It was worth the 9 hour flight....... Day 1 Epcot

Zeebs

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Oct 8, 2007
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As everyone was on UK time still we were all up nice and early (Seth a lot earlier than everyone else) so we ate breakfast and prepared for our first day at Disneyworld. We were off to EPCOT.... Sorry to the WDW purists who always start at Magic Kingdom. But we were following the crowd predictions of the Unofficial Guide and because the in-laws were also doing Discovery Cove and SeaWorld so in order to fit everything in and for them to see all the parks.

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In front of the big golf ball

We arrived before opening and were parked about 6 rows back from the front.

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Outside our first ride and we can't even get on it because we are too short......

At rope drop we headed straight for Soarin' we did a rider swap, Cliff and Avril went and rode in the Standby line while I collected fast passes for it. Then when they got off Doug and I rode and the kids and Grandparents went to ride Living with the Land. I really enjoyed Soarin' although maybe I am expecting too much but even though we had the rider swap and basically headed to the front of the line, it still seemed to take a fair while to load and get on the ride. I guess that is what creates the huge wait times. After getting off we collected Grandparents and kids and headed off to Find Nemo, Doug and I went the long way via Test Track for fast passes.

EPCOT seemed quite quiet although I guess I don't really have anything to compare it to.

We took a few pics outside the Seas and then heading in on the Nemo ride, it was great, Cullen really liked it, Seth spent the whole time flicking his head back and forward looking at stuff. We decided not to do Turtle Talk with Crush as I wasn't sure Cullen would get much out of it given he couldn't ask questions and Seth was getting a bit cranky. Time for his sleep.

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Somewhere in here some time we also stopped and got a pretzle this is Seth having a taste.

We went over to get a drink from Club Cool, Cullen loved it free drink.

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Cullen found one he liked

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More Please

Doug and Grandma went back to ride Soarin' Grandpa, Cullen, Seth and I went over to ride figment. I fed Seth to sleep and then had to lug him around man is he heavy. Cullen had a great time jumping around thinking he was making the pictures come up on the floor after the Figment ride.

We then decided we were a bit hungry and were wondering what we would like to do for lunch, it was decided that we would venture into the World Showcase and head to Mexico for some food. We got a lovely table outside by the water at Cantina de San Angel, Cullen watched the birds on the lake and we all had a very nice lunch. We tried those Churros can’t say I am a fan really. Sorry I know you all love them. After filling the tummies up we went into the Mexican pavilion and rode the Gran Fiesta Tour, Cullen loved looking for Donald Duck. This was our only visit into the World Showcase; we just didn’t have enough time to visit anything else we will save it up for our next trip.

We wandered back via Test Track where Doug and I rode it. Grandpa was going to ride but he did something to his back earlier and thought he better not. So he and Grandma took the kids into MouseGears for some shopping. Of course we arrived back to collect them to find Grandma spending money on Cullen. He got some sweets and a wee cooler thing to carry your drink in.

We wandered over and had an ice-cream stop. Can’t remember the flavour I had but remember thinking I wish I ordered the other one I was tossing up between. Cullen’s ice-cream was huge. Not sure why they can’t do an actual kids sized ice-cream. Anyway he made a very good attempt to eat it all and only half covered himself in ice cream. While we were there, I gave away our 2 Soarin fast passes, not sure they used them though as I overheard them say they had expired. A bit later in the day I gave away the extra Test Track ones as well nearly had to force the people to take them. One guy didn’t want to know but his friend was receptive when I explained to him what a fastpass was. They eventually took them but whether they used them or not who knows. People need to wear a sign that says give me your fast passes if you don’t want them I know how to use them properly. I hate to waste them.

On our way out we rode Spaceship Earth. The line was almost non existence when we left. I am so glad I researched the trip and knew that it would decrease later in the day, and did not wait in it when we arrived. It was a great ride, nice and relaxing. I really enjoyed it it was a great way to end our day at EPCOT.

We were going to head home this afternoon for a rest but everyone seemed to be doing ok, so we spent longer at EPCOT and then headed for the Contemporary resort for our dinner at Chef Mickey’s we were there quite early so we just relaxed in the foyer watching the mono rail go through and Seth had a ball being allowed out of his buggy he just crawled around like a mad thing.

We checked into Chef Mickey’s and were shown our table after just a little wait. We had 5.05 pm reservations think we were in just on time.

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Ready for my tea now thank you.

The food was lovely. Seth had a concoction of whatever was going of which he ate a little bit. Cullen had some children’s stuff but he mainly liked the adults’ food. Can’t remember what I had but being a buffet I suspect it was just a little bit of everything. I do remember having the Beef which was sooooo very nice. Goofy was the first character around. Cullen wasn’t too sure and Seth DID NOT like Goofy. Especially when he sniffed at him. Actually Cullen cried too when Goofy sniffed at him. Cullen warmed up to the characters as we went along, Seth did not.

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Seth DID NOT like Goofy

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He DID NOT like Minnie Mouse either

It was funny because when we took Cullen to Disneyland at the same age he was fine with the characters, so I just assumed Seth would be the same.

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We pay how much for Seth to play with a spoon

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Cullen and Donald

By the time Mickey came around Cullen was asking if he could get down from his chair and give him a cuddle which was fab. Dessert was lovely here as well although I was very very stuffed full from the first course I didn’t eat that much.

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The main man himself and Mickey Mouse :o)

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Mmmmmmm Chocolately goodness

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Right I have had enough now, and get me one of those Chocolate dome things NOW!!!!!!!

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If I ignore you we can go home soon I am sure.

We then headed home the very long way as I did tell you I can’t navigate for the life of me. Kids both crashed out in the car on the way home so needless to say they were not happy to be woken up to have a quick bath before being put back into bed.

Tomorrow: Typhoon Lagoon and the Halloween Party http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2132583
 
Another great day - I love the expressions on your boys faces when they were with the characters! :thumbsup2
 
I am glad you enjoyed your day, the photos of the kids with the characters are good, you especially caught exactly what little Seth was thinking.

It always amazes me that many people do not know about fast passes over there. I remember seeing a girl in her teens pushing I presumed her Mum in a wheelchair, strugglying, asking why they couldn't go in the fast pass line and her Mum said you have to pay.:confused3 Then you see loads of people lining up for ages for the rides, we either fp or only choose lines with times of 10 minutes or so, why line up for ages?

A shame you didn't get to do the World Showcase because it is a nice area to explore. We usually do it on an evening when it is cooler then catch the fireworks. Anyway a good excuse to go back.

I go with the lowest crowd levels/least busy park option for all the days too. No point in going to a park if it is going to be super busy that day.

Thanks for posting, I am looking forward to reading more.
 
Everyone seemed to hold up well considering it was your first day. Kids and Characters--it's hard to beat those photos, no matter the reactions on those little faces.

About the FPs--I've never seen a CM turn anyone away for an "expired" pass. Maybe they were all just going the extra Disney mile, but I believe the rule of thumb for Fast Pass is to honor a pass anytime after the return time. It was thoughtful of you to go that extra bit to find guests to give your unused passes, so don't worry about whether or not they used them. You may have introduced FP to those guests and they'll know what to do next time.
 

fantastic day I love the pictures of your boys with the charcters !! Esp SEth playing with your purse and ignoring pluto - priceless !!
 
You managed to last your first day at WDW out at Epcot with two small children - very impressive and all still wide awake for your meal with the characters.

Such memorable photos to treasure


susan
 
I love all your pics :thumbsup2.Great day,we have a ressie for breakfast at Chef Mickey's and can't wait :cool1:.x.
 
You have managed to capture a lot of priceless memories on your first day, and spread a little pixie dust too. :goodvibes
 
Another great day - I love the expressions on your boys faces when they were with the characters! :thumbsup2
I know they were so funny, I was a bit cross at Goofy, as he sniffed at both kids and set them off crying, he was our first character and then he came back around again and did it again, this time it didn't bother Cullen but set Seth off again. Then I thought about it and thought it probably wasn't the "same" Goofy second time around.

I am glad you enjoyed your day, the photos of the kids with the characters are good, you especially caught exactly what little Seth was thinking.

It always amazes me that many people do not know about fast passes over there. I remember seeing a girl in her teens pushing I presumed her Mum in a wheelchair, strugglying, asking why they couldn't go in the fast pass line and her Mum said you have to pay.:confused3 Then you see loads of people lining up for ages for the rides, we either fp or only choose lines with times of 10 minutes or so, why line up for ages?

A shame you didn't get to do the World Showcase because it is a nice area to explore. We usually do it on an evening when it is cooler then catch the fireworks. Anyway a good excuse to go back.

I go with the lowest crowd levels/least busy park option for all the days too. No point in going to a park if it is going to be super busy that day.

Thanks for posting, I am looking forward to reading more.

I would have loved to see the World Showcase, but thought with the kids it would be more looking than doing and you are right it gives us the opportunity to come back. I did like the wee look we had of it during our trip to Mexico.

With regards to fast passes, when I made my first trip to DL we hadn't researched it, who knew you had to??? But as soon as we saw people walking to the front of the line, we investigated why, I like to know the facts, I don't know why others don't do that.

Everyone seemed to hold up well considering it was your first day. Kids and Characters--it's hard to beat those photos, no matter the reactions on those little faces.

About the FPs--I've never seen a CM turn anyone away for an "expired" pass. Maybe they were all just going the extra Disney mile, but I believe the rule of thumb for Fast Pass is to honor a pass anytime after the return time. It was thoughtful of you to go that extra bit to find guests to give your unused passes, so don't worry about whether or not they used them. You may have introduced FP to those guests and they'll know what to do next time.

The kids did so well, I think we had only 1 melt down during the whole week which I thought was amazing. I did think I should explain to the people that they would let you ride even though it had expired, but we were on our way somewhere else so I left it.

love the pics of your boys, they are very cute :)
Thanks I think so most of the time also.

The picture of Seth with the characters is one to treasure :goodvibes
Lets hope he likes them a bit better on our next trip.

fantastic day I love the pictures of your boys with the charcters !! Esp SEth playing with your purse and ignoring pluto - priceless !!
Thank you, he had tried the screaming and that didn't stop them coming, so he was trying a new tact.

You managed to last your first day at WDW out at Epcot with two small children - very impressive and all still wide awake for your meal with the characters.

Such memorable photos to treasure


susan
They did do so well. Keep them fed and watered and they go and go and go.

fab 1st day at epcot. you boys are just too darn cute pirate:
Thanks, the fact that they are cute gets them through the day sometimes LOL.

I love all your pics :thumbsup2.Great day,we have a ressie for breakfast at Chef Mickey's and can't wait :cool1:.x.

You will love it, we had a great time, food was lovely and staff great.
 
Lovely day, your boys are so cute:). My DD loved CM last trip (she was 10mths) DS was just ok with it he is 3. We are taking them back in a few weeks, DS will be 3.5 and DD13/14 mths so it will be interesting to see how they react :)
 
what a lovely day, fantastic piccies :goodvibes
 
Lovely day, your boys are so cute:). My DD loved CM last trip (she was 10mths) DS was just ok with it he is 3. We are taking them back in a few weeks, DS will be 3.5 and DD13/14 mths so it will be interesting to see how they react :)

It is always quite interesting on how they act. When we took Cullen to Disneyland when he was 10 months, he was fine with the characters, didn't love them but wasn't scared either. We had a fantastic interaction with Minnie, Dale and Captain Hook the restaurant was practically empty and those three fought over Cullen. Trying to get him to laugh or even smile. Will see if Seth is any better during our next trip being a bit older.

what a lovely day, fantastic piccies :goodvibes

Thanks, some of the pics turned out really well.

Kirsten
 
A nice day and some great pics.
Shame you didnt get to go round all of the World Showcase but I think you are right to let the kids dictate a certain amoutnwhilst on a holiday like this. If they are tired/bored/being forced to do something they don't want to then nobody has fun.
Thanks for posting.
 
I am already finding your TR so helpful for me in my planning! I am very interested to see how Eric will react to the characters. Bless your littlest man, he had a look very familiar to me - Eric looks just like that when he's had enough!

Great first day and I was really impressed with how much you got done.

Laur's xx
 











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