. I can't for the life of me remember his name. But he was very friendly - and when we realized we were Canadians going to ride out the storm he was VERY patient about answering any questions we had about the incoming hurricane. Kind of like we would when talking to someone who is experiencing a COLD winter storm for the first time. It was nice to chat with a local who didn't seem to bothered by another hurricane coming in. It definitely helped with the anxiety and worry I had.

We all loved out beverages. I wasn't impressed with my bento box. But the others really enjoyed their meals. I can't for the life me me remember what they had but both boys loved their meals. We also started the the crab rangoon and the crispy calamari. Those were both delightful.









Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for our first Disney day!!!!!

 

[Pumpkin1172]

I fudged up on our first day in the park. I forgot to post all about our velociraptor encounter

I thought for sure - we did it on day 2 - but as I was looking the pictures - we did it on day 1!!!!

I had seen videos of it - and wanted to make sure we did it as well. I believe we were in a last group for the day.

I highly recommend families do this! We loved it!!!! We got the one person to take a video of our interaction with her. She was quite skidish, but we got some great pictures. The family loved the snap we sent on our family snapchat. She decided to go after J1 - even though we thought she would go for dh

​

I was ready to bolt. Dh was laughing and both boys were hoping Blue wouldn't come after them!!!! It was a hoot!!!!!

Highly recommend it.

 

[Skywalker3]

I finally have some extra time to catch up on DIS reading, and really, really enjoying your TR. Thank you for taking the time to write it, and add all the great pictures, and info. Sounds like such a fun time.
We were also there during that week, and at Universal/IoA Sunday, Oct 5, and Monday, Oct 6. Isn't it a small universe. When we left TN, that Saturday, the storm was just a disturbance, and by the time we got there Sat evening, it was named and expected to strengthen.....
We had a wet Sunday too, off and on. DS had quite a ride on VC in the rain, and I was holding his jacket....We had a very soggy HHN that night too, but thankfully, had a couple hours of clear skies.
Looking forward to reading more about the Disney time. The kids and I only had 2 days at Disney after Universal, and the storm totally changed our plans....we'd bought LLs and everything that had to be refunded, etc. and spent the night and all the next day sequestered at the Boardwalk. Still had a wonderful 2 days though, when we did go, and I hope y'all did enjoy the Disney time as well.
Thanks again for sharing all the Universal/IoA fun and pictures!!

 

[Pumpkin1172]

Day #4 - Monday Oct 6

Today was our first Disney day!!! It was Epcot day!!!! Another cloudy day - with some light showers expected late afternoon.

A little more background. When deciding how many days in each park, they boys wanted to go ride a few rides at Epcot, but didn't think they would want to spend the whole day there. So it was decided we would buy park hoppers - instead of single day tickets that I would have bought. Which, turned out to be the best thing that could have happened and saved us with the hurricane coming in hard

I had purchased ILL and LL for us for Epcot, but could secure any times earlier in the day. So we decided we would hit HS first then take a but to Epcot.

Again, we were in the car before 9:00 and heading to HS. Our plan, the boys wanted to see Galaxy's Edge!!! That was the part of the park they wanted to spend the most time in. So far, it looked like low crowds!

Our first ride - Star Tours. Even though some may find it cheesy, we all loved it. The boys loved the que, and before we knew it we were boarding our pod. We didn't have the best seats this ride, we still enjoyed it - and then we were off to Galaxy's Edge.

Upon entering, they both had the biggest cheesiest grins on their faces. We all just wandered around, and not long after we arrived, there were storm troopers wandering around interacting with the crowd. It was fun just to sit back and watch the boys enjoy and experience the park as it should be.

After walking around and taking everything in, we hit Smuggler's Run. It was only a 15 minute wait. The boys were engineers and dh and I were payload (at the back of the pod) Like others, we were hoping they would be lucky to be pilot, this time...but there were an older couple ahead of us that got that. They did a great job!!!!!

​

Next was a little more wandering around, then we grabbed a Ronto wrap at Ronto Roasters. Then we were off to stand in line for Rise of the Resistance. We lucked out, it was only a 45 minute wait. Of course, they que is amazing with lots of things to look at and see. I will say, the boys LOVED this ride. It is pretty impressive.

By now, we had seen what we had come to see, and maybe it was getting time to start to head over to Epcot to get onto the first of our rides there. I was still unsure whether to take the bus or skyliner over - Skyliner won!!!! I was honestly impressed with how fast they move!

This is the first time for all of us at Epcot! I was happy to be able to experience a little of a special food and wine festival, and could definitely see myself spending a whole day just strolling through the park and taking more time to absorb what it all has to offer. Sadly dh and the boys did NOT have that intention.

Since we entered through the back I had to get my bearing. We now to had to head to the front of the park for our first LL - Spaceship Earth. Yes I know, it was probably a wasted LL, but it was good practice for how to use the system for the next 2 park days. After that I was able to snag a LL for Soarin as my Tier 1 pick was Remi - which I was lucky enough to snag with some "fiddling and faddling" in the day prior.

Along the way - we stopped at a few pavilions and picked up some food. J1 stopped by Morocco for a drink and Japan pavilion for a snack . Dh stopped at the American one for a hotdog. I stopped at the German one for a snack - and even was eating on Epcot's finest tables - the garbage can And J2 stopped at the China pavilion for a snack. They were all good and we didn't feel like it wasn't worth the money.

Next we were off to Mission Space - we did the orange. I made sure to take my anti nausea medication. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't affect me. J1 was a little off with that one, but next time, I would either skip or do the green side. It was fun - but I wouldn't be all gung-ho to ride it again.

Next was Soaring! I loved that one!!!!!! I definitely would ride that one over and over again! Next was Living with the land which is ok. Not something I would rush to do again, but was a nice break off our feet. And yes - I use LL for all of them. I wanted to maximize who to use it for our 2 other park days.

Once we were done with those - we had some more time to kill before we had to go to Guardians of the Galaxy. I was lucky enough to get ILL for that one and our time was 6:00. So we went to Macatizers and shared a couple of the Mac and cheese varieties they had! They were delicious. We had the traditional and cheese steak ones.

With a little stroll through the gift shop in that area - we were off to Guardians!!!! Wow - what an unexpected ride! We had " Congo" for our song - which was awesome!!!!!! I totally wasn't expecting the reverse take off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we got out of the gift shop ride exit - it was POURING rain!!!! We dug out the ponchos and me with a poncho and umbrella ( as I HATE when my glasses get wet with drops of rain - we were off to get to France for Remi, for our last LL, After a quick walk in the rain - we were shrunk down to the size of a mouse. What a cute little ride!!!!! I LOVED it!!!!!!

So once we were done Remi.. there was an hour until the fireworks show there. We were trying to decide if we wanted to wait and go to the fireworks show there. BUT, we knew that our MK day was probably going to be Friday - which meant, it was a MNSSHP and we wouldn't get to see the fireworks at MK. I had purposely picked Wednesday to be our MK day - as it was mid-week ( lower crowds) and also NOT a party day. I had wanted a nice slow day so we could take our time and enjoy the whole park and NOT rush around.

J1 had the FANTASTIC idea - why not try to fit in the fireworks at MK. I was super upset about our MK day being changed and us NOT getting to see the fireworks there.

It was 7:45. The fireworks were at 9:00 in MK. We were parked at HS. We decided to go for it!!!!!! We hit the skyliner - no line!!!!! Off as quick as we could. Thank goodness we had arrived fairly early and had lucked out with a great parking spot on the right side of the parking lot vs the far side!!!! Dh had his phone ready with google maps to get to MK parking. A quick drive, and hop onto the monorail - then all we had to do was find a spot close to the back of the park. As long as we found a spot - that's all I was hoping for.

We made it

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So we got to watch the most magical fireworks. It was nostalgic for Dh and I, as we are Gen X that used to faithfully watch every Disney every Sunday night. We were all so happy we got to see at least one set of Disney fireworks. For us, this was the one I wanted us to see.

After a little browsing around - we decided it was time to head back to our hotel. 3 Parks in one day! I never thought I would be a park hopper. Thank goodness for park hoppers - or else we would have missed seeing the MK fireworks.

Again, we had a day of low wait times - only one big down pour of rain and got to visit 3 parks!!!!!!! I would say that was a great first day at Disney.

Up next - our full day at HS!!!!

 

[Robo56]

All caught up Pumpkin. Enjoying your trip report and pictures.

Looks like you all were able to fit a lot into your day.

Looking forward to reading more.