fizz13
<font color=33cc99>Dreams about being stuck on Spa
- Joined
- May 6, 2004
- Messages
- 5,791
january 3rd
Up nice and early this morning as we had a date with some princesses in Norway (ok, the Epcot version, But just as good honestly!) It was early entry at Epcot but as I had booked an early breakfast, 8:50, this granted us access. we arrived about 8:10 and were allowed in. Nobody bothered to check the details and we strolled in feeling really naughty. Alex and Lyndsay asked about the Leave A Legacy tiles on the way through but we didn't stop to look as I was on a mission: my first fastpass of the holiday. I picked up times guide and map and marched my party through to Test Track and Mission Space.
Mission Space was more important to me as I hadn't tried it before so persuaded my party to hand over their precious park tickets. FP achieved and we wondered round to Test track to see if there was time to ride. Not really, A 30 minute wait already. Ok, on to Norway then. Now being a good DIS member, I should know not to underestimate the size of the parks and be prepared at all times. Well, whoops, I forgot quite how big Epcot was. Just at the right time a beautiful lady in a carriage showed up to offer her services. Actually, a lovely CM came by with a mini tram and offered to take us to Norway. I forgot Cara was fully regal as Snow White this morning so it was obvious where we were headed. Our first bit of pixie dust...I love this place! Others in my party acted suitably impressed while I acted as if this stuff happens all the time, this place is so magical and pixie dust is infectious don't ya know!?
Dropped off at Norway like actual royalty, we thanked our CM and went to check-in. We were seated straight away and our server bounded over. Very enthusiastic young guy who we took to straight away. All the food was gorgeous and each had their favourite. Charlie and Dean ploughed through the cinnamon rolls, which tasted more like caramel to me, I loved the potato casserole and the rest got scrapped over. We had to order more of everything, actually to be fair it was brought over before we asked. Tea was found for James, even though it wasn't on the menu and all was happy. Now for the main event: the princesses! We lucked out because we had Jasmine, Aurora, Mulan, Snow White and Belle. I couldn't believe my eyes and squeaked everytime I spotted a new one. They were all lovely, spent adequate time with us and made a fuss of the children (oh yes and James made sure he touched each and every one!). The next bit was highlight of the day. Dean at 3 has learnt the art of flirting, shall we say. He managed to get a kiss from every princess and despite a small protest at first, fell into the rest of them far too easily! His eyes and grin were priceless and he says Jasmine is his best girl still. Charlie and Dean sported matching lipstick marks for the rest of the day, while Cara was happy enough with all of it, but we noticed that she got shy quite easily and had hardly spoken to them. I hoped this wasn't going to affect her holiday... we'll see.
Headed back To FW now to get on with the rides. FP time had come around so I stopped first to get my next set at Test Track while we rode Mission Space. We did the babyswap and went 2nd. WOW! WOW! WOW! What an experience, The spiel before the ride is a bit drawn out and the signs and warnings did make me a bit nervous but I am so glad I did this. Yes, claustrophobia would be a drawback here and i kept my eyes stuck to the screen like glue but it is like nothing ever before and I wish i would have had the opportunity to do this again to appreciate more detail. James even got very American coming off the ride and shouted Yeah! a lot on the way out. I was dazed for an hour or so, but it was so worth it.
Should have been Test Track next, except the FP line was out the door so we opted to return later and headed for UNiverse of Energy. Fun as normal, although my two youngest didn't think so and Charlie screamed when the video footage of the BIg Bang came. Funny, you'd think it would be the dinosaurs, wouldn't you?
An hour later and it was snack time. Pretzels all round and ciggie break. Where next? Test Track still looked bad so we headed over the other side to Imagination. BTW, I stopped and asked the CM outside Wonders Of Life about possible opening during our trip. Just an ugly rumour was the reply. They're going to rip it down, aren't they, I said. He gave me a smirky sort of smile and said nothing. Read into this what you will people. Anyway, back to Figment and stuff. My biggest fear is snakes, so I knew I was not going in HISTA. Dean really wanted to do this so Alex and Lyndsay took him in while Cara got down to serious pin trading around the outside of the pavillion. We tried to catch the water at the fountains but it was too high and we stood in the mist to keep cool. It was 82 that day. Figment was walking around looking adorable but Cara did not want a photo. She had no idea who he was, so he was not on the agenda. Once all reunited, we went on the Imagination ride. i had never done this before but actually felt this was the most Disney thing at Epcot. It's colourful and all singing/all dancing. All really enjoyed it, except for the unexpected bang near the end (really could have done without that).
Starting to melt now but I was determined to get FW done, so off we went to Living Seas. Priority here was Turtle Talk with Crush which was starting in about 20 minutes so we had a quick look round the Nemo exhibit. My kids impressed me here with their marine knowledge. Thankyou Nemo! Crush time upon us, we piled in. cara and Dean sat at the front while we sat just behind on a bench. The host asked us to call for Crush and along he swam. He spoke to the kids in front and asked questions about school, where they were from, that kind of thing. We got an education in dude talk and the many ways to say it along with appropriate head movements. Crush gave us a speed swim demo where he then crashed in to the tank window and the kids roared with laughter. It was so well done, so funny and the highlight of the day. You get the opportunity to ask questions so think of something before you go in but this was the highlight of the day. When we asked Cara what she had learned that day, it was that Crush was really real and she didn't know that some turtles could actually talk. i teared up inside and thought that at least the magic is still there for her. She talks about it now and tells everyone that Crush is the real thing! Outside again and Nemo was rolling around. Cara cuddled up for a photo and on we went.
Test Track time. James and I took Cara on with us and a great ride it was. I knew there was trouble afoot when we were left in the cold room a little too long. Round the track we went, and Cara loved evry second but then just as the line area was in sight, we stopped. It took 15 minutes to get off the ride and the line was huge. Alex and Lyndsay decided not to ride for the wait, so hometime it was. I forgot to say that first ride we did that morning was Spaceship Earth at Dean's request, which he wanted to do again but we resisted. We also saw the Character bus go by which had a great selection on board and made all our morning. It's just not Disney without the characters to me. I had planned to maybe stop at BEaches and Cream for a snack but we were too tired and headed for home.
I think the kids got McDonalds tonight because me and James had other plans: a date at 8 with Bluezoo at the Dolphin. We happily left the others for amore sophisticated, quiet time. Not tonight, I'm afraid. There were 2 large tables in the restaurant and each had a shrieking laugher. What a shame because the service, decor and food were just out of this world. I would go back tomorrow just for the breads. We finished just after 9 and rushed outside to get a look of Illuminations. There is quite a good view here but it was just a bit too chilly for me here so we collected the car. BTW, valet is free at the Dolphin if you are eating at one of the restaurants!
WE decided to head for Downtown Disney and have a look around. Now was a good time to go in Once Upon A Toy (without the kids) and we wandered through the free to enter Pleasure Island, soaking up the atmosphere. I had not worn my walking shoes so it was time for bed. A lovely day, but I was so ready for bed. Day off tomorrow, what will we do?
C U soon,
Claire
Up nice and early this morning as we had a date with some princesses in Norway (ok, the Epcot version, But just as good honestly!) It was early entry at Epcot but as I had booked an early breakfast, 8:50, this granted us access. we arrived about 8:10 and were allowed in. Nobody bothered to check the details and we strolled in feeling really naughty. Alex and Lyndsay asked about the Leave A Legacy tiles on the way through but we didn't stop to look as I was on a mission: my first fastpass of the holiday. I picked up times guide and map and marched my party through to Test Track and Mission Space.
Mission Space was more important to me as I hadn't tried it before so persuaded my party to hand over their precious park tickets. FP achieved and we wondered round to Test track to see if there was time to ride. Not really, A 30 minute wait already. Ok, on to Norway then. Now being a good DIS member, I should know not to underestimate the size of the parks and be prepared at all times. Well, whoops, I forgot quite how big Epcot was. Just at the right time a beautiful lady in a carriage showed up to offer her services. Actually, a lovely CM came by with a mini tram and offered to take us to Norway. I forgot Cara was fully regal as Snow White this morning so it was obvious where we were headed. Our first bit of pixie dust...I love this place! Others in my party acted suitably impressed while I acted as if this stuff happens all the time, this place is so magical and pixie dust is infectious don't ya know!?
Dropped off at Norway like actual royalty, we thanked our CM and went to check-in. We were seated straight away and our server bounded over. Very enthusiastic young guy who we took to straight away. All the food was gorgeous and each had their favourite. Charlie and Dean ploughed through the cinnamon rolls, which tasted more like caramel to me, I loved the potato casserole and the rest got scrapped over. We had to order more of everything, actually to be fair it was brought over before we asked. Tea was found for James, even though it wasn't on the menu and all was happy. Now for the main event: the princesses! We lucked out because we had Jasmine, Aurora, Mulan, Snow White and Belle. I couldn't believe my eyes and squeaked everytime I spotted a new one. They were all lovely, spent adequate time with us and made a fuss of the children (oh yes and James made sure he touched each and every one!). The next bit was highlight of the day. Dean at 3 has learnt the art of flirting, shall we say. He managed to get a kiss from every princess and despite a small protest at first, fell into the rest of them far too easily! His eyes and grin were priceless and he says Jasmine is his best girl still. Charlie and Dean sported matching lipstick marks for the rest of the day, while Cara was happy enough with all of it, but we noticed that she got shy quite easily and had hardly spoken to them. I hoped this wasn't going to affect her holiday... we'll see.
Headed back To FW now to get on with the rides. FP time had come around so I stopped first to get my next set at Test Track while we rode Mission Space. We did the babyswap and went 2nd. WOW! WOW! WOW! What an experience, The spiel before the ride is a bit drawn out and the signs and warnings did make me a bit nervous but I am so glad I did this. Yes, claustrophobia would be a drawback here and i kept my eyes stuck to the screen like glue but it is like nothing ever before and I wish i would have had the opportunity to do this again to appreciate more detail. James even got very American coming off the ride and shouted Yeah! a lot on the way out. I was dazed for an hour or so, but it was so worth it.
Should have been Test Track next, except the FP line was out the door so we opted to return later and headed for UNiverse of Energy. Fun as normal, although my two youngest didn't think so and Charlie screamed when the video footage of the BIg Bang came. Funny, you'd think it would be the dinosaurs, wouldn't you?
An hour later and it was snack time. Pretzels all round and ciggie break. Where next? Test Track still looked bad so we headed over the other side to Imagination. BTW, I stopped and asked the CM outside Wonders Of Life about possible opening during our trip. Just an ugly rumour was the reply. They're going to rip it down, aren't they, I said. He gave me a smirky sort of smile and said nothing. Read into this what you will people. Anyway, back to Figment and stuff. My biggest fear is snakes, so I knew I was not going in HISTA. Dean really wanted to do this so Alex and Lyndsay took him in while Cara got down to serious pin trading around the outside of the pavillion. We tried to catch the water at the fountains but it was too high and we stood in the mist to keep cool. It was 82 that day. Figment was walking around looking adorable but Cara did not want a photo. She had no idea who he was, so he was not on the agenda. Once all reunited, we went on the Imagination ride. i had never done this before but actually felt this was the most Disney thing at Epcot. It's colourful and all singing/all dancing. All really enjoyed it, except for the unexpected bang near the end (really could have done without that).
Starting to melt now but I was determined to get FW done, so off we went to Living Seas. Priority here was Turtle Talk with Crush which was starting in about 20 minutes so we had a quick look round the Nemo exhibit. My kids impressed me here with their marine knowledge. Thankyou Nemo! Crush time upon us, we piled in. cara and Dean sat at the front while we sat just behind on a bench. The host asked us to call for Crush and along he swam. He spoke to the kids in front and asked questions about school, where they were from, that kind of thing. We got an education in dude talk and the many ways to say it along with appropriate head movements. Crush gave us a speed swim demo where he then crashed in to the tank window and the kids roared with laughter. It was so well done, so funny and the highlight of the day. You get the opportunity to ask questions so think of something before you go in but this was the highlight of the day. When we asked Cara what she had learned that day, it was that Crush was really real and she didn't know that some turtles could actually talk. i teared up inside and thought that at least the magic is still there for her. She talks about it now and tells everyone that Crush is the real thing! Outside again and Nemo was rolling around. Cara cuddled up for a photo and on we went.
Test Track time. James and I took Cara on with us and a great ride it was. I knew there was trouble afoot when we were left in the cold room a little too long. Round the track we went, and Cara loved evry second but then just as the line area was in sight, we stopped. It took 15 minutes to get off the ride and the line was huge. Alex and Lyndsay decided not to ride for the wait, so hometime it was. I forgot to say that first ride we did that morning was Spaceship Earth at Dean's request, which he wanted to do again but we resisted. We also saw the Character bus go by which had a great selection on board and made all our morning. It's just not Disney without the characters to me. I had planned to maybe stop at BEaches and Cream for a snack but we were too tired and headed for home.
I think the kids got McDonalds tonight because me and James had other plans: a date at 8 with Bluezoo at the Dolphin. We happily left the others for amore sophisticated, quiet time. Not tonight, I'm afraid. There were 2 large tables in the restaurant and each had a shrieking laugher. What a shame because the service, decor and food were just out of this world. I would go back tomorrow just for the breads. We finished just after 9 and rushed outside to get a look of Illuminations. There is quite a good view here but it was just a bit too chilly for me here so we collected the car. BTW, valet is free at the Dolphin if you are eating at one of the restaurants!
WE decided to head for Downtown Disney and have a look around. Now was a good time to go in Once Upon A Toy (without the kids) and we wandered through the free to enter Pleasure Island, soaking up the atmosphere. I had not worn my walking shoes so it was time for bed. A lovely day, but I was so ready for bed. Day off tomorrow, what will we do?
C U soon,
Claire
