The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- P is for: Portals to Earth, Sea, and Sky, Next Stop, Centauri Space Station! (5/23)

[Steppesister]

Wonderful pictures in SE. I remember the first time I saw the sleeping monk. I was amazed how he was snoring/breathing! The animatronics amazed me!

Some of those, even early ones, are truly works of art. So innovative and neat for the technology at the time.

Ugh with the bus miss! Once when it was pouring rain I directed D down the wrong lane and we had to take a AS Sport bus and then Lyft to AKL, totally my fault but ugh!

That sounds awful! Especially the extra money part. Just ugh! Then again, there have been a few times that I've "made boo-boos" but ended up making a fun memory too.

I also love Moana Land (good name) it is lovely to walk through and check everything out! Beautiful pictures again!

MoanaLand is just great for everyone, especially on a hot day!

 

[Steppesister]

I could watch them all day

I remember so vividly seeing Baby Grace at 2 days old. Magical!

More than okay! Better than I could ever do!

Heh, I've had some real disasters too!! My Nick was awful!!

I LOVE the Animal Kingdom Christmas decorations and music...just perfection.

Absolutely! Very calming and some classy, some whimsical!

I agree! Such a nice attraction for the kids too.

 

[Steppesister]

Maybe it was a little bit of foreshadowing there.

I always have to laugh at the scene of the computer operator with her miniskirt and go-go boots. I wore plenty of miniskirts but never wore tights with them. We wore hosiery. I also took a computer programing class back when computers were in a huge room and every step in the program had to written on its own punch card.

HAHA!!! I'll come back with my face chewed up!

I do a little boogie in her honor as I glide by.

My mom talks about her nylons all. the. time. It was a horrific day when they got a run. LOL!!!!!

My earliest experience with programming was C and DOS and I HATED, HATED, HATED it. I was sooooo bad. I STILL struggle when I toggle to BB code on here to insert color changes (struggled with my own siggie last night adding my last TR links) and "fix" stuff. I spend WAY too long and end up with a headache every time. OY!

Moana land is perfect for everyone. Disney did a great job with it.

I love the interactive stuff! I did play a little, but it wasn't super warm and I didn't want to get too wet. But it'd sure be nice on a hot day. Although I imagine it'd get pretty crowded too.

 

[Steppesister]

Not much time to reply except to say I have thoroughly enjoyed your photos especially from SE and Moanaland

Thanks! I was already having a pretty great day slowly wandering around.

 

[irene_dsc]

Between where I was and where I was headed is the new Journey of Water (I call it MoanaLand). I admit, it is a very lovely new area, and I ended up spending a bit of time waving my hands through the motion-activated features and admiring the colors and hidden characters.

I didn't even know this existed! Looks pretty cool! (Yes, it's now been over 10 years since our last WDW trip - I've missed quite a few changes...)

 

[pkondz]

Both!

Hey, you know you're ABC's. You're on the right TR! LOL!

That's right!

No, now they lay around AND putz around on cell phones.

Ah yes. Always that.

You've said in the past it reminds you of your dad. :/

It definitely does.

Doesn't matter. My neck hurts to....



exist.

This might help. Seems to be a neck remedy of some sorts...

HEY! I think you're right! Good eye! You looked more carefully and I think you're spot on. We had that one too. Remember Hungry, Hungry Hippo?

Yes and no. I never saw it or played it as a kid, but I did with my kids.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Such a lovely "Dad moment" you had on your visit to the Conservation Station. I love little winks like that from those I've lost--staying connected. And you did a fabulous job on your drawing!!! This looks awesome! We really like doing these, too, and always make it a priority on our AK days.

I love this!! I actually spotted it during my marathon in 2023 and it made me laugh right out loud because I was seriously running SO SLOW at the time. I snapped a pic!

(If only students behaved in school like this nowadays)

I can 100% report that they do not behave like this! LOL

 

[vamassey1]

Did you know that the Colobus Monkey:

I always enjoy learning new things from your trip reports.

And since we’re on a bit of a fact-finding mission while we’re on this little stroll, let’s learn about the hippos, shall we?

Lots of interesting facts on hippos too.

I spent quite a bit of time, and even long enough to see some obnoxious folks get a polite, but solid, chewing out by the trail hosts for yelling at the animals to look towards them. STOP THAT!!!! Are people that oblivious that a more authentic experience can be had by just being quiet and still. Huge pet peeve. My annoyance was short-lived and I moved on.

Some people! I'm glad the CM politely corrected them.

The backstory is that as I walked up to the animal surgery center, a family behind me started having a talk. The dad ended up being an anesthesiologist and was explaining the anesthesia machine to his 20-something year-old son who is in medical school and trying to decide on his specialty. He went into great detail about anesthesia and how the machine worked with all of the circuits and flowmeters. I turned around and told him a little bit about my dad and that I had come here to remember him. They were very touched. What a really neat memory to come away with.”

You were meant to be there at that exact time. What a great "moment".

Today’s character would be Simba all grown up and I think I did okay- one of my better sessions. YAY!

You did fabulous!

I think the strategy for DS now for me at least is to just have a specific destination in mind, go there and hang out, then get out of Dodge. Just aimlessly wandering to shop is just too hard now with the crowds. It's a local hangout and just frustrating.

I'm getting more and more like this too. We use to have a few spots we wanted to make sure to see and then just wonder around, but the crowds deter the wondering now.

Such a creative use of resources available!

I always enjoy how creative the Christmas decorations are here.

Pausing on Discovery Island as I came across the Merry Menagerie, I found joy in the infectious smiles of the puppeteers.

The Merry Menagerie give me lots of joy.

Oh! It was, you’re in the Sports line.”

This is some thing I would do especially if I'm alone and no one is there to stop me.

I enjoy the challenge of photography on this attraction and sometimes I actually end up with some decent photos.

Excellent photos.

(My all-time favorite hidden Mickey)

I've never noticed this.

I found it hilarious that I accidentally chose Cairo as my hometown on the “let’s get going screen”.

Both older folks and wee ones were enjoying themselves, so I think this new attraction is a real winner for the park.

I agree. It's great for everyone!

 

[glennbo123]

Another TR in the works?! Okay, okay...sign me up!

 

[Steppesister]

Update coming... promise...

Jetlag is no joke.

 

[pkondz]

Update coming... promise...

Jetlag is no joke.

Understandable.
Take your time.

 

[Steppesister]

*******Let's get this TR back on track, shall we?*******

P is for: Portals to Earth, Sea, and Sky, Next Stop, Centauri Space Station!​

With the morning behind me, I headed West. If you’re a long-time EPCOT visitor you might remember Future World and its separately named areas: East and West. Seems like most folks had/have a favorite- the Techie types love(d) East with its emphasis on exploration, innovation, and STEM sciences. I wish I had discovered and had the opportunity to visit this place much earlier in life so I could have experienced The Wonders of Life and the World of Motion… West historically celebrates the natural wonders of our world including The Land and Seas. I love both sides but am happy that West has been preserved in its original intention for the most part. And now, with that verbose and lengthy introduction to this chapter, let me get on with the business at hand.

Saying goodbye to Moana and Friends, I made my way to some of her ocean-living friends- Nemo, et al. I like this ride mostly because it’s a nice, cool AC break with catchy music and has a queue that takes an equal amount of time to get through as the ride takes. Bruce flashed a grin as I slid on by, and I said hi to the order of McDonalds’ fries hoping that Ariel’s flash fling worked out for her.

​

With that, I scooted off to The Land to fill up some time. I am pushing 60. I have no business rushing (*as long as it's 3+ hours after Rope Drop) anywhere (when I do, bad things happen) so I asked and waited for B1. Everything stood at attention, if ya know what I mean, and I was happy with my flight.

​

I was anxious to see the overlay on It’s a Big Garden. It didn’t disappoint. I loved the little collections of packages, the snowmen, and especially the fun themed wreathes. Such a relaxing attraction- go ahead and ask me if I asked for the front row… Go ahead!

(Why yes; yes, I did. Because I’m old and have no need to risk injury in rushing….)


Yeah, it's weird to see snowmen next to a breadfruit tree (that's about as tropical as it gets)




(I love the retro icons of EPCOT-past)






​

You might be asking what I did next. Lucky for you, I’m here to tell you!

My next move took me to: Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the SteppeSister Enterprise. Her continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where thousands and thousands have gone before!

​

If you remember, I’d lost my ADR for Space 220 so risked the biscuit for a bar seat. Patience once again paid off. I put my name in, but word of advice/caution. If this is your strategy as well, you MUST say “A seat at the bar please” NOT just, “Can I get on a waiting list?” or “I’d like a seat in the lounge.” There was a couple in front of me who got that sorted out after a bit of back and forth. The waitlist lady was just telling people there was no waiting list assuming that people wanted a table and not offering the bar as an option. She was just turning people away without any questioning really. I followed suit and then passed along the tip to the couple of gals behind me. I love the pay-it-forward model!

I ended up waiting almost 45 minutes in full; I’m okay with that. I’d looked forward to seeing this space (pun intended) for a very long time. Shockingly, after they called my boarding pass, I found myself on the Centauri Station in a matter of just a couple of minutes; miracles can happen at Disney. The Stellarvator (yes, it actually is called that) ride was incredibly smooth… almost as if my spacecraft hadn’t moved at all. Crazy!

​

The girls behind me got seated at the bar next to me and it was fun chatting with them as we each perused the menu and chose our intergalactic-themed food and fare.

To say the “view” was out of this world would be both cheesy and an understatement. Truly, the venue is an incredibly well-done masterpiece. The fact that it shows sunset in real time is actually an outstanding detail. I even spotted the astronaut with the Tai Fighter and the X-wing.

​

I started with the grossly overpriced:

Up All Night- Absolute Vanilla, Chilled Espresso, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao $18.00

​

Let’s face it, you pay for the experience. Sure, the price is equivalent to a firstborn. Clearly, I’m a pushover. Or irresponsible. Probably both.

​

To make sure my bank account was astronomically assaulted I proceeded to order enough food that would fill a small black hole. My stomach is slightly smaller, so a lot went to the jettison bay. Here’s what my oinkerness enjoyed some of:

Short Rib Sliders- White Cheddar Cheese, Sriracha Aioli, Lettuce, Tomato, Butter Pickles $18

Astro Deviled Eggs- Free-Range Eggs, Maple Glazed Bacon, Scallion, Pickled Shallots, Micro Greens; $12

​

To be fair, I didn’t know the sliders came with fries (of which I ate about 4). I can attest that the food was absolutely delish! The drink- fun presentation to disguise the predictably weak nature.

Which usually means I'll want another. This time I had… a drink. It was not on the menu because the tender was talking about a special concoction he’d crafted up and saying that customers were loving. I concurred. It was lovely.

​

I ended the night with a celebratory shot my new girlfriends insisted on for my Graduation. Yep, they even paid. The bartender showed us a fun bar trick: You turn your flashlight on your phone and flip it upside down. Then you put your shot onto the flashlight, and it makes it GLOW….! Sooooo pretty! Sadly, since you have to use your phone to do it, you can’t take any photos. Anyway, tuck that in your back pocket for next time you’re needing a unique bar photo. (Use your friend's phone)

​

All-in-all, the whole cosmic experience was lovely. The company of my new friends (that I'll never in my life see again), the tasty food, the cool theming, it was all really fun and I’m glad I took the time to do it once. Would I go back? Hmmm…. Very spendy and you can find just as good food and drinks at other venues in EPCOT. But I do think it was worth it once.

​

Full and happy, I paid my tab and made my way back to Earth to find new adventures. As miraculous as it was going to outer space, I performed yet one more marvel and walked all the way around the World that night. Stay tuned for the rest of my evening at EPCOT.
Here's hoping for another miracle!

​

 

[Steppesister]

Replies very soon.

 

[pkondz]

*******Let's get this TR back on track, shall we?*******

you might remember Future World and its separately named areas: East and West.

I do!

I like this ride mostly because it’s a nice, cool AC break with catchy music and has a queue that takes an equal amount of time to get through as the ride takes.

There's not much else going for it... except the starfish right at the end.

Ariel’s flash fling

Her what now?

I am pushing 60. I have no business rushing (*as long as it's 3+ hours after Rope Drop) anywhere

#priorities.

(when I do, bad things happen)

Your knees make popping sounds?

so I asked and waited for B1. Everything stood at attention, if ya know what I mean,

Although I hear that it's not quite as bad as it once was, out on the periphery.

It’s a Big Garden.

First time I've heard that one.

Such a relaxing attraction- go ahead and ask me if I asked for the front row… Go ahead!

Did you ask for the front row?

Yeah, it's weird to see snowmen next to a breadfruit tree (that's about as tropical as it gets)

Those aren't snowmen... they're breadfruit men.

These are the voyages of the SteppeSister Enterprise.

I can hear the original theme song in my head...

to boldly go where thousands and thousands have gone before!

If this is your strategy as well, you MUST say “A seat at the bar please” NOT just, “Can I get on a waiting list?” or “I’d like a seat in the lounge.”

Good to know.

The waitlist lady was just telling people there was no waiting list assuming that people wanted a table and not offering the bar as an option.

Hence the "MUST say"...

I love the pay-it-forward model!

I’d looked forward to seeing this space (pun intended)

I found myself on the Centauri Station in a matter of just a couple of minutes; miracles can happen at Disney.

Speed is of the essence, ya know. Who's got time for a leisurely climb?

The Stellarvator (yes, it actually is called that)

Really! Had no idea. Just assumed it was called a space elevator.

ride was incredibly smooth… almost as if my spacecraft hadn’t moved at all. Crazy!

Well... technically it shouldn't. The space elevator (or skyhook) concept has been around for a long time. At least as far back as the 60s. Since the station would have to be in a geosynchronous orbit, despite a speed of about 17,000mph, it would appear to be stationary relative to yourself.

The girls behind me got seated at the bar next to me and it was fun chatting with them as we each perused the menu and chose our intergalactic-themed food and fare.

You have a knack for meeting people.

I have a knack for driving them away. I have proof.

Truly, the venue is an incredibly well-done masterpiece.

The fact that it shows sunset in real time is actually an outstanding detail.

I was very impressed by that!

Up All Night- Absolute Vanilla, Chilled Espresso, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao $18.00

Not a coffee fan, but it sure looks pretty.

Sure, the price is equivalent to a firstborn.

Meh. You've got plenty to spare...

Clearly, I’m a pushover. Or irresponsible. Probably both.

My stomach is slightly smaller, so a lot went to the jettison bay.

So that's what they're calling bums these days.

This time I had… a drink. It was not on the menu because the tender was talking about a special concoction he’d crafted up and saying that customers were loving. I concurred. It was lovely.

Another pretty concoction.

I ended the night with a celebratory shot my new girlfriends insisted on for my Graduation. Yep, they even paid.

Nice of them.

You turn your flashlight on your phone and flip it upside down. Then you put your shot onto the flashlight, and it makes it GLOW….! Sooooo pretty! Sadly, since you have to use your phone to do it, you can’t take any photos.

A fly in the ointment.
I suppose you could've asked to borrow one of your new friends' phone.

The company of my new friends (that I'll never in my life see again)

You never know. I've made a few friends on the Dis... why not at Disney?

I'll take one of those, please.

 

[Wood Nymph]

If you’re a long-time EPCOT visitor you might remember Future World and its separately named areas: East and West. Seems like most folks had/have a favorite- the Techie types love(d) East with its emphasis on exploration, innovation, and STEM sciences.

We have been to Epcot from the beginning. There used to be a huge collection of fun, entertaining and educational things to do for our children at Epcot. Cranium Command was my absolute favorite. There were even some STEM type fun things to do when we took our grandchildren decades later. But the focus on education is gone.

My next move took me to: Space: the final frontier.

We were able to get a table in the lounge once, and it was interesting. I got the cocktail that had cotton candy on top of it, just for fun.
We had an appetizer, but I don't remember what it was.

Up All Night- Absolute Vanilla, Chilled Espresso, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao $18.00

I've seen margaritas at San Angel Inn that cost more than this cocktail.
What is that object floating on top? It looks like a slice of ice cream sandwich.

Would I go back? Hmmm…. Very spendy and you can find just as good food and drinks at other venues in EPCOT. But I do think it was worth it once.

I agree that this is a one and done. The ride to the space station was the highlight. The food and drinks were inventive and fun. But I thought that space itself was rather boring.

 

[Steppesister]

I didn't even know this existed! Looks pretty cool! (Yes, it's now been over 10 years since our last WDW trip - I've missed quite a few changes...)

They pretty much gutted the entire center area of Future World (now re-names to World of Celebration, World of Discovery, etc...) and put in (basically) a park, the Moana Water area, and a couple of huge outdoor stages for sing-alongs/concerts/group events. Quite the new look and feel.

 

[Steppesister]

This might help. Seems to be a neck remedy of some sorts...

Drastic, yet effective.

 

[Steppesister]

Such a lovely "Dad moment" you had on your visit to the Conservation Station. I love little winks like that from those I've lost--staying connected. And you did a fabulous job on your drawing!!! This looks awesome! We really like doing these, too, and always make it a priority on our AK days.

Absolutely and it brought a smile to my heart.

I think so many folks don't even know Cons Station is even there and really miss out on a hidden gem. More seats for me!!

I love this!! I actually spotted it during my marathon in 2023 and it made me laugh right out loud because I was seriously running SO SLOW at the time. I snapped a pic!

not exactly what one wants to see when running a race. LOL!

I can 100% report that they do not behave like this! LOL

I believe it 100%.

(Although, I bet they do when Mom asks them to do the dishes)

 

[Steppesister]

I always enjoy learning new things from your trip reports.

I will try and keep things educational! I think the Africa one is going to be educational and packed with info!

Lots of interesting facts on hippos too.

I've come to learn that hippos are actually disgusting creatures.

Some people! I'm glad the CM politely corrected them.

I've seen this more than once. Ridiculous.

You were meant to be there at that exact time. What a great "moment".

I do believe I was. A true Gift.

I'm getting more and more like this too. We use to have a few spots we wanted to make sure to see and then just wonder around, but the crowds deter the wondering now.

They really do. Nowadays, I hit RD hard, do what I wanna do, then find the places where the crowds tend to thin out (ToL Trails, Conservation Station, the Animal Trails....)

I always enjoy how creative the Christmas decorations are here.

Me too, so creative and pretty!

This is some thing I would do especially if I'm alone and no one is there to stop me.

It was definitely a "doofus moment", but at the same time, the guy standing there, easily could have just said, "anyone else for Music?" I'm sure they see mistakes like that every. single. day.

 

[Steppesister]

Another TR in the works?! Okay, okay...sign me up!

YAY!! I'm so glad you're here Glenn! Awesome to see you here! Planning a trip or back on the boards because you have a bit more time on your hands?