March 2012: The Year I Almost Survived Spring Break

[Lidian]

Really enjoying your trip report! We are going at March Break next year and I am dreading the crowds but can't do much about it. It sounds like you guys got a lot done in the mornings every day.

Looking forward to the rest of the report.

The mornings are great for getting stuff done!

I can't consider Spring Break for 2013 because it was too rough on me with classes. I was assigned so much homework to do over the break, and school made it hard to dedicate much time to planning. I didn't have time to second guess, and then I struggled to get packed. However, as much as I dislike crowds, I think I could bear a Spring Break in the future, pending it wasn't an insane Spring Break level.

 

[Lidian]

After our adorable, amazing experience with GAM (Green Army Man), we continued to our destination: Lights, Motors, Action. We had just seen the heartbreaking "closed for refurb" sign at BLST. (If anyone knows, I'd LOVE to hear what they did in the refurb!)

I believe we stopped for a restroom break and I spotted a lovely couple with NO LINE! So I hopped over to meet some Monsters! AHHH!

I handed DH the camera and he was all "check the time dear". I knew we were pushing it to arrive before the show started. The time stamp is 4:27 on the photo and LMA started at 4:30, IIRC. Or perhaps it already started. I didn't car, I had wanted to meet my favorite monsters for years! I just didn't know where they were, and they are kind of hidden.

After we snapped a quick picture, DS did something and I didn't know what it was, but told him to stop. He did it again. I glared at him, but the CM figured it out. He was making scary faces for Sully! So we encouraged the interaction and Sully would jump in fear! (I just knew that whatever DS was doing was making Sully make loud noises ... it was actually him jumping backwards.) Sadly, NO ONE GOT A PICTURE! UGH! A PP photographer AND DH stood there like sillies. That made me pretty mad. We had a hard time saying goodbye to Sully and Mike, as DS had a lot of fun scaring Sully. At one part, he feigned a heart attack ... all from DS's scary faces (and noises).

We moved onwards to LMA and the show had started when we arrived. We made our climb to the nosebleed section. I sent Kouga a text to see where he was and if he wanted to meet up to watch the show, but Kouga didn't notice it in time. I had told DH that I read somewhere that the Love Bug was no longer part of the show. I told him that he was replaced with Lightning McQueen, instead. I also let him know that I could be mistaken, as I hadn't seen anything to confirm and it could have been a rumor. I honestly couldn't remember where I read the info. DH was a bit sad (as we both grew up watching the Love Bug movies), but he knew the kids would be tickled to see LM (they couldn't hear our conversation. Enjoy a few pictures of LMA.

I leaned over and told DH that I was right. No more Herbie. He sulked for a few minutes, and we watched LM on the screen. I love the view ...

So many iconic buildings in the background! I was not prepared for what happened next.

Wait ... is that really him?

As soon as it was apparent the real LM was there, DS FREAKS OUT! I mean, he's standing up, arms flapping, and screaming at the top of his lungs. I turn to see what was wrong with DS, and he was upset because he couldn't SEE LM. My heart sank and I tried to reassure him that he'd get to see him in a minute. I leaned back some and tried to point to where he was, hoping he'd be able to see. The lady next to me offered to move so he could see, and DS was ecstatic. I was grateful for her kindness and understanding and thanked her a million times! DS calmed down a bit seeing the real LM in action! When they showed LM on the screen, I honestly thought "that" was the show. I didn't expect a real one to come out! I thought they just changed the Herbie scene to a LM video (budget cuts or whatever). So enjoy some LM pictures!

I won't ruin the scene for those who haven't seen it and wish to be surprised, but LM would talk to the video screen (where Mater was). It was such a great show and DH said that he still misses the Love Bug, but was okay with the replacement show!

We enjoyed LMA as usual. Once the show was over, we just sat on the bleachers waiting for the crowd to die out some. No point in standing in a crowd if we can sit on the most uncomfortable bleachers in the world! lol

Afterwards, I sent DH and DD to try RnRC and ToT one last time and DS and I ducked into a few shops. On our way, I snapped a picture of the TSM return. Standby was 80 minutes at 5:22pm.

We walked DD and DH down to the street RnRC and ToT were located on ... because I had to dip into the Villains in Vogue store (it's one of my favorite shops). I snapped a picture of DH and DD walking (they're to the right, DD in the green shirt).

The crowd was looking MUCH better street-wise, but the waits were still STUPID. DH said it was still 90+ minutes for Single Rider. He said the wait for ToT had come down, but it was still too high if we were to make our ADRs.

They met up with us in Villains in Vogue where I purchased my dad a Braves Vinylmation collectible. My dad is a huge Braves fan and when he found out that we would be there during their Spring Training, he was a bit sad he couldn't go with us. I think the appeal of seeing the Braves was higher than seeing Mickey. lol

We wandered around the shops for awhile and I text back and forth with Kouga. He was doing the same. I was looking for the store that carried the D&B bags. I know there was a store a year or two ago, because I stood there and drooled over a bag, but the price tag kept me away. I've wanted one for years, and this year, I decided I was GOING to get one. I figured I hadn't gotten a really great souvenir and since it was something I've wanted for a couple of years, I can be okay with the price tag (I tend to have buyer's remorse too often, and avoid purchases). I never found that little shop I stood in forever a year or two ago. I thought I knew which one it was, too. But there wasn't even bags in the store, let alone D&B ones. Oh well. The kids wanted to do some shopping, too. I don't recall if DD made any purchases or not ... but we did browse until it was time to check in for our dinner ADR.

Kouga met us outside and in we went. I checked in, where the CM was kind of hateful. She didn't really want to check us in, but the CM next to her started the process. We weren't super early, nor were we late. We were just a tad early. So once checked in, we went into the living room. I had never seen the living room before, so I snapped a few pictures.

The living room was PACKED! There were several LARGE parties there, and they were trying to assign who was going to sit with who (they looked to be teenagers). They weren't bad teens, but with all the bodies, it was crowded and loud. I started feeling a bit unwell, but I just needed dinner and something to drink. Once they started slowly seating the, technically, large party at multiple tables, the room felt a bit better. We did wait about 30 minutes past our ADR time before we were sat. It made it rough on all of us, being so close to food, yet so far away. Sigh.

Once we were sat, we were asked immediately if we had washed our hands. I was about to say that we'd get up and go when DH said that we had. He asked what color the soap was. Kouga replied and DH narrowed it down. (I think Kouga said "blue" and DH said "pearlized blue" or something to that extent.) Our Uncle (drats, I don't recall his name and didn't write it down), said that he was glad we washed our hands, because one of us had to set the table! He wanted to know whose turn it was, so I commented loudly that it was DD's turn to set the table tonight! Once he walked away, I passed around the hand sanitizer. DD, a bit confused, got up and asked how she was supposed to set the table. I kind of walked her through it and snapped a picture!

Our Uncle came back and praised DD for a great job at setting the table.

We were sat in like a corner booth. It was a bit awkward, and the seating arrangements threw me for a loop. But I didn't argue. It was DH, DS, me, Kouga, and DD (I was in the middle and the actual corner). Why DD wanted to sit on the other side of Kouga was beyond me. A chef came over and asked about DD's milk allergy. He took her order and said he could make it 100% dairy free. We were paying OOP for this meal.

Our Uncle spent a LOT of time picking on the teenagers at the table next to us (the ones who are slightly visible behind DD in the above picture). They were part of the large party. Like I said, they were good teens, not loud or anything. But they were getting a lot of attention from our server, so service did slack a tad. Our Uncle would sit down next to DH and "fuss" at the kids! "Eat your veggies!" "I saw that!" "No, she has to eat them!" One girl ended up in time out. He pulled her chair away from the table. Everyone was giggling. As soon as he was gone, she moved back. Of course, this was bad. As he called her out and made her stand with her nose to the wall. We also had a server from another section come sit at our table too (there was a chair across from me). We didn't get picked on at all.

And I bet you're wandering what we ate ...

DH had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. It must have been horrible since he ate it all. lol

DS had a kids meal (I don't recall what it was, and I didn't get a picture).

I enjoyed my favorite. Oh, what was my favorite? Surely it's not the POT ROAST (over mashed potatoes)!

MMMMMMMM!!! My mouth waters just thinking about it!

Kouga even let me take a picture of his dinner!

Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and collard greens. When he ordered it, I pointed out that it had collard greens and he may want to consider his side items since our Uncle may force him to clean his plate. He said he loves greens (and he did! He ate all of them and said he wished the serving size was bigger!). Kouga loved the fried chicken, but said the greens were amazing.

DD had the salmon and ordered french fries as her side. (The stick said something like "allergy" or whatnot on it.) That kid loves salmon and did her best on it.

I tried to clean my plate, but I didn't want to overeat since I had been struggling with my tummy all week. Kouga and DH both licked their plates clean. When our Uncle came over to check on us, he handed DH DD's plate to finish. And he did. lol (He later said he was too scared not to, even though he was full.) While he was eating DD's dinner, I sulked that he wouldn't help me finish mine off. I didn't get in trouble for not making a "happy plate" as the kids call it. But I was told I wasn't allowed dessert. That was fine by me since I didn't have room for it and the thought of sweets made me uneasy. Once the check arrived we settled up and left.

Review: We all agreed that the food is just outright amazing! We had a great server, but our service lacked slightly since he was so focused on the large party (and I don't mean with refills or pre-busing -- I mean with picking on them). We were a bit sad we didn't get picked on, and elbows went unnoticed. We look forward to this meal every year -- so much that we went OOP for it. We would ABSOLUTELY recommend this place for its food and it's service. (Last year, we got a "normal" server.) The food is so good, we'd go back even if the servers weren't in character! But to be entertained while eating is just awesome! This is a must do every year for us! Even Kouga said that next time we had to come back and wondered if he could get a plate of fried chicken to go.

After dinner, the park was closed (rides that is). F! was in progress. I think we dipped into a store or two on the way out. We took our time with full bellies. Once outside the gates, we parted ways with Kouga and a promise to see him in the morning! The wait for a bus wasn't horrid, and we got seats in the back. DS went out cold!'

We were "home" shortly after 8:30. I changed DS into jammies and put him straight to bed while the rest of us washed up and relaxed in front of the TV.

Tomorrow was our last day in the parks, so I did tidy up a bit, too. Little did I know, one of our special guests for the day had retreated into hiding. Stay tuned to see if the Fox visits the World!

Note: In case it's been forgotten, as I'm sure it has... Our school mascot is the Fox, who was sent with us for a special school project. He was supposed to visit the WSC, learn some facts, and pose for a picture.

 

[sjs314]

Great update

Everything looked so Yummy. Sorry your server was so focused on the "teenage girls". We did not make it to 50's since we returned to our resort after lunch and planed on returning later for dinner and F! But changed our plans cancelled 50's for Cape May that evening

I make my ADRs in week and not a clue yet with a plan for where we want to eat yet

 

[kittylady1972]

Loved your update and the photos with the Monsters Inc Crew. I think that is something else to add to our must-do list. We don't have a photo with them yet and we love that movie!

Dinner looks fabulous...and you've just reminded me I think I can finally make my ADRs for November now. I think Prime Time will be on our list for sure this time. I loved both the pot roast AND fried chicken! Mmmmm!

 

[DMGeurts]

I loved the picture of you with Sully and Mike... I just love how all of your shirts coordinated with the colors around you and it just made for an outstanding picture!

Sorry you didn't get picked on at 50's... At least you didn't get reprimanded... sigh. We still love eating there for the food - and I am sure - even after our bad experience, we'll probably still go back - but we'll play really dumb.

Loved the update!

D~

 

[dara00]

I thought that same thing about lightning being on the screen, not realizing he'd be there live too, it was great!

 

[solana131]

Great update! Sully and Mike were very good with us too. DS wasn't too sure about it since he hadn't seen the movie at that point and was kinda leary of "Monsters", but they made it fun and we were the only people in line, so they spent lots of time with us.

LMA looks great too. We didn't get to see that and now I wish we had waited the 2 hours until showtime. DS would've loved to see LM!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Great update! I am looking forward now to seeing LM at LMA! I have not told the kids he is in the show now...perhaps a surprise would be cool for them!

Hmmmm...March does not seem to have been a good month for service at 50's PTC. D~'s experience was FAR from pleasant, your's was not that great, and ours? That is all I will "say" for now until I get to that point in my own TR. I agree with you on the food though....lip smackin', slap-yo-mama good!

What a tantalizing end to your update...your crowd awaits for more!

 

[Moodyzblu]

Great update !!

I just love the addition of LM in LMA ! It was really cute.

The food at PTC IS amazing ! The pot roast is my favorite followed by the fried chicken. I really like the atmosphere here. It's usually hit or miss with the servers. But no matter .. The food is always great !

We totally missed P&F !! I'm not even sure where they were located. I guess they are by Muppets, but we didn't do that either so that's probably why we missed them. I'll make sure to look for them next year !

 

[MHTeacher]

I like the idea of Lightning McQueen being part of LMA! We'll have to watch it one of our DHS days!

I always enjoy eating at 50's Prime Time. Just like Kouga, I go for the fried chicken, but I substitute the greens for corn. This southern girl does NOT eat greens!

 

[pharmjenn]

Just got all caught up. Missed the last week since your finals. I was on the pics of the GAM when DS4 walked in. He got very excited and had me scrolling up and down the screen. We got up to P&F and I asked if the wanted to see them. He told me no, he didn't like them. I am sure you are thinking that is blasphemy, but I am glad we won't have to stand in line for an hour for a character!
I hope we get to do Prime Time. I better make sure I add that ADR soon! It seems like such fun even if you are not getting picked on. Are they okay with substitutions? I would almost be afraid to ask!

 

[KatMark]

Great updates! I love the pics of the kids and you with the Monsters (they are so sweet!).

We have never done LMA, so thanks for those pictures.

I can't wait until our ADR at 50's Prime Time in September. It's been over 10 years since we've been there and I have missed not going. I'm sure I'll have the chicken (and slip Mark my greens).

 

[Lidian]

Great update

Everything looked so Yummy. Sorry your server was so focused on the "teenage girls". We did not make it to 50's since we returned to our resort after lunch and planed on returning later for dinner and F! But changed our plans cancelled 50's for Cape May that evening

I make my ADRs in week and not a clue yet with a plan for where we want to eat yet

Thanks!

Everything WAS so yummy!!!! My mouth salivates thinking of the food. I was sad we didn't get picked on, but it was okay -- we enjoyed watching him pick on the teenagers near us. He really had it out for that one girl.

Well, when you make your ADRs, be sure to pop in and let me know what you'll be dining on! I love to hear what others are enjoying!

Loved your update and the photos with the Monsters Inc Crew. I think that is something else to add to our must-do list. We don't have a photo with them yet and we love that movie!

Dinner looks fabulous...and you've just reminded me I think I can finally make my ADRs for November now. I think Prime Time will be on our list for sure this time. I loved both the pot roast AND fried chicken! Mmmmm!

Thanks! I keep meaning to look for them, but it always slips my mind. So I was thankful I spotted them .. and they were alone. So we got a few minutes with them before another family showed up.

I can't wait to hear about your 50s experience! YUM! Take a pic of the pot roast for me! (And spam my TR with it. YUM!)

I loved the picture of you with Sully and Mike... I just love how all of your shirts coordinated with the colors around you and it just made for an outstanding picture!

Sorry you didn't get picked on at 50's... At least you didn't get reprimanded... sigh. We still love eating there for the food - and I am sure - even after our bad experience, we'll probably still go back - but we'll play really dumb.

Loved the update!

D~

I didn't realize, but our shirts did work well with the scene!

Sorry you got reprimanded. Food was amazing, definitely! So even with lackluster service, we'd go back hands down!

I thought that same thing about lightning being on the screen, not realizing he'd be there live too, it was great!

It was awesome he was there live! The show was entertaining (well, more for kids than adults), but they did a great job at making him part of LMA!

Great update! Sully and Mike were very good with us too. DS wasn't too sure about it since he hadn't seen the movie at that point and was kinda leary of "Monsters", but they made it fun and we were the only people in line, so they spent lots of time with us.

LMA looks great too. We didn't get to see that and now I wish we had waited the 2 hours until showtime. DS would've loved to see LM!

Monsters is my mom's favorite movie EVER. So she was super jealous we got a picture. I know my kiddos have both seen the movie, as I have two copies of it somewhere around the house, plus they have a copy over at my dad's. So it's much easier to introduce kids to characters they've seen ... but glad they made it fun for your DS!

Next time you can see LMA now that you know LM is there!!!

Great update! I am looking forward now to seeing LM at LMA! I have not told the kids he is in the show now...perhaps a surprise would be cool for them!

Hmmmm...March does not seem to have been a good month for service at 50's PTC. D~'s experience was FAR from pleasant, your's was not that great, and ours? That is all I will "say" for now until I get to that point in my own TR. I agree with you on the food though....lip smackin', slap-yo-mama good!

What a tantalizing end to your update...your crowd awaits for more!

Definitely keep lots of surprises for the kids for your next trip! Mine didn't know, and they were next to themselves with excitement!

I think service at 50s is hit and miss ... but we really didn't do anything "bad", and he was in character with us about making us set the table and wash up (and asking the soap color). Maybe if we had elbows and stuff, we'd have gotten fussed at ... but we really didn't do anything bad. So I guess it was our fault.

Sorry that you had a bad experience. I'm anxious to hear about it. And don't slap my momma ... but let's go back and get some of that lip-smackin-slap-yo-momma food!

Great update !!

I just love the addition of LM in LMA ! It was really cute.

The food at PTC IS amazing ! The pot roast is my favorite followed by the fried chicken. I really like the atmosphere here. It's usually hit or miss with the servers. But no matter .. The food is always great !

We totally missed P&F !! I'm not even sure where they were located. I guess they are by Muppets, but we didn't do that either so that's probably why we missed them. I'll make sure to look for them next year !

Thanks!

It was great that LM was there! It was a surprise to all of us!

I've not had the fried chicken, but I'm not overly big on fried chicken either. (We don't eat at any fried chicken chains.) But I've heard amazing things, and I'm sure it is delicious! But I'll stick with my pot roast. YUMMMMMMMY!

They were right at the Muppets exit. Their gift shop is literally across from it. It's pretty easy to find if you know where the landmarks are. So now you can get them next time!

I like the idea of Lightning McQueen being part of LMA! We'll have to watch it one of our DHS days!

I always enjoy eating at 50's Prime Time. Just like Kouga, I go for the fried chicken, but I substitute the greens for corn. This southern girl does NOT eat greens!

Definitely do it! The show is still good, but LM made it better!

This southern girl doesn't like greens either! So I would have to sub the greens for something myself! He said that fried chicken was amazing!

Just got all caught up. Missed the last week since your finals. I was on the pics of the GAM when DS4 walked in. He got very excited and had me scrolling up and down the screen. We got up to P&F and I asked if the wanted to see them. He told me no, he didn't like them. I am sure you are thinking that is blasphemy, but I am glad we won't have to stand in line for an hour for a character!
I hope we get to do Prime Time. I better make sure I add that ADR soon! It seems like such fun even if you are not getting picked on. Are they okay with substitutions? I would almost be afraid to ask!

I can't believe your DS doesn't like P&F. But glad you won't have to endure the long lines for them!

They're definitely okay with subs! They understand that not everyone likes stuff, or can tolerate it. I've seen lots of servers ask the guest if they want the greens subbed anyway -- but Kouga said they were amazing. But if you aren't a fan or something on the plate, ask for a sub! DD asked for a sub on her side (she got fries instead of mashed potatoes -- granted, it was part of a food allergy, but they'd have done it even without the allergy). Lemme know when you get it booked (and then after your experience!).

Great updates! I love the pics of the kids and you with the Monsters (they are so sweet!).

We have never done LMA, so thanks for those pictures.

I can't wait until our ADR at 50's Prime Time in September. It's been over 10 years since we've been there and I have missed not going. I'm sure I'll have the chicken (and slip Mark my greens).

Thanks!

We loved our Monsters experience! It was great that they were scared of DS's Scary Face!

Wow! 10 years? It's about time you get there! I can't wait to read all about it!! If you aren't a fan of the greens, ask for something else! They have several sides they could sub it for!

 

[Lidian]

I'll have another update early next week. I planned to do one today, but one of my sisters needed a sitter, so I have my nephew. Plus, mom had my other nephew (and his big sister), so I helped her out ... and brought my niece up to my place for a few hours (bathed her, since mom let her play in dirt and she was COVERED ~ she's just 3).

Right now, my nephew is sleeping. He doesn't like anyone but his mommy and daddy, mamaw, and me.

In other news ... waiting on final confirmation from my sister about my other niece and for 2013 rates to come out. Once they're out, I'm ready to book. So I really want to get this TR finished up, as I'm not skilled enough to run a TR and PTR at the same time. I have dates narrowed down (not confirmed with DH and my sister yet) and resorts narrowed down as well. I've also got a lot of things picked out for dining. I'm anxious to spill it all!

Okay, off to run down to mom's and check on the munchkins she's babysitting while this one sleeps. (Mom lives just a couple of doors down and DH will call if baby Nick wakes. )

 

[Lidian]

We last left off with DH carrying a sleeping DS to our room. (He wasn't too thrilled that I snapped that picture, just FYI.) Once in our room, we cleaned up and crawled into bed, exhausted!

Our alarm went off bright and early the next AM. It was bittersweet. It was our last full day at WDW, so I was a bit sad. However, we were meeting up with our WoW friends (Kouga and Akki), D and her girls, and Corrine! I was finally getting to meet the famous Corrine after just BARELY missing her last May. Plus, that night we were slated for a DISmeet with Oopsi!

So we crawled out of bed and got ready. As we were heading for the door, I asked DS where his Fox was (his school mascot -- it was in our arrival day area; he was supposed to do a "Flat Fox" around the world bit for a school project).

I don't recall who text me first ... Kouga, D, or Corrine ... but all three about the same time was asking of my whereabouts. We were tearing the room apart trying to find this Fox. Sigh. After searching for roughly 20 minutes, we called it a lost cause and headed to the bus stop.

At 9:09AM, I posted to FB: Headed to EP and bringing the whole resort with me!

Our bus was PACKED, we were sardines! Once we were dropped off, it wasn't any better. I was texting back and for with D and Corrine. At 9:23 I was writing about my failure to FP the bag check line. THOSE LINES WERE INSANE! DH said that he had never seen so many people in one place and steered DS away from it. DD and I had to go through, and the entire time I was wishing I left the bags in the room. (Granted, later, I was thankful I did NOT!)

We FINALLY made it through bag check and had to stand in line just to get into the park. FINALLY, we made it in. I knew where Kouga and Akki where, but was unclear where D and Corrine might be at, so I headed off to meet the boys.

Pics!

The Flower & Garden Festival had just opened a day or two prior (I'm thinking that the 8th was the second day of it, but that's off the top of my head).

Sitting at the fountains near SE were the boys!

Can you tell they are brothers? Triple points if you "get" their tees! We had met up with Kouga twice earlier in the week (he's the guy on the left). Akki had forgotten to ask off for work and blamed Kouga for not reminding him (I reminded Akki with plenty of time to ask off). So this was our first encounter this week with Akki -- but we had already met him last year, so it was a reunion.

We agreed that we needed to score FPs to Soarin immediately. So off we trekked!

I collected everyone's tickets and had them wait for me outside of the FP area (so as not to congest it even more). All the machines had pretty nice lines. I don't recall the wait at around 9:30AM, but it was pretty bad! It was enough for us all to be afraid, very afraid of what the day had in store for us. After I secured FPs (I don't recall the exact time, I'm thinking 12:55ish? ... D or Corrine may be able to confirm the times), we decided to hop over to LWL.

The kids and myself took the first row in our boat, followed by the guys behind us. I snapped lots of pictures (but I won't bore you with all of them, since most find this ride a snooze-fest, and most were blurry or grainy anyway). We happen to enjoy LWL. We find it nice, peaceful, and informative. Plus, the kids asked a lot of questions -- which was GREAT! It's not a favorite by any stretch, but we do like it.

I did notice this when going through my pictures....

I'm not entirely sure what's in the top area ... but I swear the bottom one is spelling out EPCOT. Am I crazy?

I also noticed that you can't dance on the LWL ride.

(Sorry for the dark, grainy picture.) We broke out into a chorus of "You can Dance If You Want To" ...

We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
Cause your friends don't dance
And if they don't dance
Well they're no friends of mine
Say, we can go where we want to
A place where they will never find
And we can act like we come from out of this world
Because you're one far behind

Ahem. Sorry. We danced (in our seats) while singing ... to show that the "man" can't keep us down... or something. I dunno. We were all a bit crazy from exhaustion and stress and just the enjoyment of hanging out with great friends!

More texts between myself and the girls and we made our way over to Figment. It was now 10:05AM.

I know that Figment gets a bad rep, but we like it. Again, not a favorite, and if we didn't have time, we wouldn't get upset. But I think Akki mentioned he wouldn't mind checking it out, so off we went!

After the ride, we played in the interactive area a bit. Honestly, I find this area dull. They have, not even a handful of interactive things to play with. And none of them are really great. But the kids had fun.

DS sent us an email, and we sent one to Dendoggy (my dad) as well.

After playing, we browsed the gift shop!

We decided we needed a restroom break, and found out that there was one on the other end of the building. This is when we met the Segway people. They were stopping at this hidden restroom (seriously, we couldn't find it and asked a CM who said to keep going and it was around the corner) as well.

Once outside, I had to admire the fountains for all of two seconds before it was off to do something else!

It was about 10:30. We were just wandering around at this point. Then I spied Bambi's Butterfly House! We totally missed this the last time we were at the F&G Festival.

Can you spot the butterfly?

I loved the Bambi, Thumper, and Flower topiaries, too!

After we enjoyed the flowers and butterflies, we came upon this ... interesting sight. We stopped to admire all the flowers (and DS was asking how they did it, so we were explaining to him how they make the flowers into pictures). We didn't realize we would get a view and a show. Yep.

Take a close look and see if you can predict what happens next!

We watched the hose spring to life. And then we watched this wonderful CM wrestle it into obedience!

It took him a couple of tries (that hose was really jumping around) and he was trying to hard to not get another shower. It was entertaining, and at the same time, we felt bad laughing ... but it was pretty funny to see it.

Oh, here's the other side of Bambi's Butterfly House:

We kept walking, not really on a mission for anything at the moment ... and we stumbled across Peter Pan, Hook, and Croc topiaries!

Due to picture limits, this concludes Part 1 of EPCOT. Stay tuned for Part 2: Will we ever find the girls?

 

[Lidian]

First off, sorry for the lack of words ... but these little details that I snapped pictures of, well, they just HAD to be shared!

After seeing Pan's topiary, we kept walking and I noticed another treasure we missed at the last F&G Festival we attended!

Yep! Pixie Hollow! We totally missed the Fairy Gardens in 2010!

I expected to find topiaries of the fairies, maybe some of their friends ... but I wasn't expecting to find the items the fairies created! So I'm spamming you with these wonderful gems!

And then we came upon our first fairy! Silvermist! I love how they placed all the creations and the fairies into their own "scenes"! AMAZING!

DS wanted a picture with it.

How could I refuse??

Then we saw the Fairy Ark.

The sign near it read: This ark was designed by Tinker Bell's friends, Clank and Bobble, and was built by many fairies in Pixie Hollow. They used this boat to help rescue Tink during a rainstorm since fairies can't fly when their wings get wet.

Then we saw Fawn with her animal friends!

.

I was a bit disappointed they made her animal friends out of plywood. I think they should have either crafted them out of flowers or left them out. The wooden animals really felt out of place, IMO.

Then we saw Tink's balloon!

The sign read: Tinker Bell built this balloon by herself. She, Terence and Blaze used this balloon to fly all over Never Land.

Finally, Tink herself!

Followed by Periwinkle!

Both are in front of the Pixie Dust Tree (the largest and most important tree)!

This is when we crossed over into....

Winter Woods!

We found Terence waving at us (the sun was in our eyes, ack!).

We found Vidia hanging out amongst some matching flowers (Milk Thistle)!

Then Iridessa...

And then Rosetta...

They had a cute little play area for kids.

My two made themselves at home.

I had been texting with D around this time, and it was nearing 11 and we were all hungry. We agreed to make our way over to Mexico and decide what was for lunch!

We stopped and looked across the lake at the Fairy Gardens:

And Farmer Mickey and Minnie greeted us with fresh veggies!

Again, due to picture limit, I have to call it here. Up next ... will we ever find the girls? Do we ever fend off starvation?

 

[sjs314]

Enjoying your update. We visited the butterfly house that same morning, we must have just missed each other again.

 

[Lidian]

Enjoying your update. We visited the butterfly house that same morning, we must have just missed each other again.

No, I failed to tackle anyone in the Butterfly House! Do you recall the time? Now I'm thinking if I should scour my other pictures to see if you're hiding in the background.

 

[sjs314]

No, I failed to tackle anyone in the Butterfly House! Do you recall the time? Now I'm thinking if I should scour my other pictures to see if you're hiding in the background.

My pics are not date stamped and since my laptop crashed the detail info does not show up on my iPad but according to our receipt for breakfast we started heading over to Epcot from YC about 8:45. I have to look at my pics for that day too and see if maybe I caught you.
.

 

[KatMark]

Well, I posted on FB when I think we are going so hope our dates cross. And can't wait to hear what resort you picked (we already know ours).

Love Figment...but you are right, the interactive area needs some work (it was so much better when it first opened).

Love all the flower pictures and the butterly area...very pretty.