The cast:
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
After a relaxing nights sleep we had a quick bite to eat in the room before heading out to Epcot via the International Gateway.
Probably the attraction I had looked forward to more than any other on this trip was Mission Space. It seemed as though Disney had been promoting it forever or at least a couple of years, anyway! Id read about the feeling of weightlessness that the ride supposedly induced and was very curious indeed.
Helen decided that she would give Space a miss on this trip and instead ride with me next May when my mum would be along to help with Ryan, so she entered the building via the gift shop to wait for me. As I approached the entrance area it was clear that most people werent aware the ride was operational yet, so I headed straight for the single-rider line and found there was no-one in front! Straight into the next loading pod and after a short video briefing we were led out to a waiting area where a final instruction video was shown to each team of four cadets. Finally were off to our waiting rocket, bags are stowed away and the whole structure is sealed. If youre a little claustrophobic this might cause a few problems, but it isnt too bad as you can see the rest of the crew to your side. I wont ruin the plot of the attraction, but suffice it to say the whole show is very impressive. Im still not sure how the gravity effects work but they really do give you the feeling of both weightlessness and multiple Gs I certainly felt as heavy as I do after a typical 3-course Disney meal
Mission completed, I walked through to the post-show area to find Helen and Ryan. They had used one of the video camera units to send a short e-clip to the folks back home.
Next it was off to Spaceship Earth to do our first ride as a family. We loaded Ryan into the Baby Bjorn carrier and queued for a very short time no more than a couple of minutes before reaching our time travel vehicle. Ryan was fascinated by the fibre optics at the end of the ride and generally seemed to enjoy the various sights, sounds and smells.
The next stop was the Baby Care Centre near the old Odyssey restaurant. Wed been aware of the baby care facilities in the past but this was our first trip inside and we were certainly very impressed. The facilities were extremely well equipped with various supplies on sale in case youd forgotten to pack formula, diapers, etc. The nursing room had some comfy rocking chairs with foot rests and pillows, and Helen said the whole place was very relaxing.
Once Ryan has finished his lunch it was time for ours, so we took a short walk to Nine Dragons in China. Since our last trip they have discontinued the Taste of China special and replaced it with a lunch sampler. This consisted of virtually the same dishes but minus the unlimited aspect of its predecessor. Still an excellent meal however and the sesame chicken is the closest food to heaven that I know. As DVC members we received a 20% discount for lunch, a very handy perk.
Next its off to catch the monorail to the MK, switching to the ferryboat at the TTC so we can better appreciate the journey across Bay Lake. After grabbing a park map and timetable we realise its only 20 mins or so until the Share a Dream parade and manage to find a spot in front of Tonys to sit down and watch. Ryan is captivated by the various characters and we are able to get some video footage of the interactions which I promise well get around to editing one day.
Afterwards its off to try out the MK Baby Care Centre which is equally as good as its Epcot counterpart, and then on to a Small World. Ryan is mesmerised by the various animatronic dolls and at the same time quite concerned by his parents singing abilities
Grabbed some Fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh and decided to see if Mickeys Philharmagic was open yet. The official grand opening was still a week away, but the CM outside explained that everything was operating normally so in we went. I used to love the Legend of the Lion King show that was in this location but Philharmagic is a more than worthy replacement. Comfy seats, a huge screen and images, music and effects of a very high quality.
Back to Winnie the Pooh for a ride through the Hundred Acre Wood and then back to the BW via bus. It had been a long day for Ryan and he slept all the way back to the room. The time difference is starting to hit a little by now so we decide to take a short walk over to Beaches and Cream to grab burgers to go. Back to the room for a TV dinner and then all three of us hit the sack.
Day 3, Walking with penguins
Paul, 37 years young - a fully paid-up Disneyaholic
Helen, younger in years and looks - the most organised member of the family
Ryan, 5 months old - a Disney fan in the making
After a relaxing nights sleep we had a quick bite to eat in the room before heading out to Epcot via the International Gateway.
Probably the attraction I had looked forward to more than any other on this trip was Mission Space. It seemed as though Disney had been promoting it forever or at least a couple of years, anyway! Id read about the feeling of weightlessness that the ride supposedly induced and was very curious indeed.
Helen decided that she would give Space a miss on this trip and instead ride with me next May when my mum would be along to help with Ryan, so she entered the building via the gift shop to wait for me. As I approached the entrance area it was clear that most people werent aware the ride was operational yet, so I headed straight for the single-rider line and found there was no-one in front! Straight into the next loading pod and after a short video briefing we were led out to a waiting area where a final instruction video was shown to each team of four cadets. Finally were off to our waiting rocket, bags are stowed away and the whole structure is sealed. If youre a little claustrophobic this might cause a few problems, but it isnt too bad as you can see the rest of the crew to your side. I wont ruin the plot of the attraction, but suffice it to say the whole show is very impressive. Im still not sure how the gravity effects work but they really do give you the feeling of both weightlessness and multiple Gs I certainly felt as heavy as I do after a typical 3-course Disney meal
Mission completed, I walked through to the post-show area to find Helen and Ryan. They had used one of the video camera units to send a short e-clip to the folks back home. Next it was off to Spaceship Earth to do our first ride as a family. We loaded Ryan into the Baby Bjorn carrier and queued for a very short time no more than a couple of minutes before reaching our time travel vehicle. Ryan was fascinated by the fibre optics at the end of the ride and generally seemed to enjoy the various sights, sounds and smells.
The next stop was the Baby Care Centre near the old Odyssey restaurant. Wed been aware of the baby care facilities in the past but this was our first trip inside and we were certainly very impressed. The facilities were extremely well equipped with various supplies on sale in case youd forgotten to pack formula, diapers, etc. The nursing room had some comfy rocking chairs with foot rests and pillows, and Helen said the whole place was very relaxing.
Once Ryan has finished his lunch it was time for ours, so we took a short walk to Nine Dragons in China. Since our last trip they have discontinued the Taste of China special and replaced it with a lunch sampler. This consisted of virtually the same dishes but minus the unlimited aspect of its predecessor. Still an excellent meal however and the sesame chicken is the closest food to heaven that I know. As DVC members we received a 20% discount for lunch, a very handy perk.
Next its off to catch the monorail to the MK, switching to the ferryboat at the TTC so we can better appreciate the journey across Bay Lake. After grabbing a park map and timetable we realise its only 20 mins or so until the Share a Dream parade and manage to find a spot in front of Tonys to sit down and watch. Ryan is captivated by the various characters and we are able to get some video footage of the interactions which I promise well get around to editing one day.
Afterwards its off to try out the MK Baby Care Centre which is equally as good as its Epcot counterpart, and then on to a Small World. Ryan is mesmerised by the various animatronic dolls and at the same time quite concerned by his parents singing abilities
Grabbed some Fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh and decided to see if Mickeys Philharmagic was open yet. The official grand opening was still a week away, but the CM outside explained that everything was operating normally so in we went. I used to love the Legend of the Lion King show that was in this location but Philharmagic is a more than worthy replacement. Comfy seats, a huge screen and images, music and effects of a very high quality.
Back to Winnie the Pooh for a ride through the Hundred Acre Wood and then back to the BW via bus. It had been a long day for Ryan and he slept all the way back to the room. The time difference is starting to hit a little by now so we decide to take a short walk over to Beaches and Cream to grab burgers to go. Back to the room for a TV dinner and then all three of us hit the sack.
Day 3, Walking with penguins
