The Cannings return to Orlando 2006 - Day Six - Epcot & Typhoon Lagoon

[foxylady]

For those of you who are not familiar with my family, and have not read previous trippies and the pre-trip report, please let me do the introductions:

Myself (Catherine) (41) - loves anything Disney, especially Pooh and Mickey as Sorcerors Apprentice
DH (John) (47) - luckily loves disney as well, and is usually happy to agree with my plans
DS (Stephen) (14) - not too bad as a teenager, but doesn't like rides that go upside-down!

Tuesday 25 July 2006 - Day Six - Epcot & Typhoon Lagoon

Told DS he could have a lie in this morning, as he had done really well at getting up early (he doesn't do mornings ).

I was up at 7.00 am and took my time getting ready. Then sat reading again and writing up trip notes. Woke DS up at 8.30 am, and we left the Villa at about 10.30 am.

Arrived at Epcot at 11.00 am, which was ideal as we wanted to do World Showcase today. In 2004 & 2005 although we had gone round World Showcase, we had not really done the countries in any detail, so we had decided we wanted to take our time and investigate all the "nooks & crannies" and catch any entertainment that was on.

Started walking clockwise, so Mexico was first. Entered the Aztec temple into the gloom. The El Rio del Tempo ride had not even opened, so there was a small line waiting. We had a look round the shops and stalls to kill time and then went onto the ride.

Next port of call was Norway.

Straight walk on to the Maelstrom ride. Did spot the hidden mickey in the mural at the ride loading area. Luckily survived the trolls, and made it through to the village scene. We had not watched the film for a couple of years, so we actually sat and watched the film again.

Then it was onto China, and again we watched the film.

We took our time looking round the gardens and sat for a while resting.

Stephen & John having a "father & son" chat!

Stephen in a pensive mood!

It was lovely and peaceful and it was difficult to imagine you were in the middle of a very large theme park.

Off to Germany, and DS was able to buy his favourite Haribo cherry sweets. Again had a good look round the shops, and dreamed of owning a Steiff bear. Came out of the shops to see what I thought was a headless St George!

However when you get round the front, you realise it is not headless at all LOL.

Did consider eating at the Biergarten, but DS was not keen on the menu (he is such a fussy eater!). Found the hidden mickey in the model railway.

Then off to Italy

After looking round the shops here, we looked at the menu for L'Originale Alfredo di Roma. DS decided as it did pizza it must be OK. So it was lunch in a nice Italian restaurant. We have never eaten here before (another first), and really enjoyed it. Would definitely try it again.

Continued below

 

[foxylady]

Continued from above/...


After a lovely lunch, we wandered out back into the World Showcase.

It was America. We didn't go and see the show, but we did watch the Fife & Drum Corps for a while who were performing outside. No photos for some reason .

Japan next, and the drummers were out. So we watched them for a while and had a good look round the shops.

Morocco, was next on our world tour

Love the shops here and some of the belly dancing costumes are lovely, but I wouldn't show my belly in public .

Walked from Morocco to France and again went to watch the film. This was quite a nice respite from the heat, as it was hot hot hot!. Managed to stop myself buying any perfume or make-up.

Then it was back home to good old UK

Now last year when we got to the UK, it absolutely poured down, but this year we were safe! The Bootleg Beatles were performing, but as I don't actually think much to them, we didn't stop too long. Did look up our family surname in the heraldry shop though, and the name apparently originates from Ireland.

After leaving the UK, it was onto the final country Canada. We had an ADR booked at Le Cellier for later in the holiday, but we went to watch the film here.

Our world tour was now complete, and although we had gone round each country quite slowly, we were now feeling the heat and tiredness had crept up on us, so we decided to go over to Typhoon Lagoon for a while.

On the way out of Epcot we rode on Spaceship Earth. Classic ride, this one, and we usually end up going on it quite a few times during our holidays.

It was about 5.00 pm when we left Epcot, so Typhoon Lagoon had emptied quite a lot. We usually go to the water parks later in the afternoon until closing time. I don't think we have ever spent a whole day at a water park.

Anyway, we soon found some loungers in the shade, and DS was soon off on the water slides and into the wave pool. I don't usually do water so I had my book to read and I was quite happy. Then DS & DH went onto Crush & Gusher, and then round the Lazy River.

We stayed at TL until closing time, and DS had requested we eat at TGI Fridays, as this is one of his favourites . There was one on the way back to the Villa on the 192, so we stopped there. We got a table fairly quickly, but unfortunately our table was near the bar, and it was really loud. We decided that most of the people must be "locals". In hindsight we should have asked to move tables, but we stayed and had our meal, but didn't linger afterwards.

Called into Walmart on the way home for more supplies, drinks etc, then it was back to the villa. Watched "Whose Line is it Anyway USA" and then bed.

 

[AndRu]

Another great report - keep 'em coming!

However, your report confirms my feelings towards Epcot, in particular the World Showcase .... it's just shops and cafes around a lake! I might try it next year though when UKDeb will try and change my mind!

 

[Cyrano]

Loving your report and photos. Can't wait to try Epcot

 

[Minniespal]

Another fab day

 

[jen_uk]

Epcot is my favourite park! Great trippie!

 

[Girlsontour]

Next year we have made a promise to ourselves that we are going to visit every country....having only ever made it to the UK!! Your trip report was therefore very interesting to read. Thanks

 

[wicket2005]

Lovely report. We have enjoyed walking around the countries. Discovered the Rose and Crown sold cold cider this year which was scrummy, going to do this next year. I never knew about the garden in China so thanks we will go for a stroll next year.

Thanks for posting.

 

[florida sun]

Great day at my favorite park

 

[CustardTart]

Great report and fab photos! DD and I love the World Showcase - can't wait to visit the Food & Wine Festival next October...

We always watch Whose Line Is It when in WDW - it's something of a holiday tradition...

 

[ely3857]

Great day



Jodie