May the Porg Be With You! A 13 day November adventure! *COMPLETED 2/23!*

[Bizzie71c]

My son is pretty sure he needs that lego millennium falcon, I told him that he can save up and buy it or the death star. He is getting some of the new Star Wars Lego's for christmas, he is a lego, star wars nut lol.

we love Wolfgang Puck Express, and it is hidden.

 

[paradesintherain]

My son is pretty sure he needs that lego millennium falcon, I told him that he can save up and buy it or the death star. He is getting some of the new Star Wars Lego's for christmas, he is a lego, star wars nut lol.

we love Wolfgang Puck Express, and it is hidden.

I think it said it was the largest Lego set! That would be so fun to construct.

WPE is so delicious!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 8 - November 7th - Epcot and a surprise!


We got a later start today, which seemed to be a theme. May have had something to do with the fact that I convinced Allie to curl my hair. Anyway we missed our 9:35 Spaceship Earth FP which was no real loss. Our destination today was Epcot! Allie had been looking forward to this day for a very long time, and we were scheming to surprise the others.

We arrived to Epcot around 11. Look how cute Aaron and Shebl are!

We stopped for some PP at the entrance. I guess Tinker Bell was there too. And a Porg.

Our second FP was at 11 at Mission Space, so we made our way there. We ran into the Bubblegum Wall on the way, and it was our basic goal to hit all the walls. Unfortunately I don't seem to know how to Instagram pose in front of colorful walls, but Shebl nailed it.

I'm really not a fan of Mission Space. I find it boring, and mildly uncomfortable, but I decided to try out the green side since there was a new film.

The new film was even more boring. I was surprised how realistic the sensations felt on the green side given that it's not a centrifuge. Or rather, the centrifuge is nonfuctional.

Porridge the Porg and I checked out the Mission to Mars game (I think that's what it's called) at the exit of Mission Space. Fun fact: Allie's brother helped create this game! It's more fun than the ride, tbh.

After Mission Space I suggested that we walk over to Test Track to check out the wait times. It was, of course, way too long, so we kind of wander to the side with Allie leading the way and we get to this door.

Allie just walked right in and Shebl was like, "Ummm, I don't think we're supposed to go in here..."

BUT DON'T WORRY GUYS, Allie is a GM employee and this was totally ok. Allie wanted to surprise everyone so I kept my mouth shut. Allie got to be fancy and show her ID in the elevator to get us to the GM lounge, and up we went!

The lounge was really quiet, and relaxed. There was an attendant at the desk and that was it. It consisted of a big room that looked out toward Spaceship Earth, and a smaller room that had design stations, windows overlooking the inside of Test Track, and a free soda station. There was also a super clean bathroom!

I think the first thing I did was go to the design stations and leisurely design a car. Too bad it was still super ugly and impractical.

Allie took this great panorama of the front lounge area.

And I took pictures of Allie taking selfies for her work friends back home.

The views from the lounge were pretty spectacular and it was just so peaceful in there!

Hi, peasants! (kidding, kidding!)

Even the Porg enjoyed the lounge!

After we had properly explored and relaxed (and used the bathrooms with no other guests!) we went to the attendant and got a FP for Test Track! Definitely a great bonus!

Old Test Track is still better, and Radiator Springs Racers beats all. But the ride photos always come out just great here!

So, we pulled off the surprise and that ended up being one of Dad's favorite parts of the trip, and I have to agree. Thanks, Allie!



To be continued!

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[Bizzie71c]

Wow. That’s super awesome perk to being a GM employee!!! My husband drives a race car in real life so test track is one of his favs!!! I want to do the radiator springs one some day!!!

 

[Raeven]

Unfortunately I don't seem to know how to Instagram pose in front of colorful walls,

I don't either

 

[unwritten01]

OK we made it back and (thanks to your pics) my daughter is a proud porg owner.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I thought the decorations were great in DHS as well.
Shebl does look terrified on ToT
Great Porg pictures
How cool to go up in the GM lounge and get TT FP
I agree, the MS green is so boring!

 

[Bizzie71c]

My son got a Porg for Christmas!!! Love that little guy, and my son too lol.

 

[richmo]

Nice GM Lounge pictures! I don't think I've seen pictures of the inside or the view out...

 

[Shrfleen]

I could just chill out in that lounge all day. Looks so relaxing!

 

[paradesintherain]

Wow. That’s super awesome perk to being a GM employee!!! My husband drives a race car in real life so test track is one of his favs!!! I want to do the radiator springs one some day!!!

It is such an awesome perk! Nurses don't get any perks like that

I'm kind of surprised he loves it! I feel like if you drive a race car TT wouldn't be that thrilling! But you definitely need to take him to Disneyland so he can ride Radiator Springs! It's 10,000 times better!

I don't either

It's so unfortunate! I really wanted to be basic this trip and take a picture in front of all the walls!

OK we made it back and (thanks to your pics) my daughter is a proud porg owner.

Excellent souvenir choice! Glad I could have a positive impact

I thought the decorations were great in DHS as well.
Shebl does look terrified on ToT
Great Porg pictures
How cool to go up in the GM lounge and get TT FP
I agree, the MS green is so boring!

Thank you! Shebl was horrified on ToT and I loved it. Glad you're liking the Porg pictures!
GM lounge was definitely a trip highlight, and I for sure won't be back on MS green side anytime soon.

My son got a Porg for Christmas!!! Love that little guy, and my son too lol.

But you love the Porg more, right?

Nice GM Lounge pictures! I don't think I've seen pictures of the inside or the view out...

I've only seen a few, and I never dreamed I'd be able to see it myself. Definitely cool. I know they sometimes do events in there, too!

I could just chill out in that lounge all day. Looks so relaxing!

It really was super relaxing, I wish we had gone back but it never quite fit in the schedule.

 

[Bizzie71c]

I’m a nurse!! I wish there was something cool like that, a perk lol.

I think he likes designing the cars the best. Anything with cars he loves. My son got the Anki AI fast and furious race set for Christmas. DH likes it more than he does. We had to go buy more cars last night to race lol.

 

[missangelalexis]

The GM lounge looks really cool and the view is beautiful! And you can't beat a free FP for Test Track to go along with it!

Also, I've finally seen Star Wars and am a total Porg fan now!!

 

[paradesintherain]

I’m a nurse!! I wish there was something cool like that, a perk lol.

I think he likes designing the cars the best. Anything with cars he loves. My son got the Anki AI fast and furious race set for Christmas. DH likes it more than he does. We had to go buy more cars last night to race lol.

Oh, nice to meet a fellow nurse!

Designing the cars is really fun, but I never seem to have enough time!

The GM lounge looks really cool and the view is beautiful! And you can't beat a free FP for Test Track to go along with it!

Also, I've finally seen Star Wars and am a total Porg fan now!!

The free FP was super great because the tiers at Epcot are awful!

So glad you liked the Porgs! Time to pick up your own on your next trip...

 

[ThePrincess&TheJohn]

Just found your trip report, so much fun! I'm obsessed with Porgs now so all of your pics have me dying! How cool that you got to experience the Halloween AND Christmas decorations. Can't wait to see. more

 

[paradesintherain]

Just found your trip report, so much fun! I'm obsessed with Porgs now so all of your pics have me dying! How cool that you got to experience the Halloween AND Christmas decorations. Can't wait to see. more

Thanks for following along! Porgs are fantastic, I highly recommend buying a Porg plush.

It was super neat to see the Halloween and Christmas decorations, and I watched the Decorating Disney TV special and it was so cool to see what happened to make that change!

 

[paradesintherain]

I got a little behind because of the holidays and work, but I'm back and hopefully can get this TR finished sometime soon!

Day 8 - November 7th - World Showcase!


After checking out the GM Lounge we had some very important business to attend to in Mexico. I had planned today to be our "Drink Around The World" day

If you guessed margaritas, you would be correct! I was worried La Cava Del Tequila would be too busy like it had been when Dad and I had tried earlier in the trip, but we were able to secure a table within a few minutes.

I thought about trying something new, but the avocado margarita was calling my name.

We also ordered some chips and dip for the table. We were pretty hungry so this did not last very long!

Cheers!

Meanwhile, my oldest friend's baby was getting her first haircut on Main Street and I just have to share this precious photo!

After finished our drinks we headed out of the pavilion.

I love cats.

Up next on our tour around the world was Norway! I needed Shebl to have a shot of Aquavit, and we had a FP for Frozen Ever After at 1:50.

Unfortunately they stopped carrying Aquavit?!!? Outrageous. I mean, the drink is repulsive but it's very Norwegian and I was looking forward to watching Shebl try it and regret it. Oh well.

We opted to skip drinks in Norway and just head to Frozen Ever After.

The FP line was pretty long.

This was all our first time on FEA, and I really liked it! It was short, but that was expected since Maelstrom was short. I thought Sven was adorable and the animatronics were pretty cool, if a little on the creepy side.

We moved on to China next. Shebl got a plum wine, but I think she's the only one who got a beverage. My last experience drinking around the world ended in the world's worst hangover, so I was being extra cautious. Aaron was a little cranky for some reason this day, maybe he wasn't feeling well, but he also wasn't really drinking. Allie never wanted to drink around the world, she just got drinks that sounded good to her, which was Dad's strategy as well. So basically, it was up to Shebl!

Not much time was spent in China. We hit up the African Outpost next. I had told Allie about the frozen coke with African whisky and that was on her try list. We grabbed a spot by the wall and waited while Allie and Shebl stood in line.

Shebl ended up getting a frozen Coke and whisky too. They both really enjoyed these drinks.

Bain's Cape Mountain Whisky and Frozen Coke

See Aaron's cranky face?

Once they finished their drinks we were finally on our way to Germany where I knew I'd be getting a drink!

First we stopped in Karamel-Kuche. Allie LOVES caramel so she got something. I just admired the treats. It smells heavenly in there.

I got a dunkel beer, according to my notes, but I can't find it on any menus or Food and Wine reviews. I believe it was from the permanent outdoor stand that operates seasonally. Anyway, it was a very good beer.

Allie and I found a PP in Germany, which I'd never seen before, and I got to hold Remy!

#SuckerForSigns

To be continued with more drinks!​

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a fun start to your tour around World Showcase! I love the PP pics in Germany and that Remy magic shot!!

 

[paradesintherain]

Sounds like a fun start to your tour around World Showcase! I love the PP pics in Germany and that Remy magic shot!!

It was super fun and the PP shots were pretty great! I love that they're putting more PP in World Showcase!

 

[paradesintherain]

Day 8 - November 7th - World Showcase, part 2!


When we finished exploring Germany we moved onto Italy. Generally, I feel like there isn't much to do in Italy except eat Italian food and drink, I guess.

We made Shebl and Aaron take pictures in front of the fountain.

We tried to get a place at the wine bar, but they were pretty busy so we found drinks from the cutest little cart.

I thought that Allie and Shebl both got peach bellinis but it looks like Allie got something else.

They tried to do the interlocked arms/drinking thing that newlyweds do at their receptions. Shebl needs some practice, but we got it in the end!

Success!

I hadn't seen anything I wanted at the first cart, but I found a sparkling rose at a stand in front of Italy, and it was delicious! I didn't record what it was because I'm a bad dis-er.

I think us girls were all feeling a little buzz at this point, and we marched onward to the dullest pavilion, America.

Because I was a little buzzed I decided shelling out $8 for a lobster roll was a good idea.

New England Lobster Roll

BUT I was not disappointed in my purchase at all. This lobster roll was perfection. So much lobster, and no filler. Definitely worth the money. I meant to share with the others, but it was too good.

We couldn't spend too much time in America because we were all excited to get to Japan. We first went up by the koi pools, which I really hadn't explored much before. And we found a Remy!

Shebl and Aaron went up the stairs to see what was above Mitsukoshi (I didn't mention that it was just a restaurant). And tipsy Shebl tried to ride the railing to the bottom. I had visions of her falling and cracking her skull open but she was thankfully fine!

After that we explored Mitsukoshi for quite some time. Shebl loved it, she's a big Miyazaki fan and there's a lot of stuff from his films. Somehow, we all left the story empty handed, except for a bear fan that Shebl bought.

We found more PP in Japan. I swear Aaron and Dad were still with us!

To be continued with the rest of the World Showcase!
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