My Solo Trip Around World Showcase (with pics)

[Tiziminchac]

Last Friday (6-10-05) was the last day I could visit WDW until August because the block out dates for people with the Florida Resident Seasonal Passes. So at the last minute I decided to head up to Epcot. After taking off from work and hitting home for a quick shower and a few phone calls to see if any of my friends wanted to ditch work for an afternoon of Disney, I was off for the two hour drive to the parks. Solo of course. I need new friends! I didn't get there till just about 3 p.m.

On the drive up I decided I wanted to spend my time in World Showcase. I haven't done that in a while and this was the perfect trip for it. So once in the park I headed straight for the World Showcase lagoon, where I took these shots of the American and Japanese pavilions from across the lagoon.

Then on to Mexico which has always been a favorite of mine. I love the Mayan theme. Hence my screen name.

So I rode El Rio del Tiempo (aka Mexican Small World), which was a walk on. Then browsed around a little since there was a steady sprinkle of rain outside at this time, thanks to Arlene.

They have these toys there which consist of a stick with a cup on the end and a string attached to a ball. The idea is to swing the ball around and get it to land in the cup. I'm not sure these are called, but I like them and I'm getting pretty good at it. Well after wowing the crowd with my amazing "swing the ball on a string into the cup" skills I decided it was time to move on to Norway.

Land of the trolls and outrageously high priced sweaters. Yeah, those sweaters are really nice looking, but, as a Floridian, I could never justify spending that much on a sweater. It just isn't happening. I wonder what they cost if you were purchasing one in Norway?

Well after a very short wait I rode Maelstrom. And watched the movie afterwards. I like this movie, my only gripe is the volume level at certain parts. You know, when the little boy is touching the old Viking ship and the screen flashes back and forth between him and the Vikings. It's really quite and then BOOM! Quite and BOOM! If you ever seen this film then you know what I'm talking about. Oh well, what can you do? The sky was trying to lighten up as I reached China.

Unfortunately the Temple of Heaven building, where you usually enter to see the Reflections of China film was closed for some special dinner and the entrance to the film was where the usual exit was. So I missed another chance to get a good shot of the ceiling in the Temple of Heaven. I can never get a really good shot of it, but I always try. I guess it will have to wait until my next trip. They had an interesting little exhibit on the Hong Kong Disney in China. It showed some of the things they are doing with that park. After a quick walk through of that it was off to see the film. Going in through the back way I did notice this interesting bell.

After the film and a quick walk through the shops I began to feel the pangs of hunger so I high-tailed it over to the outpost between China and Germany to get my favorite WDW snack. A root beer float! I love those things. Needless to say, I didn't get a single shot of the outpost. I was too into my float. About the time I was done with my float the rain started up again, but it was still just a light drizzle. As soon as I got to Germany I hit the stores to escape the weather.

This didn't take me long and as I wasn't eating there today and weather looked like it would clear up again so I found myself moving on to Italy. Home of my ancestors. Italy doesn't have much to offer, but I always enjoy it.

I like looking at the Venetian glass and buying the little Italian candies they have on sale. So after a few pieces of candy and a short cig break I headed onto to the U.S.A.!

 

[Tiziminchac]

I just missed the Voices of Liberty when I arrived but was just in time for the next showing of The American Adventure. I like that show. Many of my friends seem to think that The American Adventure should be updated. I still like it the way it is. But to each their own.

After exiting the theater I could hear the drummers doing their thing in the Japanese pavilion and I started heading that way. Only to get there as they ended their show.

This time I skipped the toy show they have there. Now this is something I wish they would change. Not that it's bad or anything. I would rather see something more of the history of Japan. Then I walked through the store there. It has to be the biggest in the World Showcase. It has so much neat stuff. I especially like the musical wall clocks they have on display. It's hard to resist the urge to push the buttons on all of them and get them going. So I don't resist! It's fun and that's why I'm there. After getting my fill of short digital versions of A Small World and My Heart Will Go On, which almost every clock seems to have, I started off for my next destination, Morocco.

If I ever came into large amounts of money I would love to have home with one room of tile work like you see here in the Moroccan Pavilion. I walked through the exhibit of Moroccan art and history, which like Japan I wish they would change. Nothing is wrong with this, I just would like some new displays because I've seen these ones so many times. Well the rain started up again so I decided now would be a good time for my favorite movie in Epcot, Impressions de France. So goodbye Morocco, hello France.

Of course I arrived right after the show started. My luck. Fighting off the lure of a french pastry, I strolled around taking in the sights. I even sprinkled some of that famous toilet water they have on myself. Oh I felt so continental. Finally the time came for the film and I happily took a seat. I love this film. It is responsible for my appreciation of classical music today. Yes, it needs updating, but it's still very good. What do I know though? I've never been to France, maybe they all do dress like it's still 1980. After the film I decided to take a cigarette break. But the rain forced me on. And as I passed the bridge towards the U.K. I could hear 'em. The British Invasion! I love their shows and always try to catch them when in Epcot. And I made it there just in time to catch their last couple of songs. Then the skies opened up! I got drenched. Again I made a mad dash into the stores. I spent the next fifteen minutes looking at Beatles magnets and coats of arms and all that other stuff they offer up in the U.K.

Thankfully, this being Florida, the rain let up again and I decided on having some fish and chips while I awaited the next British Invasion show. Once I got my meal I headed over to the show area and found myself a seat in the smoking hole there to eat and watch the show. After I ate I met a local gal there who loves the Beatles and comes to watch the show quite a lot. As we sat there smoking and waiting a third woman came up and this is where one of the strangest conversations I heard at Epcot took place. It went something like this... "Are they gonna have the Beatles here? I like them. Do you all like them? Are you (aimed at the lady sitting next to me) dating someone in the band? I've never been to Epcot before. We're celebrating my daughter's graduation from the 8th grade. It only took here twelve years!" Then she finished her cigarette and told us her group was waiting on her so they could have dinner at the Rose And Crown and she wondered off. After she was gone I looked at the lady next to me and she looked at me, we both had a what was that look. Anyway, the band came back out and did a great set. They even played one of my favorite Beatle songs, "And Your Bird Can Sing". It's was the first time I heard them do that one. If you like the Beatles I would definitely recommend checking out the British Invasion.

Well, after the show it was close to 8:30 p.m. so I decided to head on out. In doing this I totally skipped by Canada, only pausing to take a couple of pics.

My feet were getting tired and I didn't really feel like standing through the film there. So I headed towards the park entrance. As I passed Spaceship Earth I decided to take one last ride on it and since there was no wait I walked right on.

This is another ride that could use a little refurbishing. As a matter of fact, I asked a CM at the entrance to the ride if there were any truth to the rumors that the ride would be shut down and fixed up. He said that they do have plans to do something to it within the next five years and it will probably just be a refurbishing and update of what they already have. The structure and ride go together and ideas of making it into a roller coaster are pretty much out the window. So I guess we will just have to wait and see. Well that was my day, after S.E. I hit the tram and drove home. I did enjoy myself and think in the future I may be taking more solo trips. What can I say, I'm selfish and want to do what I want to do.

 

[Cinerama]

Thanks for the great walk through WS! Just like being there.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Wonderful pictures. I saw things that I had not seen before. I have 2 boys and so the WorldShowcase is a run threw for us.

 

[chi-mom]

This was a lovely pictorial!! I will definately spend more time in WS next time(even if I have to go it alone) your photos are gorgeous and really make me want to be there.

Thanks so much for the great report

 

[fizz13]

really great photos! Thanks so much for sharing, made me feel that little bit closer to the "world",

Claire

 

[lynn71092]

Why can't I find any friends who say, "Hey, let's go to Disney World?"
I would be there so fast!!
Great Report!

 

[amwhitaker]

Your pictures are so clear. What kind of camera do you have? You gave me some great ideas for taking pictures on my next trip. Great report.

 

[kathymc]

thanks for the report and the great shots!

 

[DD2Disney]

I loved your pictures, thank you.

Tricia

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

Great Pics!! You know if you ever need a friend to go next time, I guess I could make that sacrafice!!! Really, thank you so much... I am really getting jazzed for our trip in just a few short days... hope the weather clears up

 

[heaven2dc]

What beautiful pictures and your report is so descriptive - we all are wondering what type of camera you use! and please add me to your friend list of those who'd willingly head to DW on a moment's notice!!!!

All kidding aside - great job on your report!

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

WS is our favorite...even DS (3) loves it! Great pics, thanks!!

 

[Tiziminchac]

Thankyou everyone for all of your nice replies to my thread. I'm surprised so many people looked at this because I didn't think up a fancy name for it. I love WS too and I enjoyed sharing it. Come August, when I can go again on my pass, I'll be sending out e-mails inviting all of you along! As for my camera, it's a HP Photosmart M407.

 

[lajones81]

Wow! Great report! I love all the pictures!

 

[Tiziminchac]

Wow! Great report! I love all the pictures!

Thanks Lisa, glad you enjoyed them.

 

[ScarletFire]

I really loved your pictures.

The pyramid in Mexico looks fantastic. It was behind scaffolding and tarps during my last visit.

I never noticed the grass/wildflower roof in Norway before. I'll be looking for it in July.

Thanks!

 

[JoAnnPan]

Enjoyed this also! Surprised you made it out of France without trying some pastries or quiche - I have never been to Epcot on a "stormy" day I don't think I would mind it at all - sometimes it can give things a whole different feeling; made for some really nice photos too. Thanks for sharing!

 

[LadyLuc361]

Thanks for sharing your pictures. I love the one of SE at night-fall. Epcot is beautiful at night!

 

[Tiziminchac]

Thanks ScarletFire, JoAnnPan & LadyLuc361. And thankyou, in advance, to anyone else who may post to my TR thread. Unless you have something bad to say.