The Magic The Memories and THOSE people! An Aug PTR **GOING EARLY!!!**

[cadek]

We love Epcot! Our first year, I don't think we stepped foot in World Showcase either, but now we keep going back there more and more.

The kids always look forward to the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. They like it so much I had to buy the movie last time, The Three Caballeros.

I don't know what it is about Living with the Land, but I love it. We did the Behind the Seeds Tour in January. For most it might be a boring ride. I can't explain why I like it. It worked nice when Evan was too small for Soarin and we were waiting, taking turns to ride. Taking him on Living with the Land kept him entertained.

We have never watched Kim Possible either, but they kids really love doing the Kim Possible Missions. You should give it a try. You get a Kimmunicator phone that sends you on a mission in a certain country. It tells you where to go, like following clues, and interacts with things along the way, like makes something special happen in that country, in response to what you do. It's fun to see others reactions too, when they have no idea what's going on. It's a great way to explore each country too, see things you normally might not take the time to. When you are done you get the option to do another country. We do get a little impatient after a while, once we've had enough.

Do your boys like Pokemon? If they do then you definately want to check out the store in Japan, or you definately want to stay away from it!

 

[BerrysGirl]

Hope these answers help! PM if you have any more specific questions

We missed a ton at Epcot last summer, not that I haven't done it before, but it's been YEARS! Well, a TON because we missed all of World Showcase.

World Showcase - Last summer we didn't set foot in WS and I love WS. I cancelled my Rose & Crown ADR the morning of it since we left and knew we were not coming back. This year, I'm not cancelling it. I'm gonna get the boys Passports to ensure we're going through it and we have Illuminations planned this time since we're staying at a Monorail resort. Didn't plan it last year since we were worried about how long it would take to get back to the hotel. I want the kids to ride Maelstrom and the Mexico ride. Probably will skip all the 360 movies.
Mmmm Fish & Chips!

Living with the Land - If this hasn't changed since I was a kid I remember it and would like to do it.
I've never noticed any changes to the ride but it's still so interesting! Although I will warn you that when I was there in March there were no Mickey-shaped vegetables growing. So maybe not mention that to your boys ahead of time and save it for a "surprise" during the ride if you spot one.

Kim Possible - had no idea what this was, still don't really. Kid's don't watch this show so not sure we'll bother.
The show isn't on anymore. I'm 24 and I watched it as a teen (aka it hasn't been on in a while). However, if your boys like technology or solving clues/puzzles/mysteries it might be worth your time. Here's a description.

Illuminations - MUST DO this time. Plan to watch from either Canada or Mexico or somewhere in between depending on the wind direction to be closest to the exit and the Monorail.
Good idea staying close to the exits. However, if for any reason that doesn't end up working for your crew, another great spot to watch is on the balcony of the restaurants in Japan. You don't need reservations, just enter the pavilion, climb the stairs on your right, and swing a right on the balcony to overlook the lagoon. Great view!

Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Is this still there? I see it on the map, but I think it was closed when we were there or we would have done it, or is that what Captain EO replaced, Maybe that was it.
You're right. It's gone It's now EO which isn't terrible... if your boys like space it's directed by George Lucas and uses Jim Henson puppets much like Star Wars. It's definitely on the corny side but the old 1980s 3D graphics made me CROSS EYED. Not overly enjoyable.

Turtle Talk with Crush - We were in there waiting, but it was taking long and we ended up walking out and just wandering around the Aquarium and then it was time for our Coral Reef ADR so we didn't do it. Kids weren't to interested in it either so probably won't do it this time either.
Turtle Talk is adorable! If there isn't a wait this time you should definitely check it out. It's cuter than you'd think.

Sum of All Thrills - No idea what this is. I keep hearing about it, didn't see it, didn't know about it. You design your own ride? DS8 might like it, but the idea freaks me out. How exactly do you ride what you designed, is it all just a bizarre simulator?
It's off in a corner of Innoventions. Basically you design your own roller coaster on a computer then board a simulator to ride it. The simulator looks like two roller coaster seats (with over the shoulder harness) attached to a crane. No idea if there's a height requirement if that's an issue? If you decide to do it, be sure to monitor the ride design on the computer. You don't want your riding partner to add 8 cork screws in a row because than you'll have to ride them!

Club Cool - I didn't see this at all, never have, but I keep seeing people talk about this, tasting sodas? I seriously seem to be exceptionally unobservant while on vacation.
It's housed near the characters in future world near the fountain. Basically you can go in and taste Coca-Cola products from all over the world. Some of them are very tasty (the watermelon flavor is my favorite). But if you've heard people on the boards talking about Beverly? This is where they get it. If you have a family of pranksters have them try it (maybe a good trick to pull on your DH?) and just sit back and watch the faces

 

[beebeeryan]

We love Epcot! Our first year, I don't think we stepped foot in World Showcase either, but now we keep going back there more and more.

The kids always look forward to the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. They like it so much I had to buy the movie last time, The Three Caballeros.

I don't know what it is about Living with the Land, but I love it. We did the Behind the Seeds Tour in January. For most it might be a boring ride. I can't explain why I like it. It worked nice when Evan was too small for Soarin and we were waiting, taking turns to ride. Taking him on Living with the Land kept him entertained.

We have never watched Kim Possible either, but they kids really love doing the Kim Possible Missions. You should give it a try. You get a Kimmunicator phone that sends you on a mission in a certain country. It tells you where to go, like following clues, and interacts with things along the way, like makes something special happen in that country, in response to what you do. It's fun to see others reactions too, when they have no idea what's going on. It's a great way to explore each country too, see things you normally might not take the time to. When you are done you get the option to do another country. We do get a little impatient after a while, once we've had enough.

Do your boys like Pokemon? If they do then you definately want to check out the store in Japan, or you definately want to stay away from it!

I remember liking Living with the Land too and it's not exciting I know. Weird. LOL My boys are not really into Pokeman so PHEW! They have their own money they've been saving up for Disney too, hopefully we can get away with them just using that on this trip. I will just buy them their t-shirts. Kim Possible is a possible.

Hope these answers help! PM if you have any more specific questions

Thanks!!! All those details are great, love the tips on watching Illuminations from Japan depending on the kids and their level of tiredness. I didn't even remember about Mickey shaped vegetables of course, knowing me, I probably didn't notice being I'm incredibly unobservant. EO has Michael Jackson so DH will give that a big N...O... Not a fan. And I think we'll stay away from SOAT too since I know DS8 will just make 1 giant never ending upside down around and corkscrew coaster and I don't do upside down. We didn't really spend time in Innoventions at all other than to go in and do our Disney Visa Meet&Greet.

 

[Kari-B]

I'm bummed about Honey I Shrunk The Kids 3D not being there anymore. Not sure on the Captain E.O., don't know if that sounds interesting enough. I've made passports for the kids to do during World Showcase and there are lots of great designs over on the DISign board if you are interested in making your own. I'm really looking forward to the Kim Possible missions. I haven't seen the show either, but it sounds like it will be really fun.

 

[beebeeryan]

I'm bummed about Honey I Shrunk The Kids 3D not being there anymore. Not sure on the Captain E.O., don't know if that sounds interesting enough. I've made passports for the kids to do during World Showcase and there are lots of great designs over on the DISign board if you are interested in making your own. I'm really looking forward to the Kim Possible missions. I haven't seen the show either, but it sounds like it will be really fun.

Yeah, Honey I Shrunk...was good, I remember it from 13 years ago, but EO holds on interest for us.

I did make the passports afterall, I got some designs for them on the DISign board and just ordered them from Walgreens as small softcover photo books. I'll post them when they get here.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

On our last trip, I did the same thing as you and made sure that I did EPCOT a little more thoroughly. I felt like I hadn't been in so long. The world showcase is really amazing, and it was nice to be able to go through it all. Living with the land hasn't changed much lately, but it is great and we always go on it. Illuminations is also a great show, definitely a must do! The rides and little shops around the WS are probably enough if you don't want to see the shows - we didn't have time to watch them last time either, and I didn't feel like we were missing out on anything. As for Kim Possible, I've seen the show, and I think that the mission would be really fun, but we haven't done it yet. I think that it would be great for kids! And it is something that your kids can do as they go around the WS, it is not a separate and time consuming thing. Anyway, just my 2 cents on the WS

 

[cadek]

We had never done Honey I Shrunk the Audience, however we did do Captain EO on our last trip. It is very corny and dated, and it did make us laugh, however I wanted to see it because it was Michael Jackson. Of course you have to keep in mind when this was originally made, which is why it looks so corny now. It was nice to see the old Michael Jackson. I won't be doing it again though!

 

[beebeeryan]

On our last trip, I did the same thing as you and made sure that I did EPCOT a little more thoroughly. I felt like I hadn't been in so long. The world showcase is really amazing, and it was nice to be able to go through it all. Living with the land hasn't changed much lately, but it is great and we always go on it. Illuminations is also a great show, definitely a must do! The rides and little shops around the WS are probably enough if you don't want to see the shows - we didn't have time to watch them last time either, and I didn't feel like we were missing out on anything. As for Kim Possible, I've seen the show, and I think that the mission would be really fun, but we haven't done it yet. I think that it would be great for kids! And it is something that your kids can do as they go around the WS, it is not a separate and time consuming thing. Anyway, just my 2 cents on the WS

The Kim Possible Mission seems like a good excuse to get the kids interested in WS this time along with the Passports.

We had never done Honey I Shrunk the Audience, however we did do Captain EO on our last trip. It is very corny and dated, and it did make us laugh, however I wanted to see it because it was Michael Jackson. Of course you have to keep in mind when this was originally made, which is why it looks so corny now. It was nice to see the old Michael Jackson. I won't be doing it again though!

Well the old Michael is better at least, but still thinking of skipping it. I am trying to remember if we did it when I was younger, it seems familiar like it was there even when I was a kid. I remember my younger brother was a big MJ fan. Maybe it was when I went with my friend that we did it. Who knows I know it was already HISTA on our Honeymoon, that's when we did that.

One thing I know I am skipping this time is Universe of Energy. While it's a nice rest from the heat no doubt, it is SO long. Love love love the dinosaurs, but the ride is just too long. And if I have to listen to them say it 100 times that you cannot exit the ride once you leave the theatre...I'll get up and exit the fricken ride! I think the boys nearly fell asleep on it, until the Dinos showed up. LOL

 

[cadek]

One thing I know I am skipping this time is Universe of Energy. While it's a nice rest from the heat no doubt, it is SO long. Love love love the dinosaurs, but the ride is just too long. And if I have to listen to them say it 100 times that you cannot exit the ride once you leave the theatre...I'll get up and exit the fricken ride! I think the boys nearly fell asleep on it, until the Dinos showed up. LOL

We almost did that on our last trip. We never have, and we were just about to walk in when I saw how long it lasts! I felt there were better things to do with our time, and we turned around.

 

[beebeeryan]

We almost did that on our last trip. We never have, and we were just about to walk in when I saw how long it lasts! I felt there were better things to do with our time, and we turned around.

Yeah, we debated. We were there for 8 days though so we had plenty of time to get everything in, but it is long. I knew the boys would love the dinosaurs part and that part is about 10 minutes of the ride I think. It was afternoon and really hot so it was a nice break and we knew in advance it was that long, but it's kinda a one and done thing. We did it once, they saw the dinos so not gonna spend the time on it again. We'll spend the time on WS this time instead. I don't recall it being so long when I was a kid, but maybe it was although it was certainly different, pre Ellen. They could really shorten it, skip the whole 10 minute preview movie for starters.

 

[beebeeryan]

I interrupt this PTR for an announcement.....



I FINISHED the C25K program!!!!! GRADUATED !!!!!!!!




Now back to our regularily scheduled PTR.

 

[Kat in GA]

I interrupt this PTR for an announcement.....



I FINISHED the C25K program!!!!! GRADUATED !!!!!!!!




Now back to our regularily scheduled PTR.

WOW! I am very impressed Congrats!! Maybe if I had someone's elses knees and heels I could do that...but, alas, I have mine!

 

[cadek]

Congratulations! I'm clueless though, is this running, according to my Google search?

 

[beebeeryan]

Thanks guys! I'm on

Yes, it's running. It's a Couch to 5k program that gets you off the couch to being ready to run a 5k in 9 weeks. Actually I just ran a full 5k this morning for the first time. Did it on the treadmill and did it in just under 45 minutes which was my goal. When I started this 9 weeks ago, I could barely run 30 seconds without thinking I was gonna collapse and die I was so outta shape, so I can't believe I can now run 45 minutes. Crazy! I signed up for a 5k for June 4th so hopefully I can do the race in under 45 minutes. There are hills though so I'm a bit worried about that.

 

[taymacsmom]

Thanks guys! I'm on

Yes, it's running. It's a Couch to 5k program that gets you off the couch to being ready to run a 5k in 9 weeks. Actually I just ran a full 5k this morning for the first time. Did it on the treadmill and did it in just under 45 minutes which was my goal. When I started this 9 weeks ago, I could barely run 30 seconds without thinking I was gonna collapse and die I was so outta shape, so I can't believe I can now run 45 minutes. Crazy! I signed up for a 5k for June 4th so hopefully I can do the race in under 45 minutes. There are hills though so I'm a bit worried about that.

Way to go!! I didn't follow the Couch to 5K program but I did the same thing! I started running on March 23rd and could only go about 2/10ths of a mile and had to stop and walk! But I kept with it and ran everyday, increasing my distance periodically. On Sunday, I ran a whole 5K! I couldn't believe that I could do it. This morning I timed myself and I am doing the 5K in 40 minutes. Now I will work on my speed and I hope to get it down to 30 -35 minutes.

Feels good doesn't it!?! I never thought I could do it!! I keep telling my family that I am getting in shape for Mickey!

Kelly

 

[cadek]

Awesome! Doesn't it feel great! Plus it should make all the walking at WDW that much easier!

I hate running, but I like results. I try to work out a few times a week, and sometimes that means running. It feels like torture. I run on the treadmill, 3 miles in 30 minutes. I think that's why I hate it. I could slow down, and it might not seem as bad, but I just want it over with. Sometimes I picture people on Biggest Loser running on the treadmill to shut myself up. I mean if they can do it, what's my excuse?

 

[beebeeryan]

Awesome! Doesn't it feel great! Plus it should make all the walking at WDW that much easier!

I hate running, but I like results. I try to work out a few times a week, and sometimes that means running. It feels like torture. I run on the treadmill, 3 miles in 30 minutes. I think that's why I hate it. I could slow down, and it might not seem as bad, but I just want it over with. Sometimes I picture people on Biggest Loser running on the treadmill to shut myself up. I mean if they can do it, what's my excuse?

Ummm, yeah 3 miles in 30 minutes would be torture, WAY too fast for me right now. It does feel awesome though, just to know I can do it and still have 3 weeks to go before I really have to do it.

 

[beebeeryan]

Way to go!! I didn't follow the Couch to 5K program but I did the same thing! I started running on March 23rd and could only go about 2/10ths of a mile and had to stop and walk! But I kept with it and ran everyday, increasing my distance periodically. On Sunday, I ran a whole 5K! I couldn't believe that I could do it. This morning I timed myself and I am doing the 5K in 40 minutes. Now I will work on my speed and I hope to get it down to 30 -35 minutes.

Feels good doesn't it!?! I never thought I could do it!! I keep telling my family that I am getting in shape for Mickey!

Kelly

That's awesome! 40 minutes is fantastic. If I had not done a few minutes of walking in there I think I could have been closer to 40 minutes, but I wasn't even intending on running the full 5k today so I did take 2 short little 2 minute walk breaks.

 

[DrMomof3]

CONGRATS on graduating the Couch to 5k!!! That's amazing.
We stayed in the garden wing and really liked it! The rooms are pretty big and the convenience can't be beat!

Amanda

 

[beebeeryan]

I admit, I still tend to call this place MGM. Can't help it.

So what did we miss here last summer?

Lights Motor Action Show - wanted to see this, but the timing was bad, we were pretty much ready to leave by 1pm and just waiting on our TSM fastpass time at 1:15. Kids were done. First one was at 1:20 so we skipped it. We will stick around for it this time. I've planned the day accordingly with a TS lunch break at SciFI that should get us out just in time to see this. We did see Indiana Jones last year, so we'll skip it for this one.

Animation Studio - Had no idea about this and DS8 is a little artist so I think he'll really enjoy this. Thinking we should do it last so we don't have to carry the pictures around all day.

Block Party Bash - Never been in the park for this, always gone before 3pm or whatever time they do it at. If we hit LMA and then to Animation Studio then maybe we'll still be around for this on our way out. But it's not a must.

Backlot Tour - I don't think I've done this ever as it is now. I remember when there was Earthquake and Twister and some tour as separate rides, but it appears they've combined those into the backlot thing??? I'd like to do it, the boys would get a kick out of the earthquake, fires, blowing up stuff. For some reason I think it wasn't running last August, because we walked by and never saw any people at all in that entire area back area, but I could be wrong.

Sounds Dangerous - No idea...and Drew Carey can annoy me at time so probably not.

Voyage of Little Mermaid - Nope, and still a no.

Beauty and the Beast - Nope, still a no.

Journey into Narnia - Nope and kids aren't into that so I don't think so.

American Idol - Umm, I am probably the only person on the planet that does not watch this show or care. So, nope. And we're all too shy anyways.

Fantasmic - Never done this. I know everyone seems to say it's a must. But I went back and forth on this one in my itinerary planning and am just not ready to deal with the hassle of it all. We are not "wait around forever" for shows and fireworks kinda people and we will be having to do some waiting already on this trip because I want a front row seat for the Memories show. That will be enough. Getting back will take long. I think adding Illuminations to this trip is enough. Fantasmic will wait till maybe we stay at an Epcot resort and can walk or boat home.

Of course the MUST DO's are ToT, TSM, Star Tours and RnR for Matthew and Daddy. We're going on an Am EHM day and no F so hopefully not too crazy. Honestly last summer the only place we really saw people in this park was in Pixar Place. It was virtually deserted everywhere else. Walked on everything, but TSM and waited 30 minutes for Buzz and Woody meet & greet. Although that turned out to be worth it since Buzz took off as we walked up and the kids got to spend 4-5 minutes with Woody goofing off waiting for Buzz to come back.