Author's note: This is the continuing saga of our trip in September. Yes, I realize this is January. Very sorry about that.
Me: 33, fifth WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, first-timer
Up and at em pal! Oh boy, are we glad youre here. Big doings going on, so lets get started. See you real soon ha ha!
Mickeys obviously had his coffee this morning. But we havent. So I turn on the coffeemaker and gently wake my sleeping husband. Our first full day! Mickey says big doings. Do you hear me? BIG DOINGS! Not sure exactly what that is, but he seemed pretty excited about it, so get up, Dan. Disney World is not for the weary.
Dan discovers the Disney channel while Im showering. He rushes into the bathroom, all excited. Are we going to Blizzard Beach? Because it looks really cool! I told him hes seen too much and he no longer has Disney channel privileges. How can I keep the element of surprise going if hes learning all about it beforehand? Dan bows his head and walks back into the other room to turn off the television.
Showered and full of coffee, Dan asks where were going and if he should bring the camera. Youll see, and always bring your camera, were the responses. Pal Mickey and camera in tow, we set off to the main tower to catch the monorail.
Waiting at the Contemporary monorail platform, I gently approach a CM and ask if we may ride the front car when it arrives. He looks at me and says, What do you want? I repeat the question and he asks, You want it what? I repeat the question again, even nicer than the first time, wondering why he doesnt understand me. You want to ride up front what? I smack myself on the forehead and say, please! He grins. Thats the magic word I was looking for, then, Of course you may, if its available. I shake my head, unable to believe that it took THAT much to get a please out of me. I know my mom taught me better than that.
Lucky for Dan and I that no one else is riding up front. The cast member escorts us to the front and I say, Thank you, please. He rolls his eyes and tells Dan that he created a monster. Dan mentions that I was already a monster to begin with. Nice. This is the man Im spending the rest of my life with. Elizabeth the monorail driver then comes in and gives us a very pleasant trip to the TTC. She even gave us a co-pilot card when the trip was over. Nice way to start the day!
The monorail dumps us off at the TTC and I lead Dan back up the Epcot monorail ramp. He is confused that were getting back on the thing we just got off and asks where were going, but I give a nondescript answer and lead him to the next train.
One of my favorite sights is when Spaceship Earth comes into view on the monorail. Its so massive and welcoming. I love it mostly because Epcot is my favorite park, but I still think that it begs the eyes attention. I just hate, however, that they cluttered it up with the big cheesy EPCOT sign and Mickey hand. Really detracts from the beauty and simplicity of the globe.
Pal Mickey vibrates. Oh boy! Epcot! Were going to have lots of fun here! I am vibrating with excitement myself. I cannot wait to try Mission: Space. But as we enter the park, the masses are swarming to the left side of the globe. Ah crap. Well, Dan looks like were heading right. Thats okay, while theyre waiting all morning for Test Track and Mission: Space, well have Living With the Land all to ourselves. We pass Spaceship Earth and Pal Mickey vibrates again. Were next to Spaceship Earth. Some folks think it looks like a giant golf ball, but youd have to be over a mile tall to play golf with it. I dont know about you, but if I were a mile tall, Id be playing basketball! Okay, interesting and mildly amusing this time. Perhaps Mickey knows its my favorite park and hes being a little gentler with the jokes.
There are four other people in the Honey, I Shrunk The Audience show. So we KNEW it was a prerecorded film during the part when we see ourselves on camera and the theatre was full! Disney thinks theyre so sneaky. When the show is over, Dan needs a cigarette. Finding a place to smoke became an adventure for Dan at times. Reading the map didnt always help. And Pal Mickey apparently doesnt encourage his habit, because he never vibrated once when we hit a designated smoking area. Say pal, this looks like a GRRREAT place to burn one! Ha ha! But maybe since Im a nonsmoker and the Official Pal Mickey Handler, he doesnt realize this info would be helpful to us at times. The sooner Dan finds a smoking spot, the sooner we can move along to the next Big Thing.
Craving temporarily satiated, we move on to Living With The Land. For some strange and sick reason, there is a bit of a wait for this attraction. While waiting in line, the couple behind us were complaining about Mission: Space and how sick it made them feel. I tried to distract Dan from listening so I told him how awesome Living With The Land was. Perhaps I built it up too much, because he didnt seem too impressed when it was over. I definitely blame that on the couple behind us. Well, theres always the Living Seas! And if he isnt impressed with that either, there isnt much hope hell fall in love with Epcot.
On to Living With The Seas! I mean, The Living Seas. Why Dan isnt gaga with this pavilion either is beyond me. I walk next to the manatee tank and Pal Mickey vibrates. Long ago, sailors used to confuse manatees with mermaids. Wow, I think the sailors needed GLASSES! I actually laugh out loud this time. Mickey can be funny when he isnt trying so hard.
By now Im convinced Dan is hating Epcot. So its time to take him to a REAL attraction. I lead him to the other side of Future World. Welcome Dan, to the Universe of Energy. The fact that you cannot stand Ellen Degeneres will make this attraction all the better, Im sure. But the real surprise was that walking out, Dan said he actually liked it, and that he needed another cigarette. Well, the cigarette part wasnt so surprising. While waiting (once again) for Dan to burn another one, Pal Mickey informs me that besides people and buildings, we are looking at something the dinosaurs never saw grass. He said that grass came around long after the dinosaurs became extinct, and thats how we know that they never played golf. Wait a minute, are you trying to tell me that the dinosaurs never played GOLF? Are you sure? Checkers maybe, he adds. but not golf. What about pinochle?
The whirr of Test Track is really getting Dans attention. Are we going on that next? Are we? His twelve-year-old side is coming out again. Must have been that last cigarette. I look at my watch. No baby, I tell him. Its time for lunch. He slumps over and wearily follows me to World Showcase. I am really loving this control! Is that so wrong?
Pal Mickey is LOVING World Showcase. Hes going off every 10 feet or so, spewing out foreign words and phrases, as well as tons of history and trivia. I am falling in love with him at this point, and actually finding him worth the money. As we walk along and listen to the music from the different countries, I hold Pal Mickey and clap his hands along with the beat. Dan gives me a look and asks, Are you twelve? He should talk!
Lunch at the Tangerine Café. I love Moroccan food, but Dan doesnt. However he has been extremely agreeable this trip so far, so I take advantage of his charitable ways and lead him into the restaurant. I order my vegetarian plate, he orders a chicken sandwich and we sit down to eat. The next thing I know hes making loud yummy noises and saying the wacky spread on his sandwich (hummus) was incredible, and that he was really enjoying his lunch. Glad I dragged him there! Although he wont shut up about it throughout the entire meal.
After lunch we walked into Morocco. Bad news for us, we run into Jafar. This guy is huge. He hisses at us with his snake cane and my 65 husband sprints out of Morocco. He scares me, Dan said, pointing in Jafars direction. I comfort him and gently lead him away from Morocco.
We meander around World Showcase and, although Dan is enjoying the tour, I know hes anxious to go on Test Track. So it was an abbreviated tour.
Meanwhile Im keeping an eye on the time because we had a 3pm PS for the Ice Cream Social. Months back, I made the mistake of telling Dan the name of this PS. He immediately told me he wasnt going because it sounded gay. I said that he was being led blindly around WDW anyway, so he had no choice about it. He said that when he walked into a room where a bunch of people were eating ice cream and talking about their day he would turn around and leave. So I had to be sneaky about getting him in the restaurant.
When we finished the World Showcase tour, it was time to head back to the Land pavilion. We already came here! he yelled when we approached the building. Why are we going back? What about Test Track? This was really lame! He seemed almost angry. I told him I wanted to go back on Living With The Land because it was such a cool ride. He wasnt too happy about it. I led him to the Garden Grill and told my very confused husband to sit down while I spoke with the hostess. I confirmed our PS (and rehitching ceremony tee hee!) and then sat down next to him. We just ate! he complains. Im not close to being hungry. He was pretty irritated. I just smiled at him and said to trust me, hoping he wouldnt remember about the ice cream social. They called our name and we were seated. Steve comes to our table and says, So, here for the Ice Cream Social? Oh, the look on Dans face was priceless; he was certainly caught off-guard. So THATS why were here, he says to me. Then Steve says, And were having a rehitching today? Dans look becomes more confused as I answered yes. Steve leaves the table and Farmer Mickey walks by. Mickey! we yell, holding up the camera. He waves and keeps walking. Farmer Chip walks by and at least has time for one quick picture before scurrying away. Steve returns about 4 degrees of a restaurant rotate later with a certificate and two other waiters. He makes us stand up and face the other six people in the restaurant and manages to get the attention of two of them. Dan stands, still confused. Steve informs the two folks that since we were married (how long ago? four years?) four years ago and none of them were invited to the wedding, we are having a rehitching ceremony today. I say I do, Dan says (enthusiastically, I might add) I DO! then we kiss to the count of 100. Actually Dan keeps kissing me. Steve eventually had to break us up. (Stupid Steve.) He writes our names on the certificate and brings us our ice cream. Dan apparently forgives me for dragging him to the Ice Cream Social as he dives into his dessert. Meanwhile, Im noticing that hardly anyone is coming around to our table, and Im beginning to question the social part of this PS. Farmer Mickey eventually walks around again and this time Im hoping for a stop. No luck, Mickeys very busy and gives a half-hearty wave (may as well been the finger) and keeps walking. Dude, where are you going? Theres like 9 people in this restaurant. We finish our ice cream and walk out. Its my turn to look confused, as I scratch my head pondering about the social aspect of this experience.
When we leave the Land pavilion, Dan begs the question, NOW is it time to see Test Track? I think the boy has earned it. We rush over to Test Track and Dan, the car nut, is taking pictures of the entire queuing area. Uhh, Dan we live in Detroit we can see this kind of stuff all over the city. No matter, the boy is excited and eagerly snapping away with his digital camera. So we finally get to the waiting area outside of Door 2 when a cast member announces that there is a problem with the cars, and that there will be a short delay. Actually, it was more like a 20-minute delay. Everyone groans and Dan mumbles, Im never going to ride this thing. The doors finally opened twenty minutes later and we were led inside. When we got into our car, Dan was getting very excited. Throughout the indoor portion of the attraction he kept saying how much he was enjoying it. But when we sped around the outdoor track, he was practically screaming with joy. We got off the ride and his twelve-year-old side came out again. That was so cool! Pal Mickey vibrated in my hand. Wow! That was fast! I thought my EARS were going to fly off! S-say pal h-how do they look? S-still round? A few steps later and Pal Mickey vibrated again. Lets go on that again, he says. except this time YOU steer and ILL work the pedals! Um, Mickey, youre like 12 inches high. Theres no way youll reach the pedals.
We have time for one more attraction before heading to our dinner PS. Well just head over to Mission: Space and wait 50 minutes50 MINUTES?!! Oh crap we dont have time for that kind of a wait. Sorry Dan, were going to have to save that for another day. So we jump back on Test Track before boarding the monorail back to the Contemporary.
Ive heard so much about Mousekeeping and all of the wonderful things they leave for their guests. So I was kind of excited to see our room when we returned. Well, our amazing mousekeeping lady managed to make the beds and give us fresh towels. But she kinda forgot to clean the coffeepot. I see she didnt forget to take the generous tip we left her.
We change in our room and head upstairs to the California Grill. Im dying to try it, especially as a vegetarian. Although we were a few minutes early for our PS, we end up waiting about 15 minutes before being seated. We get a window table, but unfortunately we do not face the castle. No matter, we get a lake view. Not sure if it was a bad night or if the restaurant is known for its relaxed timing, but it took us almost an hour to be fed. Dan was getting irritated because it had been well over 6 hours since the Ice Cream Social, and his blood sugar was steadily dropping. Fortunately, the food was fantastic when it did arrive. He had the filet, and I had a vegetarian sampler dish. Really top-notch food. And the flatbread was to DIE for. Around 8:55 we were invited to watch the fireworks from the lookout area. It was wonderful to see it at that height! Back inside the restaurant we see a colored speck of light in the lake. Is that the Electrical Water Pageant? Could this day get any better? It did, but thats none of your business.
Me: 33, fifth WDW trip
DH Dan: 36, first-timer
Up and at em pal! Oh boy, are we glad youre here. Big doings going on, so lets get started. See you real soon ha ha!
Mickeys obviously had his coffee this morning. But we havent. So I turn on the coffeemaker and gently wake my sleeping husband. Our first full day! Mickey says big doings. Do you hear me? BIG DOINGS! Not sure exactly what that is, but he seemed pretty excited about it, so get up, Dan. Disney World is not for the weary.
Dan discovers the Disney channel while Im showering. He rushes into the bathroom, all excited. Are we going to Blizzard Beach? Because it looks really cool! I told him hes seen too much and he no longer has Disney channel privileges. How can I keep the element of surprise going if hes learning all about it beforehand? Dan bows his head and walks back into the other room to turn off the television.
Showered and full of coffee, Dan asks where were going and if he should bring the camera. Youll see, and always bring your camera, were the responses. Pal Mickey and camera in tow, we set off to the main tower to catch the monorail.
Waiting at the Contemporary monorail platform, I gently approach a CM and ask if we may ride the front car when it arrives. He looks at me and says, What do you want? I repeat the question and he asks, You want it what? I repeat the question again, even nicer than the first time, wondering why he doesnt understand me. You want to ride up front what? I smack myself on the forehead and say, please! He grins. Thats the magic word I was looking for, then, Of course you may, if its available. I shake my head, unable to believe that it took THAT much to get a please out of me. I know my mom taught me better than that.
Lucky for Dan and I that no one else is riding up front. The cast member escorts us to the front and I say, Thank you, please. He rolls his eyes and tells Dan that he created a monster. Dan mentions that I was already a monster to begin with. Nice. This is the man Im spending the rest of my life with. Elizabeth the monorail driver then comes in and gives us a very pleasant trip to the TTC. She even gave us a co-pilot card when the trip was over. Nice way to start the day!
The monorail dumps us off at the TTC and I lead Dan back up the Epcot monorail ramp. He is confused that were getting back on the thing we just got off and asks where were going, but I give a nondescript answer and lead him to the next train.
One of my favorite sights is when Spaceship Earth comes into view on the monorail. Its so massive and welcoming. I love it mostly because Epcot is my favorite park, but I still think that it begs the eyes attention. I just hate, however, that they cluttered it up with the big cheesy EPCOT sign and Mickey hand. Really detracts from the beauty and simplicity of the globe.
Pal Mickey vibrates. Oh boy! Epcot! Were going to have lots of fun here! I am vibrating with excitement myself. I cannot wait to try Mission: Space. But as we enter the park, the masses are swarming to the left side of the globe. Ah crap. Well, Dan looks like were heading right. Thats okay, while theyre waiting all morning for Test Track and Mission: Space, well have Living With the Land all to ourselves. We pass Spaceship Earth and Pal Mickey vibrates again. Were next to Spaceship Earth. Some folks think it looks like a giant golf ball, but youd have to be over a mile tall to play golf with it. I dont know about you, but if I were a mile tall, Id be playing basketball! Okay, interesting and mildly amusing this time. Perhaps Mickey knows its my favorite park and hes being a little gentler with the jokes.
There are four other people in the Honey, I Shrunk The Audience show. So we KNEW it was a prerecorded film during the part when we see ourselves on camera and the theatre was full! Disney thinks theyre so sneaky. When the show is over, Dan needs a cigarette. Finding a place to smoke became an adventure for Dan at times. Reading the map didnt always help. And Pal Mickey apparently doesnt encourage his habit, because he never vibrated once when we hit a designated smoking area. Say pal, this looks like a GRRREAT place to burn one! Ha ha! But maybe since Im a nonsmoker and the Official Pal Mickey Handler, he doesnt realize this info would be helpful to us at times. The sooner Dan finds a smoking spot, the sooner we can move along to the next Big Thing.
Craving temporarily satiated, we move on to Living With The Land. For some strange and sick reason, there is a bit of a wait for this attraction. While waiting in line, the couple behind us were complaining about Mission: Space and how sick it made them feel. I tried to distract Dan from listening so I told him how awesome Living With The Land was. Perhaps I built it up too much, because he didnt seem too impressed when it was over. I definitely blame that on the couple behind us. Well, theres always the Living Seas! And if he isnt impressed with that either, there isnt much hope hell fall in love with Epcot.
On to Living With The Seas! I mean, The Living Seas. Why Dan isnt gaga with this pavilion either is beyond me. I walk next to the manatee tank and Pal Mickey vibrates. Long ago, sailors used to confuse manatees with mermaids. Wow, I think the sailors needed GLASSES! I actually laugh out loud this time. Mickey can be funny when he isnt trying so hard.
By now Im convinced Dan is hating Epcot. So its time to take him to a REAL attraction. I lead him to the other side of Future World. Welcome Dan, to the Universe of Energy. The fact that you cannot stand Ellen Degeneres will make this attraction all the better, Im sure. But the real surprise was that walking out, Dan said he actually liked it, and that he needed another cigarette. Well, the cigarette part wasnt so surprising. While waiting (once again) for Dan to burn another one, Pal Mickey informs me that besides people and buildings, we are looking at something the dinosaurs never saw grass. He said that grass came around long after the dinosaurs became extinct, and thats how we know that they never played golf. Wait a minute, are you trying to tell me that the dinosaurs never played GOLF? Are you sure? Checkers maybe, he adds. but not golf. What about pinochle?
The whirr of Test Track is really getting Dans attention. Are we going on that next? Are we? His twelve-year-old side is coming out again. Must have been that last cigarette. I look at my watch. No baby, I tell him. Its time for lunch. He slumps over and wearily follows me to World Showcase. I am really loving this control! Is that so wrong?
Pal Mickey is LOVING World Showcase. Hes going off every 10 feet or so, spewing out foreign words and phrases, as well as tons of history and trivia. I am falling in love with him at this point, and actually finding him worth the money. As we walk along and listen to the music from the different countries, I hold Pal Mickey and clap his hands along with the beat. Dan gives me a look and asks, Are you twelve? He should talk!
Lunch at the Tangerine Café. I love Moroccan food, but Dan doesnt. However he has been extremely agreeable this trip so far, so I take advantage of his charitable ways and lead him into the restaurant. I order my vegetarian plate, he orders a chicken sandwich and we sit down to eat. The next thing I know hes making loud yummy noises and saying the wacky spread on his sandwich (hummus) was incredible, and that he was really enjoying his lunch. Glad I dragged him there! Although he wont shut up about it throughout the entire meal.
After lunch we walked into Morocco. Bad news for us, we run into Jafar. This guy is huge. He hisses at us with his snake cane and my 65 husband sprints out of Morocco. He scares me, Dan said, pointing in Jafars direction. I comfort him and gently lead him away from Morocco.
We meander around World Showcase and, although Dan is enjoying the tour, I know hes anxious to go on Test Track. So it was an abbreviated tour.
Meanwhile Im keeping an eye on the time because we had a 3pm PS for the Ice Cream Social. Months back, I made the mistake of telling Dan the name of this PS. He immediately told me he wasnt going because it sounded gay. I said that he was being led blindly around WDW anyway, so he had no choice about it. He said that when he walked into a room where a bunch of people were eating ice cream and talking about their day he would turn around and leave. So I had to be sneaky about getting him in the restaurant.
When we finished the World Showcase tour, it was time to head back to the Land pavilion. We already came here! he yelled when we approached the building. Why are we going back? What about Test Track? This was really lame! He seemed almost angry. I told him I wanted to go back on Living With The Land because it was such a cool ride. He wasnt too happy about it. I led him to the Garden Grill and told my very confused husband to sit down while I spoke with the hostess. I confirmed our PS (and rehitching ceremony tee hee!) and then sat down next to him. We just ate! he complains. Im not close to being hungry. He was pretty irritated. I just smiled at him and said to trust me, hoping he wouldnt remember about the ice cream social. They called our name and we were seated. Steve comes to our table and says, So, here for the Ice Cream Social? Oh, the look on Dans face was priceless; he was certainly caught off-guard. So THATS why were here, he says to me. Then Steve says, And were having a rehitching today? Dans look becomes more confused as I answered yes. Steve leaves the table and Farmer Mickey walks by. Mickey! we yell, holding up the camera. He waves and keeps walking. Farmer Chip walks by and at least has time for one quick picture before scurrying away. Steve returns about 4 degrees of a restaurant rotate later with a certificate and two other waiters. He makes us stand up and face the other six people in the restaurant and manages to get the attention of two of them. Dan stands, still confused. Steve informs the two folks that since we were married (how long ago? four years?) four years ago and none of them were invited to the wedding, we are having a rehitching ceremony today. I say I do, Dan says (enthusiastically, I might add) I DO! then we kiss to the count of 100. Actually Dan keeps kissing me. Steve eventually had to break us up. (Stupid Steve.) He writes our names on the certificate and brings us our ice cream. Dan apparently forgives me for dragging him to the Ice Cream Social as he dives into his dessert. Meanwhile, Im noticing that hardly anyone is coming around to our table, and Im beginning to question the social part of this PS. Farmer Mickey eventually walks around again and this time Im hoping for a stop. No luck, Mickeys very busy and gives a half-hearty wave (may as well been the finger) and keeps walking. Dude, where are you going? Theres like 9 people in this restaurant. We finish our ice cream and walk out. Its my turn to look confused, as I scratch my head pondering about the social aspect of this experience.
When we leave the Land pavilion, Dan begs the question, NOW is it time to see Test Track? I think the boy has earned it. We rush over to Test Track and Dan, the car nut, is taking pictures of the entire queuing area. Uhh, Dan we live in Detroit we can see this kind of stuff all over the city. No matter, the boy is excited and eagerly snapping away with his digital camera. So we finally get to the waiting area outside of Door 2 when a cast member announces that there is a problem with the cars, and that there will be a short delay. Actually, it was more like a 20-minute delay. Everyone groans and Dan mumbles, Im never going to ride this thing. The doors finally opened twenty minutes later and we were led inside. When we got into our car, Dan was getting very excited. Throughout the indoor portion of the attraction he kept saying how much he was enjoying it. But when we sped around the outdoor track, he was practically screaming with joy. We got off the ride and his twelve-year-old side came out again. That was so cool! Pal Mickey vibrated in my hand. Wow! That was fast! I thought my EARS were going to fly off! S-say pal h-how do they look? S-still round? A few steps later and Pal Mickey vibrated again. Lets go on that again, he says. except this time YOU steer and ILL work the pedals! Um, Mickey, youre like 12 inches high. Theres no way youll reach the pedals.
We have time for one more attraction before heading to our dinner PS. Well just head over to Mission: Space and wait 50 minutes50 MINUTES?!! Oh crap we dont have time for that kind of a wait. Sorry Dan, were going to have to save that for another day. So we jump back on Test Track before boarding the monorail back to the Contemporary.
Ive heard so much about Mousekeeping and all of the wonderful things they leave for their guests. So I was kind of excited to see our room when we returned. Well, our amazing mousekeeping lady managed to make the beds and give us fresh towels. But she kinda forgot to clean the coffeepot. I see she didnt forget to take the generous tip we left her.
We change in our room and head upstairs to the California Grill. Im dying to try it, especially as a vegetarian. Although we were a few minutes early for our PS, we end up waiting about 15 minutes before being seated. We get a window table, but unfortunately we do not face the castle. No matter, we get a lake view. Not sure if it was a bad night or if the restaurant is known for its relaxed timing, but it took us almost an hour to be fed. Dan was getting irritated because it had been well over 6 hours since the Ice Cream Social, and his blood sugar was steadily dropping. Fortunately, the food was fantastic when it did arrive. He had the filet, and I had a vegetarian sampler dish. Really top-notch food. And the flatbread was to DIE for. Around 8:55 we were invited to watch the fireworks from the lookout area. It was wonderful to see it at that height! Back inside the restaurant we see a colored speck of light in the lake. Is that the Electrical Water Pageant? Could this day get any better? It did, but thats none of your business.
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