Last we left our fearless pair, we were trying to figure out what to do after Fantasmic ended and MGM was closed. It was about 8:45pm and Epcot was open until 12:30 am. So, as a good DISer would do, we grabbed the bus to Epcot, baybee!
Our bus driver rocked! Let me tell you, I dont know how in the world this bus driver got his job, but Disney is definitely NOT using him to his fullest potential. He had a running commentary the entire trip over to Epcot. And he was funny! He would have made a much better Jungle Cruise captain than any of the ones Ive ever had the pleasure (NOT) of listening to. I definitely think his talent is being wasted as a bus driver. Too bad we didnt take any video of him. But maybe Eric can remember some of his jokes???
We arrived at Epcot and checked the ride board. Wait times were really long everywhere and there were no fastpasses in sight. So, Soarin and Test Track were out. Bummer! We decided to ride the Nemo ride since I hadnt ridden it before. When we were here with the girls in January, DH took DD4 (2 at the time) on Nemo while DD6 (5 at the time) and I rode Soarin. Were really hoping that DD4 grows one more inch by October so that we wont have to deal with that tantrum again!
We found Nemo to be quite boring, to tell you the truth. I can see why my two-year old liked it, but there wasnt much for adults on that ride. It would be okay to catch a few winks on (like Spaceship Earth), but thats about it. We decided to run downstairs to see if we could catch a showing of Turtle Talk with Crush, but we must have just missed one. We waited around for a bit, but then decided to leave in order to catch Illuminations.
We walked counterclockwise around the World Showcase looking for a good spot to view Illuminations. We were careful to avoid the obstructed view areas that our wonderful bus driver had warned us about. We ended up between the US and Italy. We had a great view of a wonderful show! Its been many years since either of us had seen Illuminations, so we both enjoyed it immensely. DH had a hankering for some popcorn
so we tried to get some from the popcorn stand right in front of the USA, but they had run out!!!!
Can you believe that??? Thats just crazy!!! So, we watched Illuminations empty-handed. Let's just say that I totally understand why ZZUB loves this show so much! It rocked!
After the show, we continued our way around the World Showcase. We made a stop in the candy store in Germany to take a gander. Both DH and I studied German in high school and college and had spent some time there. So, we wanted to see what kinds of goodies from Deutschland the store had.
Plankton found his favorite item Toblerone!
We didnt buy anything, but I was tempted by the Haribo gummi bears and the Milka chocolate. There's nothing like German chocolate... unless you count Swiss chocolate... or Austrian chocolate...
By the time we got to Norway, we were getting a tad bit hungry. That BBQ sandwich just didnt cut it for us, so we were tempted by the smells coming out of the Kringla Bakeri. We walked in and were hit with all the wonderful items on display. We asked some questions, but ended up ordering a sweet pretzel with almonds to share. It was really yummy! The icing was just sweet enough and the almonds gave it a nice crunch. It was the perfect late night snack.
Almond Pretzel from Norway Bakery
Total: $4.04
Used 1 Snack credit
After our snack, we finished our tour of the World in Mexico. There was no line for the new and improved
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, so we decided to catch a boat ride. Now I dont really remember the old ride very well (because it was so forgettable), but I cant imagine it was much worse than this one. I mean, other than seeing small children beat up on a Donald Duck pinata, this ride is just like Its A Small World en Espanol, right? I mean, it even has the same kids, just all of them look like Dora the Explorer!
Plankton did enjoy riding on the boat though.
I am the King of the World!!!!
After the ride, we had to take the obligatory pictures with the Mexican hats.
The question I have is does anyone ever actually buy one of these hats? I see people wearing them in pictures in almost every trip report I read, but never does anyone mention actually buying the hat. Makes you wonder how that shop stays in business???
While taking pictures and posing with the merchandise in the lobby of the Mexico pavilion, DH noticed a guy wearing a really cool t-shirt. DH, being the train geek that he is, had to grab a picture:
He also asked the guy where he got the t-shirt and found out that theyre sold at the Poly gift shop. Since wed be there on Sunday for dinner at Ohana, we figured wed check it out there.
Anyway, after a long day of traveling and touring, we decided that we were tired. Eric had the train tour at 7:00 am the next morning and I had to get up to drive him to the Magic Kingdom, so we continued through Canada and the UK to the International Gateway and on to the Beach Club. It was awesome to be able to walk to our hotel definitely worth the extra points needed to stay at Beach Club.
On our way up the walk at BCV, DH noticed that there were quite a few lights burned out on the strands along the eaves of the building. It sort of bothered him that Disney would let that many bulbs burn out without fixing them. It didnt bother me though, because I had just had a wonderful first day at Disney World with my DH!
I believe we were asleep before midnight and slept well!
BTW, It's amazing how well you can sleep when there's no four year old with a very small bladder waking you up in the middle of the night because she can't seem to go to the bathroom by herself in the middle of the night even though she does it fine during the day!
Not that this happens to me every single night or anything...
I'm going back a few pages to catch up... it would be easier if you had an index... 
I'm just sayin'! Since Eric is home, put him to work making a TR index! 
That carousel is amazing! 
I'm the keeper of the AP's and I guard them with my life! LOL! 
I can't believe you guys took a picture of the guy sitting by you in the stands! 
(I hope Buzz didn't have a chili dog tonight!)
I love that monorail shirt, I am going to have to look for it next time I am down there.
Hi Ed!
