I feel the same way about World Showcase (and really Epcot in general). When I was there at age 15, I thought it was pretty boring. Then again, we really only looked in the shops that trip. Last year I loved it!
And I must admit, I wondered about the African Cats sculpture as well. I saw a picture of it several months ago and Mom and I were both going, "But what if it rains? Doesn't it wash away?"
Yeah, I think we figured out WS was fun when we did the passports on one trip. haha!
I really wonder if it was some special mixture because there is no way sand would've survived that rain.
We usually go at F&G time and I've thought about the sand sculptures too. Do you think they spray it with something?
Sure makes you wonder, doesn't it?
I'm sorry Via Napoli didn't live up to your expectations. It still looked like it was pretty good, like you said. I'm not a huge fan of the thinner-crusted pizzas, but when they have some nicer toppings, I'll love it

And yeah, they definitely have something else with the sand to keep the sculptures together, though I think they have to, because I'm guessing it takes awhile to build them, so I'm sure they want to minimize upkeep by taking some little shortcuts (Way to be authentic, Disney!) And that's so funny that family was playing that game!

My mom is a teacher and introduced me to that game, we play it a lot at restaurants and I think we may have played it at Disney at our ADRs, but I'm not sure, it just passes time.

And I love your pictures of Spaceship Earth at night! So pretty!
Yeah, I think I'm giving people the wrong impression on Via Napoli. If I hadn't read anything beforehand I would've thought it was really good! I think because I had seen all the rave reviews I was expecting more. But it was still really really good. Yum!
Thanks for the compliment on the SSE pictures. I still wish I knew how to take better night pictures!
I had never thought of what would happen to that sand sculpture when it rains. Surely the rain would destroy it, if it were indeed made only of sand. How interesting.
It's kind of too bad that WS has it's only two rides right on the edge in Norway and Mexico. Maybe if they were spread out more, kids wouldn't feel as ride-desperate walking through WS.
Atleast now they have the Kim Possible missions because the kids seem to love those. I think that was a great addition.
Well your pizza sure
looks good, sorry it didn't live up to expectations.
I think I would have been playing along with that game waiting for Illuminations too, sounds like a fun way to pass the time
It was a cute game, and the boys were pretty adorable too.
You should try the green lasagna or the 4 cheese pizza next time at Via Napoli!
Mmm, 4 cheese pizza sounds good!
When we went to Via Napoli I had the spaghetti and Jasine had the lasagne...I was going to try the pizza this time around, but now maybe I`ll stick to the spaghetti
I didn`t appreciate WS on our first trip when Jasmine was 6...I think mostly because she was tired and there was really nothing to catch a 6 year olds attention...she does love to wander there now though!!!
No, you should try the pizza. It's still really good. I would get it again. But spaghetti sounds yummy too.
That Rapuzel tower must be new! Kadence wants to know why we missed it
The pizza looks good, sometimes we build up something in our heads so much that it couldn't possibly meet our expectations. I had a burger once that was sooo good. They next time we went back to that place ,quite a few years later, I ordered thinking I was in for a treat. Not so much
I can't wait to see your R/F experiance!
I was under the impression it was there for the F&GF but who knows. It was cute though. I think at night it lit up or you could hear Rapunzel singing.
Rapunzel/Flynn Rider update coming soon!
We must have been very close to each other while in Japan and watching Illuminations! lol We were in Japan around that time too and sat very close to where you were for Illuminations. Via Napoli looks so cool, I really want to try it someday. That stinks that it didn't live up to your expectations though

Your story about the family playing the game is so cute!
We must've because I saw your picture of the drummers and thought how we saw them too. You should try Via Napoli! I hope my review doesn't turn everyone off to it because really it was pretty decent.
Catching up!
I love all your F&G pictures...so pretty!! We can't wait to meet Duffy next year! Your picture turned out great! Oh and I know what you mean about butterflies. I've always thought they were so pretty but since going to huge butterfly garden this spring and having so many of them flying all around...it definitely freaked me out!
I think with each trip to the WS, I've learned to appreciate it more and more.
I'm sure your boys would have fun meeting Duffy. When are you going back?
The good thing about the butterfly house was that there weren't too many flying around yet...there were still a lot in their cocoons.
Catching up on your TR!
We went to Via Napoli in May and I loved it! Seeing your pizza picture makes me really wish I could get one tonight!
Great lion pictures from your second safari. Wow!
I'm glad you got a chance to enjoy Epcot while it was not raining. I enjoyed seeing all your F&GF pictures.
I know, I could go for some of that pizza now too!
Thanks...every time I look at that lion picture I'm still amazed we saw them both.
haha, me too. It sure makes walking around the park more fun when the weather's decent!
Loved your Via Napoli review!

I can't wait to eat there in October, it's our last night meal, so I have high expectations for it!
Those sand sculptures are so pretty! I hope they don't get ruined when it rains!
I love ending my Epcot day with Illuminations, I can't see that enough!
You will like it at Via Napoli. As I've said in some of the other comments I feel like I'm giving people the wrong impression now!