Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR *NEW 7/6 x2!*

[missangelalexis]

The boys look so cute in front of the Lightning McQueen topiary!

Sounds like such a great rest of your time in Future World! Glad your parents got there ok!

 

[amberg93]

I'll agree that the skunk smell on Figment isn't to be liked

Sounds like a really fun time in the play area and the perfect way to pass some time while waiting for that fastpass. Also, "I am speed" being said by small children (in my experience with my younger cousin at least) is always super cute!

Bummer about the seat in the Test Track photo, but at least the boys had a good time! Plus, they got to go on twice.

Glad that your parents made it in okay.

Great photopass pictures

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Looks like the boys had fun on Test Track ... once you mentioned it, it made me think that they should arrange people so the kids get to ride in front

We too love the games at the end of SSE, especially the shuffleboard energy game

Glad you got some PP pictures you like

 

[ariane37]

I know what you mean about being happy to get to ride with your mom. Every once in awhile our boys decide they want to sit together on a ride and DH & I look at each other like, "wait - are we actually sitting on a ride together??" And when we go without the boys it's awesome but it's like we have to get used to it on the first few rides!
My younger son is also a big fan of TT, although your crew do seem to love it much more than him. I don't mind it but the only part I completely enjoy is the outside part of the ride (although my hair doesn't like that part). I think my Epcot fave would have to be Living with the Land

 

[hokieinpa]

Great updates! OMG, I know about the hot! When we were there a few weeks ago, my boys looked exactly the same, with the same flushed faces! I'm glad the boys had fun on TT and boy do I know about the not napping, yet tired kiddo(s). My two would both usually fall asleep at some point though it was usually never when Will usually does nor when I wanted AJ to (who doesn't nap at home).

I think it must have been much hotter with you there in June! The second half of our trip was much more bearable thankfully. Jake did eventually fall asleep but those are always some fussy times when they really NEED sleep but just refuse to go down.

Great photos. My one regret is that I never got my boys out of the stroller for the Photopass photos. We were just always running behind and rushing. In any case, I'll file it under "what I learned" for this trip and rectify next year.

I made a real effort to take more pictures this trip since I feel like we didn't really get good use out of our Memory Maker in past trips. I feel like I learn new things each trip!

I love the Cars area. My boys are fairly obsessed with McQueen and friends. But I'm assuming that was all gone for our trip. But to be honest, I wouldn't know because we basically only hit up The Land, The Seas, and Spaceship Earth this trip. Epcot got the cold shoulder! Wasn't planned that way but ended up that way.

It was part of Flower & Garden and I think that had ended before your trip? It was a really fun play area and nice for the boys to be able to move around! We did the same Future World loop our first trip and completely skipped the side with Test Track!

Nice you and your mom got to ride SSE without the boys. Glad the boys enjoyed the play area.

It was fun riding with my mom and getting to really pay attention to the details and narration!

Love this photo! Maybe it's the Cars topiary in the background, but your boys are looking very cool.

I think they felt very cool with Lightning McQueen behind them!

They did a great job!

They love designing the car and usually make something huge and crazy!

Nice family portrait.

Sounds like a productive Epcot morning, even in that heat.

Thank you! We got some really nice pictures this trip. And we had a great morning in Future World - we even more done than I planned on!

OK, Don't know what I did, but the popcorn picture and the mention that food makes Jake a happy guy...made me giggle...food has that same effect on me! LOL

Food is definitely his happy place! He got it from me, so I understand!

The boys look so cute in front of the Lightning McQueen topiary!

Sounds like such a great rest of your time in Future World! Glad your parents got there ok!

Thanks - they loved that play area so much since they are big Cars fans. I was really happy with all that we got done in Future World that morning. It was even more than I had originally planned!

I'll agree that the skunk smell on Figment isn't to be liked

They could have picked so many other smells! Why skunk??

Sounds like a really fun time in the play area and the perfect way to pass some time while waiting for that fastpass. Also, "I am speed" being said by small children (in my experience with my younger cousin at least) is always super cute!

The little playgrounds for F&G were a nice break for everyone! And I agree - kids are so cute when they say "I am speed" probably because they really believe they are just that fast!

Bummer about the seat in the Test Track photo, but at least the boys had a good time! Plus, they got to go on twice.

They love the Rider Swap things as much as we do! I think they'll be sad in a few years when Jake it taller and they can only ride once!

Glad that your parents made it in okay.

Having them there makes life MUCH easier! Extra eyes and hands on the boys makes the day run smoother!

Great photopass pictures

Thanks! We had unusually good luck this trip with good pictures!

Looks like the boys had fun on Test Track ... once you mentioned it, it made me think that they should arrange people so the kids get to ride in front

It would be nice to see the kids easier and have them in the front or at least on the end of the row!

We too love the games at the end of SSE, especially the shuffleboard energy game

We're big fans of any kind of play area so it's a big hit for us. I love that Disney extends the rides out a little bit and gives everyone a chance to play around!

Glad you got some PP pictures you like

Thank you! We got a really nice selection of pictures this year in each of the parks!

I know what you mean about being happy to get to ride with your mom. Every once in awhile our boys decide they want to sit together on a ride and DH & I look at each other like, "wait - are we actually sitting on a ride together??" And when we go without the boys it's awesome but it's like we have to get used to it on the first few rides!

Isn't is crazy how different riding with kids versus another adult is? I absolutely LOVE riding with the boys and pointing things out and seeing their excitement. But with another adult you can really take everything in!

My younger son is also a big fan of TT, although your crew do seem to love it much more than him. I don't mind it but the only part I completely enjoy is the outside part of the ride (although my hair doesn't like that part). I think my Epcot fave would have to be Living with the Land

I agree 100% - the outside part is my favorite but overall it's just not at the top of my list. Soarin' is definitely #1 for me with Spaceship Earth a close second. But I really like Living with the Land too!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Love that little play area--that's just a pop-up during Flower and Garden right? It would be nice if they kept something like that year round for the little guys to burn off some silliness!!

Spaceship Earth is one of my sons absolute favorites--he was obsessed and made us go on it SOOO many times last time we were there. I'm hoping he likes Test Track this time--last time he was scared to death....even though we go 65 or more every day on the highway

 

[hokieinpa]

Love that little play area--that's just a pop-up during Flower and Garden right? It would be nice if they kept something like that year round for the little guys to burn off some silliness!!

It was just for F&G but I wish there were more areas like that! We do like the play area at Mission Space. I've taken Jake there to play while everyone else is on Test Track. But more places to run around would be nice!!

Spaceship Earth is one of my sons absolute favorites--he was obsessed and made us go on it SOOO many times last time we were there. I'm hoping he likes Test Track this time--last time he was scared to death....even though we go 65 or more every day on the highway

Your son and I are in agreement there - love me some Spaceship Earth! Nate is pretty terrified of almost everything else including The Great Movie Ride and Pirates but he still likes Test Track. Just nothing dark and "scary" for him.

 

[hokieinpa]

Frushi and Pizza


It was around 3:00 and we were on our way to the World Showcase. First, we said hi to these cute little guys, who look like they stole Mickey's sandwich!

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As we were leaving Future World, I made sure to get some pictures of Epcot in all it's Flower & Garden Festival Glory! It was really a beautiful site looking back over at Future World!

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My plan was to take the Friendship Boat over to Morocco and then make our way over to Italy for our 4:55 ADR at Via Napoli. We would explore the pavilions as we went and also get the boys Epcot passports stamped and signed in each country. I ducked into the Port of Entry store to purchase one for each boy. We waited about 15-20 minutes for the boat over as it had just landed at the Morocco side when we got in line. I'm sure we could have walked over to Morocco in that time but the boys were excited to ride the boat and we were all excited to give ourselves a little rest! I don't have any pictures of our boat ride but it was pleasant and uneventful except for the fact that Jake finally fell asleep in my dad's arms on the ride! Finally, nap success!

We got Jake in the stroller to finish his nap and then went off to explore the Morocco pavilion for the first time.

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We were on a quest to find the Kidcot station but I still was able to take in some of the fun details in the pavilion.

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We found the Kidcot table in the corner of a shop (I should have noted their locations more carefully!) and got the boys passports stamped and signed. Each country had a stamp and then the Cast Member wrote a message in the native language of their country.

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It was a fun way to get the boys involved in exploring the World Showcase and keep them interested in looking around each pavilion. We still haven't put the corresponding stickers one each country's page but I think I'll save that for a snowy day this winter when the Disney Blues are hitting us hard!

Our next stop was Japan and the Kidcot Station there...but first, Frushi.

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This was the one F&G treat that I just HAD to try! I got two and we all took a few bites. It was a hit with everyone except Nate. With our treat finished, we were back to exploring!

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We walked through the Mitsukoshi Department Store but the boys just could NOT decide what they wanted. I tried to narrow it down but I think they were just way overwhelmed! I was looking for the sushi candy that I think @kastoney got for her daughter but didn't find it. But we did make our way through the store to the Kidcot Station!

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We breezed through The American Adventure because it was getting close to our ADR time at Via Napoli. So to Italy!

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I checked us in and we found out it would be about 15-20 minutes. I left my mom to wait with a still sleeping Jake in the little lobby while I took the boys to find the Kidcot Station.

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I see Nate has a little paper crane here that I now remember they got from the table to Japan. Another fun little souvenir!

We made our way back to Via Napoli to find Jake awake and our table just about ready. I was so excited to eat here after hearing so many rave reviews!

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We got drinks and bread, which made the hungry boys happy!

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[url=https://flic.kr/p/HhXWdC][/URL]​

We ordered the Fritto Verdura (crisp fried vegetables with marinara picante) and Peperoni Arrositi (roasted peppers, tomato, onion, and garlic) to split. Then we also got a Large Pepperoni Pizza and a Large Quattro Formaggi. And Pollo Insalate to share. It sounds like way too much food but we were all HUGNRY!

I only managed one picture of the pizzas because I was too distracted by eating!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/H29Rum]​

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https://flic.kr/p/H29Rum

We ended up taking a few pieces of the pizza with us back to the room and ate them later in the trip. We all decided that Via Napoli was indeed amazing but maybe a little too hectic for a relaxed meal? It was very loud and busy, which is to be expected at a prime dinner time spot. So next time, I would do an early lunch here instead!

After lunch, we still had more of the World Showcase to explore before calling it a day but I was determined to make the most of the Memory Maker, so another family picture!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GSMYJw]​

https://flic.kr/p/HhXWdChttps://flic.kr/p/GSMYJwhttps://flic.kr/p/GSMYJw​

https://flic.kr/p/GSMYJw


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[ArielSRL]

Pizza looks so yummy. I may have to have the boys do the kidcot stations next year. Oh and the F&G photos are wonderful.

I know I've said it before but, Jake is just so cute! I love it!

 

[hokieinpa]

Pizza looks so yummy. I may have to have the boys do the kidcot stations next year. Oh and the F&G photos are wonderful.

Via Napoli was so good! I have to say I think I liked the appetizers more than the pizza though but that may have been because I was so hungry! The Kidcot passport was really a fun way to make the World Showcase more interesting for the boys! I think they passports were $11-12 so it was worth it for an activity plus something fun to look at after the trip!

I know I've said it before but, Jake is just so cute! I love it!

Thanks! I think he's pretty cute too!

 

[Whit64130]

I wasn't aware of the Jammitors until I stumbled across a youtube video once. Can't wait to find them this trip!

I love the Flower and Garden pictures! I am sure it is even better in person! Maybe once I get my AP I can take a quick trip down for a weekend.

I LOVED Via Napoli! Looks like your bunch did too!

 

[hokieinpa]

I wasn't aware of the Jammitors until I stumbled across a youtube video once. Can't wait to find them this trip!

We've been lucky enough to see them the last 2 trips. It's a really fun little show! Both times, they have been in the area between Test Track/Mission Space and MouseGear/Electric Umbrella.

I love the Flower and Garden pictures! I am sure it is even better in person! Maybe once I get my AP I can take a quick trip down for a weekend.

It was really so beautiful! And that AP makes trips SO tempting. You already have a ticket so airfare and a hotel are all you need...it makes it very hard to stay away!

I LOVED Via Napoli! Looks like your bunch did too!

It was a big hit with the whole group! A definite future repeat for us!

 

[missjackiemcg]

I just booked Via Napoli for our December trip. Not sure we'll keep it or not....we were thinking of Garden Grill but couldn't book it because of it begin part of the Candlelight processional. Availability is finally open, and now I don't know what to do. What's your opinion??

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

As we were leaving Future World, I made sure to get some pictures of Epcot in all it's Flower & Garden Festival Glory! It was really a beautiful site looking back over at Future World!

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I just love Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festical.

Your pizza pictures are making me hungry!

 

[writergirlpam]

I just started following along. Great trip report so far. I did not know that a character meet with Baymax was a thing! So awesome. My daughter and I are going to Disneyworld in a few weeks and this will definitely be on our list of things to do!

 

[Dugette]

After our little trip with Figment and some fun in the jumping fountains, it was just about time for Nate and Colin's favorite part of Epcot - Test Track! They are starting to get a bit obsessed with this ride. One of our teenage neighbors showed them a drivers licenses I guess they used to issue at Test Track? I'm not sure if this this still a thing but it only deepened their interest in Test Track. Me? I can honestly take it or leave it...but I really love that they love it so much!

That's great that they love it so much. I'm super excited to take Izzy for her first time - I love it and I suspect she will too.

Colin kept climbing to the top of this slide and saying under his breath "I am Speed." (A Lightning McQueen quote for those not so entrenched in the Cars culture) and then sliding down.

Cute!

Jake and I settled in to enjoy our popcorn and he was quite the happy guy! Food has that effect on him.

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Aw, that's adorable!

Finally, nap success!

Sounds like a good time getting the passports stamped at the Kidcot stations. And Via Napoli is always tasty (though it's been quite a while for us). Glad you got some good Photopass pics!

 

[missangelalexis]

Getting the boys passports sounds like it was a great idea!

I'm glad you guys enjoyed your food despite the hectic atmosphere.

What a great family photo!

 

[khertz]

Colin kept climbing to the top of this slide and saying under his breath "I am Speed." (A Lightning McQueen quote for those not so entrenched in the Cars culture) and then sliding down.

Ahh, yes, we know all about those quotes around here! lol

I feel bad that Nate was blocked by the seat in front of him but I'm just happy our Test Track picture showed up this time!

Paxton is blocked EVERY time! Maybe one of these days he will finally be able to sit in the front seat and be visible in the picture!

Jake and I settled in to enjoy our popcorn and he was quite the happy guy! Food has that effect on him.

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Me too, Jake, me too.

So glad you got to try Via Napoli! We usually go for early lunch and I don't remember it being extraordinarily loud, so maybe a change in time will help? I am seriously DROOLING over that huge Quattro Formaggi. I wish I could eat that much pizza because every time I am eating it I just never want it to end.

 

[hokieinpa]

I just booked Via Napoli for our December trip. Not sure we'll keep it or not....we were thinking of Garden Grill but couldn't book it because of it begin part of the Candlelight processional. Availability is finally open, and now I don't know what to do. What's your opinion??

I think it would depend on what kind of food you think everyone would enjoy! I liked Via Napoli so much - the food was good and the service was really good. There is a main server and then like an assistant or something that helps with drinks and bread. We're going to give Garden Grill a try for breakfast on our next trip because I'm not sure the boys will be big fans of the lunch/dinner menu.

I just love Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festical.

It's so beautiful with all of the flowers and topiaries. I took so many pictures that afternoon!

Your pizza pictures are making me hungry!

I've had dreams about that pizza since we've been home!

I just started following along. Great trip report so far. I did not know that a character meet with Baymax was a thing! So awesome. My daughter and I are going to Disneyworld in a few weeks and this will definitely be on our list of things to do!

Thanks for following along! The Baymax character meet was lots of fun! Joy and Sadness meet in the same building so you could meet both! I hope you have a great trip!

That's great that they love it so much. I'm super excited to take Izzy for her first time - I love it and I suspect she will too.

The 40" world opens up so many rides! I'm sure Izzy will have a blast on all of the thrill rides!

Cute!

I think the playground and Test Track were fueling his Lightning McQueen inspiration!

Aw, that's adorable!

He does love his snacks!

Sounds like a good time getting the passports stamped at the Kidcot stations. And Via Napoli is always tasty (though it's been quite a while for us). Glad you got some good Photopass pics!

That was a really nice activity and a bit more interactive than the Duffy bear and the boys like looking over them at home. Via Napoli was every bit as delicious as I had heard! I made sure we stopped at more photographers this trip and I'm happy we got so many family pictures!

Getting the boys passports sounds like it was a great idea!

I liked that there was something for them to do to involve them in exploring the World Showcase. And Nate still likes looking over his passport at home!

I'm glad you guys enjoyed your food despite the hectic atmosphere.

The restaurant is pretty packed with tables close together in general and it was really busy that afternoon. But our food came out quickly and was delicious, so it was worth it!

What a great family photo!

I was really happy with it! And I'm glad we did better getting more family shots this time.

 

[hokieinpa]

Ahh, yes, we know all about those quotes around here! lol

Our life is full of Lightning and Dusty quotes!

Paxton is blocked EVERY time! Maybe one of these days he will finally be able to sit in the front seat and be visible in the picture!

It's sad that we don't have pictures of our short guys riding! I would love to see the look on the their faces during the ride!

Me too, Jake, me too.

He gets seriously hangry if he doesn't get a snack every few hours. Plus Disney popcorn always puts a smile on your face!

So glad you got to try Via Napoli! We usually go for early lunch and I don't remember it being extraordinarily loud, so maybe a change in time will help? I am seriously DROOLING over that huge Quattro Formaggi. I wish I could eat that much pizza because every time I am eating it I just never want it to end.

I LOVED the food! The appetizers and pizza were seriously amazing! Even those the food was delicious, we ended up taking a ton of pizza back to the room with us. And I think we would definitely go with an early lunch next time to see if that helps!