<B>Day 10, Bonus Day!
Cast:
Bill, 38, Police firearms instructor, husband to Susan, father to Olivia, driver and carrier of heavy things.
Susan, 40-something, Diplomatic Historian, Wife to Bill, mum to Olivia, purchaser of heavy things for Bill to carry.
Olivia, not quite 3, fully restored to sweetness and light personified
Dates Sept. 13-23</B>
After a 7:30 wake-up, we went down for breakfast, where Olivia had a whole banana and a cup of juice. The return of her appetite tells us that she has, indeed, recovered.
We parked at Epcot and Monorailed (new word, I think!) over to the TTC, with the intention of taking the ferry over to the MK. When we got to the TTC, it was apparent that it just wasn't going to happen that way today! There were so many people waiting for the ferry that I thought I must have fallen asleep and re-awakened in June! We looked at the Monorail line and saw the same thing! We wondered what was going on, but quickly remembered that is was <B>Saturday!</B> Add to that, the fact that since the attacks, all of the local news outlets were reporting empty parks and no lines for the attractions. I assume that lots of local residents wanted to take advantage of that. We ditched the idea of the ferry and the direct monorail, so we took the Resort monorail, which was a bit of a longer ride, but we got there faster anyway because of the long wait we would have had going either of the other ways.
It was gratifying to see so many people in the park that day. I realize that it may be strange to hear someone say that a crowd is welcome... but under the circumstances, I am sure that most of you will agree. That people were out spending their money was a good sign. There were more people here today than on any other day of our trip.
After getting up Main Street, Susan and Olivia went to Ariel's Grotto to take pictures, while I retired to one of the nearby outdoor tables to scribble in my journal. While I was waiting, I used one of the nearby restrooms, and as I came out, a man struck up a conversation with me about how empty the parks had been, and about the events of September 11th. We had a very cordial five minute chat before he went back to his family and I went back to my table. Things like this occurred throughout the trip, and I will talk about it more in my "wrap up" piece.
After my girls returned from Ariel's Grotto, we went back to the carousel, because Olivia wanted to ride the "horsies with the flowers!" There aren't many of the horses with the flower garland decorations, so I had to move fast to get one for her. Now, usually, when I ride the carousel, I just stand next to Olivia in order to make sure she doesn't fall, or so that she isn't afraid, this time was different, though. Olivia demanded that I get on the horse next to her. I really didn't want to do it, because I have knee problems as well as problems with my back (am I decrepit, or what?). However, what little madame wants is usually what little madame gets. So, I rode one of the carousel horses, feeling a little silly, but, what the heck
It's not like I was the only dad on the carousel.
Our next stop was the enchanted Tikki room, which I thought was really cool. I wasn't all that excited about the birds, but once again, any place that is a little dark and cool is always a good place to pass a little time.
We next went on the Aladdin ride. Tell me if I am wrong friends, Aladdin is really pretty much identical to Dumbo, isn't it? It does all of the same stuff, right? The spitting Camel being the exception, right?
After Dumbo, we attempted to go on Pirates of The Caribbean. I have never seen the line so long before
so we give it a pass.
Once again, off to lunch at the Plaza Pavilion. The sky has been clouding up for a little while, and it bean to rain lightly as we left the Pavilion and headed over for our last time around on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. We parked the stroller in a nice dry place and went for our ride. While we were riding, the clouds opened the rain came pouring down. We figured staying on the ride might be a good idea since it was raining, but alas, it was not to be. The attendant, Shane, announced that the ride was experiencing some "technical difficulties" and was shutting down. Reluctantly, we made our way down the walkway, only to see that there was a huge amount of people taking refuge under the overhang of the ride. We thought that it would be prudent for us to do the same. Shane, however, had other ideas. He and one of his mates decided that they needed to shout (repeatedly) for everyone to clear the area
which everyone completely ignored. So much for Shane. The rain didn't appear to be slackening, so, off I went to Mickey's Star Traders to buy ponchos for the whole crew (and one extra to wrap our cameras etc
). Wouldn't you know that by the time we were going to put them on, the rain ended!?!
We went back to Pirates of The Caribbean and voila! No line! So we went on that, then spent some time buying more knick-knacks in the shop. A new refrigerator magnet, mini snow globe, picture frame, pin, and a telescope for Olivia (this cost $1.95 and she is STILL playing with it nearly a month later!).
Next was the Christmas shop near frontierland. Olivia had gone to sleep, so I waited while we got even MORE stuff (remember, we are spending this money for our country! Now, stand at attention, salute smartly and open that wallet!).
We are now ready to make our last visit to Epcot. It is 3:00 and we are ready to go. Oh wait! It is parade time! Someone please
shoot me now. At the risk of being thought a heretic, I have to say this: I usually can't stand parades. I hated them when I was a kid, and I still hate them (unless we are talking about Tapestry of Nations, but that is a different story). We were trapped! No way out for love or money. Since this was a new parade, I guess the only thing to do was just endure. While watching, I took lots of pictures so Olivia could see all of the characters later. One of the things I noticed was that a lot of the parents practically had to shove their children out to meet the characters when the opportunity presented itself. Some of the kids looked very unhappy about that, although the parents were just going to town with the cameras and camcorders. After the parade passed by, we followed behind it so we could head for the gate.
As we headed for the gate, there was a fair amount of jostling by people trying to get to this place or that. I was annoyed by the number of people that tried to shove around Olivia's stroller, while we were, clearly, trying to go in the same direction. While I understand that people had places to go and things to see, there is no need to push and shove. I am not ashamed to tell you that there are a few people that took some hard shots to the ankles because of their rudeness. I firmly believe that rude behavior should never be rewarded with tolerance, and that's all I have to say about that.
After pausing for a last visit to the shops along Main Street, we headed for the monorail to Epcot.
Well, what can I say? This is another beautiful afternoon at our favorite place in the world (although Doctor's Cave Beach, in Montego Bay Jamaica runs really close). We walked over to "The Land" because we wanted a snack. Olivia got fruit and Susan and I were going to split a Rice Krispie treat. Olivia liked some of the fruit. We hated the Rice Krispie treat! That thing was awful. We usually love them, but not this one. It was positively the worst food item I have ever experienced at WDW. After a quick diaper change, Olivia conked out for her obligatory stroller nap, which gave us the opportunity to do our favorite thing: Stroll around the World Showcase!
The drummers were out again at Japan, so we went in to the Mitsukoshi Department store for a while. Susan bought Olivia a really nice Japanese picture dictionary, some incense, and a book about home design, while I looked for some sort of toy or figure from that Anime film "My neighbor Tottoro" (if you have children, they'll love that film) I didn't have any luck, but I always like to look around in that store anyway.
After looking in several shops of the other countries, we were about to pass the Mexican cantina. We gave each other the "now?" look, but decided to wait until we went 'round again.
When we went through the English garden section of the UK, there was a British woman trying to corral her two exuberant young sons
with very little luck. The poor soul. The boys were obviously having a better time than their mum.
We were enjoying our second time through the WS, taking in the sights, sounds and smells, saying goodbye in our own way.
We got our Margaritas, and sat down to discuss our day, which had become our custom. We talked about how fully Miss Olivia had bounced back, and about our relief. We talked about Epcot and how we enjoy it on so many different levels.
One of the things that we like most about Epcot, is that we have both been to several of the countries that are represented. This gives us the chance to talk to the cm's with a little knowledge of their homes. It also gives me the chance to practice my language skills. I speak German fairly well, and can make myself understood in basic Japanese and Spanish. The cm's always seem to enjoy it when you try a bit of their language. We love to travel, but Olivia is still a bit young for foreign travel, so at Epcot, we sort of get the feeling of it, without actually doing it. Am I making sense?
More things we love about Epcot:
· The tranquility. It always seems so peaceful, which is something we both really enjoy.
· The architecture and the attention to detail in the creation of the pavilions of the represented countries. Epcot is very pleasing to the eye.
· The musicians, displaying everything from celtic rock, to traditional bagpipes, traditional Moroccan music, to the Japanese drummers etc
· The ability to sample, even at a very basic level, the cultures of other countries.
· The food! (Mmmmm!)
OK, you get the idea.
Next, we headed to Mouse Gear where we spent the last of our Disney Dollars, and had a fine time doing it.
As we left, we paused in the parking lot for a last look back at Spaceship Earth. We were a little sad, but knowing that our next trip was only 71 days away made it a bit easier to take.
Back at the hotel, Susan got Olivia ready for bed, while I took my provisioning list to Gooding's to make ready for tomorrow's drive home.
Once Olivia was off to bed, Susan packed while I started getting the van ready. I made sure the CD player and CD's were set up. Stocked the cooler, took the cases as they were filled, and dismantled the video-in-a-bag system. After doing most of the loading, I set up the video-in-a-bag system exactly as I had before, only this time, it wouldn't work when I tested it. Hmmmm! This could be a problem. I took it apart and tried it again with the same results. I thought that since the hour was getting late, I should just skip it and approach it again in the morning after I had the chance to sleep.
We didn't stay up late that night, as we wanted to get on the road by 7.
All was ready. Tomorrow, we were heading home.
<B>Tomorrow, The Long Drive Home</B>
