Insane Disney World crew:
Me- (25)-the planner, tour guide, benevolent boss
Mom- (50ish) classic mother, loves family vacations
Dad- (60ish) recently retired, quite laid back, slight troublemaker (in a good way)
Well, this day also started a little later than I would have preferred but it was certainly an improvement from the tardiness that we experienced on the previous day. We actually got to Epcot about 5 minutes before early entry was over (approx. 8:55am). The plan for this day was to finish futureworld and then head to MGM for the remainder of the day (so we had a lot scheduled). Even though we had already done Test Track on a previous day, we ran to this ride first because we knew that the line would soon form. So my dad and I (my mom gladly opted out this time) got a couple of fastpasses and then stood in the standby line ......which only had a 5 min. wait. We rode and then immediately rode again via fastpass. Next we headed over to the Wonders of Life pavilion where I noted that their DNA model outside of the building is incorrect. The structure of DNA is a double helix whereas the Disney version is a quadruple helix. Anyway, we went in the building and got some more....you said it....COFFEE!!!! We really only quickly glossed over this building as we were beginning to have to really prioritize what attractions we really wanted to experience. We were running a little late on my pre-planned schedule.....but....everything is calm....everything is ok (thats what I had to keep reminding myself). At any rate, we did Body Wars. The parents enjoyed it. Next, we ran across to the land and found that there was a 25 min. wait for Living with the Land.....gasp!!!!! Thank your favorite deity for fastpass. The thought of a 25 min. wait was unbearable. Boy were we spoiled. So we got fastpasses and headed over to the Imagination area. The parents agreed that the ride they rode back in 1985 was better than the one that is there now, although they did like the present ride. Oh well, cant go back in time. We then watched the Honey I Shrunk the Audience 3-D thing. Another hit. Then, back to the Land. We rode the boat ride. This is one of my all time favorites! I like how the ride briefly goes through several biomes and then finishes by going over some land management, farming techniques, and present research. In my opinion, this ride has captured the essence of what Epcot is supposed to be about. Anyway, as it turned out, all three of us really liked this ride. In fact, we even set up a PS at the Garden Grille for the next night. I was excited about this because the Garden Grille slowly rotates through several scenes of this ride. Yay! We stayed in the land to eat lunch at the little food court thing downstairs. I think the inside of this building is so pretty so I was more than happy to hang out and eat lunch here. One of the messages of this pavilion is nutrition and eating right and being healthy etc. etc. etc. So when I got to the front of the line and the CM asked me what I would like to order.....what did I say? Chicken Fingers, Fries, and a Coke. I couldnt help but think this was a little wrong. So I made a comment about it to the CM....he laughed. Luckily, I do not normally eat like this.....but at Disney, I can eat whatever I want, even if it is going to clog my arteries. Actually, on past trips to Disney, I have eaten this meal much more often. But this trip, my parents have wanted to eat slightly nicer dinners so chicken fingers and French fries has not been an option so often. Like I said, I love this meal but Im still not complaining about nicer dinners. After we ate we headed toward the park entrance and rode Spaceship Earth on the way out. This is another one of my all time favorites of Epcot. More classic Epcot. My parents though that it was a much better ride than it had been in 1985. I dont remember what it was like then but I suppose that they have gradually put more/better effects in over time. Anyway, I was glad they enjoyed it. I really like all of the scenes and sparkly lights in this ride. Sparkly lights just get me for some reason. I love them.
OK, so it was about 2:00 and we still had to have all of MGM done before Fantasmic at 7:00. Obviously, this was not possible so we hit the highlights. The parents really liked the old school movie theme of this place.....after all, it was modeled after their generation, hehehe. As soon as we got in the park, we had to stop for another bathroom break for my dad. While we were waiting on him, a couple of dressed CMs came walking about making a ruckus. They were supposed to be stereotypical rich Hollywood women, making a scene and everything. They did a really good job of acting the part by the way. My mom decided to stir up the situation a little and told one of these women that a man named Steve was going to come out of the bathroom any minute and that she should give him a hard time. Right then, my dad came out and this woman started yelling Steve!!!! Steve!!! Darling, why didnt you call me? Where have you been? Who is this woman that you are with? The look on my dads face was priceless! He thought it was hysterical, and so did we. So, we quickly headed toward RnR Coaster and ToT. I figured that we would have to run to get some fastpasses but neither ride had a wait at all...period. I couldnt believe it! We had already discussed these rides as a family and all three of us decided that my mother should not ride either of these rides......no pressure, no pleading, nothing. My mother and these rides would not mix well. I was a little concerned about my dad because while he can handle sudden long drops, he doesnt particularly like them. Additionally, he had never done a coaster that goes upside down, especially in the dark. But, he had already decided that he wanted to ride them. He felt ok about RnR Coaster because I had let him know that there is no huge drop at the beginning of the coaster but that it starts off really fast uphill. My mom went through the preshow with us and then took the chicken exit while we rode. My dad and I got in the limo, I took his hat, and as the limo rounded the first corner, just before taking off, my dad said something along the lines of its too late to back out now. And then the ride took off. I remembered the ride being fast, but I forgot how fast it was. I could hear several sounds of amazement from my dad but I couldnt tell if they were good or bad over the music. As the ride ended, I could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We were both so jacked up.....it is just such a fun and exciting ride. We were walking out of the building and he made the comment if mom had ridden that, that would have been the end of her vacation! I must agree that he was probably right. Next we walked onto ToT. Again, my mom did the preshow and took the chicken exit. They both marveled at how well everything was themed. So authentic looking. My dad absolutely loved this ride. I believe that it was his favorite ride of the whole trip. I mut agree, the theming of this ride is incredible. Additionally, they had changed some things since I had ridden it. There were some extra sparklies, new drop sequences (including starting the drop sequence by going up first), and you could see the characters at one point during the drop. Really cool. We rode both of these rides again. Then we rode Great Movie Ride. This is a neat ride but for some reason, it is not one of my favorites. Next we went to Muppets Vision 3-D. I really like this but my parents (Dad especially) get kind of annoyed with the pre-show. I think they liked the actual show but not nearly as much as the other 3-D shows we had seen. I was making fun of my dad telling him that he and those curmudgeons in the balcony seemed to have a lot in common. They really did. They were both making fun of the goofy muppets. I suppose the Muppets came about after their generation...lack of appreciation on their part. Next we went to star tours. I think that we all have the same opinion on this ride. Its a good ride but it is so similar to body wars, the novelty had worn off before riding. The theming in the queue area is really cool though. At this point, it was about 5:00 and we were trying to decide what to do. Obviously, we had not done ½ of what MGM has to offer. My dad started getting a little sleepy and wanted to go back for a short nap. And actually, I had a cold that was at its peak, and I started feeling a little sleepy too. We decided that my dad and I would go back to the ASMo for an hour, take a 30 min. nap and then go back to MGM in time to ride ToT again before going to Fantasmic. Yes, I am still ashamed of this whimpy park touring move. My mom, on the other hand, decided that she would stay and tour alone for a little while. Go mom! We decided to meet back in an hour in front of the ToT. So, my dad and I went back to ASMo. He took a nap and I drank some OJ and looked through my WDW Guide to try to determine a good place to eat that night (out of the parks) after Fantasmic. I didnt actually take a nap but just sitting in the room for a little bit and drinking some OJ completely refreshed me. My dad felt much better after his 30 min. nap. I brought my WDW guide book so that we could all decide where to eat while waiting on Fantasmic to start. Events went according to plan, my Dad and I rode ToT again and then we all walked into the ampitheater to watch Fantasmic. After seeing Illuminations, my parents had been kind of confused about why we would need to get there early to get a seat. But when they saw the theater and limited seating, they understood. They were impressed with the huge set with the big ole mote and mountain. We got a really good seat, I showed them my dinner suggestions, left the guide book with them and got up to wait in line for a beer. BTW, off season is great. We actually got into the ampitheater around 6:30-6:35 and there were still plenty of seats available. The ends of the seating area were empty but there were still seats available in the center. So we sat in the dead center (no we were not in the Haunted Mansion, hehe) of the place about 7 rows back. Close to the show but not close enough to get sprayed with water during the show. We had perfect seats. While waiting for the show, we decided that we would head over to the AKL after Fantasmic and eat at Bomas. It quickly get darker and the lights projected onto the mountain. The show started, the music started, and I got that same tingly feeling that I get when Illuminations starts. Every time I see this show, I cant believe what a great show it is! It is just so neat! The parents, especially my dad, LOVED the show. In fact, he said that it was probably the most impressive show that he had seen...ever. So lets take a quick tangent and list his caveats.
Illuminations-most impressive fireworks display he has ever seen
ToT-best ride he has ever ridden at a theme park
Fantasmic-best show he has ever seen
OK. The whole time we were leaving the park (along with the masses of humanity) we talked about what a great show that was. We made it to the car and headed to AKL. This is a beautiful hotel! Unfortunately, we were all so hungry, we didnt linger in the atmosphere too much. We headed to Boma and were seated within 5 min. We told the server we wanted to sit for a little bit and have a couple of drinks before eating (buffet), she said this would be fine. So we did this. Once we actually did start eating, we realized that we made a good restaurant selection. Everything was so good! We were among the last people to leave the restaurant that night and we pretty much had to roll ourselves out because we wanted to try everything, despite the huge selection of food. On the way out, we ran across an armadillo in the bushes, so my dad tried to catch it (we are both biologists, and like to satisfy our curiosity by annoying animals) and we found that those things can move pretty quickly. We went back to the ASMo but before we went to bed, we set up a plan for the next day. The next day was reserved for MK (early entry) in the morning and part of the afternoon and Epcot that evening. The parents wanted to sleep in a little so we decided that I would take the bus to the MK the next morning for early entry and then I would meet them at 10:00 in front of Space Mountain. We had had another great day. But, wah, the next day would be our last!
Me- (25)-the planner, tour guide, benevolent boss
Mom- (50ish) classic mother, loves family vacations
Dad- (60ish) recently retired, quite laid back, slight troublemaker (in a good way)
Well, this day also started a little later than I would have preferred but it was certainly an improvement from the tardiness that we experienced on the previous day. We actually got to Epcot about 5 minutes before early entry was over (approx. 8:55am). The plan for this day was to finish futureworld and then head to MGM for the remainder of the day (so we had a lot scheduled). Even though we had already done Test Track on a previous day, we ran to this ride first because we knew that the line would soon form. So my dad and I (my mom gladly opted out this time) got a couple of fastpasses and then stood in the standby line ......which only had a 5 min. wait. We rode and then immediately rode again via fastpass. Next we headed over to the Wonders of Life pavilion where I noted that their DNA model outside of the building is incorrect. The structure of DNA is a double helix whereas the Disney version is a quadruple helix. Anyway, we went in the building and got some more....you said it....COFFEE!!!! We really only quickly glossed over this building as we were beginning to have to really prioritize what attractions we really wanted to experience. We were running a little late on my pre-planned schedule.....but....everything is calm....everything is ok (thats what I had to keep reminding myself). At any rate, we did Body Wars. The parents enjoyed it. Next, we ran across to the land and found that there was a 25 min. wait for Living with the Land.....gasp!!!!! Thank your favorite deity for fastpass. The thought of a 25 min. wait was unbearable. Boy were we spoiled. So we got fastpasses and headed over to the Imagination area. The parents agreed that the ride they rode back in 1985 was better than the one that is there now, although they did like the present ride. Oh well, cant go back in time. We then watched the Honey I Shrunk the Audience 3-D thing. Another hit. Then, back to the Land. We rode the boat ride. This is one of my all time favorites! I like how the ride briefly goes through several biomes and then finishes by going over some land management, farming techniques, and present research. In my opinion, this ride has captured the essence of what Epcot is supposed to be about. Anyway, as it turned out, all three of us really liked this ride. In fact, we even set up a PS at the Garden Grille for the next night. I was excited about this because the Garden Grille slowly rotates through several scenes of this ride. Yay! We stayed in the land to eat lunch at the little food court thing downstairs. I think the inside of this building is so pretty so I was more than happy to hang out and eat lunch here. One of the messages of this pavilion is nutrition and eating right and being healthy etc. etc. etc. So when I got to the front of the line and the CM asked me what I would like to order.....what did I say? Chicken Fingers, Fries, and a Coke. I couldnt help but think this was a little wrong. So I made a comment about it to the CM....he laughed. Luckily, I do not normally eat like this.....but at Disney, I can eat whatever I want, even if it is going to clog my arteries. Actually, on past trips to Disney, I have eaten this meal much more often. But this trip, my parents have wanted to eat slightly nicer dinners so chicken fingers and French fries has not been an option so often. Like I said, I love this meal but Im still not complaining about nicer dinners. After we ate we headed toward the park entrance and rode Spaceship Earth on the way out. This is another one of my all time favorites of Epcot. More classic Epcot. My parents though that it was a much better ride than it had been in 1985. I dont remember what it was like then but I suppose that they have gradually put more/better effects in over time. Anyway, I was glad they enjoyed it. I really like all of the scenes and sparkly lights in this ride. Sparkly lights just get me for some reason. I love them.
OK, so it was about 2:00 and we still had to have all of MGM done before Fantasmic at 7:00. Obviously, this was not possible so we hit the highlights. The parents really liked the old school movie theme of this place.....after all, it was modeled after their generation, hehehe. As soon as we got in the park, we had to stop for another bathroom break for my dad. While we were waiting on him, a couple of dressed CMs came walking about making a ruckus. They were supposed to be stereotypical rich Hollywood women, making a scene and everything. They did a really good job of acting the part by the way. My mom decided to stir up the situation a little and told one of these women that a man named Steve was going to come out of the bathroom any minute and that she should give him a hard time. Right then, my dad came out and this woman started yelling Steve!!!! Steve!!! Darling, why didnt you call me? Where have you been? Who is this woman that you are with? The look on my dads face was priceless! He thought it was hysterical, and so did we. So, we quickly headed toward RnR Coaster and ToT. I figured that we would have to run to get some fastpasses but neither ride had a wait at all...period. I couldnt believe it! We had already discussed these rides as a family and all three of us decided that my mother should not ride either of these rides......no pressure, no pleading, nothing. My mother and these rides would not mix well. I was a little concerned about my dad because while he can handle sudden long drops, he doesnt particularly like them. Additionally, he had never done a coaster that goes upside down, especially in the dark. But, he had already decided that he wanted to ride them. He felt ok about RnR Coaster because I had let him know that there is no huge drop at the beginning of the coaster but that it starts off really fast uphill. My mom went through the preshow with us and then took the chicken exit while we rode. My dad and I got in the limo, I took his hat, and as the limo rounded the first corner, just before taking off, my dad said something along the lines of its too late to back out now. And then the ride took off. I remembered the ride being fast, but I forgot how fast it was. I could hear several sounds of amazement from my dad but I couldnt tell if they were good or bad over the music. As the ride ended, I could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We were both so jacked up.....it is just such a fun and exciting ride. We were walking out of the building and he made the comment if mom had ridden that, that would have been the end of her vacation! I must agree that he was probably right. Next we walked onto ToT. Again, my mom did the preshow and took the chicken exit. They both marveled at how well everything was themed. So authentic looking. My dad absolutely loved this ride. I believe that it was his favorite ride of the whole trip. I mut agree, the theming of this ride is incredible. Additionally, they had changed some things since I had ridden it. There were some extra sparklies, new drop sequences (including starting the drop sequence by going up first), and you could see the characters at one point during the drop. Really cool. We rode both of these rides again. Then we rode Great Movie Ride. This is a neat ride but for some reason, it is not one of my favorites. Next we went to Muppets Vision 3-D. I really like this but my parents (Dad especially) get kind of annoyed with the pre-show. I think they liked the actual show but not nearly as much as the other 3-D shows we had seen. I was making fun of my dad telling him that he and those curmudgeons in the balcony seemed to have a lot in common. They really did. They were both making fun of the goofy muppets. I suppose the Muppets came about after their generation...lack of appreciation on their part. Next we went to star tours. I think that we all have the same opinion on this ride. Its a good ride but it is so similar to body wars, the novelty had worn off before riding. The theming in the queue area is really cool though. At this point, it was about 5:00 and we were trying to decide what to do. Obviously, we had not done ½ of what MGM has to offer. My dad started getting a little sleepy and wanted to go back for a short nap. And actually, I had a cold that was at its peak, and I started feeling a little sleepy too. We decided that my dad and I would go back to the ASMo for an hour, take a 30 min. nap and then go back to MGM in time to ride ToT again before going to Fantasmic. Yes, I am still ashamed of this whimpy park touring move. My mom, on the other hand, decided that she would stay and tour alone for a little while. Go mom! We decided to meet back in an hour in front of the ToT. So, my dad and I went back to ASMo. He took a nap and I drank some OJ and looked through my WDW Guide to try to determine a good place to eat that night (out of the parks) after Fantasmic. I didnt actually take a nap but just sitting in the room for a little bit and drinking some OJ completely refreshed me. My dad felt much better after his 30 min. nap. I brought my WDW guide book so that we could all decide where to eat while waiting on Fantasmic to start. Events went according to plan, my Dad and I rode ToT again and then we all walked into the ampitheater to watch Fantasmic. After seeing Illuminations, my parents had been kind of confused about why we would need to get there early to get a seat. But when they saw the theater and limited seating, they understood. They were impressed with the huge set with the big ole mote and mountain. We got a really good seat, I showed them my dinner suggestions, left the guide book with them and got up to wait in line for a beer. BTW, off season is great. We actually got into the ampitheater around 6:30-6:35 and there were still plenty of seats available. The ends of the seating area were empty but there were still seats available in the center. So we sat in the dead center (no we were not in the Haunted Mansion, hehe) of the place about 7 rows back. Close to the show but not close enough to get sprayed with water during the show. We had perfect seats. While waiting for the show, we decided that we would head over to the AKL after Fantasmic and eat at Bomas. It quickly get darker and the lights projected onto the mountain. The show started, the music started, and I got that same tingly feeling that I get when Illuminations starts. Every time I see this show, I cant believe what a great show it is! It is just so neat! The parents, especially my dad, LOVED the show. In fact, he said that it was probably the most impressive show that he had seen...ever. So lets take a quick tangent and list his caveats.
Illuminations-most impressive fireworks display he has ever seen
ToT-best ride he has ever ridden at a theme park
Fantasmic-best show he has ever seen
OK. The whole time we were leaving the park (along with the masses of humanity) we talked about what a great show that was. We made it to the car and headed to AKL. This is a beautiful hotel! Unfortunately, we were all so hungry, we didnt linger in the atmosphere too much. We headed to Boma and were seated within 5 min. We told the server we wanted to sit for a little bit and have a couple of drinks before eating (buffet), she said this would be fine. So we did this. Once we actually did start eating, we realized that we made a good restaurant selection. Everything was so good! We were among the last people to leave the restaurant that night and we pretty much had to roll ourselves out because we wanted to try everything, despite the huge selection of food. On the way out, we ran across an armadillo in the bushes, so my dad tried to catch it (we are both biologists, and like to satisfy our curiosity by annoying animals) and we found that those things can move pretty quickly. We went back to the ASMo but before we went to bed, we set up a plan for the next day. The next day was reserved for MK (early entry) in the morning and part of the afternoon and Epcot that evening. The parents wanted to sleep in a little so we decided that I would take the bus to the MK the next morning for early entry and then I would meet them at 10:00 in front of Space Mountain. We had had another great day. But, wah, the next day would be our last!
The food selection at that hotel is incredible. They even have chicken fingers at the Mara. just kidding
