MICKEY & US. Day 5 - I love it when a plan comes together!

[Poohshoney]

Carol (40, British) – dangerously Disney obsessed.
Roland (35, German) – puts up with me somehow.

Mickey – our beanie, on his first trip `home´.


Thursday, 25 April 2002


We were awake early again but then we’d had an early night. We finally felt we were beginning to get the hang of this sleeping lark which was good as we needed all the sleep we could get - we were going to Epcot and were determined to last all day, including having lunch in Norway. I'd rung to check the PS yesterday and lo and behold, that wasn’t in the computer either - good job I'd forgotten the PS numbers
We refilled the mugs and finally bought a phone card to let everyone know we’d arrived safely – the real world seemed a lot further away than mere miles could measure.
This was the only time at CBR we timed the buses right -it was there within five minutes. Now I had a new theory for today. Much to our surprise, there was a letter in our room saying that there’d be a Spectromagic and fireworks at MK tonight. My theory was that everyone would be there and guess what - I was right! Epcot was lovely and quiet. I love it when a plan comes together. We arrived at ten to ten and people were already going in. The security man loved Mickey and beamed at us. We walked past Leave a Legacy – it’s so ugly, hope they move it somewhere less obtrusive soon.
The plan was that as everyone dashes to Spaceship Earth first, we’d leave it till later - the 5 min wait posted changed our plan. We’re nothing if not flexible. We liked this and wanted to do it again sometime over the holiday but didn’t manage it.
Saw the fountains for the first and only time – very impressive. And there’s a lovely little bakery next to them that sells cream cheese and bagels. You can’t get bagels where we live and I love them – I'd got addicted in California but Roland wasn’t as keen then. He changed his mind at WDW and they became a staple part of our diet. I miss them SO much!
I caught sight of the gardening stuff then but Roland wanted to get on with Epcot so I was promised a return visit.
We knew that Test Track’s a FP must so we went there next. Now remember, I don’t like coasters and I get motion sickness – this one was a 0 points for me. But The Unofficial Guide had sold Roland on the idea so I was going to have another go at being brave. Pale faced and shaky kneed but brave. I was also VERY worried because Roland injured his neck a few years ago – a repeat performance would ruin his holiday. Oh dear, the FP times are during our lunch PS. What a shame… We did Body Wars instead – definitely the lesser of two evils. In the story you exit the body just in time – my stomach knew what they meant. Then the Making of Me – I enjoyed the film, Roland enjoyed a sit down. He’s not into babies and other aspects of the film are more interesting in practise, if you know what I mean. Cranium Command next – we thought it was cute. Maybe the further you get away from puberty, the cuter it is. On the other hand, I might not be out of it yet... We wondered down to World Showcase feeling happy and Disneyish. The 7 ½ hour's sleep might have helped!
Mexico – the shops looked very interesting but we decided to do them when we had more time. The inside was very well done, very atmospheric, but how can you see your food in the restaurant? They could put sauce on a dishcloth and you wouldn’t know till it was in your mouth. We did El Rio del Tiempo next. Now this was a 0 points for Roland but I love Small World so it was on my must-do list. I knew all this but Roland didn’t so I asked him if he wanted to do the ride. We had enough time… “How many points did I give it?” “Well I gave it more than you did.” “What’s it about?” “Mexico.” And all the time I was moving closer. “Oh look – it’s a walk on! We might as well do it if it’s a walk on.” It wasn’t till we were getting in the boat that I reminded him what the book had said – a Mexican Small World! B-A-D wifey. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Roland thought it was better than 0 points but he won’t be falling for that con again!
It was still a bit early for Akershus so we looked at the Stave Church – this is very good if you’re interested in history or architecture, which we are. Wandered round the shops next. I'd wanted a troll till I saw them – they had scary eyes. And then it was grub time! What can we say about Akershus? Well, grab yourself a thesaurus, look up the word fantastic and then work your way through the list – we can’t recommend it too highly. Roland asked if we could come back every day – and he was being serious. Desserts aren’t included but I was desperate for a Rice Cream. I'd read that it was cheaper at the bakery (it is but we think the portions are also smaller) so we went there and shared one. You know how they say married couples start to think alike? Well we did then – we both resolved not to share next time! Truly scrumptious.
We did Maelstrom afterwards – it was far less than the posted 15 mins wait. We liked this but found it a bit short, despite getting stuck at the backward drop bit. The film left us debating holidaying in Norway some time. Trouble is it’s so expensive.
From one film to another – China next. This really is well done. I was sure I recognised the actor but I couldn’t place him – he did a good job for someone nine hundred years old. Must get the name of his plastic surgeon… We weren’t sure if the gardens are always that beautiful or if it was for the Flower Festival. I hope it’s the former as it would be a shame if they were only temporary. I loved the shop. Despite the fact that that they were overpriced, not well made and wouldn’t suit me, I wanted every dress in there. Roland followed me round, safe in the knowledge that I would eventually run out of steam and not buy anything. I do it (almost) every time – but I have such fun looking!
Roland was more tolerant of Germany than I was – it’s Bavaria, not Germany! ´There’s so much more besides. We had a good laugh at the food – it seemed so incongruous seeing Sauerkraut and Bratwurst in the Florida sunshine. I would’ve liked to have tried it to see how authentic it was but I was too full. The shops were very good, very representative and authentic, except maybe the Christmas shop. You can get what they sell here but the usual stuff – wooden ornaments from the Erzgebirge – was completely missing. Strange. But the best thing was the Christmas gherkins. We have NEVER heard of or seen them here and neither has anybody else we know - our friends and family shake their heads in disbelief. There is an area called the Spreewald that specialises in gherkins so maybe they have them there. I hope so as it would be nice if someone gave Bavaria a run for its money at being `Germany´.
Italy was very pretty but there’s not a lot to do or see, is there. Got some lovely piccies though.
America next – we got a great photo of Mickey and me in front of the Minnie and Mickey topiary. It was my favourite. We could have watched some live music in a tent on the shore but the air conditioning of the American Adventure won hands down. Being a mere slip of a lad, Roland’s not into sixties music as much as an old wrinkly like me. But he didn’t like the American Adventure much – he found it difficult to relate to. I liked it – I thought the animatronics were incredible.
The drummers in Japan were giving it some real welly when we came round the corner – very impressive! We watched their whole performance and wished it could have been longer. The bonsai gardens were very beautiful but being a complete townie, the little bunny wandering around them was what made me squeal with delight. (You should have seen me when I saw a lizard – they are SO cute!) The shop here was good too but substitute pottery for dresses and our wander through reads just the same as in China. I think Roland might have been a tad more relieved this time – the pottery was cheaper but a darn sight heavier and he knew who’d end up carrying it. The only thing that spoiled Japan was the smell – fried noodles and soy sauce smell best when you’re eating them.
I've always fancied belly dancing so the lack of free lessons in Morocco was a disappointment. No jingly costumes either – I reckon I'd look good in a jingly costume. Some lovely wooden boxes though and they were far cheaper than you get here. I loved the architecture too.
It was nearly time for the parade so we nipped back to Japan and bagged a great seat. I was a bit dubious about the parade – it’s the combination of puppets and people – but we both liked it more than we thought we would. We’d a feeling it would be even better in the dark so we did the flexible thing again and decided to come back and watch the next one.
Regretfully we were still too full from Akershus to succumb to the cakes in France. Roland was disappointed you couldn’t go up the Eiffel Tower – Epcot lacks a high vantage point for photos. Coming back we were drawn to a laughing crowd. In the middle of it was the Living Statue and she was superb. The best moment, however, was poignant rather funny. A tiny scrap of a girl uncertainly posed for a photo at the Statue’s feet. This time the statue just bent down and gave the little girl her finger. Mum snapped away – then the little girl turned round and looked up and up and up – for her the Statue must have seemed never-ending but she must have liked what she saw because she reached out and put her little arms round the statue’s legs - a huge `aah´ went up from the crowd. Then the Statue bent down and picked her up, holding her gently as dozens of cameras clicked away. Even more gently she put the little girl down again; the little girl looked up, bestowed another tear-jerking hug and then hurried back to mum. We might have all been beaming away but there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Another Disney moment!
The UK was next – I was really looking forward to it and it didn’t disappoint. The tea shop was our favourite – we stood in front of all the sweets and chocolate drooling over all our old favourites – it’s a good job we were talking German or the CMs would have had us certified!
As it was half an hour to the parade we sauntered back the way we’d come, hoping to find a seat again. We were in luck – we got another good seat in Japan and when we turned round on it, we were all set for Reflections of Earth. Brilliant! I got the munchies then so Roland got us a funnel cake. Nancy had sent me a recipe but it still wasn’t what I'd thought it would be (it’s difficult to picture how cake mixture comes out of a funnel) it was very nice though. And the icing sugar went really well with my black skirt and blouse.
Whilst Roland was away, I people watched. A girl wearing the shortest shorts I have ever seen came and stood right in front of my face to take a photo. I floor watched then as I didn’t know where else to look. The mother of the family at the next bench had a very carrying voice. She repeatedly told them all how the baby needed changing (I'll spare you the details). Having removed his lower garments, she gave him a drink. Raise your hand if you can guess what happened. That’s right – what goes in, must come out! She thought it was hilarious.
We had another `great minds think alike´ moment a couple of minutes before Tapestry when a man walked slowly past all the benches, pointedly looking every person in the eye. Once he was past we looked at each other in amazement. “Did you get the feeling he expected someone to stand up for him?” “Yep!” Weird – why did he think someone would do that?
We were right about Tapestry – it was even better in the dark. The puppeteers gave the family next to us a lot of attention so we got to see the puppets close up too.
When it finished, a woman on our right told her family they’d have to move round if they wanted a good view of Reflections as the view of the globe would be blocked by an island from where we were. Fortunately she was wrong – we had a fantastic view. It was breathtakingly beautiful – and we solved the mystery of the two lots of fireworks!
After it had finished I nipped to the loo. I did that a lot but I'm mentioning it this time because it was full of over-tired kiddies crying their unhappy little heads off. In case you can’t tell, I don’t blame the kids. Over and over again we saw little ones who’d been asked to go beyond their limits. It doesn’t create magic memories for them or their parents.
I also noticed my legs whilst I was there. Yes, I had noticed them before; it’s just that the last time I’d looked they hadn’t had bright red blotches on them. Nastiest case of heat rash I'd ever had. Oh dear.
We meandered up to the bus. The crowds were unbelievably light – until we got to the bus stop. Half the world was at our stop. Resigning ourselves to another long wait, the Disney miracle happened again - `Room for two standing´. Two volunteers at your service!
And home we went. Went and got our drinks then had the best night’s sleep so far. No dreams, not even sweet ones.

Next, Day 6 – Is that a zeppelin I see before me?

 

[udnylad]

Carol

Don't you just hate it when you fall for food you can't get back home?
Still, it always does taste better there anyway. Just another reason to go back.
Another great trip report.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We've got some great pics of me with one of the "real life" statues. Of course I was so busy looking at eveything else when I was standing next to her, I couldn't figure out why everyone was looking and laughing at me. Had my shorts fallen down . . . was one of my boobs flopping out of my top - all sorts of horrible thoughts went through my mind.

No, the statue had hold of my little purse bag strap - and wouldn't give it back!!

It was superbly well done, I still cringe with embarassment now, but, hey, at least I gave everyone a good laugh

 

[Poohshoney]

I’m going to remember that argument Morven – but Roland, we’ve got to go back, we miss bagels and cream cheese. Any and all arguments gratefully received! Thanks for the compliment!

Annie, she did that to a woman when we were there too! She kept winding the straps round her fingers – is that what she did with you? She also pinched a man’s sunglasses and put them on top of her head, well out of his reach. He didn’t know what on earth to do! It was all very funny but we were too cowardly to walk up to her so you’re braver than us!

 

[KayleeUK]

What a great day. We ate at San Angel Inn and it was a little dark but the margaritas were good.

Kaylee

 

[squitty]

I love TON parade it has to be one of the best.
Another good report.

 

[Hilary]

Don't you just love the TON music?

 

[CarolynU]

I have never eaten at Norway, but after your description I may just give it a go. Were there many hot dishes? I seem to have the impression of cold meats salmon etc, but I have no idea why! Carolyn