And the Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down Down - or Oy, Fay! Updated 10/1. The End.

[cmp1111]

At least you got the boys on it. Jimmy wouldn't even consider it

Well, he IS a bit younger. Maybe next year! My boys wouldn't have done it last year, I don't think.

Me too

I know - I was so torn about trying to get over there, and now I'm jealous!

Great update CE

Thanks!

 

[jcc0621]

I know - I was so torn about trying to get over there, and now I'm jealous!

I am kicking myself for not going

 

[cmp1111]

Day 4 of our trip dawned early, and, dare I say it? Bright! Look, see that natural light behind the kids? Is it possibly the sun???

After our typical breakfast in the room, we headed off to Epcot! Thanks to my handy-dandy spreadsheet (thank you, Kat!), I knew I should keep my eyes wide open for friends throughout the day.

Now, here’s the deal. I took no notes this day. So we’re just gonna go with my memory – bear with me.

I know we arrived before rope drop. No one complained about the bus, and it was pretty empty. I know Woody had to stop and use the restrooms that sit in the weird little building between the bus stops and the turnstiles.

We pulled the Focker trick of heading to the extreme right side of the gates, and had no wait through the turnstiles.

D headed off to position himself to the right at rope drop, so that he could get Soarin’ FPs. The boys and I headed left, so we could get to TT. There was a whole slew of Dream Team members playing trash-can basketball, and the boys had fun with that for a while. We were RIGHT up next to the rope by the Electric Umbrella for the opening. Score! But, there was also nearly no one there, it seemed to me. Last year our Epcot day had been an EMH day, and it was swamped. This time, not so much!

The boys got high fives from the characters – of course, D had the camera – and we headed off to TT as soon as we could. But we did want to wait for D, so the boys asked to play in the little splash fountains out in front. The first morning we weren’t in pouring rain, what do they do? Yup, completely soak themselves silly on the fountains, first thing. Sigh. I wouldn’t have cared SO much except that the plan called for staying in Epcot from start to finish – no time to go home, with the meet starting at 4:00!

Whilst I was watching them, I saw a handsome gentleman pushing a stroller. I recognized the kid first – hey, it’s Jimmy, Janet’s son! So that’s Jim! I walked up and introduced myself. He was very gracious and let me know that Janet was more or less with D – getting the Soarin’ FPs. He introduced me to Janet’s mom, their nephew Andrew, and Janet’s friend Denise and her kids. Jim was so easy to talk to, and Janet’s mom mentioned how cool it was that we were all meeting up. Andrew filled me in on his injured leg and managed to take a picture of me. Woohoo! Fockers nearly never remember to get pictures!

D came along first, and the boys didn’t want to wait anymore, so we parted ways and went onto TT. There was NO wait, but we got put into the closer room to the queue, and the film never started, the doors opened two or three times without anything happening. We were confused, and finally we just all pushed on through to the ride. I don’t know what that was all about. Wasting my precious touring time, here, people!

We had a car all to ourselves, and really enjoyed the ride.

Next we headed out for M:S. We tried to talk the kids into Orange, but that was denied. Green it was. Again, we walked right on – maybe 2 minutes in the queue inside – and off we were for our mission. The boys were in search of the perfect job, so we had to move around a bit once we got our assignments.

As we came out, I saw Janet’s mom and Denise and the kids again – the rest were in on the ride. Darn, just missed her again!

D had scored good FPs, so it was time to go to Soarin’. We headed over to The Land. We asked the boys if they wanted to do Living with the Land beforehand, but they remembered it as “oh, that boring boat ride” and declined.

Soarin’ was good – we scored first row - and away we went to Nemo. We walked onto Nemo, then spent some time watching the dolphin trick show and looking at the aquariums. I love them.

We then went into Crush. We did have a little wait there, just because of the show time, but the queue area was again nearly empty, so the boys played the Mr. Ray computer games, watched the rays, etc. with no issues, and no crowding.

D & I sent the boys to the front, but we were pretty far back. Crush started taking questions. Jess’s TR reminded me that the first kid was pretty funny. His question? “I can do a flip.” Crush was cool, though, and said, “Hey, me too!” then did one.

Then Buzz got called on! Woohoo! Except, he couldn’t remember his question. After some gentle prodding from Woody, he finally did remember. “How old do sea turtles get?”

Now I’m a little at a loss. I know we ended up over back on the M:S, TT side of the park. I think we were thinking of trying another TT ride, seeing how long the line was, but it was down. I’m thinking maybe we did M:S again, because I do know we did it twice. Then Woody was all about doing SE (the big golf ball, he calls it). I was curious to see the improvements, and hoped that D wouldn’t fall asleep this time.

The sign at the queue said 15 minutes, but the line was well beyond the sign at that point, and moving slowly. I know I got a text around this time from Mel (Muffinygood) to see where we were. She was over by The Land. I had said I thought we’d do SE and then come over and eat at Garden Grill.

Finally the line starting moving a little better, and we all really liked the new SE. But because the line had been so long and slow, it was now after noon, and dinner was at 5:00, we decided to just stop at Electric Umbrella instead of schlepping back across the way. Mel was in touch again – I think she was with Kat & Z at some point - but she was thinking of going to take a break before the scheduled 4:00 pre-dinner chat. I let her know we were just powering on, and we decided to just see each other later.

I honestly have no idea what I ate. I feel it might have been some sort of veggie wrap? D got the same, I think. The kids were happy enough with whatever they had. It wasn’t my favorite (nor obviously my most memorable) meal of the trip, but it worked for where we were. There are still SO many places I want to eat in the World Showcase, but oh well.

We then went and picked up FPs for TT for later. I remember thinking they were a bit too early – after our scheduled dinner, but maybe 5:30-6:30? I knew we probably wouldn’t make it, but counted on the “late is OK” policy.

We then headed into Innoventions – whichever side is on the TT side. The boys had some fun playing in the UL test area, then Buzz & D did the waste management bit. Woody really, really wanted popcorn. I figured I could take him out to one of the little stands out in front of TT and be right back. We got outside, and it started, for the first time today, just absolutely pouring on us. We dashed to the tiny awning on the snack cart. Guess what? No popcorn. I asked the CM if they knew where I could find some. They could only think of a spot over by The Land. Um, no.

Woody had a complete meltdown, just screaming that he wanted popcorn. I hisspered (thanks, T) that D had the ponchos, it was pouring rain, what exactly did he think we could do? “But I want popcorn.” “Well, I want you to stop whining – doesn’t look like either of us are getting what we want, does it?” The other moms – seemed like there were a couple, but no other kids – thankfully gave me sympathetic looks, rather than the “Where’s the phone so I can call DCFS?” looks.

The rain didn’t stop, but it let up enough that we could run back into Innoventions. D & Buzz were still being trash guys. Woody now wanted to do it – but there’s actually a queue and they limit how many groups are in at once, so I didn’t think we’d want to wait. He & I did the storm preparedness games instead, and that seemed OK.

It was nearing 3:00, so we quickly decided to try Innoventions West (? - the other one), too. The boys played on the fire engine for a while,

then they wanted to do the fire safety game. I was wanting to get to the American Pavillon on time, and there was a little wait, so we did split up here. I didn’t know if the boys would want to stand around whilst I chatted, anyway, so it worked out. I grabbed the camera from D, my poncho, and off I headed to the WS.

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

 

[ncsjodi]

Am I first????

Sounds like you had a great morning, CE! The boys look so happy on the fire truck! My DH is a volunteer EMT/firefighter and loves looking at fire trucks too. I remember looking at that one in December.

 

[cmp1111]

Am I first????

Yes, ma'am! Congrats!

Sounds like you had a great morning, CE! The boys look so happy on the fire truck! My DH is a volunteer EMT/firefighter and loves looking at fire trucks too. I remember looking at that one in December.

It was good! Except for the weird SE line (it was gone by the time we got out, I wonder if it had been down?) we were just walking on everything, even though it wasn't raining for the better part of the day so far!!!

 

[jcc0621]

Day 4 of our trip dawned early, and, dare I say it? Bright! Look, see that natural light behind the kids? Is it possibly the sun???

It was...it was

D headed off to position himself to the right at rope drop, so that he could get Soarin’ FPs.

Of course I was probably standing right next to him

Whilst I was watching them, I saw a handsome gentleman pushing a stroller. I recognized the kid first – hey, it’s Jimmy, Janet’s son! So that’s Jim! I walked up and introduced myself. He was very gracious and let me know that Janet was more or less with D – getting the Soarin’ FPs. He introduced me to Janet’s mom, their nephew Andrew, and Janet’s friend Denise and her kids. Jim was so easy to talk to, and Janet’s mom mentioned how cool it was that we were all meeting up. Andrew filled me in on his injured leg and managed to take a picture of me. Woohoo! Fockers nearly never remember to get pictures!

You gave more than them as to what was actually said Mom just thought it was so cook that we were meeting people from all over

As we came out, I saw Janet’s mom and Denise and the kids again – the rest were in on the ride. Darn, just missed her again!

Mom told me this too...Doh

Then Buzz got called on! Woohoo! Except, he couldn’t remember his question. After some gentle prodding from Woody, he finally did remember. “How old do sea turtles get?”

So cool that he got picked

We then went and picked up FPs for TT for later. I remember thinking they were a bit too early – after our scheduled dinner, but maybe 5:30-6:30? I knew we probably wouldn’t make it, but counted on the “late is OK” policy.

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

 

[cmp1111]

Of course I was probably standing right next to him

I know. I spent a lot of time giving him rundowns on who people were - "Janet. She's from Philly. We listened to her on NPR," and he was good with that. Should've gone with some more pictures, though!

 

[Goofyluver]

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

No. Cuz I didn't get to go.

But really...great update from memory chica!!!!

It makes my head hurt to 'member things that happened longer away than yesterday.

Can't wait to hear about Wieniefest!!!

 

[KatGarcia]

I;m all caught up.... you guys are so making me the slowest TR writer of the bunch! Oh well! So much for the spreadsheet tho, we all changed our minds so many times!

 

[cmp1111]

No. Cuz I didn't get to go.

I know. We missed you.

But really...great update from memory chica!!!!

Thanks!

Can't wait to hear about Wieniefest!!!

Coming soon!

I;m all caught up.... you guys are so making me the slowest TR writer of the bunch! Oh well! So much for the spreadsheet tho, we all changed our minds so many times!

I actually only deviated the one day. Well, two, I guess, since Monday changed because of Friday. Oh well. I did keep the pages in my bag the whole time!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I agree with Kat, you guys are all being very quick with your TR updates, making us look bad!

For the sun, the sun being out this day worked out great for us as well.

 

[cmp1111]

I agree with Kat, you guys are all being very quick with your TR updates, making us look bad!

Sorry, it's the blessing of being home alone all day!

 

[PrincessV]

There was a whole slew of Dream Team members playing trash-can basketball, and the boys had fun with that for a while.

This irks me for some reason. NOT that the boys were having fun - that's good! ... that the Dream Team gets people all engaged and then delivers NOTHING! Not that I'm bitter.

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

 

[cmp1111]

This irks me for some reason. NOT that the boys were having fun - that's good! ... that the Dream Team gets people all engaged and then delivers NOTHING! Not that I'm bitter.

I understand. I was a little the same way - though, sadly, as much as you've been, I've got a better track record with them.

I will say I saw a lot more of the DT people this trip, doing a lot less. Last year, I only saw them once aside from the stuff we got, and even then, he gave Buzz some pixie dust (Mickey confetti) to be brave, which helped the whole rest of the trip. Even that was pretty good! This year I saw them all over, but yet didn't even see that many people with the Dream stuff?

 

[askelton]

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in!! I am getting behind on my PTR but seeing as I have till May09 I guess there's no rush !!This week I am going to put my pix on a cd and see if I can figure out photobucket and then you can all see the family, kids , dog etc !!

 

[cmp1111]

Just checking in!! I am getting behind on my PTR but seeing as I have till May09 I guess there's no rush !!This week I am going to put my pix on a cd and see if I can figure out photobucket and then you can all see the family, kids , dog etc !!

That will be great!

 

[DisneyJo]

Bright! Look, see that natural light behind the kids? Is it possibly the sun???

Wooohooo at last!

Whilst I was watching them, I saw a handsome gentleman pushing a stroller. I recognized the kid first – hey, it’s Jimmy, Janet’s son! So that’s Jim! I walked up and introduced myself.

Good stalking CE

There was NO wait, but we got put into the closer room to the queue, and the film never started, the doors opened two or three times without anything happening. We were confused, and finally we just all pushed on through to the ride. I don’t know what that was all about. Wasting my precious touring time, here, people!

So that's what you were on about The girls thought you were slightly crazy with your door actions

The boys were in search of the perfect job, so we had to move around a bit once we got our assignments.

We have to do that too

Crush started taking questions. Jess’s TR reminded me that the first kid was pretty funny. His question? “I can do a flip.” Crush was cool, though, and said, “Hey, me too!” then did one.

Awwww sweet!

Then Buzz got called on! Woohoo! Except, he couldn’t remember his question. After some gentle prodding from Woody, he finally did remember. “How old do sea turtles get?”

How great to get picked

“But I want popcorn.” “Well, I want you to stop whining – doesn’t look like either of us are getting what we want, does it?”

Fantastic answer CE

Next up: Have you met 38 of my closest friends?

Yep

 

[cmp1111]

Good stalking CE

Thank you!

So that's what you were on about The girls thought you were slightly crazy with your door actions

It was so weird. Nothing happened - they'd close the doors, nothing, the doors would open, nothing (no more people or anything) then they'd close. Happened three times.

The girls didn't act like I was crazy.

Fantastic answer CE

Thanks. I felt a little bad, but he was out of control.

 

[puggymom]

You have been busy, Love the Test to T about Waldo,

I didn't realize you were in Epcot the whole day, your boys did good for such a long day.

I really need to spend more time in Innoventions, next trip is solo so I think I will take advantage of that.


OK, the godd stuff is coming up