mikki.young
Knows Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2000
- Messages
- 3,187
Saturday 20th January
Today is going to be another Epcot day and Beanie and I are going along for the photo opportunities. There are signs for press vehicles to go one way and long lines to enter the park. We are especially impressed by the long lines to buy tickets. We havent seen this for years but perhaps we havent been at the right time. Some lighting set-ups are spotted in the park but nothing more so we dont know if the press was there that day or not.
The humans set off towards The Land to make an ADR for the Garden Grill but on the way I realise we are passing the Character Connection and it looks like there is no line. I get pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Chip n Dale and Goofy. Chip n Dale and Goofy all leave as soon as they have had their pictures with me.
We make the ADR for 12.30. We then get a fast pass for Soarin. This will be from 1.30 to 2.30 so should be just right. Next it is time for Mission Space and I get to be Commander! Go Orange! We went to Mousegear for a wander and then it was about time for lunch.
I love going to Garden Grill because the characters there are so nice to me. Beanie got out as well which was a bit forward of him I thought. This is a family style meal and an all you can eat. There are catfish (always seems like an odd name to me), turkey and flank steak and sugar snap peas, carrots ad corn bread stuffing. The humans enjoy the food but have to keep stopping to take our pictures (and theirs) with the characters. Pluto plays nicely with me but pretends to eat Beanie before posing for a nice picture with him.
Mikki also needs to take pictures of the famous hidden Mickey in the mural. Finishing the meal, the cast have even planned things so the revolving restaurant has brought our table next to the exit.
We went on to Soarin. We had a short wait where the fast passes are collected and chatted to the flight attendant there - Carolyn. We again rode in row 2 but its fun on any row. This ride improves the more you ride it. You get more relaxed and experience more. Its not just seeing its sound, smell, the feel of the wind on your face, Its wonderful.
Next, we went to The Seas with Nemo. We enjoyed the ride again and this time spend some time looking in the aquarium dolphins, sea turtles - oh my! What a lot of fish! After we left Mikki decided it was time we rode Spaceship Earth as we had not done so yet this trip. For some reason she slept through most of it!
We kept saying we should try the green team version of Mission Space just to see what it is like. Now was the time but mostly because it showed a much shorter wait (it showed 10 minutes but in reality was walk on). One tip though: if you are thinking of changing your mind, do it before you collect your ticket. If you do it later, you will be sent back to the entrance for the new ticket, even if you have reached the end of the line. Fortunately we decided before we entered the main line.
Green Team is very similar but there are some differences in the preparation. The films have been remade to modify the warnings but you are still advised not to ride if you have a fear of confined spaces or simulators. I was Commander again. After the ride, there were mixed reactions. Mikki said how lame it was after the full version. As you descend to Mars, you lean forward instead of being pressed back in your seat. Andrew said he was surprised how much was still there. The seats tilt back so you can still imagine the g force. I was just disappointed that nobodys joystick had the vibrations in it especially as I was the commander who activated manual control. I suspect thats nothing to do with Green Team: we have often found this effect isnt working.
Coming out of Mission Space, we moved on to Universe of Energy. Ellen sure does have problems with those pesky Dinosaurs (who are the real stars of the show). The cast warn you the ride is 37 minutes long so dont go on if you want to be somewhere else within that time. Its quite a precise time so Andrew thought he would check. Well, I suppose it depends when they start and stop the timing but the cars are moving for rather less than that.
By now, its getting dark and my humans are getting tired. After wandering round some shops (including Art of Disney), they decide to take the monorail to the Polynesian Resort for a sit and a drink. Mikki remembers she can use her Disney Dining Card for a discount at the Tambu Lounge bar.
The Polynesian Resort is busy we presume all centred on the crowds waiting to get into Ohana. Mikki and Andrew enjoy cocktails at Tambu Lounge outside Ohana. While impressed with how popular the place is and with how thorough the theming is now, they also reminisce about what the Polynesian was like during their early visits. They are getting a little old, my humans.
We take the resort monorail to the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus back to OKW. There were already people waiting but no bus came until after the Wishes show finished and then it was full to bursting. Pity there were trees in the way or it could have been a good view of the fireworks. I made friends with a little girl on the bus and had some strokes from her. Purrrrrrrrrr
Sunday 21st January
With hot temperatures predicted and a late night due on Monday the humans decide to go shopping. Before we set off, Mikki fixes a Tinker Bell antenna topper to the car. It looks a little painful for the pixie but it makes the car even easier to recognise in the parking lots.
I go along for the car ride and the first stop is Florida Mall. We arrive just before noon and discover that the Mall does not fully open until that time. Mikki is sure it used to be 11am on Sundays. Oh well, time for an early lunch from the food court (which is open). Mikki then goes to look round a bookshop while Andrew looks in a DVD store. They then meet up and head to the Disney store together (still no new Figaros there).
Mikki needs some toiletries so they go to Origins and get some moisturiser and face wash. Then they wander round some more of the shops before heading to Borders over the road for another look round. Back to the Florida Mall as Mikki decides to get an eye cover/headphones. Finally they head for Prime Outlets not much left in Mall 1 but the designer outlets have a very good Kitchen store where Mikki has her eye on some fun gadgets. Finally, they stop at Publix for supplies and then head for home and a delicious supper of Ellens bagels.
Today is going to be another Epcot day and Beanie and I are going along for the photo opportunities. There are signs for press vehicles to go one way and long lines to enter the park. We are especially impressed by the long lines to buy tickets. We havent seen this for years but perhaps we havent been at the right time. Some lighting set-ups are spotted in the park but nothing more so we dont know if the press was there that day or not.
The humans set off towards The Land to make an ADR for the Garden Grill but on the way I realise we are passing the Character Connection and it looks like there is no line. I get pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Chip n Dale and Goofy. Chip n Dale and Goofy all leave as soon as they have had their pictures with me.
We make the ADR for 12.30. We then get a fast pass for Soarin. This will be from 1.30 to 2.30 so should be just right. Next it is time for Mission Space and I get to be Commander! Go Orange! We went to Mousegear for a wander and then it was about time for lunch.
I love going to Garden Grill because the characters there are so nice to me. Beanie got out as well which was a bit forward of him I thought. This is a family style meal and an all you can eat. There are catfish (always seems like an odd name to me), turkey and flank steak and sugar snap peas, carrots ad corn bread stuffing. The humans enjoy the food but have to keep stopping to take our pictures (and theirs) with the characters. Pluto plays nicely with me but pretends to eat Beanie before posing for a nice picture with him.
Mikki also needs to take pictures of the famous hidden Mickey in the mural. Finishing the meal, the cast have even planned things so the revolving restaurant has brought our table next to the exit.
We went on to Soarin. We had a short wait where the fast passes are collected and chatted to the flight attendant there - Carolyn. We again rode in row 2 but its fun on any row. This ride improves the more you ride it. You get more relaxed and experience more. Its not just seeing its sound, smell, the feel of the wind on your face, Its wonderful.
Next, we went to The Seas with Nemo. We enjoyed the ride again and this time spend some time looking in the aquarium dolphins, sea turtles - oh my! What a lot of fish! After we left Mikki decided it was time we rode Spaceship Earth as we had not done so yet this trip. For some reason she slept through most of it!
We kept saying we should try the green team version of Mission Space just to see what it is like. Now was the time but mostly because it showed a much shorter wait (it showed 10 minutes but in reality was walk on). One tip though: if you are thinking of changing your mind, do it before you collect your ticket. If you do it later, you will be sent back to the entrance for the new ticket, even if you have reached the end of the line. Fortunately we decided before we entered the main line.
Green Team is very similar but there are some differences in the preparation. The films have been remade to modify the warnings but you are still advised not to ride if you have a fear of confined spaces or simulators. I was Commander again. After the ride, there were mixed reactions. Mikki said how lame it was after the full version. As you descend to Mars, you lean forward instead of being pressed back in your seat. Andrew said he was surprised how much was still there. The seats tilt back so you can still imagine the g force. I was just disappointed that nobodys joystick had the vibrations in it especially as I was the commander who activated manual control. I suspect thats nothing to do with Green Team: we have often found this effect isnt working.
Coming out of Mission Space, we moved on to Universe of Energy. Ellen sure does have problems with those pesky Dinosaurs (who are the real stars of the show). The cast warn you the ride is 37 minutes long so dont go on if you want to be somewhere else within that time. Its quite a precise time so Andrew thought he would check. Well, I suppose it depends when they start and stop the timing but the cars are moving for rather less than that.
By now, its getting dark and my humans are getting tired. After wandering round some shops (including Art of Disney), they decide to take the monorail to the Polynesian Resort for a sit and a drink. Mikki remembers she can use her Disney Dining Card for a discount at the Tambu Lounge bar.
The Polynesian Resort is busy we presume all centred on the crowds waiting to get into Ohana. Mikki and Andrew enjoy cocktails at Tambu Lounge outside Ohana. While impressed with how popular the place is and with how thorough the theming is now, they also reminisce about what the Polynesian was like during their early visits. They are getting a little old, my humans.
We take the resort monorail to the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus back to OKW. There were already people waiting but no bus came until after the Wishes show finished and then it was full to bursting. Pity there were trees in the way or it could have been a good view of the fireworks. I made friends with a little girl on the bus and had some strokes from her. Purrrrrrrrrr
Sunday 21st January
With hot temperatures predicted and a late night due on Monday the humans decide to go shopping. Before we set off, Mikki fixes a Tinker Bell antenna topper to the car. It looks a little painful for the pixie but it makes the car even easier to recognise in the parking lots.
I go along for the car ride and the first stop is Florida Mall. We arrive just before noon and discover that the Mall does not fully open until that time. Mikki is sure it used to be 11am on Sundays. Oh well, time for an early lunch from the food court (which is open). Mikki then goes to look round a bookshop while Andrew looks in a DVD store. They then meet up and head to the Disney store together (still no new Figaros there).
Mikki needs some toiletries so they go to Origins and get some moisturiser and face wash. Then they wander round some more of the shops before heading to Borders over the road for another look round. Back to the Florida Mall as Mikki decides to get an eye cover/headphones. Finally they head for Prime Outlets not much left in Mall 1 but the designer outlets have a very good Kitchen store where Mikki has her eye on some fun gadgets. Finally, they stop at Publix for supplies and then head for home and a delicious supper of Ellens bagels.
