DisneyCP2002
<font color=deeppink>I always am excited when 7 pm
- Joined
- May 30, 2002
- Messages
- 6,996
Day Six: December 16, 2003 pt1
The Plan: Undiscovered Future World tour, Garden Grill for lunch, Candlelight Processional with dinner at Rose & Crown
The phone woke me up at 7:30 just like I had set it and I was dressed and out the door by 8:15. The Epcot bus was waiting on me when I arrived and I made it to the gates by 8:30. I got through security and got into the right line for those going to the tour. I got to Guest relations a little early and had time to check out somethings while waiting for the rest of the group.
Undiscovered FutureWorld Tour Report!
The tour starts exactly at 9 am in front of guest relations. You will go through a special line to get into the park early so you can make it there by 9. They will check your name off the list and if you haven't already pre-paid then you will pay then also. They will give you a name tag and tell you to make sure you have it on at all times especially when you go backstage.
The first thing of the tour you will do is read a quote of Walt's and then listen to your guide tell you a little bit about the meaning of it. Then you are asked to do something silly. We were made to stand in a line, take two steps forward into the future and then you must as well take one step back into the past.
We made our way to Innoventions next where we learned about walt's dream of the future and how he wished he could build a community where people's houses would be open and he would install these new gadgets in those houses to be on display. While in Innoventions we took the House of Innoventions tour. Our guide asked each of us to pick our favorite room and at the end tell her why we chose that room. I think most of all us picked the bathroom because of that tub with a wide screen tv built in LOL
Next we made our way toward the east(I think) side of the future world. We stepped inside the building to the right of innoventions east that usually is vacant unless for special occassions. If you've never been inside this building you will be impressed by the pictures along the far wall toward world showcase. The pictures lead you through the span of Walt's career. His dreams and plans for everything including Mickey Mouse. In here we learned about his vision for Epcot and also about how the imagineers tried their best to live up to that dream.
When we exited the building we came to the big circle heading toward the pavillions. Our guide told us about how the inner group of circles are connected to the outer circles that are close to it. I found it very interesting how some of the things that were connected you wouldn't in a million years believe they were.
After this we made our way to the Living Seas. We didn't go inside the main building but instead went backstage. We went up to the second floor where the lounge is and where special parties are held. I must say the view from those windows are magnificent. This used to be where the old sponsor for the living seas had it's lounge but it is now just used for parties and such.
We left here and made our way to the Land pavilion where we had our break. We were given about a 20 minute break to get refreshments and to just relax. When we met back up we went backstage again.
This time we went into one of the greenhouses and got a quick lesson. We walked past where they are constructing the new Soarin' ride which looks wonderful even in the begining stages. We were shown how they care for the different plants and were allowed to smell some of them which was nice. We also learned how we could make our own watering system at home. I plan on someday actually taking the behind the seeds tour.
After we finished at the Land it was time to move onto one of my two favorite stops in the trip. We went inside the gift shop of the Imagination pavilion and took a trip down memory lane. For many of you who visited this pavilion years ago you will remember the upstairs was where the imagination labs used to be. Well I'm happy to report their still up there and largely intact. We were able to see into the old rooms but weren't allowed into them. I also had a rare chance and got my picture taken with the big figment that is housed up on that floor. We also got to play with the old pin tables which was fun. I also found out an interesting tidbit, from the second floor you can see out into the jumping fountain area but did you ever look up during the day? If you have ever done that you haven't been able to see into the upstairs but if you do the same thing at night when the nights are shining up toward the second floor you will be able to see up there. I think that is a neat effect that's for sure.
Now that we had seen everything on the east side it was time to head over to the west side to finish our tour of the pavilions. The first stop on this portion of the tour was Universe of Energy. We mostly stood outside and chatted about the different types of energy and about how the pavilion has changed over the years.
We then moved on to the Wonders of Life pavilion and were told a few fascinationg facts. One of the ones that shocked me was that the pavilion will be going to seasonal opening starting in January. I really do like the pavilion and was glad that I had a chance to catch the rides again during this trip. We also got a glimpse at a couple of hidden mickey's inside the pavilion while we were talking.
Our next stop was the newest pavilion at Epcot. Due to the nature of the ride and limited space we weren't able to go inside to take a tour but we did get a good look at the simulator. We also went inside the gift shop and found a few hidden characters. As we exited she also allowed those who wanted to get fastpasses for later to get them.
We headed for Test Track and one of the last stops on the tour. We were on our way to costuming when she asked if all of us would like a special treat. She took us back through the special guest entrance and we rode Test Track without a wait. That was the best surprise of the trip and I'm glad some didn't decide not to ride.
We then made our way toward costuming which was a walk from the Test Track area. We first made a stop in the College/Internation trailer that also housed the book library. We got to listen to a young International student from China who had been there only a month. She really was nervous but it was interesting to hear about her experience.
We then made our way into costuming where we saw rows upon rows of costumes for almost everything in Epcot. They had hanging a complete Guest Relations outfit so we could see how all the pieces fit together. She also explained how the system they have differs from most of the other parks. The have castzooming, which is where they can get outfits for a few days in advance and then not have to come in and pick them out each day. This allows them to start work at exactly the specified time and leave at the specified time. We also got glimpses of some of the costumes being made.
We then went back down the hall where there were murals that had been done by cast members. That was a neat hallway because there were some many different designs. My two favorites was the mural done by engineering that had sound accompanied with it. The other was the costuming picture which was on the only corner of the hallway. One one side was the mice making Cinderella's gown(the process) and then the completed Gown from the Fairy Godmother.
The last part of the tour was spent walking to the docks where we would get to see some of the friendship boats and possibly the globe from Illuminations. As we got closer our guide also informed us that she had set aside seating for us by Italy for the night's performance of Illuminations and if we couldn't make that night's then she could make it where we would be allowed to go another night. At the dock we noticed that the globe was missing but that some of the boats were docked. She explained that this is where they were moored when not in use and the globe was kept here til late in the afternoon when it and the barges were moved out onto the lagoon.
We made the trek toward China to exit from backstage and she asked us to notice how the countries seemed closer together from the back then from the front. She explained that it was how the imagineers designed it to make it look farther than it was. I also noticed that Mexico and Test Track were alot closer backstage than onstage. That is mostly due to the fact that the Odessey Resturant is there as well.
When we reached China she told us how good of a tour group we had been. She also gave us our tour pin and said that if any of us were interested in eating in China we could get a discount of 20%. I had made reservations at the Garden Grill so I declined but waited around since she told me that she could take me back to the front via backstage.
After the tour was finished I made my way to the Garden Grill for my lunch reservation. On the way I did stop and make a few trades at the Pin area. I was seated quickly once I arrived at the Garden Grill and almost immediatly Chip showed up. Chip had to find someone to take our picture but we got that taken care of. All the characters made the rounds twice and I got a wonderful meal as well. I love this place!
Made a beeline to Food Rocks! afterwards since it will be closing soon. I will miss this show because it's so much fun. I guess they thought it was getting dated but I disagree. The show was less than half full so I choose to sit in the middle of a row for the best view.
Now I had some time to kill so I decided to use another of my vouchers I had received and get my photo taken for the leave a legacy tile. There was no line when I arrived so I got this over with in a little over 15 minutes. I am glad I did this because now I have a permanent marker in disney.
I also did Spaceship Earth while I was on this side. I love this ride and could ride through this numerous times without getting tired. I also love exploring the new ideas at the end of this ride, some of which I wish I had. It was getting close to time to head for UK so I bid farewell to future world.
Today's World showcase players show was King Arthur and the Holy Grail. I've seen this one so much that I know it by heart. It was fun though as always and the guy the picked to be king was fabulous. He really got into his role and had us laughing at how well he did. The interpreter did a superb job as always.
After the show ended I had to make my way to the American Gardens theater to line up for the Candlelight show at 6:45. There was no line when I arrived and they were about to seat the next American Adventure show so I did that first. I love this show and definetly could sit through it every single trip.
As I was making my way back to the pavillion they were letting people in. Since I was apart of the dinner package I got in immediatly. I had already asked to sit in the sign language section so I made my way over there. There was already people sitting there so it was nice to not be alone. The interpreter for this night's show was Tara and she was wonderful. She is another awesome interpreter that really got into her role. I am so glad I did this on my last night of my trip. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
After the show was over I made my way directly to Rose & Crown. I had a back up plan just in case I wasn't seated outside but I was lucky enough to get a table right along the railing. They had closed the curtains due to keeping the warmth in and also the rain out. My food was delicious and at 9:20 they let the curtains up and we were able to step down onto the lower patio and watch the show from there. I had a wonderful view of Illuminations and I got teared up as usual. I love this show.
After it was over I slowly made my way back out of the park. I lingered in the lights of wonder area watching them change colors and just enjoying the time. I wish I could visit every christmas because I really miss the atmosphere.
Back to Pop Century to pack and finish last minute things before check out in the morning. Made couple of phone calls to arrange baggage pickup, express check out, and wake up call and then went to bed.
Best Moment(s): Candlelight Processional
Worst Moment(s): None
The Plan: Undiscovered Future World tour, Garden Grill for lunch, Candlelight Processional with dinner at Rose & Crown
The phone woke me up at 7:30 just like I had set it and I was dressed and out the door by 8:15. The Epcot bus was waiting on me when I arrived and I made it to the gates by 8:30. I got through security and got into the right line for those going to the tour. I got to Guest relations a little early and had time to check out somethings while waiting for the rest of the group.
Undiscovered FutureWorld Tour Report!
The tour starts exactly at 9 am in front of guest relations. You will go through a special line to get into the park early so you can make it there by 9. They will check your name off the list and if you haven't already pre-paid then you will pay then also. They will give you a name tag and tell you to make sure you have it on at all times especially when you go backstage.
The first thing of the tour you will do is read a quote of Walt's and then listen to your guide tell you a little bit about the meaning of it. Then you are asked to do something silly. We were made to stand in a line, take two steps forward into the future and then you must as well take one step back into the past.
We made our way to Innoventions next where we learned about walt's dream of the future and how he wished he could build a community where people's houses would be open and he would install these new gadgets in those houses to be on display. While in Innoventions we took the House of Innoventions tour. Our guide asked each of us to pick our favorite room and at the end tell her why we chose that room. I think most of all us picked the bathroom because of that tub with a wide screen tv built in LOL
Next we made our way toward the east(I think) side of the future world. We stepped inside the building to the right of innoventions east that usually is vacant unless for special occassions. If you've never been inside this building you will be impressed by the pictures along the far wall toward world showcase. The pictures lead you through the span of Walt's career. His dreams and plans for everything including Mickey Mouse. In here we learned about his vision for Epcot and also about how the imagineers tried their best to live up to that dream.
When we exited the building we came to the big circle heading toward the pavillions. Our guide told us about how the inner group of circles are connected to the outer circles that are close to it. I found it very interesting how some of the things that were connected you wouldn't in a million years believe they were.
After this we made our way to the Living Seas. We didn't go inside the main building but instead went backstage. We went up to the second floor where the lounge is and where special parties are held. I must say the view from those windows are magnificent. This used to be where the old sponsor for the living seas had it's lounge but it is now just used for parties and such.
We left here and made our way to the Land pavilion where we had our break. We were given about a 20 minute break to get refreshments and to just relax. When we met back up we went backstage again.
This time we went into one of the greenhouses and got a quick lesson. We walked past where they are constructing the new Soarin' ride which looks wonderful even in the begining stages. We were shown how they care for the different plants and were allowed to smell some of them which was nice. We also learned how we could make our own watering system at home. I plan on someday actually taking the behind the seeds tour.
After we finished at the Land it was time to move onto one of my two favorite stops in the trip. We went inside the gift shop of the Imagination pavilion and took a trip down memory lane. For many of you who visited this pavilion years ago you will remember the upstairs was where the imagination labs used to be. Well I'm happy to report their still up there and largely intact. We were able to see into the old rooms but weren't allowed into them. I also had a rare chance and got my picture taken with the big figment that is housed up on that floor. We also got to play with the old pin tables which was fun. I also found out an interesting tidbit, from the second floor you can see out into the jumping fountain area but did you ever look up during the day? If you have ever done that you haven't been able to see into the upstairs but if you do the same thing at night when the nights are shining up toward the second floor you will be able to see up there. I think that is a neat effect that's for sure.
Now that we had seen everything on the east side it was time to head over to the west side to finish our tour of the pavilions. The first stop on this portion of the tour was Universe of Energy. We mostly stood outside and chatted about the different types of energy and about how the pavilion has changed over the years.
We then moved on to the Wonders of Life pavilion and were told a few fascinationg facts. One of the ones that shocked me was that the pavilion will be going to seasonal opening starting in January. I really do like the pavilion and was glad that I had a chance to catch the rides again during this trip. We also got a glimpse at a couple of hidden mickey's inside the pavilion while we were talking.
Our next stop was the newest pavilion at Epcot. Due to the nature of the ride and limited space we weren't able to go inside to take a tour but we did get a good look at the simulator. We also went inside the gift shop and found a few hidden characters. As we exited she also allowed those who wanted to get fastpasses for later to get them.
We headed for Test Track and one of the last stops on the tour. We were on our way to costuming when she asked if all of us would like a special treat. She took us back through the special guest entrance and we rode Test Track without a wait. That was the best surprise of the trip and I'm glad some didn't decide not to ride.
We then made our way toward costuming which was a walk from the Test Track area. We first made a stop in the College/Internation trailer that also housed the book library. We got to listen to a young International student from China who had been there only a month. She really was nervous but it was interesting to hear about her experience.
We then made our way into costuming where we saw rows upon rows of costumes for almost everything in Epcot. They had hanging a complete Guest Relations outfit so we could see how all the pieces fit together. She also explained how the system they have differs from most of the other parks. The have castzooming, which is where they can get outfits for a few days in advance and then not have to come in and pick them out each day. This allows them to start work at exactly the specified time and leave at the specified time. We also got glimpses of some of the costumes being made.
We then went back down the hall where there were murals that had been done by cast members. That was a neat hallway because there were some many different designs. My two favorites was the mural done by engineering that had sound accompanied with it. The other was the costuming picture which was on the only corner of the hallway. One one side was the mice making Cinderella's gown(the process) and then the completed Gown from the Fairy Godmother.
The last part of the tour was spent walking to the docks where we would get to see some of the friendship boats and possibly the globe from Illuminations. As we got closer our guide also informed us that she had set aside seating for us by Italy for the night's performance of Illuminations and if we couldn't make that night's then she could make it where we would be allowed to go another night. At the dock we noticed that the globe was missing but that some of the boats were docked. She explained that this is where they were moored when not in use and the globe was kept here til late in the afternoon when it and the barges were moved out onto the lagoon.
We made the trek toward China to exit from backstage and she asked us to notice how the countries seemed closer together from the back then from the front. She explained that it was how the imagineers designed it to make it look farther than it was. I also noticed that Mexico and Test Track were alot closer backstage than onstage. That is mostly due to the fact that the Odessey Resturant is there as well.
When we reached China she told us how good of a tour group we had been. She also gave us our tour pin and said that if any of us were interested in eating in China we could get a discount of 20%. I had made reservations at the Garden Grill so I declined but waited around since she told me that she could take me back to the front via backstage.
After the tour was finished I made my way to the Garden Grill for my lunch reservation. On the way I did stop and make a few trades at the Pin area. I was seated quickly once I arrived at the Garden Grill and almost immediatly Chip showed up. Chip had to find someone to take our picture but we got that taken care of. All the characters made the rounds twice and I got a wonderful meal as well. I love this place!
Made a beeline to Food Rocks! afterwards since it will be closing soon. I will miss this show because it's so much fun. I guess they thought it was getting dated but I disagree. The show was less than half full so I choose to sit in the middle of a row for the best view.
Now I had some time to kill so I decided to use another of my vouchers I had received and get my photo taken for the leave a legacy tile. There was no line when I arrived so I got this over with in a little over 15 minutes. I am glad I did this because now I have a permanent marker in disney.
I also did Spaceship Earth while I was on this side. I love this ride and could ride through this numerous times without getting tired. I also love exploring the new ideas at the end of this ride, some of which I wish I had. It was getting close to time to head for UK so I bid farewell to future world.
Today's World showcase players show was King Arthur and the Holy Grail. I've seen this one so much that I know it by heart. It was fun though as always and the guy the picked to be king was fabulous. He really got into his role and had us laughing at how well he did. The interpreter did a superb job as always.
After the show ended I had to make my way to the American Gardens theater to line up for the Candlelight show at 6:45. There was no line when I arrived and they were about to seat the next American Adventure show so I did that first. I love this show and definetly could sit through it every single trip.
As I was making my way back to the pavillion they were letting people in. Since I was apart of the dinner package I got in immediatly. I had already asked to sit in the sign language section so I made my way over there. There was already people sitting there so it was nice to not be alone. The interpreter for this night's show was Tara and she was wonderful. She is another awesome interpreter that really got into her role. I am so glad I did this on my last night of my trip. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
After the show was over I made my way directly to Rose & Crown. I had a back up plan just in case I wasn't seated outside but I was lucky enough to get a table right along the railing. They had closed the curtains due to keeping the warmth in and also the rain out. My food was delicious and at 9:20 they let the curtains up and we were able to step down onto the lower patio and watch the show from there. I had a wonderful view of Illuminations and I got teared up as usual. I love this show.
After it was over I slowly made my way back out of the park. I lingered in the lights of wonder area watching them change colors and just enjoying the time. I wish I could visit every christmas because I really miss the atmosphere.
Back to Pop Century to pack and finish last minute things before check out in the morning. Made couple of phone calls to arrange baggage pickup, express check out, and wake up call and then went to bed.
Best Moment(s): Candlelight Processional
Worst Moment(s): None
