How can one visit Epcot and not take the almost mandatory trip on the legendary icon itself?
Spaceship Earth is always a favorite and something we leave towards the end of the day.
Rather than rushing to it first thing, we tend to use it as our good-bye to Epcot.
I wasnt quite ready to leave this time around but I thought it was a good time to travel through the universe of time!
I like the new updates especially the Bill Gates clone in the garage hacking on a computer.
I always tell the little ones that thats me back in college.
And I actually dont mind the interactive cartoon on the way down.
I think its fun and entertaining for the kids.
They got a kick out of it last time we were here.
This time, however, it was all me.
So, of course, I had to make a silly face on the way up to make my video that much more interesting.
Check out my adventures:
I love the fact that you can email this entire video to yourself afterwards.
It makes it so much easier to post on your trip report!
And for the record, if you go solo, your partner is just the cartoon.
I think it would've been more fun if it was just me but what can you do?
Anyway, After arriving back in the present, I searched for my location on the globe.
There I was making the same silly face:
I was even able to catch a vacation picture from my underwater adventure!
I hung out a bit afterwards playing in Project Tomorrow.
I had never really explored this section before.
The virtual body parts were intriguing but the race car game seemed the most fun.
I actually took video of it to show the kids back home.
Maybe next time well stop and smell the roses in here giving them a chance to explore.
Back outside in the heat, I decided some refreshments were in order.
So I headed here:
I heard that the Fountain View was a great place for ice cream and I wasnt disappointed.
My mint chocolate chip cone was a delight on this insanely hot day.
The only downside was the rate at which it was melting.
After devouring my treat, I decided I had time for one more attraction before the nights finale.
So I headed back to Mission: Space which, once again had no line.
Three times in one day may be excessive, but since I had never done it before, I was really enjoying it!
And this time, I was able to snag some nighttime photos.
First the stereotypical outside shot:
And then one with the moon!
Inside I grabbed my wimpy Green Ticket once again
And since it was basically empty, I was able to get a shot of this with no one around.
Its the spacesuits used in the the Gary Sinise movie Mission to Mars
Right before lift-off, a Dad and his son joined me for my 3rd trip to Mars.
He was a little frightened and asked what happens if he forgets to push a button.
So, the Dad and I had fun with him.
Why, well crash of course.
No really Dad.
Yup I said. I was just on this and you have to make sure you push the buttons exactly when directed to.
Now the little one was psyched up as this attraction now had new meaning to him.
He was assigned to be our Commander so the Dad and I made lots of comments to him about being in charge and how he controlled our destiny.
The attraction was fun once again and when we landed, we congratulated our commander on his fine techniques and ability.
Although we told him he cut it a little close at the end there!
With that, we exited and headed back to the World Showcase Lagoon.
And here, once again, is one of the benefits of travelling solo.
It was 8:50 and I wandered right up the center of the lagoon and there was enough room for just one person.
I asked the family that was there if they had room for one more and they gladly welcomed me!
We chatted for some time until the finale started but I never wouldve gotten a spot if I wasnt solo.
The lights went dark and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth began.
Now, I may get screamed at for this, but I honestly was disappointed.
I hadnt seen this in some time since my kids couldnt hack a 9:00 fireworks show so weve bailed early in our previous visits.
Thats why this was a must do on my solo excursion.
But I guess I built it up in my head because it was not the same.
First of all, I miss the Tapestry of Nations Parade.
Secondly, the fireworks are good but that whole sequence in the middle with the scenes on the Earth in the center of the lagoon are well, slow.
My kids would be bored out of their minds.
I think Id rather see Wishes! or Fantasmic! than this one.
Like I said, a let down.
And now, I shall let the bashing begin from all of you Illuminations-lovers.
In the meantime, any guesses on how I topped the evening off?
the new Snow White boarder !
so it's a "must do" for August!
