I Knew There Was A Reason Why I've Always Hated My Birthday - COMPLETE

[cindianne320]

Just finished reading BOTH of your trip reports

First, I am so sorry you lost your dog during this trip I'm almost hesitant to keep reading, because I feel so sad for you. I am so happy you are going back to Disney in December, and I hope you are doing ok.

Anyway, I hope your school year is going well. As a frumpy, 30 year old, wife and mother of a 2 year old boy, who has been belting out "Part of your World" after exiting that show for the last 15 years, and who can't wait to experience my favorite movie "Beauty and the Beast" in the whole new land, I appreciate your honesty and love for Disney!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 4TH PART ONE: In Which A Bus Almost Makes Me Cry - ALSO FISH
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get out of bed when you know you have a full day of WDW fun ahead of you? I mean, I am definitely not a morning person. Having to get out of bed is like my own personal form of torture. If someone figures out a way to go out and do stuff while simultaneously cuddling up in bed, I will be a very happy gal (and will personally re-gift that person one of my ‘Yay For Participation!’ T-ball trophies). Yet, at WDW, I will gladly hop out of bed at an ungodly hour (7 AM) and skip my lazy-self right into the shower. Crazy.

However, my cheery morning quickly took a dark turn. After I finished my Pop Tart (there’s no better breakfast than some good ol’ calories) I started to feel really nauseous. I was dizzy and faint so I laid back down for a while. There wasn’t anything seriously wrong, but because I’m the world’s biggest hypochondriac, I started freaking out. I was in full-blown panic attack mode before I knew it. Lemme tell ya, having a panic attack is not the best way to start the day. In fact, it’s probably one of the worst. Panic attacks stink.

After a while, I started feeling better and was able to finish getting ready. THANK GOODNESS. This was the only day we had planned at Epcot and I was not about to miss my favorite park. Because of my little setback, we were running a bit late, but we still managed to make it to the bus stop by 9:00. That’s not too bad. We missed Rope Drop, though, which just felt wrong. We NEVER miss Rope Drop! We’re that obnoxious Rope Drop family that stands outside of the turnstiles shuffling our feet like bulls about to charge. Arriving when the park is already open just isn’t the same.

Anyway, we waited, like, five minutes or so for an Epcot bus to come. We were the only people waiting at our stop. It was strange. Where was everyone? Sleeping in? Don’t they know that there’s no sleeping in Disney? Clearly they haven’t read any of our frumpy friends’ TRs.

As you all know, there are 9839749233 (or 4) bus stops at Coronado Springs. Since we were in the Ranchos, we were the second stop (except it’s called Bus Stop 3 because it’s Disney and they can) which, in case you’re lazy and don’t feel like doing the math, meant there were two more. A whopping 10 more people got on the bus before we left CSR. 10. Again, where was everyone? Oh well. More space for me.

OH! I almost forgot! The most wonderful thing happened right as we were pulling out of CSR. I didn’t even know this was possible, but all of a sudden the Disney Voice Guy was wishing me a happy birthday on the bus. WHAT? I almost cried. I love the Disney Voice Guy. I want him to narrate my life. Well, him and the guy who commentates during curling matches on NBC. When I finally convince someone that my life is sitcom-worthy, they will be the Arrested Development-style narrators. But, yeah, it was a magical moment for sure. Birthday buttons pay off, kids.

I was on the verge of tears for the second time that morning when we pulled into Epcot and “One Little Spark” started playing. I love it!

As we disembarked, I thanked our bus driver for being so fabulous. He really did make my morning.

You know what else made my morning? The fact that there wasn’t a line at bag check AND they barely even glanced in my bag. SHOCKING. I’m usually subject to a full TSA-style patdown/thorough bag check/veritaserum before they’ll let me into the park. Panic attack aside, this was really my morning.

As we headed through the turnstiles, there were CMs passing out little American flag pins. They were plastic and sort of cheap looking, but it was still a nice gesture. I wore mine all day. Well, my bag wore mine all day. He (because my bag is very obviously male) seemed pleased.

We took a few seconds to grab a times guide, soak up the atmosphere, and listen to the Entrance Medley before speeding off like the crazy people we are.

Here’s a picture of everyone’s favorite geodesic sphere:

It’s so lovely. Don’t cha just love the wind tunnel it creates? Getting blown over as I walk underneath is never not hilarious.

Here’s a picture of us courtesy of my paparazzo of a father:

I don’t entirely know what I’m pointing at but I’m sure it was something really cool.

Katie, Wade, and Mom headed for Test Track, but because I was still feeling a bit woozy from earlier, I decided to pass. Dad and I headed over to get FPs for Soarin’. I don’t even ride it because I have a horrible fear of flying and giant screens make me motion sick (also, it replaced Food Rocks so I don’t ride it on principle), but I’m the most awesome person ever, so I figured I’d do something nice for everyone else.

Palm trees! I felt bad for the one with the giant hole in its trunk. I feel like someone probably got really drunk and kicked it. Or someone momentarily forgot this isn’t 400 BC and drove their stroller into it battering ram-style. Or a lazy woodpecker didn’t feel like leaving the ground. Or the tree let her big sister’s wacky best friend pierce her trunk so she wouldn’t have to wear clip-ons anymore, but she just wound up with a crazy infection. I bet that’s what it was.

The Land - It’s lacking in singing foods, but I guess it’s still pretty cool. I think this is the part of the trip report where I pull out a guitar and we all hold hands and sing that “Listen to the Land” song.

JUST MAKE BELIEVE YOU’RE A TINY LITTLE SEED…

I didn’t take any pictures while we were in there because I was a woman on a FP-retrieving mission. Once the FPs were safely acquired, Dad and I took our time walking out. Actually, I think we stopped and bought a bottle of water from Sunshine Seasons or whatever it’s called. I also remember pointing out that there were a ridiculous number of people in The Land wearing Cleveland Indians and/or Ohio State paraphernalia. Clearly Ohioans have excellent taste in vacation destinations.

Dad and I then headed over to The Seas where the rest of the gang was supposed to meet us after they finished at Test Track. We found a shady spot, sat on the edge of a planter, and watched the monorail go by.

Epcot is gorgeous. I miss it.

While we were waiting, a CM stopped and told us that there was a snake living in the planter we were sitting on. I guess the other CMs named it Fred. I couldn’t quite tell if the guy was telling the truth or not, but I moved as far away from that planter as possible. I’m sure the snakes that live at Disney are friendly and nice. They probably slither along to the area music. With that said, their bodies are giant tubes. It’s gross. Who in their right mind actively wants to encounter a tube-bodied creature? Snakes are just so gross.

Before long, the rest of the family showed up and we headed inside.

The Seas is my favorite pavilion in Epcot. I could spend hours in there. I’ve always been fascinated by aquatic life. I mean, there’s a whole world down there and we barely know the half of it. It’s so exciting! As a kid, one of the many careers I planned on having (after princess and before lifeguard…yeah, I really thought I’d make a career out of that) was marine biologist. I’m glad I get to fulfill that fantasy for a little while every time I visit WDW.

Because it was still early, there was no line for the ride. However long it took us to walk through the queue is how long we waited. Of course, this queue is insanely long, so I think I aged about five years before we made it to the loading area. It is 2016, right?

You’ll remember that at the Magic Kingdom the day before, we had a hard time wrapping our heads around the fact that we were traveling with five people in our party as opposed to the usual four. I took an elbow to the chest as a result, so you’d think we would’ve learned.

Well, we didn’t. Mom, Dad, and I did the stupidest thing any of us have ever done by piling into one Clammobile. It was not pretty. Nor comfortable. I’m claustrophobic and I freak out whenever I feel like I can’t move, so I had another panic attack. Instead of enjoying the EAC and singing along with “Big Blue World”, I spent the entire ride with my eyes closed while Mom reminded me to keep breathing. Every year I complain about how short that ride is, but this year I was pleading for it to be over.

Anyway, word of advice: never try to cram three adults in a Clammobile. It’s just not worth it.

After we exited (which was kinda painful…we were squeezed in there quite well) I drank an entire bottle of water and praised Poseidon that I made it off the ride alive. Then, we went and visited my BFFs: the manatees.

Manatees are amazing. My grandmother gave me a stuffed manatee when I was born (who I later named Manatee because I’m creative like that) and I’ve been attached to the sea cows (which sounds like an insult) ever since. They’re just so gentle! Don’t you think they look like they’d make good cuddlers? Do you think I could bribe a CM to let me in the tank for a good snuggle?

After spending a suitable amount of time with the manatees, we moved on. Mom, Katie, and Wade headed over to Turtle Talk, but Dad and I decided to look around some more. There was a certain someone I needed to say hello to.

For those of you who don’t know, The Seas is home to one of the most fascinating specimen of creatures in the whole world. I didn’t know about it either until the fabulous Lia (_disneygirl) wrote about it in her TR (which you should read because she’s the best and I'm linking you to it so you have no excuse not to SERIOUSLY READ THIS PEOPLE).

I am speaking, of course, of the frogfish.

Is this not the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen? Just look at it! Look at his nose! And that’s not even the most fascinating thing about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Frogfish. The most intriguing aspect of the frogfish is that he has weird pulsating spots all over his body. It’s nuts. I don’t know if that’s how he breathes or what but it’s funky. I sat down on the floor so that I’d be at eye-level and just stared at the guy wondering why he is the way that he is.

Another fun fact about the frogfish:

Frogfish walk, man. They pretty much took a page out of Ariel’s playbook and got sick of swimming so they developed legs. FOUR LEGS. Quick, someone tell him what a fire is because I’m sure he’s curious about that too.

I knew if I stared at the frogfish any longer my brain would blow from sheer awesomeness, so I moved onto the other tanks.

Here’s a seahorse:

I have no idea what these are but they’re cool:

Another fun fact:

These next pictures were taken by my father (with his fancy camera) while I was staring at the frogfish. They’re gorgeous. I’m always impressed by Dad’s photography.

We also spent quite a bit of time upstairs looking at the MASSIVE tanks.

As a wise woman once said: “Fish, fish, fish. Everywhere fish!”

The dolphins were out and they were as lovable as ever. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a lesson in dolphin genitalia this year. Disappointing. I will never forget the sheer hilarity that led to. Like, I’ll be dragging my kids to The Seas every year just to be all “Now kids, this is where Mommy learned all about dolphin privates.”

Here’s some sort of ray:

It was massive. So cool.

Here’s a sea turtle who was extremely popular with the kids:

It was really cute. Every time he swam by, a little boy would do his best Crush impression. I love that Finding Nemo has inspired a new generation of kids to take interest in the ocean.

Here’s a not-so Hidden Mickey:

After a while, Dad and I headed downstairs and met up with everyone else. We were all getting hungry, so we decided it was time for lunch, but I’ll save that for the next installment.

UP NEXT: For the first time ever, we’re seeing it I 2 I

PS: I’m sorry I haven’t updated in, like, forever. I’ve been super overwhelmed with school. Also, you’ll notice from my lack of ticker, we had to cancel our November trip. Life got in the way. But, I’ve already started planning our annual July trip so I’m not too bummed. We haven’t booked anything yet, but we really want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Plus, I kind of need to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and geek out, so that will probably happen. It should be a lot of fun.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I feel the SAME way about sleeping in. The only reason I will ever wake up that early is if I'm going to Disney or I am in Disney. That's IT.
OH NO about being sick ughhh that is awful! I'm sorry.
Haha that's right! THERE'S NO SLEEPING IN DISNEY!!!
Aww that Disney voice guy is so kind! That probably made your day!
LOL I bet one of your guesses about the hole in the tree is right. Just one of them has to be!
Oh my God my mom would have FREAKED out if she was sitting near a snake. EWW!
I love manatees too when I was in 2nd grade I went to the seas and that was the first time I saw manatees. I found out they were endangered so I had a little manatee fund to donate to the animals So precious.
I have never seen a frog fish. That is crazy! I may have to look in December so I can see for myself!
Why is the Seas pavilion SO much fun!? Ahh I want to go there now. And I want to add a Coral Reef reservation to my trip I don't know if there's any possible way I can fit that though LOL

Thanks for updating! I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip. I just got SO SAD Wahh. Well at least there's always the summer!

p.s. i read the intro of lia's TR and it seriously looks awesome. i want to read the whole thing!! but did she stop updating?

 

[YukiPhnx]

Ok, I'm finally ALL CAUGHT UP.

I was just reminded of something I wanted to tell you about. So, my mom bought me a Kindle for my birthday (love her) and I've been looking through their store for WDW books and did you know....THERE'S A BOOK OF A TR??? Literally, someone wrote their TR for WDW and just published it! No pictures though, but still pretty awesome.

Don't you love how Lia turned our attention to the frogfish and now we can't enough of this fishy friend?

Have you been watching PLL? I wish they would give us more clues! I heard "A" is different in the show than in the book, so it's not like the book would do any good...

A visit to WWoHP for next summer? Sounds awesome! Too bad you couldn't go this Fall though...

 

[Disneyfreak616]

YAYY UPDATE!!!

I feel the exact same way. There is NO sleeping in Disney!

YESS!! You just quoted me!!! Such an honor it is.

Clearly they haven't.

Ahh what a magical bus experience.

VERITASERUM. HAHAHAHA.

If I were a woodpecker...that's where I would aim..but I'm terrified of birds so I would never be one.

Eh...ya still got the Veggie Tales for singing foods.

Girl, you CRACK me up. I am dyin' over here. Bless your soul.

I've always wanted to sing that song at a campfire...is that weird?

They really do! I always see SO much OSU merch on the Disney-goers.

I agree. I am so afraid of them. Like the word "slither" just gives me chills.

Wow I am like almost done with college then! Woohoo!

Can I add to that? OR BTTMR. That is way worse because you jerk around so much.

You have opened my eyes to the wonders of aquatic life. That frogfish is amazing! I am making a mental note to spend much more time in the Seas on my next trip.

STACEY. <3

HAHAHAHAHA.

Aww. Sorry you had to cancel your trip, but yay for planning your July one! I LOVE AKL, you should definitely stay there! It's my family's absolute fave. And WWOHP!? Take meee!!!!! LOL. Please go. It's fantastic.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Uh oh. Three people in a clammobile never sounds like a good idea!

Okay, you had a stuffed manatee named manatee? I had a stuffed gorilla named goril. That's right. I was so creative, I dropped the extra la.

You started singing the living with the land song and I just busted out in song. Kind of embarrassed myself.

 

[tinkgurl]

Hi!!! Wow, your update just made me really miss WDW! I love the whole Seas area of Epcot.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

I feel the SAME way about sleeping in. The only reason I will ever wake up that early is if I'm going to Disney or I am in Disney. That's IT.
OH NO about being sick ughhh that is awful! I'm sorry.
Haha that's right! THERE'S NO SLEEPING IN DISNEY!!!
Aww that Disney voice guy is so kind! That probably made your day!
LOL I bet one of your guesses about the hole in the tree is right. Just one of them has to be!
Oh my God my mom would have FREAKED out if she was sitting near a snake. EWW!
I love manatees too when I was in 2nd grade I went to the seas and that was the first time I saw manatees. I found out they were endangered so I had a little manatee fund to donate to the animals So precious.
I have never seen a frog fish. That is crazy! I may have to look in December so I can see for myself!
Why is the Seas pavilion SO much fun!? Ahh I want to go there now. And I want to add a Coral Reef reservation to my trip I don't know if there's any possible way I can fit that though LOL

Thanks for updating! I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip. I just got SO SAD Wahh. Well at least there's always the summer!

p.s. i read the intro of lia's TR and it seriously looks awesome. i want to read the whole thing!! but did she stop updating?

Exactly. I just feel like you miss out on so much if you sleep in, especially during the summer. The parks are practically empty early.

Aw, that is precious. They have a big manatee exhibit/rehabilitation center at the Columbus Zoo so, of course, I put money in the little donation box. Those poor manatees need all the help they can get.

The frogfish is incredible. You absolutely must look for it. It will blow your mind!

I really want to eat at Coral Reef. I think we'll have to make that a priority for our next trip.

It's sad that we had to cancel, but the good thing about WDW is that it's always there. It'll be ready and waiting whenever I can go back. Which will hopefully be during the summer. If not, I will cry. I don't think I could survive without at least one trip per year.

Ok, I'm finally ALL CAUGHT UP.

I was just reminded of something I wanted to tell you about. So, my mom bought me a Kindle for my birthday (love her) and I've been looking through their store for WDW books and did you know....THERE'S A BOOK OF A TR??? Literally, someone wrote their TR for WDW and just published it! No pictures though, but still pretty awesome.

Don't you love how Lia turned our attention to the frogfish and now we can't enough of this fishy friend?

Have you been watching PLL? I wish they would give us more clues! I heard "A" is different in the show than in the book, so it's not like the book would do any good...

A visit to WWoHP for next summer? Sounds awesome! Too bad you couldn't go this Fall though...

NO WAY! That's really cool. Who knew you could publish a TR? I've been on this 'I want to become an author' kick lately, so who knows, maybe someday I'll publish my TRs.

Yeah, the lack of clues on PLL has become incredibly frustrating. I NEED ANSWERS, PEOPLE! I feel like they just keep adding in more mysteries without actually solving any of the initial ones. I feel like it'll be season 5 before we find out who actually killed Alison...

I really hope I can go to WWoHP next summer. I've only been to Universal once and I really had no interest in going back, but then this whole 'becoming a Harry Potter fan' thing came out of nowhere and I'm all I NEED TO GO TO HOGWARTS ASAP OR I WILL DIE. I think I'm secretly hoping that I'll get there and discover that I really am magical.

YAYY UPDATE!!!

I feel the exact same way. There is NO sleeping in Disney!

YESS!! You just quoted me!!! Such an honor it is.

Clearly they haven't.

Ahh what a magical bus experience.

VERITASERUM. HAHAHAHA.

If I were a woodpecker...that's where I would aim..but I'm terrified of birds so I would never be one.

Eh...ya still got the Veggie Tales for singing foods.

Girl, you CRACK me up. I am dyin' over here. Bless your soul.

I've always wanted to sing that song at a campfire...is that weird?

They really do! I always see SO much OSU merch on the Disney-goers.

I agree. I am so afraid of them. Like the word "slither" just gives me chills.

Wow I am like almost done with college then! Woohoo!

Can I add to that? OR BTTMR. That is way worse because you jerk around so much.

You have opened my eyes to the wonders of aquatic life. That frogfish is amazing! I am making a mental note to spend much more time in the Seas on my next trip.

STACEY. <3

HAHAHAHAHA.

Aww. Sorry you had to cancel your trip, but yay for planning your July one! I LOVE AKL, you should definitely stay there! It's my family's absolute fave. And WWOHP!? Take meee!!!!! LOL. Please go. It's fantastic.

Birds are the worst. Honestly, they are just terrible. I bet it was a crazy woodpecker that damaged the tree. They would.

OMG I haven't seen Veggie Tales in so long. That "Where is my hairbrush?" song used to be my jam. Larry the Cucumber rocked.

Exactly. Slither is a terrible word. Just saying it makes my mouth feel weird.

You must spend a ton of time exploring The Seas. It is truly fabulous.

I REALLY want to stay at AKL. It's gorgeous. My little detour to WWoHP must happen. I want a wand! Also Pumpkin Juice. Any place where pumpkin-flavored beverages are regularly served is my kinda place.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

Uh oh. Three people in a clammobile never sounds like a good idea!

Okay, you had a stuffed manatee named manatee? I had a stuffed gorilla named goril. That's right. I was so creative, I dropped the extra la.

You started singing the living with the land song and I just busted out in song. Kind of embarrassed myself.

Aw, Goril - I love that.

That song is quite the earworm. I've had it stuck in my head ever since I typed it. Just make believe....

Hi!!! Wow, your update just made me really miss WDW! I love the whole Seas area of Epcot.

Hey, girl! I miss WDW too. I think we just need to go down there and demand that they let us stay forever. I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem with that.

 

[tinkgurl]

Hey, girl! I miss WDW too. I think we just need to go down there and demand that they let us stay forever. I'm sure they wouldn't have a problem with that.

I agree!!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I REALLY want to stay at AKL. It's gorgeous. My little detour to WWoHP must happen. I want a wand! Also Pumpkin Juice. Any place where pumpkin-flavored beverages are regularly served is my kinda place.

I got Hermionie's wand! It's awesome! And I got a Gryffindor scarf. <3 Pumpkin juice is DELICIOUS. It's super refreshing.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

I got Hermionie's wand! It's awesome! And I got a Gryffindor scarf. <3 Pumpkin juice is DELICIOUS. It's super refreshing.

Awesome! I'm probably going to get Ron's wand. He's my favorite. I have my eye on a 'Weasley is Our King' t-shirt which I will totally be wearing to WWoHP. I just wish they would sell the wands that choose us on Pottermore. I know that they have a few of them, but mine's Black Walnut and it's not listed on Universal's website. Boo. What's your Pottermore username again? I wanna add you.

Also, did you go on Forbidden Journey? Was it insanely intense? I don't normally do well with rides/3D movies that simulate flight, but I really want to go on. I mean, it's not like it makes me sick or anything, I just feel really panicky. Thankfully, I have a while to talk myself into it.

 

[MarieTheCat24]

JULY 4TH PART TWO: Everybody Wants to Meet a Cat
As I hinted at the end of my last update, despite the fact that it was only a little after 11:00, we were ready for lunch. Frankly, when at WDW, I’m always ready for lunch because lunch means I can ingest copious amounts of magical Disney food, but I was especially hungry on this particular day. We decided to head to one of our favorite Quick Service locations: La Cantina de San Angel.

As we walked by The Land, Katie and Wade decided they wanted to use the Soarin’ FPs I picked up earlier, so they veered off while the rest of us continued on. My favorite part of the Innoventions area loop was playing as we passed through which caused me to freak out and do a little dance as we walked. I’m sure I looked like a dork but who cares? I’m just glad my family understands my dorkiness. Imagine if I had been born into a family of people who don’t get Disney! My life would have been downright tragic.

Forget homelessness, poverty, disease…being born into a Disney-less family has got to be the worst.

Moving on...

We let this handy sign guide us in the right direction (I’m kidding, of course) -

I think these signs are relatively new, though, because I don’t remember them from previous trips. They probably do come in handy for people who are running late for dinner reservations and can’t name the World Showcase countries in order from left to right or right to left without even thinking about it. Really, though, those people aren’t worth my time. I mean, why are they even at Disney? They can’t name the World Showcase countries? They deserve to be late for dinner.

Right after I took the picture of that sign, my camera died. I almost cried. While we’re at WDW, that thing becomes another appendage. I probably use it more than my left hand. It just had to go and run out of battery without so much as a warning! I was livid. Dad’s camera was still fully functional so we weren’t without one, but still, what if something really cool had happened and we only had one camera to document it? Snappers really let me down.

Anyway, when we got to Mexico we headed straight for La Cantina. There weren’t many people there, so we were able to walk right up and order. No line? In the summer? Well, knock me over with a feather. It was crazy town. And I don’t mean the rap rock band that gifted the world with the immaculate hit “Butterfly”.

COME MY LADY COME COME MY LADY

Here’s a picture of our food (or rather nuestra comida…I didn’t take six years of Spanish for nothin’) -

Mom and Dad both got nachos while I opted for the tacos de pollo. They were perfect for a hot summer day. Plus - and this is really exciting – they were complemented wonderfully by the magical concoction known as pink lemonade. I’m quite certain that stuff is brewed by fairies. I just hate that it’s so difficult to find in WDW. I mean, magical drinks belong in magical places. I don’t care about Pomegranate or whatever other flavors they have; I only want my lemonade to be pink-flavored. If they can sell blue-flavored Powerade, they can sell pink lemonade. End of story.

Oh, we all had churros for dessert.

The only downside to eating at La Cantina is that those big white birds from hell frequent the area. I guess they enjoy a good empanada every now and again. I can’t say I blame them. But for someone with a serious bird phobia, having to share your dining space with those…creatures is no fun. I spent the entire meal with my legs tucked up under me while periodically yelling “Daddy, it looked at me! Scare it away! Scare it away!” Thank goodness I have a father who’s still willing to scare away the monsters for his little girl even if she’s 21 years old and should be able to handle this stuff on her own.

Just as Katie and Wade met up with us in Mexico, I started feeling sick again. It was the same dizziness I felt earlier that morning. I figured that walking around in the heat wouldn’t be the greatest idea, so I headed back to the hotel to lay down for a bit. Dad decided to come with me.

I’m so glad that he (and his camera) did because standing in front of the Fountain of Nations was none other than Max Goof! I didn’t care how sick I felt, I was not about to miss this. I have vivid memories of watching Goof Troop (and Chip and Dale’s Rescue Rangers) as a kid. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s a crime in all 50 states (the legislation just passed in Wyoming) to dislike A Goofy Movie.

When it was my turn to meet Max, he gave me a big hug and I resisted bursting into an impromptu rendition of “I 2 I”. I was certainly singing it on the inside, though.

If we listen to each other’s heart,
We’ll find we’re never too far apart.
And maaaaaybe love is the reason why
For the first time ever we’re seeing it I 2 I.

Here’s the picture -

With that, Dad and I headed out to the bus stop. A CSR bus was waiting just for us. Well, maybe not just for us, but we were the only people on it. It was Crazy Town Part II: You’re my butterfly. Sugar. Baby.

When we got back to Coronado, I plugged my camera in to charge and curled up in bed. I was going to watch Stacey, but then I saw that they were re-playing the Hot Dot Eating Competition on ESPN, so you bet your bottom dollar that’s what I watched. It was the 4th of July, and you can’t get much more American than watching a bunch of people shoving hot dogs down their gullets while other people cheer them on.

God bless America.

I fell asleep after it was over and was out cold until Mom woke me up to go to dinner. They came back from Epcot an hour or so after us and spent the afternoon at the pool. I freshened up a bit, ran a brush through my hair, put on my light-up 4th of July necklace that Wade’s mom bought for all of us, and then we headed out for the evening.

Here are a few pictures Dad took near our building at CSR -

Katie and Wade probably weren’t supposed to climb up on the rocks, but, hey, we like to live on the edge.

I took these while they were taking that picture -

Before long, we were back on a bus barreling toward Epcot. The Disney Voice Guy didn’t wish me happy birthday this time, but that’s OK. Nothing will ever compare to the utter shock/thrill I felt the first time.

The walkway from the bus stops to Epcot is lined with these magical banners -

“Let the memories begin!” is right.

We were pretty much just waved right through the bag check again and in through the turnstiles. I figured the place would be total madness, but it really wasn’t that bad. It wouldn’t last long (Uh oh, foreshadowing…) but, right then, it was quite calm.

Here’s Spaceship Earth again -

And here’s one of my favorite fountains in WDW -

We skedaddled right through Future World and headed toward our dinner location: France.

But first, here’s a shot of Canada and some people -

Here’s a sidewalk chalk American flag in the UK -

This made me giggle since the whole point of the 4th of July is to celebrate America’s independence from them. Suck it, England. U-S-A! U-S-A! I joked that I should buy a Pocahontas costume and dump a box of tea into the WS lagoon while yelling “NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION” before heading back to the American Adventure to wrap myself in an American flag and sing the most American of all songs, “Party in the USA”.

Because I didn’t want to miss dinner, I had to pass. We all know food is way more important than satirical reenactments.

Here’s France -

France was our Ally during the Revolution so I figured it was OK to eat dinner there without spitting in the face of freedom and bald eagles that shed single tears.

As we started across the bridge, I saw someone amazing off in the distance.

My heart stopped.

This was it. This was the moment I had been looking forward to (and subsequently missing out on) for years. All my dreams were (finally) about to come true.

You're probably thinking 'OH MY GOD WAS IT OPRAH? OR JESUS? OR DUMBLEDORE? OR OPRAH, JESUS, AND DUMBLEDORE USING THEIR COMBINED POWERS TO RID THE WORLD OF ALL EVIL?'

I'm afraid it wasn't any of them.

It was better.

Marie was out for meet and greets. My DIS-namesake Marie. The most adorable cat ever Marie. Ladies don't start fights but they can finish them Marie. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I took off across the bridge and got in line. I’m pretty sure I left 8 children, 3 elderly people, and half of a Brazilian tour group on the ground in my wake but I didn’t care. No one was coming between me and Marie. No one.

Except her handler who said that she had to go in for a break shortly, but if I wanted to wait, I would be first in line when she returned.

Heck yes, I wanted to wait.

Dad stayed with me while everyone else went to check us in at Les Chefs de France.

Here’s a picture of Marie waving at a child -

Is she not the most adorable little thing? The fluff on her head is amazing.

After meeting with a few kids, Marie went in for her break and we were left at the head of the line. My heart was racing and all I could think was “OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD.”

Dad shook me out of my stupor after noticing Katie jumping up and down near the entrance to Les Chefs. He sent me over to find out what was wrong. I guess they were ready to seat us, but because the entire party wasn’t there, they wouldn’t. I told her that the character wrangler said Marie would be back in less than five minutes and that we were the first people in line and I didn’t know if she would be out after we were finished eating (all in one breath), so Katie, knowing how badly I wanted to meet her, went back inside to try and talk the host into waiting a few minutes. They eventually took Mom, Katie, and Wade to a table, but were, and I quote, “huffy about it”. Look, I know that they don’t want to seat groups without everyone present, but we were right there. I mean, Dad and I could have waved at the host from where we were standing. It’s not as if we A) didn’t exist or B) weren’t going to show up for another hour.

Before long, Marie came skipping back out and I freaked. I ran up to her little kid-style and said (screamed) “You are my favorite!” She gave me a huge hug and I thought I was going to faint. I wanted to cuddle forever, but knowing that there were a horde of French waiters angry with us, Dad quickly snapped a picture and I bid her adieu. It felt like I was being ripped from the arms of the love of my life. And by ‘ripped from the arms of the love of my life’ I, of course, mean finding out that Panera discontinued the Chicken Bacon Dijon Panini because the only love in my life is food. I should probably try to change that, but it would involve making myself presentable and leaving the couch, so…

Anyway, here’s the picture -

It’s not the greatest, but we were in a hurry. Besides, the memory is what really matters.

UP NEXT: DINNER AT LES CHEFS

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I totally understand... I'm always ready for lunch at like 11 am in Disney! And half the time I'm not even hungry because I'm constantly eating something. I don't know. My Disney eating habits are very peculiar.
YAY FOR INNOVENTIONS! That is my favorite loop of all. Actually, in your honor, I'm going to play it for myself right now so I can listen to it while I read the rest of this update.
And yeah... if my family didn't get Disney... i'd basically be screwed. I would have nothing to live for!!
Those big white birds are TERRIFYING. I feel like I'm being watched whenever they're around.
Aww that stinks you were feeling sick! I'm glad you had enough stamina to meet Max on your way out! He's awesome. I never understood how Goofy had a son, though. He just sorta came out of nowhere!
"God Bless America." So funny. Yay for hot dogs and fat people.
YAYYY MARIE!
I'm glad they just seated your family at Chefs de France. You NEEDED to meet Marie!!
WHAAAAAT?! Come on, Panera! That's no fair. I'm so sorry about your loss. Food + Disney = Loves of Life. That's all you need, really.
Your picture is precious!
I am excited to hear about Les Chefs de France!

 

[jenbear123]

You're probably thinking 'OH MY GOD WAS IT OPRAH? OR JESUS? OR DUMBLEDORE? OR OPRAH, JESUS, AND DUMBLEDORE USING THEIR COMBINED POWERS TO RID THE WORLD OF ALL EVIL?'

That was quite possibly the funniest thing I've read in a while. This update was already pretty funny but that was hilarious! Dumbledore LOL. You're the best!!!

 

[MarieTheCat24]

I totally understand... I'm always ready for lunch at like 11 am in Disney! And half the time I'm not even hungry because I'm constantly eating something. I don't know. My Disney eating habits are very peculiar.
YAY FOR INNOVENTIONS! That is my favorite loop of all. Actually, in your honor, I'm going to play it for myself right now so I can listen to it while I read the rest of this update.
And yeah... if my family didn't get Disney... i'd basically be screwed. I would have nothing to live for!!
Those big white birds are TERRIFYING. I feel like I'm being watched whenever they're around.
Aww that stinks you were feeling sick! I'm glad you had enough stamina to meet Max on your way out! He's awesome. I never understood how Goofy had a son, though. He just sorta came out of nowhere!
"God Bless America." So funny. Yay for hot dogs and fat people.
YAYYY MARIE!
I'm glad they just seated your family at Chefs de France. You NEEDED to meet Marie!!
WHAAAAAT?! Come on, Panera! That's no fair. I'm so sorry about your loss. Food + Disney = Loves of Life. That's all you need, really.
Your picture is precious!
I am excited to hear about Les Chefs de France!

Agreed. My Disney eating habits are ridiculous. I'm just glad WDW involves a lot of walking otherwise I'd weigh 5000 lbs and TLC would air a special about how they had to cut down walls and airlift me out of my hotel room at the end of our trip.

Those white birds are awful. I really wish Disney could keep them away somehow. Meals are a lot less enjoyable when I'm fearing for my life.

Yeah, Max is quite the little mystery. I'm gonna go ahead and say he's the result of aliens. If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that when in doubt, blame it on aliens. No one can prove ya wrong...

Panera got rid of that sandwich like two years ago and I'm still bummed. That's how delicious it was. WHY PANERA? WHYYYYYYY?

That was quite possibly the funniest thing I've read in a while. This update was already pretty funny but that was hilarious! Dumbledore LOL. You're the best!!!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Awesome! I'm probably going to get Ron's wand. He's my favorite. I have my eye on a 'Weasley is Our King' t-shirt which I will totally be wearing to WWoHP. I just wish they would sell the wands that choose us on Pottermore. I know that they have a few of them, but mine's Black Walnut and it's not listed on Universal's website. Boo. What's your Pottermore username again? I wanna add you.

Also, did you go on Forbidden Journey? Was it insanely intense? I don't normally do well with rides/3D movies that simulate flight, but I really want to go on. I mean, it's not like it makes me sick or anything, I just feel really panicky. Thankfully, I have a while to talk myself into it.

THEY HAVE A 'WEASLEY IS OUR KING' SHIRT!?!?!?! WHAATTT??? How did I not know about this!!?? I want one. Oh boy. It is now my goal in life to acquire one of these shirts. That's awesome. Yeah I've always loved Hermionie and I wanted to basically be her when I was younger so her wand was the one for me! That would be so cool! My Pottermore wand is awesome! I wish I could have it. That would be fantastic. Mine is ShadowSparks164. Yay please do!! I think mine is dragon heartstring in the core but I can't remember the wood...it's a lighter color though.

I did! That's coming up in a few days on my TR! It's not really a simulator. It's more like Soarin' but without the fear-of-heights issue I think. It's basically like you're in the movies. It's really amazing! You're not strapped in by yourself though. You're with like four or five other people.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Ahh I love the Innoventions loop. I love dancing to it hehe.

I know seriously. Thank God my family loves Disney or I honestly don't know what I would do.

I think it is probably the most precious thing ever that your camera's name is Snappers.

Mmm your lunch looks delicious. Who doesn't love churros? I mean really. YUM.

AHHH LIKE ME!?!? I would probably scream and run away any time a bird even glanced in my direction. So sorry you felt sick, but hey! If you hadn't you probably wouldn't have met Max! That's awesome!

I think the hot dog competition would have made me feel more sick, so I probably would opt for some Stace. Of course. But yes, God Bless America.

Those rocks are cool! I actually really like that section of CSR, but I haveee heard horror stories of buses and walking, and let's face it, I am REALLY lazy, so Casitas it is for me!

Ahhh I love those banners.

I love that fountain! I never really noticed it until this year, but it's actually really cool!

HAHAHAHA. I find it extremely ironic that the UK would draw an American flag on the sidewalk. They should really just not operate on the 4th. Even thought Brits are the best and the UK is my fave. <3 That would just make MUCH more sense. I'm just picturing myself doing those things and You are hysterical. I would sing along with you, even though that song makes ME want to commit treason.

Oprah, Jesus and Dumbledore. Now there's a Dream Team if I ever heard of one.

Eh the elderly and children are too bad, but just leave the Brazilians. They'll find their way to the nearest mayhem soon enough.

Oh my gosh I am SO happy you got to meet her. Forget the waiters. They can wait. Yeah fighting panini wars is just not worth moving.

 

[Jazzabelle508]

Awesome! I'm probably going to get Ron's wand. He's my favorite. I have my eye on a 'Weasley is Our King' t-shirt which I will totally be wearing to WWoHP. I just wish they would sell the wands that choose us on Pottermore. I know that they have a few of them, but mine's Black Walnut and it's not listed on Universal's website. Boo. What's your Pottermore username again? I wanna add you.

Also, did you go on Forbidden Journey? Was it insanely intense? I don't normally do well with rides/3D movies that simulate flight, but I really want to go on. I mean, it's not like it makes me sick or anything, I just feel really panicky. Thankfully, I have a while to talk myself into it.

Yay, a ron weasley fan! I absolutely LOVE him! He is hillarious! I love the whole trio though as well. I didn't even know they had a weasley is our king shirt! Where did they sell it? I totally think you should wear it in the park. I went to universal last january solely for harry potter and I am positive you will love it! Forrbidden journey is weird in that it is like several different rides all wrapped into one. I think kristen described it really well though in that it is like your in the movie. Parts of it do get creepy but you could always close your eyes because those parts go by quickly. I think it is a to each its own kind of thing. I think the biggest thing with you would probably be the harnesses. They are like the ones on rockin roller coaster so if you like those you will be good 2 go

P.S: your wand sounds great! mine also is walnut but i think it also had unicorn hair in it or something like that. I have been terrible when it comes 2 pottermore. I'm not much of a computer/roleplaying person but i joined pottermore early because it sounded really cool! I don't think i will every be completely into the experience because i'm not into role playing games. I'm trying to be more active on pottermore though. what house are you in? I'm apparently a hufflepuff. I was disappointed but not surprised at first and then i learned alot of cool information about the house so i guess that's cool

 

[MarieTheCat24]

THEY HAVE A 'WEASLEY IS OUR KING' SHIRT!?!?!?! WHAATTT??? How did I not know about this!!?? I want one. Oh boy. It is now my goal in life to acquire one of these shirts. That's awesome. Yeah I've always loved Hermionie and I wanted to basically be her when I was younger so her wand was the one for me! That would be so cool! My Pottermore wand is awesome! I wish I could have it. That would be fantastic. Mine is ShadowSparks164. Yay please do!! I think mine is dragon heartstring in the core but I can't remember the wood...it's a lighter color though.

I did! That's coming up in a few days on my TR! It's not really a simulator. It's more like Soarin' but without the fear-of-heights issue I think. It's basically like you're in the movies. It's really amazing! You're not strapped in by yourself though. You're with like four or five other people.

WEASLEY IS OUR KING It's not officially licensed HP merch, but I need it. I also saw an "I'd Get Sleazy for Ron Weasley" t-shirt that I must have. It's going on my Christmas list for sure.

I added you! I'm WalnutCat186.

I can't wait to hear all about it! You must describe every single aspect of the Wizarding World in great detail. I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING.

Ahh I love the Innoventions loop. I love dancing to it hehe.

I know seriously. Thank God my family loves Disney or I honestly don't know what I would do.

I think it is probably the most precious thing ever that your camera's name is Snappers.

Mmm your lunch looks delicious. Who doesn't love churros? I mean really. YUM.

AHHH LIKE ME!?!? I would probably scream and run away any time a bird even glanced in my direction. So sorry you felt sick, but hey! If you hadn't you probably wouldn't have met Max! That's awesome!

I think the hot dog competition would have made me feel more sick, so I probably would opt for some Stace. Of course. But yes, God Bless America.

Those rocks are cool! I actually really like that section of CSR, but I haveee heard horror stories of buses and walking, and let's face it, I am REALLY lazy, so Casitas it is for me!

Ahhh I love those banners.

I love that fountain! I never really noticed it until this year, but it's actually really cool!

HAHAHAHA. I find it extremely ironic that the UK would draw an American flag on the sidewalk. They should really just not operate on the 4th. Even thought Brits are the best and the UK is my fave. <3 That would just make MUCH more sense. I'm just picturing myself doing those things and You are hysterical. I would sing along with you, even though that song makes ME want to commit treason.

Oprah, Jesus and Dumbledore. Now there's a Dream Team if I ever heard of one.

Eh the elderly and children are too bad, but just leave the Brazilians. They'll find their way to the nearest mayhem soon enough.

Oh my gosh I am SO happy you got to meet her. Forget the waiters. They can wait. Yeah fighting panini wars is just not worth moving.

LOL Thanks. I figured Snappers is an appropriate name for a camera.

You know, that's true. I don't think I've ever met someone who doesn't like churros. They're probably one of the most universally appreciated desserts.

I like the Ranchos because they remind me of BTMRR. They are quite far from El Centro, though. Luckily our building was pretty close to the bus stop, but a lot of them aren't.

I, too, adore British people and their awesome accents. Speaking of Brits and Party in the USA, watch this.

I should write a comic book about Oprah, Jesus, and Dumbledore using their combined powers to fight crime. Oprah's BFF Gayle can come along too as the Robin to Oprah's Batman because she'll probably get bored listening to Jesus and Dumbledore compare beards.

Yay, a ron weasley fan! I absolutely LOVE him! He is hillarious! I love the whole trio though as well. I didn't even know they had a weasley is our king shirt! Where did they sell it? I totally think you should wear it in the park. I went to universal last january solely for harry potter and I am positive you will love it! Forrbidden journey is weird in that it is like several different rides all wrapped into one. I think kristen described it really well though in that it is like your in the movie. Parts of it do get creepy but you could always close your eyes because those parts go by quickly. I think it is a to each its own kind of thing. I think the biggest thing with you would probably be the harnesses. They are like the ones on rockin roller coaster so if you like those you will be good 2 go

P.S: your wand sounds great! mine also is walnut but i think it also had unicorn hair in it or something like that. I have been terrible when it comes 2 pottermore. I'm not much of a computer/roleplaying person but i joined pottermore early because it sounded really cool! I don't think i will every be completely into the experience because i'm not into role playing games. I'm trying to be more active on pottermore though. what house are you in? I'm apparently a hufflepuff. I was disappointed but not surprised at first and then i learned alot of cool information about the house so i guess that's cool

Ron's the best. I posted a link to the shirt above. They don't actually sell it at WWoHP.

I'm not a huge fan of overhead harnesses, but I think I could deal with it for Harry Potter.

I don't use it that much either. I was obsessed at first but making potions gets boring after a while. I'm in Gryffindor which came as a complete surprise. I thought for sure I'd be in Ravenclaw, but I'm not complaining. I guess my bravery has just gone unnoticed all these years.