Monday Dec 13 Epcot
Sorry for the gap between reports - FIL has been back in for more surgery (he's doing great, again! Somehow he keeps ahead of everything. Life is returning to normal, so here we go picking up where we left off in our trip...)
We had a bit of a restless night DS is feeling under the weather, and didnt sleep too well. He spends the night coughing and flopping - scratching at what now appears to be a rash of some type.
Is there anything worse than a sick child at Disney World?
He coughed more regularly just before he woke up, and we werent certain what the day would bring.
We had planned to be up at 7:00 and out by 8:15 to catch the bus to Epcot though since the ride isnt quite as long as the trip to MK, we can afford to be a little late. We woke before the alarm, and thought we might just let him sleep in.
At 7:12 the alarm in the neighbouring room was going off (I thought these walls were made of concrete? ) and no one was home. They checked out yesterday... How convenient!
Luckily DS keep snoring through it, but we called the front desk to let them know and hopefully send out someone correct the problem. It was about 59 when we woke up, forecast of 72. I chose shorts and a tee and checked my choices with a trip to the foodcourt to grab coffee and hot chocolate. I felt fine, and back in the room, DS was lethargic watching classic Disney cartoons but said he felt a little okay.
Ya gotta love the little guy - He's a trooper!
He got dressed at 8 and we were ready to go by 8:15, at the bus stop by 8:20, the bus arrived at 8:30. A quick ride and were at Epcot by 8:40. More people here than last years trip, (we were a week earlier last year) and there's more construction surrounding some of the entrance turnstiles. We were let in by 8:50, and DW went to rent the stroller.
Now its not a EMH today - but why is there only one CM working - ??? Cmon Disney spring for another CM to speed things up!! This is the same station to get strollers and wheelchairs etc - it's a bottle neck!! (Okay, Rant over)
The holiday character bus arrived to open the park, and the day began!! We chose to walk to Test Track first, and walked right on. Mom commented that it would be interesting to linger more in the queue and check out the props and exhibits etc, but we agreed wed never be caught in that line when it required a wait like that
DS was a little concerned when he heard the cars whizzing overhead outside, but was brave and got in the middle of us in the backseat, and took off his hat and put on his earplugs. WOO HOO!! What a rush!! And what a way to start the day!! Mom said she had her eyes closed the entire time, but not DS!! He said afterward (one his grin wore off...) that it was really fun!! I gotta agree!
Mom went to find a washroom, so I watched as DS played in the magic fountain in front of Test Track. He just loves these things! He did the same thing last year , and back in 2001 when we stayed at Vistana Villages and had a fountain in the pool - we couldn't get him out of it!!
Luckily he didnt get too wet. It was a beautiful morning, clear skies and getting warm. (Thats good, cuz, its supposed to get close to freezing in the next couple of days BOO!!
We checked out the sights in Innoventions East, and recorded a D-mail. DS enjoyed the Disney computer games. We exited and thought wed take a peak at Mouse Works and see what they had to offer. Mom found a track-type jacket, and several shirts; DS found an Epcot Mickey mini-basketball that he really wanted, and I saw a shirt or two that I liked (and a hat too!!)
We managed to convince DS that wed come back after our day and were able to pull him away from the Stitch toys, and over to Innovaentions West on our way to see Figment. DS liked the air balls on display and had fun playing with the CM selling them!! - it's a big part of the magic for us - having CM's as vendors willing to play with kids and act goofy with them just because.
Something tells me we should all be more like that...
We all enjoyed Figments ride (but not the skunk smell )
It was almost 11:00, so we started over to Norway to ride Maelstrom but first it was Margarita time!!
If you recall, last year we had a horrible experience at Epcot one morning. DS had a meltdown, we kept losing DW and Auntie K, and generally didn't get anything accomplished. Until we hit Mexico and picked up those refreshingly simple but oh so necessary Margaritas!! Our day got much better from that point onward.
This year we didn't plan much - so we had nothing to screw up!!
DS is a little off - which could go either way for his tempermant (luckily it seems we're winning this year) but I'm a firm believer in playing it safe - if it ain't broke- don't fix it!
Following this logic - If your Epcot day is going well, add a margarita - what could it hurt?
Ahhhhh, Now that really makes the boat ride special and those trolls disappear!! WOO HOO!! It also leaves me with fonder memories of Norway than I probably should have...
But I digress... We watched the film on Norway and then started DS's quest of Kidcot stations and mask making. We picked up an Epcot Passport for him to get stamped at each country. A good momento, and educational too!!
He coloured his entire mask in Norway and then we headed to Mexico. Dad was feeling the margarita so we had lunch first before going into Mexico. DS and I played a movie character guessing game and watched the birds as we sat along the railing waiting for mom and the food.
We checked out the Mexican Kidcot station then rode Tiempo. A pleasant boat ride through Mexicos history.
Off to Canada we go! Caught some of Pere Noel and checked out the shops. DS got his stamp, and we visited with Kerri a CM from Vancouver. I enjoy visiting with the CM's from our homeland - they'ree usually a little homesick - especially just before Christmas.
Watched a little of Off Kilter, its always a great show, and youd be able to hear them all over Epcot, as wed find out later!!
United Kingdom found us getting another stamp, and pictures with Pooh and Rabbit together!! Outside Mary Poppins was posing too, so Mom and DS met her and I took some pics. The smell of real fish and chips was powerful, and if we hadnt just eaten wed have stopped for sure!!
Over the bridges, and off to France we go!!
Found the Kidcot station, got the stamp and saw Belle and the Beast, got pictures with them in the Library. (At least I thought I did - focus all blurry! Oh well, guess we have to come back again...
)
Into Morroco and we met Princess Jasmine and Aladdin after getting the stamp on DSs mask. Jasmine made a big fuss over his Sorcerer's hat - and he got a kick out of that! We watched the drummers in Japan - Wow! Those are some talented (and powerful) women!!), and finally found the Kidcot station in the rear of the shops DS and Mom found some Yu-gi-oh cards (Huge hit with him right now - all the kids at school collect them), and he chose which set hed purchase with his money. Finished watching the drummers (wow again!!) and walked to Italy where we got the next stamp.
At the US pavilion we got DSs stamp and watched as Santa and Mrs Claus were getting ready to greet the kiddies. Saw the workers prepping the Theatre for the Candlelight Processional, and continued to Germany saw the mini trains, and watched them for awhile. I think I could spend a beautiful lazy afternoon just watching the little village and the trains go around, and around, and around...
DW and DS visited the Kidcot station, then he and I sat and opened his cards while mom went to find a Christmas pickle in one of the shops its a German Christmas tradition I don't have a clue! ask Auntie K something the two of them saw last year, that DW just had to have...
If we can count, and I'm reasonab;ly certain we can - DS has only China left to complete his mask but unfortunately - not right now
It was time to head back to Future World and our surprise for DS. Around the world AGAIN, and up another ramp (can you say calves of steel??) and into the Land and up to the Garden Grill. I've reserved seats for Mickey's Ice Cream Social at 3:20!!
We checked in, and waited a minute for our table. Were seated and quickly saw Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale walking around.
Our ice creams were brought out momentarily 
WOW!! A waffle cone, filled with vanilla ice cream, stuck to a huge chocolate chip cookie which was stuck to the plate with even more chocolate with sprinkles, and two gummie worms!! Can you say sweet tooth? DS had the same, except his cone was inverted onto the cookie. Mmmmmmmm.
Chip came by first and posed (grabbed DSs arms and held them out really wide!!) and signed the book, then Pluto came by and licked DS's face, tried to steal his hat and generally made him feel at home.
Mickey came by and said Hi too, Then Dale stopped in for pictures, then Pluto came back and goofed around some more!! They (Pluto Chip and Dale) played music on the neighbouring tables with the spare utensils, and danced with the little girls there. Chip came back and sat down for a pic with dad and wished us Happy Holidays!! in our autograph book
DS is still talking about his afternoon ice cream with Pluto! I think he forgot about feeling under the weather, and got lost in the fun and silliness. This is why we keep coming back...
While we are here, we decide to watch the Living with the Land movie, then returned to the World Showcase to wait for the Candlelight Processional that was to start at 5:00. Headed around Canada way, and by the time we got to the theatre, the seats were filling up fast,and the stand by line snaked a long long way.
What a difference a week makes with attendance here before Christmas!!
We decided to skip it this year (we saw it last year - we'll see it again, I'm sure), and kept trekking to China. DS met Mulan, finished his passport and masks, and received his special poster. We walked back to the Mouse Works store and spent way too much on souvineirs and clothing
Go figure...
We chose to close our day with a journey into Spaceship Earth. DS had to stop and play one last time in the fountains) I really enjoyed the trip through the history of man and DS was glad there were no drops after he rode the incline up up up into the ride.
It was dusk now, and it seemed like the perfect time to head back to the hotel. We returned the stroller and walked to the bus stop, commenting on how well the day went for us considering how DS felt this morning.
Got back to the hotel, and picked up food at the foodcourt chicken ceaser salad for me, Enchladas for DW, and DS, whose appetite isnt great yet decided on some cheese and crackers with grapes..
On our way to the room we checked the pool temperature. The night was cooling off, and the mist coming off the waters' surface was enticing. We decided to stop at the room and eat, then visit the pool. We swam for a little while, with DS enjoying the water. Getting out of the pool was a shock to the system as the temperature was starting to fall quite quickly now!
Bedtime came soon after, and all were asleep by 9:00.
P.S.
We weren't certain what the day would bring, or how long DS would be able to last - but he did a fantastic job, and we saw a lot of Epcot without "doing" much. It wasn't a 'ride' day by any means - but somewhere within all the walking I think we captured alot of special memories.
Link to my pictures from the trip!!
Link to Part 6...
Sorry for the gap between reports - FIL has been back in for more surgery (he's doing great, again! Somehow he keeps ahead of everything. Life is returning to normal, so here we go picking up where we left off in our trip...)
We had a bit of a restless night DS is feeling under the weather, and didnt sleep too well. He spends the night coughing and flopping - scratching at what now appears to be a rash of some type.
Is there anything worse than a sick child at Disney World?
He coughed more regularly just before he woke up, and we werent certain what the day would bring.
We had planned to be up at 7:00 and out by 8:15 to catch the bus to Epcot though since the ride isnt quite as long as the trip to MK, we can afford to be a little late. We woke before the alarm, and thought we might just let him sleep in.
At 7:12 the alarm in the neighbouring room was going off (I thought these walls were made of concrete? ) and no one was home. They checked out yesterday... How convenient!
Luckily DS keep snoring through it, but we called the front desk to let them know and hopefully send out someone correct the problem. It was about 59 when we woke up, forecast of 72. I chose shorts and a tee and checked my choices with a trip to the foodcourt to grab coffee and hot chocolate. I felt fine, and back in the room, DS was lethargic watching classic Disney cartoons but said he felt a little okay.
Ya gotta love the little guy - He's a trooper!
He got dressed at 8 and we were ready to go by 8:15, at the bus stop by 8:20, the bus arrived at 8:30. A quick ride and were at Epcot by 8:40. More people here than last years trip, (we were a week earlier last year) and there's more construction surrounding some of the entrance turnstiles. We were let in by 8:50, and DW went to rent the stroller.
Now its not a EMH today - but why is there only one CM working - ??? Cmon Disney spring for another CM to speed things up!! This is the same station to get strollers and wheelchairs etc - it's a bottle neck!! (Okay, Rant over)
The holiday character bus arrived to open the park, and the day began!! We chose to walk to Test Track first, and walked right on. Mom commented that it would be interesting to linger more in the queue and check out the props and exhibits etc, but we agreed wed never be caught in that line when it required a wait like that
DS was a little concerned when he heard the cars whizzing overhead outside, but was brave and got in the middle of us in the backseat, and took off his hat and put on his earplugs. WOO HOO!! What a rush!! And what a way to start the day!! Mom said she had her eyes closed the entire time, but not DS!! He said afterward (one his grin wore off...) that it was really fun!! I gotta agree!
Mom went to find a washroom, so I watched as DS played in the magic fountain in front of Test Track. He just loves these things! He did the same thing last year , and back in 2001 when we stayed at Vistana Villages and had a fountain in the pool - we couldn't get him out of it!!
Luckily he didnt get too wet. It was a beautiful morning, clear skies and getting warm. (Thats good, cuz, its supposed to get close to freezing in the next couple of days BOO!!
We checked out the sights in Innoventions East, and recorded a D-mail. DS enjoyed the Disney computer games. We exited and thought wed take a peak at Mouse Works and see what they had to offer. Mom found a track-type jacket, and several shirts; DS found an Epcot Mickey mini-basketball that he really wanted, and I saw a shirt or two that I liked (and a hat too!!)
We managed to convince DS that wed come back after our day and were able to pull him away from the Stitch toys, and over to Innovaentions West on our way to see Figment. DS liked the air balls on display and had fun playing with the CM selling them!! - it's a big part of the magic for us - having CM's as vendors willing to play with kids and act goofy with them just because.
Something tells me we should all be more like that...
We all enjoyed Figments ride (but not the skunk smell )
It was almost 11:00, so we started over to Norway to ride Maelstrom but first it was Margarita time!!
If you recall, last year we had a horrible experience at Epcot one morning. DS had a meltdown, we kept losing DW and Auntie K, and generally didn't get anything accomplished. Until we hit Mexico and picked up those refreshingly simple but oh so necessary Margaritas!! Our day got much better from that point onward.
This year we didn't plan much - so we had nothing to screw up!!
DS is a little off - which could go either way for his tempermant (luckily it seems we're winning this year) but I'm a firm believer in playing it safe - if it ain't broke- don't fix it!Following this logic - If your Epcot day is going well, add a margarita - what could it hurt?
Ahhhhh, Now that really makes the boat ride special and those trolls disappear!! WOO HOO!! It also leaves me with fonder memories of Norway than I probably should have...
But I digress... We watched the film on Norway and then started DS's quest of Kidcot stations and mask making. We picked up an Epcot Passport for him to get stamped at each country. A good momento, and educational too!!
He coloured his entire mask in Norway and then we headed to Mexico. Dad was feeling the margarita so we had lunch first before going into Mexico. DS and I played a movie character guessing game and watched the birds as we sat along the railing waiting for mom and the food.
We checked out the Mexican Kidcot station then rode Tiempo. A pleasant boat ride through Mexicos history.
Off to Canada we go! Caught some of Pere Noel and checked out the shops. DS got his stamp, and we visited with Kerri a CM from Vancouver. I enjoy visiting with the CM's from our homeland - they'ree usually a little homesick - especially just before Christmas.
Watched a little of Off Kilter, its always a great show, and youd be able to hear them all over Epcot, as wed find out later!!
United Kingdom found us getting another stamp, and pictures with Pooh and Rabbit together!! Outside Mary Poppins was posing too, so Mom and DS met her and I took some pics. The smell of real fish and chips was powerful, and if we hadnt just eaten wed have stopped for sure!!
Over the bridges, and off to France we go!!
Found the Kidcot station, got the stamp and saw Belle and the Beast, got pictures with them in the Library. (At least I thought I did - focus all blurry! Oh well, guess we have to come back again...
)Into Morroco and we met Princess Jasmine and Aladdin after getting the stamp on DSs mask. Jasmine made a big fuss over his Sorcerer's hat - and he got a kick out of that! We watched the drummers in Japan - Wow! Those are some talented (and powerful) women!!), and finally found the Kidcot station in the rear of the shops DS and Mom found some Yu-gi-oh cards (Huge hit with him right now - all the kids at school collect them), and he chose which set hed purchase with his money. Finished watching the drummers (wow again!!) and walked to Italy where we got the next stamp.
At the US pavilion we got DSs stamp and watched as Santa and Mrs Claus were getting ready to greet the kiddies. Saw the workers prepping the Theatre for the Candlelight Processional, and continued to Germany saw the mini trains, and watched them for awhile. I think I could spend a beautiful lazy afternoon just watching the little village and the trains go around, and around, and around...
DW and DS visited the Kidcot station, then he and I sat and opened his cards while mom went to find a Christmas pickle in one of the shops its a German Christmas tradition I don't have a clue! ask Auntie K something the two of them saw last year, that DW just had to have...
If we can count, and I'm reasonab;ly certain we can - DS has only China left to complete his mask but unfortunately - not right now
It was time to head back to Future World and our surprise for DS. Around the world AGAIN, and up another ramp (can you say calves of steel??) and into the Land and up to the Garden Grill. I've reserved seats for Mickey's Ice Cream Social at 3:20!!
We checked in, and waited a minute for our table. Were seated and quickly saw Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale walking around.
Our ice creams were brought out momentarily
WOW!! A waffle cone, filled with vanilla ice cream, stuck to a huge chocolate chip cookie which was stuck to the plate with even more chocolate with sprinkles, and two gummie worms!! Can you say sweet tooth? DS had the same, except his cone was inverted onto the cookie. Mmmmmmmm.Chip came by first and posed (grabbed DSs arms and held them out really wide!!) and signed the book, then Pluto came by and licked DS's face, tried to steal his hat and generally made him feel at home.
Mickey came by and said Hi too, Then Dale stopped in for pictures, then Pluto came back and goofed around some more!! They (Pluto Chip and Dale) played music on the neighbouring tables with the spare utensils, and danced with the little girls there. Chip came back and sat down for a pic with dad and wished us Happy Holidays!! in our autograph book
DS is still talking about his afternoon ice cream with Pluto! I think he forgot about feeling under the weather, and got lost in the fun and silliness. This is why we keep coming back...
While we are here, we decide to watch the Living with the Land movie, then returned to the World Showcase to wait for the Candlelight Processional that was to start at 5:00. Headed around Canada way, and by the time we got to the theatre, the seats were filling up fast,and the stand by line snaked a long long way.
What a difference a week makes with attendance here before Christmas!!
We decided to skip it this year (we saw it last year - we'll see it again, I'm sure), and kept trekking to China. DS met Mulan, finished his passport and masks, and received his special poster. We walked back to the Mouse Works store and spent way too much on souvineirs and clothing
Go figure...We chose to close our day with a journey into Spaceship Earth. DS had to stop and play one last time in the fountains) I really enjoyed the trip through the history of man and DS was glad there were no drops after he rode the incline up up up into the ride.
It was dusk now, and it seemed like the perfect time to head back to the hotel. We returned the stroller and walked to the bus stop, commenting on how well the day went for us considering how DS felt this morning.
Got back to the hotel, and picked up food at the foodcourt chicken ceaser salad for me, Enchladas for DW, and DS, whose appetite isnt great yet decided on some cheese and crackers with grapes..
On our way to the room we checked the pool temperature. The night was cooling off, and the mist coming off the waters' surface was enticing. We decided to stop at the room and eat, then visit the pool. We swam for a little while, with DS enjoying the water. Getting out of the pool was a shock to the system as the temperature was starting to fall quite quickly now!
Bedtime came soon after, and all were asleep by 9:00.
P.S.
We weren't certain what the day would bring, or how long DS would be able to last - but he did a fantastic job, and we saw a lot of Epcot without "doing" much. It wasn't a 'ride' day by any means - but somewhere within all the walking I think we captured alot of special memories.
Link to my pictures from the trip!!
Link to Part 6...
