The crowds at Epcot this day were insane!
Actually, they were probably normal sized crowds - Soarin' stand by line was running about 90 minutes, Test Track was around 50-60. I just happen to turn around at just the right time and saw a few people crossing in front of the fountain. As soon as they cleared it, I snapped off a quick shot with not one person in it. Remember kids - it's better to be lucky than good.
And speaking of people, as I was taking that shot, two of my favorite people were getting posed with a certain Hedge-y donkey with an inferiority complex.
Those carrots are looking a bit wilty.
Bambi's Butterfly House was set up along the area just on the edge of Future World, across from MouseGear and behind the hat/sunglasses/swim suit stand. (What an odd coincidence that Disney has a kisok selling children's bathing suits right next to a splash pad/water play area.)
I told her to strut in like she owned the place and randomly go up to people and shout "Get out of my butterfly house!" Much like the CM at Journey into Imagination, she did not play along.
You know what my favorite part of Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival is? The flowers smell so wonderful...
A few nature shots from inside Bambi's Butterfly House:
We emerged on the other end, after having been battered and beaten by swarming herds of butterflies. OK, none of them actually attacked us, but a few of them did give me the stink-eye when I took their picture.
And what did we see when we came around the corner on this 91° day? (Yes, for accuracy sake, I did look it up. It was 91° that day)
An EZ-Bake oven, filled with young musicians! Delicious!
I forget where they were from, but they sounded pretty good - considering they were in the direct sunlight, with a large white stage background reflecting even more heat directly on them. I decided to let them live vicariously though us as we headed into The Land for some air conditioned lunch at Sunshine Seasons.
After lunch it was time for a quick trip around California...
Run all you want, kids. The FastPasses are in my pocket.
As we were getting buckled in, I was chatting with the family next to me. It was the parent's first time on the ride, and they were a bit nervous by the look of the seats and the seat belt. The teenage daughter was trying to convince her mom that it wasn't that bad, despite the need for seat belts. I agreed, telling her that it was pretty harmless and only went upside down three times. The mom's face was priceless, so I decided to calm her fear a bit by saying, "Well, really only twice. The third time never really goes completely around." At first she thought I was kidding, but then she got serious and asked if I was telling the truth. I just motioned over at Madison and Evan, who were just dangling their legs and grinning. The mom got my hint and everyone enjoyed the ride.
We got off Soarin' and headed back out into the blazing Florida heat. Sweat immediately started rolling off my brow, and my throat dried up faster than you can sing "One Little Spark". We headed to the only place in Epcot that has the type of firepower required to quench a thirst this bad.
Beverly!
Evan's had it before, but like any horrific memory, his brain did the natural thing and tucked it so far back that he would never had to remember and relive that ghastly experience. So I helped him out and convinced him to try it again. (And before you get all high and mighty, claiming that what I did is not only child abuse, but potentially cruel and unusual punishment, let me remind you that Bambi is a social worker, and informed me that while what I did was morally questionable, it was more than likely legal.)
Madison asked how it was, and clearly he liked it...
....just not enough to finish the cup.
OK, OK, so it may not have ranked up there with the best "hot day" treat my kids could have gotten. Does this make up for it?
That was while we were waiting in line for Chip & Dale. They were - at least at this point in time - Evan's two most favoritest characters ever ever ever. Ever. He spent the last two days carrying around the Chip & Dale pendent from his pin lanyard, and we as excited as all get out to show them.
Clearly, Chip was amused by it.
And it appears that Captain_Oblivious has engrained this phrase in my head from his trip report, because every time I see these two, that's what I think. In Hollywood Studios they wear 1940's LA Fashion. In Tomorrowland, they wear space age dancing outfits. On the Cruise ships the have sailor hats and shirts. But, appearing now at Epcot, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Naked Chip and Dale
Thanks, Captain.
It was still very hot and none of us really wanted to walk around World Showcase. We did walk down far enough for Evan to get a picture with McQueen and Mater, though.
Our last order of business before heading back to the hotel for a nice cool dip in the pool: Fairies. Tinker Bell's line was already closed, but Madison was the first in line for Vidia and Rosetta, who would be out in about 15 minutes. Tink did walk by and have a nice little conversation with Madison on her way out, though.
Remember when I said that Madison was first in line for the next Fairies? (Seriously, it was in the last paragraph. You have to remember. )
Well, turns out we were wrong. The last little girl to see Tinker Bell just stayed up at the meet and greet area with her parents, the character handler and the Photopass photographer.
While I normally wouldn't get to upset by this little bit of Disney Magic for that little girl, they pushed it too far. Way too far. Vidia and Rosetta came out, and we all walked up the path to where we were supposed to wait. The little girl started dancing around and playing with the two Fairies. Fine, great, I'm glad you're have a special moment. Every time the little girl would start walking back to her stroller, her mom would say "go show them your dance" or "go show them your other moves". Repeatedly. For probably close to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Madison is standing there, in the hot sun, watching all of this and waiting patiently for her turn. And you know that no matter how awesome her interaction with them is, it will pale in comparison to this precious little snowflake and her spotlight loving mother. (End of rant)
I will give them credit, though. They didn't just sign Madison's book, take a picture and move on. They thought Madison's hair beads were absolutely fascinating.
No matter, though. Madison got to see them and had a grand time in her own right.
Coming Up: Swimming. Steak. Steak. Steak. Shrimp. Chicken. Steak. Pork. Steak. Shrimp. Steak. And Dessert!
Can't wait to read more!
