A few Photopass pics from last night in Epcot
The happy couple outside France
A Pic of the sign I made for our door. Even though we were tucked away in a corridor that didn't get high volume, we got about 8-10 people who signed the card. Sadly, no gifts of pins this time...
And here's that Test Track photo I mentioned earlier. Note DD's funny expression -- DH was holding her head to make sure it didn't bob all over the place. It's funny, b/c I never thought of TT as a wild ride...but then when you go on with your child who can't anticipate the curves and sudden stops and control her head for them, it does become a wild ride.
So we have about 20 minutes before our ADR and decide rather than rushing on another ride, we'll just go slow and head over to the restaurant. Which one do you ask? Where could we have a "shore good" meal in Epcot?
Now if you recall, this is one of the places that I was really nervous about. I heard that you eat here b/c of the view, not the food. However, I did some research and found what entrees and desserts most folks liked and hopefully we would, too.
Here are some shots of the interior. My DH didn't have the right film/settings to really capture these shots but I think you can get the idea. It was really cool!
The lights in the lobby.
The lobby walls -- note the lights look like shells
After being outside in the hot sun, this is a nice retreat -- cool, dark and relaxing.
Looking toward the tank from the tables. Some tables are right next to the glass and others are like 4-5 tiers away. We were somewhere in the middle.
A slight mishap upon getting DD in her chair. The "highchair" was one of those that slide onto the table. And well, we didn't realize that DD's fingers were in the way...and oh, yeah, she got her fingers pinched. Now remember we are hot and hungry and now add pain into the mix...Poor DD!
The waiter was kind enough to bring us a Tinkerbell light up figure (normally you have to buy the special drink to get one of these) so there was another little "dream" for us. DD settled down and we start to enjoy our meal.
As you can see in the pic above, you are all seated at a round booth so everyone can see the fish around you. This is really good -- unless you are a family of 5 like us -- you'll end up squooshed! DD enjoyed pointing out the sharks and sting rays.
Everyone ordered the much touted Mahi Mahi with Cashew Jasmine rice and Tropical Chutney (DELICIOUS!!!) and Chocolate Wave (molten lava cake with brandied cherries) -- YUMMY!! The bread was good here too -- nice and warm! We all ate everything on our plate -- nothing left over.
Which started a little "sore" point for me. Since DD isn't 3 yet, we didn't have to pay for her food and she could eat off of our plates. So I just assumed that DH and I would share our food with her. Next thing I look and DH's food is all gone and DD is still hungry. So I end up giving her 1/2 my meal.
I supposed the solution was to order food for her but since we were already spending $600 on food for DH and I for 8 days, I really didn't want to buy more food. I figured we each had a snack yet to help hold us over. But DH was thinking everything he orders was for him and not that he had to share it. So after a 'conversation' about it, DH and I both gave DD food from our plates and we ate a little more bread to make up the difference.
Next up was the Nemo ride -- one of DD's favorites and less than a 5 minute wait...basically by the time you got through all the queues you could get right on a clammobile.
Then my DF (father) decided to go off and do his own rides so DM (mom), DH, DD and I go to Turtle Talk with Crush (3 minute wait). DD liked Dory more than Crush.
Then we rode Soarin. DD a "little bit" scared and closed her eyes and buried her face into me. But I would tell her things like -- Oh, wave hello to the hikers or let's say hi to the boaters and then she liked it better. I think we ended up riding Soarin 3 times total the entire trip and each time was easier for DD.
Next was Living with the Land Boat Ride and DD rested on my lap and nearly fell asleep...except when she saw the fishes. Here are some photos from the ride.
I think these flowers are really cool. It's actually not a flower but the leaf.
This view is just really neat looking. I told my DH to get a photo about 10 feet back but by the time he took it we were already going inside. It's still a good shot.
DD liked the alligators.
Hard to see but the test tubes form a hidden mickey
Then we went back to the room to nap.
An observation on the dining plan. Last year we paid $1 more and got the appetizer and tips included in the plan. We were always very full last year.
This year, our DD is eating more and we had less food...and I swear the portions were smaller too. So we ended up filling up on more bread and butter. I miss not having the appetizer and am too cheap to pay for it!
My parents took DD tonight so DH and I could have a date night. We opted to try a new restaurant at the ...
... the Grand Floridian Cafe. This is the only non-signature dining restaurant at the GF. We had Surf and Turf (Langostinos, not real lobster but still really good) and New York Strip Steak, mashed potatoes that were yummy and broccolini that was good too. For dessert I chose the Chocolate Fondue which was fun but my DH chose the Key Lime Pie which was fantastic!!
Both the Coral Reef and GF Cafe would be on my do again list. They were good meals.
Then we went to watch the fireworks and electrical parade. Instead of going to the boat pier we chose a dark and quiet grassy spot next to the water behind the rooms. As soon as it started, we were joined by lots of parents and kids watching from their balconys and porches or next to us on the grass.
Although it wasn't "romantic", it was fun and we enjoyed watching away from all the lights and "high traffic" areas.