Calhoun Christmas Trip-Day 3-12/23-We love Epcot!

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JulesMom

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Sorry, I'm behind. I started a new job and my Mother has been ill, so I've been busy:D

Cast of Characters:
Michele(me) 38—obsessive planner and WDW lover
Ronnie(DH) 40—has become Disney addicted, though he tries not to show it
Juliana(DD)16—aka Jules, WDW Princess, loves all things Disney, DIS obsessed
Jacob(DS)10—also Disney obsessed, loves Pluto

Dates—December 21,2002-December 30,2002

Accommodations:
Econolodge-Kissimmee—December 21
Beach Club-standard view—December 22-December 29
Comfort Inn-Tillman’s Corner-Mobile, Alabama—December 29

Day 3-- December 23—We love Epcot!

We had a Mickey wake up call for 6:40am. If you request a wake up call, you may have to say “hello” a few times before Mickey comes on.

Ronnie & I got up at 6:40am. Jules at 7:10am and Jake at 7:20am. We had 7:45 PS at Cape May. This is my favorite character breakfast. Since, we are at BC, we can get up late and still get there on time J

7:50am—We arrive at Cape May and are seated in less than a minute. They gave us a pager, we walked to the couch and hadn’t even sat down when it went off.
We ate a lot—as usual. We saw Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale. Great fruit, Krispie Kreme donuts, bacon, sausage, eggs and etc. Yummy!
We used Connections vouchers for this. It doesn’t save a lot of $, but it’s very convenient.
Total--$64.50—Regular price is $59.96 without tax and tip.

8:30am—We were through eating and went back to our room

8:50am—We left our room for Epcot.

8:55am—We were in Epcot but it wasn’t open yet, so we looked in the shop. I love the International Gateway. It’s not very crowded and it’s so close to our resort!

9:00am—Epcot opened and we entered. It’s so nice walking through World Showcase before it’s open.

Of course, we headed to Test Track first! We usually ride the single rider line. It’s much faster and we really don’t care if we ride together. Though I have seen CM’s purposefully not put people together if they are in the single rider line. Several times, they will put one rider in car A and one in car B and one in car C, when car A needs 2 people.

9:09am—Test Track—2” wait—1” before preshow and 1” after preshow. We would have had not wait after the preshow, but a mom with 2 kids—WHO WAS IN THE SINGLE RIDER LINE!—wanted to ride together. She said she didn’t know they wouldn’t be allowed to ride together!! The CM at the single rider line has always told us—You won’t get to ride together.

We looked at the cars after the show. Jake sent off for some info on Hummers—his favorite car.

FP 10:35-11:35—We got FP for Test Track, then headed to World of Life pavilion.

9:38am—Body Wars—2” wait
10:00am—Cranium Command—2” wait—I love this show!! No matter how many times I see it, I still think it’s funny!

Then we played around with all the cool things. We always ride the bikes, and feel the hot and cold tubes and etc.

10:35am—Test Track FP—11” wait—2” before preshow and 9” after preshow, but the ride broke down during our preshow. So, we didn’t move for almost 7”! Standby line wait—30”
11:10am—Universe of Energy—6”wait—I like this ride, but it’s VERY long. I think the preshow is very funny.

Now, it’s time to shop!!! Tonight is our Candlelight Processional dinner, so we get 15% off at Epcot shops. So, we head to Mouse Gears! Woo Hoo!!!

We bought a lot of great stuff. The kids had coupons for $75 each for souvies that I made on the computer and gave to them for Christmas. We wanted more of the monorail stuff. I bought Tea Cups and monorail converter. I also bought a few magnets and 100 years Christmas ornament. The kids bought the monorail Dumbo and converter together. Jake bought a football, soccer ball, wallet, pins and other stuff.. Jules bought key chain, car air freshener, pens, Epcot t-shirt and other stuff.
Total--$158.02—we saved—$28.23
We split the order in 2 and Jules bought things to take back to the room and Jake bought things to send to the resort.

We stopped at the Pin Station outside Mouse Gears, but it was WAY too crowded, so we moved on.

Jules wanted to go see the France movie, so she went off on her own. The boys and I stopped at the shop at the entrance of World Showcase to get those cute little stuffed animals representing the countries. We started collecting them in June. We got Canada Goofy and Mexico Donald then. We bought Japan Pluto and China Minnie.
Total--$14.42—we saved $2.40

1:10pm—We were back at BC. Jules and Ronnie wanted to take a nap, but Jake wanted to go to Stormalong Bay. So, I went with him. Before we headed to the pool, we stopped by BCV to see the models. We bought DVC in March, so we’ll be staying there in June. You also get a BCV pin for touring. We toured the rooms and got our pin.

1:50pm—We were at the pool. It wasn’t very crowded, but they still were checking ID’s. We got our wristbands and Jake hopped in the pool. I brought along a book to read. We had planned on staying about 30”, but Jake was having so much fun we stayed until 2:45pm. We headed back to the room to get dressed for Candlelight Processional.

3:50pm—We left the room for Epcot
4:10pm—We were at Garden Grille and checked in.
4:20pm—We were seated. I love this meal. So, does the rest of the family. I can’t even tell you how much Ronnie ate! We saw Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. The kids had mac’n’cheese, fries and chicken tenders. The adults get turkey, strip steak, fried catfish, fresh veggies, mashed potatoes and stuffing. We started off with salad and great bread. I’m the only who ate salad. Ronnie only will eat French or Honey Mustard dressing. For dessert, the kids got worms and dirt and I got Pumpkin cheesecake. The had a great Lemon dessert in June and I don’t like pumpkin, so I was sad. ;) The food was great and the atmosphere is so cool.
Total--$97.48—regular price is $75.96 without tax and tip. So, the CP package is worth it for us, since we eat here anyway. And with the 15% discount, it is really worth it!

5:25pm—We were finally through being pigs and could barely walk!! We took a potty break and still had a little time to kill before CP started at 6:45pm.
5:34pm—Circle of Life—7” wait

Then, we headed to American Gardens Theatre for CP! Woo Hoo!
6:15pm—We arrived and they were seating, so we went right in. We were on the 2nd row on the left hand side. We were a little too close, but had a great view of the percussion lady. She was amazing and I love all the percussion stuff. It started right on time and it was fabulous. Gary Sinise was very good. At one point, when the choir was singing, Gary was just smiling and looked really happy. I can’t imagine what the singing must sound like if you are standing right in the middle. This was the first day of Gary’s shows. He even said—Boy, it’s great to be back. I love the story and I love the singing and I love the music. It’s just a great experience!!

When the show was over—we got 3 KakiGoris—Yummy!
Total--$6.75

7:55pm—We decided to see the France movie—the boys even came along—5” wait

8:30pm—We were out of the movie and decided to go ahead and see Illuminations, even though we’d have to wait an hour. We sat out side Morocco. The kids got a strawberry crepe
Total--$3.50
While we waited we people watched and were able to hear the 8:45pm CP.

Illuminations was fabulous as always

9:53pm—We were in our room. This is why I love the Epcot Resorts so much!

We watched TV and relaxed after our exciting day!

Epcot used to be my least favorite park, but over the last few years—it has become my favorite. I like the attractions and all the food is amazing. It’s not near as crowded as the other parks and makes for a very relaxing day!
 















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