"One Step Ahead of the Slowpokes!"- A Dec '10/Jan '11 Trip Report! FINISHED 3/9 pg 38

[dancin_princess]

It's not a problem for me, I like reading your report. Looking forward to my appearance

I love the queue at Finding Nemo, and I always tell whoever I'm with, "look the butt!"

Fun Epcot uptate.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the Epcot golf ball pics!

GRR at the TT story! I will also be riding the green side of Mission Space - don't think I can handle the orange side!

I love the pics of The Seas - it looks soo relaxing

 

[Cat0727]

I hope you were able to get on Test Track eventually. I wonder if the cold weather had something to do with its being down?

Riding the green side of Mission Space once was enough for me! It made me queasy for some reason.

 

[Nermel9]

Yay, Epcot!!!

Awww, that's too bad that Test Track was closed! I love that ride, now that I've rediscovered it!

I love Mission Space!!! I agree, the part where you take off is a little freaky, and if it was even 3 seconds longer than it is, I probably wouldn't be able to handle it! But I love the feeling of blasting off into space, and then the weightlessness...it's probably because I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little! I still secretly kind of want to be one, although I know it's wayyyy too late for that, that would be so awesome!

The Nemo ride is so cute! I love the queue too, it's so dark in there!

I can't believe you don't like Spaceship Earth!!! I mean, yeah, it's a little weird, but it's so much fun!

 

[sbprincess]

Yea for Epcot! Epcot and MK are my two favorite parks. I'm totally with you about Mission Space though. Because I grew up near Atlanta, I've been to Six Flags dozens of times. Never once have I gotten sick on a ride. Rode MS on my honeymoon (orange, of course, because I'm a bad-a ), and had my first experience with motion sickness, which lasted for hours afterward. It was terribe!! I can't bring myself to even try green now.

I hope it works out for you to ride Test Track since it sounds like you love it! My DH really likes it but for some reason I could take it or leave it.

Wouldn't it be sad to ride the Finding Nemo ride and NOT find Nemo??

 

[therussells08]

Loved your Epcot update! I'm sorry Test Track was being uncooperative, I get the impression it's closed a lot. I don't love it, so I skipped it last trip anyways, but I think Jack will be tall enough this year, so we migth give it a go.

You're right, TT does seem to be down a lot. Oh well, hopefully we will be able to ride it next time. Yay for Jack being tall enough to ride!

I love Epcot sooo much!!! Even though you had some bad luck with Test Track, just being in Epcot is amazing! I can completely relate to your incident on Mission: Space (orange side). The one and ONLY time I ever rode orange I nearly had a panic attack too and had to bang on the doors for someone to get me out! I won't be making that mistake again...

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience on Mission:Space too! The green side is more than intense enough for me!

Sorry about Test Track. We've only ridden it once and I'm really looking forward to riding again.

I really love Spaceship Earth. It's that slow ascent. It feels like your lying down relaxing yet you're on a ride.

I'm all for the chicken side of Mission Space. I never want to go through what it did to me when I rode before they had green and orange.

You mention empty parks a lot but I know you were there during a busy time. Do you use anything like Touring Plans of Tour Guide Mike?

I really hope you got to ride TT.

TT is now at the top of our must do list for June!

I like that part in SE that you are talking about too! It's so relaxing!

We actually didn't use any touring help. I think it was just our game plan- we got to the park as early as possible, so there was never that many people around. Plus the miserable cold helped us because we were some of the only people crazy enough to go out in it! The crowds got a lot worse each day as it got later, though.

It's not a problem for me, I like reading your report. Looking forward to my appearance

I love the queue at Finding Nemo, and I always tell whoever I'm with, "look the butt!"

Fun Epcot uptate.

I do the same thing on Nemo!

Love the Epcot golf ball pics!

GRR at the TT story! I will also be riding the green side of Mission Space - don't think I can handle the orange side!

I love the pics of The Seas - it looks soo relaxing

There's no shame in that green side! I think most people prefer it!

The Seas is so great. I just wish I had seen a sea turtle and the dolphins!

I hope you were able to get on Test Track eventually. I wonder if the cold weather had something to do with its being down?

Riding the green side of Mission Space once was enough for me! It made me queasy for some reason.

Unfortunately we never did get to ride TT!

Even the green side is kinda rough. M:S is just not one of my favorites!

Yay, Epcot!!!

Awww, that's too bad that Test Track was closed! I love that ride, now that I've rediscovered it!

I love Mission Space!!! I agree, the part where you take off is a little freaky, and if it was even 3 seconds longer than it is, I probably wouldn't be able to handle it! But I love the feeling of blasting off into space, and then the weightlessness...it's probably because I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little! I still secretly kind of want to be one, although I know it's wayyyy too late for that, that would be so awesome!

The Nemo ride is so cute! I love the queue too, it's so dark in there!

I can't believe you don't like Spaceship Earth!!! I mean, yeah, it's a little weird, but it's so much fun!

I love TT too! I was super bummed about the malfunction!

Your review of M:S sounds just like John's! He loves that ride so much! It's just a little too intense for me!

Nemo is so much fun. I remember though when I took my mom to Disney in 2007 she hated it! She was like, "That's it?!"

SE is okay, it just gives me the creeps for some reason!

Yea for Epcot! Epcot and MK are my two favorite parks. I'm totally with you about Mission Space though. Because I grew up near Atlanta, I've been to Six Flags dozens of times. Never once have I gotten sick on a ride. Rode MS on my honeymoon (orange, of course, because I'm a bad-a ), and had my first experience with motion sickness, which lasted for hours afterward. It was terribe!! I can't bring myself to even try green now.

I hope it works out for you to ride Test Track since it sounds like you love it! My DH really likes it but for some reason I could take it or leave it.

Wouldn't it be sad to ride the Finding Nemo ride and NOT find Nemo??

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about your bad Mission:Space experience! I don't blame you for steering clear entirely!

That sounds like something that would happen to me on Nemo!

 

[therussells08]

After our adventures "under the sea" we decided to make our way over to The Land!

We still had a little bit of time before we could use our FPs for Soarin' so we decided to ride Living with the Land. However, we quickly changed our minds when we saw the line outside of the ride. I can't remember the exact wait time, but it was waaay longer than we were willing to wait.

Instead, we decided to feed our faces with a yummy breakfast from Sunshine Seasons!

We each used a CS credit and got a huge breakfast platter.

Each platter had french toast, eggs, potatoes, and a biscuit. The only difference in our meals was that John got bacon with his and I got sausage. Then for our beverages I had a diet soda and orange juice and John had a regular soda and Nesquik.

I didn't realize how hungry I was until I started eating. Apparently I was starving because I'm pretty sure I ended up with a happy plate! It was really nice sitting there in the warmth enjoying our breakfast. I always appreciate stopping for a meal during busy times at Disney because our table becomes our little safe haven away from all the crowds. While we were eating I made the mental note that the music from the movie Pearl Harbor was playing. Not sure why I thought that was important to mention, but I've remembered it all this time so I felt the need to share!

After our yummy breakfast it was time to go soarin'!

I have to admit, the first time I rode Soarin' it was after I waited in a two hour standby line, and the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. It just didn't seem worth all the hype! I feel differently now, however. I love it! My favorite part is smelling the wonderful oranges. I love it!

After we finished our adventure over California we decided to try Living with the Land one more time. Let me just say...Oh. My. Gosh. The crowds were absolutely INSANE. There was a huge crowd heading from Living with the Land to Soarin' and another huge crowd heading from Soarin' to Living with the Land. There was literally not one inch of room that wasn't packed with bodies. I immediately started to panic, and my panic only got worse when I realized there was total stranger walking behind me, pushing me forward with both of her hands ON MY BUTT. I'm not joking. I turned around and practically yelled in her face, "DO YOU MIND?!" and she just looked at me like I was the crazy one. Some people!

By this time John and I had both had enough of this, so we forced our way through the crowds and to the escalator. No ride was worth that nonsense!

Before we left The Land I took a picture of the chaos below.

Ugh! I still shudder just looking at that picture!

As we walked around outdoors enjoying our personal space again, we discussed what to try next. John stopped for a quick smoke break and I checked out the map. I had been wanting to see Captain EO ever since I heard they were bringing it back, so I convinced John to go check it out.

I was pretty excited about seeing this show, but John and I both left the theater a little while later like this: . That was SO weird! I know it was from the 80s, but it was just completely strange to me. John thought it was hilarious, and he spent the rest of the day calling me "Hooter" in this weird Michael Jackson voice.

After our very...um...interesting experiences we were ready to explore more of Epcot! I bet you can guess where we were off to next!

Up Next: The weather finally improves as we explore the World Showcase! Stay tuned!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Yay on deciding to have breakfast at Sunshine Seasons! Sounds like you made a good call and the food looks yummy!

It's funny the things that stay with you after a trip such as the Pearl Harbor music playing during your meal - thanks for sharing!

I'm glad you gave Soarin another chance after not enjoying it and love it now!

Wow at the chaos and eek at that woman putting her hands on your Butt and then looking at you as if you were wierd! You sure ran into your fair share of crazy people on this trip - maybe it was because of the busy period.

I'm looking forward to seeing Captain EO and am hoping I will find it hilarious as well!

 

[Cat0727]

Wow that picture of the Land is freaking me out just looking at it! I wonder if the lady didn't speak English? One time my sister and I were on a crazy crowded line to board the bus back to Pop and we were surrounded by a Brazilian tour group. As we were about to board, the tour leader to the right of me pushed me hard so I turned around and bumped her back and she looked at me in shock. Lol. I don't get people!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Your breakfast at Seasons looks HUGE!

That is CRAZY about that random stranger. Some people have no clue how rude they really are.

I feel the same way about Captain EO. SO weird. Granted, I've never actually seen it, but it just LOOKS weird.

 

[Nermel9]

Sunshine Seasons looks like a great place to get breakfast...I'm glad you remembered what music was playing!

Yay, I'm happy you like Soarin now! After wating 2 hours, I can see how you wouldn't be that impressed, but it's SUCH a great ride! Brandon doesn't really like it, he thinks going on it once is enough. Some Disney things he just doesn't get!

That crowd picture is terrifying! And I can't stand it when you actually call people out on their rudeness, and they make you feel like the jerk for saying something.

Captain EO sounds so weird...I'm pretty sure I saw it when I was a kid, but I don't remember it, but after hearing your description, I think I can do without it!

 

[sbprincess]

Okay, so let's see, you've been sneezed on and now you've been groped. You poor thing! I hope we don't hear about any vomit or that someone flashes you in the remainder of your trip!

Totally agree about Captain EO. Weird. I understand it's like a tribute, but it's just too strange for words, IMO.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I'm loving your Epcot updates! I'm sorry to hear TT wasn't up and running that morning - it seems like the last few times we've been the sound has malfunctioned in the cars, which to me completely ruins the ride. I hope it eventually opened up!

I can't believe those crows in The Land! You've had some crazy run-in's with other tourists on this trip!

 

[therussells08]

Yay on deciding to have breakfast at Sunshine Seasons! Sounds like you made a good call and the food looks yummy!

It's funny the things that stay with you after a trip such as the Pearl Harbor music playing during your meal - thanks for sharing!

I'm glad you gave Soarin another chance after not enjoying it and love it now!

Wow at the chaos and eek at that woman putting her hands on your Butt and then looking at you as if you were wierd! You sure ran into your fair share of crazy people on this trip - maybe it was because of the busy period.

I'm looking forward to seeing Captain EO and am hoping I will find it hilarious as well!

The breakfast at Sunshine Seasons was awesome!

I'm glad you enjoy my random facts about our trip! I don't know why I remember all that stuff!

We did run into some crazies this trip! I guess the ratio was just higher since there was so many people there!

Wow that picture of the Land is freaking me out just looking at it! I wonder if the lady didn't speak English? One time my sister and I were on a crazy crowded line to board the bus back to Pop and we were surrounded by a Brazilian tour group. As we were about to board, the tour leader to the right of me pushed me hard so I turned around and bumped her back and she looked at me in shock. Lol. I don't get people!

Ugh I know, that picture is awful! I can't believe that tour leader did that! Some people have absolutely no regard for others!

Your breakfast at Seasons looks HUGE!

That is CRAZY about that random stranger. Some people have no clue how rude they really are.

I feel the same way about Captain EO. SO weird. Granted, I've never actually seen it, but it just LOOKS weird.

It was huge! I loved it!

Yeah I don't know what was going on with her. She had set up shop in my personal space.

I don't think we'll be doing Captain EO again! It was just a little to strange for me!

Sunshine Seasons looks like a great place to get breakfast...I'm glad you remembered what music was playing!

Yay, I'm happy you like Soarin now! After wating 2 hours, I can see how you wouldn't be that impressed, but it's SUCH a great ride! Brandon doesn't really like it, he thinks going on it once is enough. Some Disney things he just doesn't get!

That crowd picture is terrifying! And I can't stand it when you actually call people out on their rudeness, and they make you feel like the jerk for saying something.

Captain EO sounds so weird...I'm pretty sure I saw it when I was a kid, but I don't remember it, but after hearing your description, I think I can do without it!

It was a delicious breakfast!

I really do like Soarin' now! It is so relaxing! I'm lucky because John seems to like it too. That's how he is over IASM though!

I know what you mean! I actually felt embarrassed for being rude to her, but she was groping me! I was so mad!

Yeah I definitely would waste anytime with Captain EO!

Okay, so let's see, you've been sneezed on and now you've been groped. You poor thing! I hope we don't hear about any vomit or that someone flashes you in the remainder of your trip!

Totally agree about Captain EO. Weird. I understand it's like a tribute, but it's just too strange for words, IMO.

Seriously! I had to interact with some weirdos on this trip! Luckily no vomit or flashing. There's always my June trip, though!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about Captain EO. It was not my cup of tea!

I'm loving your Epcot updates! I'm sorry to hear TT wasn't up and running that morning - it seems like the last few times we've been the sound has malfunctioned in the cars, which to me completely ruins the ride. I hope it eventually opened up!

I can't believe those crows in The Land! You've had some crazy run-in's with other tourists on this trip!

Thank you! TT must malfunction a lot!

Yeah we had some weird tourists to deal with! It was just so crowded!

 

[therussells08]

After our strange experience with Captain EO, John and I decided to go to our favorite part of Epcot: The World Showcase! We had 1pm lunch reservations at Les Chefs de France. It wasn’t quite noon yet, so we had some time to kill in the first few countries before we ate.

As we were entering the WS a miraculous thing happened. It got warm! This was the first time it had been warm the entire trip, so John and I both took off our jackets and did a little happy dance. The weather was gorgeous! Unfortunately my head cold was still bringing me down, but not enough to ruin this moment!

As we entered into the WS through Canada John and I started acting silly and got the giggles. I know that the people around us probably thought we were crazy, but we didn’t care. We were cracking up and everything and I was laughing so hard my side hurt.

I immediately noticed some of the gorgeous Christmas decorations. I took a picture of a building front in Canada that I really liked.

We decided to go check out the show in Canada because we had never seen it before. As we made our way to the theater we realized that there is a huge waterfall in Canada that we had no clue existed!

They started seating for the show, but at the last second John and I both decided that the last thing we wanted to do was sit inside since it was finally nice out. We skipped the show and started exploring more of Canada in the beautiful sunshine!

We saw Le Cellier and commented on how excited we were to eat there later. Our reservations were still nine hours away!

I love this cottage. I always look at it and picture Snow White walking out at any moment!

I honestly can’t express enough how beautiful the weather had become. This was the first time we were outside and not shivering the entire trip and the sky was a gorgeous crystal clear blue.

We noticed a really cute little Christmas tree in Canada with a plaque next to it talking about Christmas traditions in Canada.

After finishing up our exploration of Canada we wandered over to the UK. The decorations here were beautiful as well, but a little more subtle.

It was about this time when I realized the Christmas tree/plaque thing must be in every country, because the UK had one too!

It hadn’t taken us long at all the get through Canada and the UK, so we still had tons of time before our lunch reservations and France was our next country. That was fine with me, though! France and Japan are my favorites countries in the WS! John speaks fluent French because he’s in the Special Forces and had to learn a second language, so he loves it too!

As we entered Canada I saw a man that looked an awful lot like SANTA CLAUS! He was speaking to a small crowd of people. I had to investigate this further.

As we approached the Santa-like man John informed that he was actually le Père Noël, which is the French version of good ol’ Santy Claus. He was talking about Christmas traditions in France. It was very interesting, but I had other things in France to check out!

Here is France’s plaque and tree:

I love that the tree was made of poinsettias!

Next we decided to go to La Maison du Vin. I considered getting one of these adorable pink champagne bottles to enjoy on our romantic sleigh ride that we had schedule for later in the week. I love champagne, so I thought it would be romantic!

I made a mental note to come back and buy a bottle, but I ended up forgetting. Maybe next time!

After we looked around we went outside so I could take a picture of the beautiful French buildings!

As we were looking around I saw Marie from Aristocats! I immediately thought of Jen (Nermel9) because she loves Marie so much. I considered meeting her for a picture, but changed my mind. I wasn’t feeling very photogenic because of my head cold. I did take a really cute picture of her, though.

I feel kind of creepy for taking a picture of someone else’s child, but how cute is that?! I wish I could find his parents and send them this picture. I think they would love it!

We checked our watches and still had about thirty minutes before our lunch reservation, so I told John it was time for me to get my absolute FAVORITE treat in all of Epcot!

The Grand Marnier orange slushie! Oh, be still my heart. I love these things. Ever since I came to Disney on my honeymoon (the first time I was twenty-one at Disney) I have had to get one of these. They are SO delicious and refreshing!

John decided to be boring and get a beer.

We sat on a sunny bench that was directly across from Le Chefs de France and enjoyed our drinks. It was so nice, relaxing in the warmth and chatting about our trip. Before we knew it the time had come for our lunch reservation!

Up Next: The king of burgers and fries steps out of his comfort zone for some French food! Will he like it? Stay tuned!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear it warmed up for you two! Being cold at Disney really does make you appreciate that Florida sunshine, doesn't it?

I have never noticed that cottage in Canada before! It does look like something right out of Snow White. I'll have to be on the look out for it next time.

I can't wait to read about what you thought of Chefs de France since we'll be dining there for the first time on the honeymoon.

 

[stephielela]

I'm so glad it got warm for you!!!

I never realized that waterfall was there either... it scared Jack, since it was dark when we were there!

You said John had to learn French. Do you mind if I ask where he learned it?

I also love the Grand Marnier slushie!! I got my first one in December! I plan to get one in October, but with all the special drink kiosks for F&W... I might not make it.

Can't wait to see what you guys tried at Les Chefs!

 

[Cat0727]

Ahh so glad it got warmer for you! What a relief that must have been!

That's so cool John is fluent in French. I wish I could speak another language.

I think the Canada pavilion is so pretty. Aww the cottage is really cute! I've never noticed it before.

 

[Tracy161]

Great update! Sooo happy that the weather finally cooperated for you!!! Sounds like you had a great time in WS... it's one of my favorite places to be too!

 

[TanzUnited99]

on getting the warm weather and finally being able to remove your coats etc!

I love the pictures of WS including the huge waterfall and the cottage - it looks so pretty

Yay on seeing Santa!! I could have used someone who spoke French the other day whilst doing supply teaching. I was stuck in a ninth graders French lesson and didn't have a clue! The students knew more French then I did!

Love the pic of Marie with someone else's child!