"To Disney & Beyond" ~ Road Trip 2010 ~ Final Drive & Final Thoughts

[Spartangirl]

Saturday, July 31, 2010
Rope Drop ~ Car #3

We began our day the same as any other day, except for the fact that today was our last day in WDW! We grabbed a quick breakfast, got on the bus, and got to Epcot by 8:40 a.m., which means we managed a "perfect sweep" ... rope drop at every park!

We were front and center at rope drop and grabbed a couple of pics as the characters walked by. We could literally reach out and touch them!

Chris and I decided to head for Test Track first because given the size of the small crowd, we knew we wouldn't have an issue by the time we made it over to Soarin'. We followed the "rope drop CM" all the way to the entrance of Test Track and we were within the first 15 people into the que. Continuing on our journey, we were excited to make it into the first loading sequence and car #3 for the day!

Up next, we walked toward Soarin', but noticed the super short line for the characters that we just couldn't pass up! Yep, we got our picture taken with ALL of them!

After our fun interactions, we finally made it to Soarin'! We grabbed some FPs for later and jumped into the quick 15 minute standby line. We just LOVE this ride...

Chris and I walked across the way and immediately boarded a boat for Living with the Land... there was no line at all!

Here are a few pictures that I took from the ride...

Our morning was off to an amazing start, and again, no crowds!

Up Next: The Captain is Back!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I can't believe it is your last day at Disney already! Woo hoo for making rope drop at all four parks -- that is pretty impressive!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

I can't believe it is your last day at Disney already! Woo hoo for making rope drop at all four parks -- that is pretty impressive!!!

Thanks Jackie! I surprised myself by making rope drop in all four parks! That was a first for us!

 

[Aburns8]

Great update! One week from today I will be there myself! I am going to make sure that we try to take as many pictures with the characters as we can!

 

[Spartangirl]

Great update! One week from today I will be there myself! I am going to make sure that we try to take as many pictures with the characters as we can!

Thanks, Andrea! One week...lucky! I hope you have a fantastic time!!! Definitely get some character pics...they are so much fun!



My next update is on the way.........I'm trying to get in as many updates as I can! Our carpet guy hasn't called yet, so my computer is still up and running!

 

[Spartangirl]

Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Captain is Back!

Chris and I headed over to The Seas with Nemo.

"Mine, mine, mine!"

We breezed through the que, enjoyed our clamshell ride, and spent a bit of time enjoying all of the undersea creatures. We then decided to take a break for lunch and we made our way to Sunshine Seasons.

Chris had the Spicy Cashew Chicken with rice and noodles. For dessert he had the pineapple upside down cake.

I also had the Spicy Thai Cashew Chicken, but with broccoli and noodles. I had creme brulee' for dessert...if you look closely, you can faintly make out a hidden Mickey on top of my dessert.

Both of our meals were very filling, but good! Already in the pavilion, we headed back to Soarin' to use our FPs. Then we made our way to Journey Into Imagination to take a crazy ride with Figment.

We were excited to hear that the Captain was BACK, so we headed to Captain EO next.

Chris and I both remembered this attraction from our childhood and we were excited to experience it again! The movie didn't disappoint...memories from our childhoods came flooding back!

Here we are in our "oh so stylish" 3D glasses!

Before leaving Future World, there was one more ride we wanted to experience...Spaceship Earth! We headed toward the "ball," took a couple of pics along the way, and got in the ten minute line.

Chris and I loved the changes to this ride...I know they've been there for a little while, but this was the first chance we had to experience them. Chris randomly chose buttons for our "future" and we loved our little "movie!"

Leaving SE, I snapped a quick photo as we headed toward the "Cool Club."

We stopped for a quick drink (NO BEVERLY!!!) and kept on our way.

We had a great time in Future World, but now it was time to head to the World Showcase.

Up Next: Touring the WS "Our Way!"

 

[Charleston Princess]

Fun rest of the day in Future World! Lunch looks delicious! Sadly, we didn't manage to see Captain EO. If we had, I am sure I would have had all my childhood memories flooding back, too.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice day at Epcot! I love how close you got at RD! Your day is starting out really well with the short lines! Good choice for lunch, I love Sunshine! Sorry about your basement I hope your carpet comes soon, and you can get back to normal quickly!

 

[MeMom]

Yum!!! I had this for the first time this past summer. 'Twas good.

My very favorite geodesic sphere in the whole world.
Really.

And you guys look so darn cute in front of it.
Looks like a very fun day at Epcot.
Brooklynn could ride Nemo over and over many times without getting off, if they would allow it. She loves it, and I love it more than I already love it because she loves it.

 

[Tracy161]

Great pictures of the two of you in front of SE!!! We had the opportunity to see Captain EO in Disneyland in July but it just didn't happen...

Good luck with the carpet! Hope things get back to normal soon for you guys!

 

[Shannon84]

YAY an update so glad to come home to one...we just got in last night and I already have the back from disney BLUES bad

 

[mickeystoontown]

I can't believe how short the wait times have been for you two. You've gotten so much accomplished in so little time.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hiya Lynne! I was really really behind so I've got lots to comment on......

First of all, that first picture you posted of the bat - the close up one with it's mouth open - seriously sent chills up and down my spine! Those bats are so cool, but soooooo creepy too!

The pictures of the tigers in the water are so awesome, really really great shots!

Sunbathing bird I'm glad it wasn't injured!

How exciting that you got to see the baby gorilla up close like that, I was barely able to catch a glimpse back in May - so sweet!

Your nephew is adorable! I can't believe you couldn't find him a hat, that's crazy! I'm glad he was thrilled with what you picked out anyway

I'm so sorry to hear about your basement flooding! I hope everything is fixed and back to normal now

What an awesome morning at Epcot! You guys really lucked out with the wait times!

Mom had that spicy cashew chicken too, I took a bite and thought it was really good. I had always skipped Sunshine Seasons in the past because it always looked so crowded, but I know now that it's worth the stop!

 

[redsox721]

Guess I'm alittle late with my comments. We had my nephew's wedding in Vermont this past weekend. It was absolutely beautiful.

Nice job on the rope drops. That's always a nice treat. Great pictures of you with the characters. I just love character photos. The picture of Chris in front of Test Track is adorable. He looks as excited as a little kid.

The food looks amazing. Makes me hungry.

Can't wait for the next update.

 

[Spartangirl]

Fun rest of the day in Future World!

Yes...we had a blast!

Lunch looks delicious!

It was really good...we LOVE Sunshine Seasons! There is such a nice variety!

Sadly, we didn't manage to see Captain EO. If we had, I am sure I would have had all my childhood memories flooding back, too.

Awww...bummer! I honestly didn't think I would remember much, but I was surprised to find out how much I truly did!

Nice day at Epcot! I love how close you got at RD!

We were shocked to find ourselves in the front!

Your day is starting out really well with the short lines!

For the whole trip, we really had short lines...it was amazing!

Good choice for lunch, I love Sunshine!

The food is terrific there!

Sorry about your basement I hope your carpet comes soon, and you can get back to normal quickly!

Thanks...we're STILL waiting. Supposedly the carpet is coming in this Friday. But, then we have to schedule an install date....fingers are still crossed that this happens sooner than later. I want my basement back!

Yum!!! I had this for the first time this past summer. 'Twas good.

Isn't it fantastic?

My very favorite geodesic sphere in the whole world.
Really.

Me too!

And you guys look so darn cute in front of it.

Awww...thanks so much!

Looks like a very fun day at Epcot.

We had a blast! Wait until you see our little "WS" tour!

Brooklynn could ride Nemo over and over many times without getting off, if they would allow it. She loves it, and I love it more than I already love it because she loves it.

The Nemo ride is so cute...I bet you love riding it with Brooklynn!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Great pictures of the two of you in front of SE!!!

Awww...thanks!

We had the opportunity to see Captain EO in Disneyland in July but it just didn't happen...

It's so hard to get to everything, isn't it? I didn't realize it was playing in DL too...very cool!

Good luck with the carpet! Hope things get back to normal soon for you guys!

Thanks so much! ME TOO! We're STILL waiting!!! I'm so ready to get back to "normal!"

YAY an update so glad to come home to one...we just got in last night and I already have the back from disney BLUES bad

Did you have a wonderful trip??? Sorry to hear about your Disney blues...coming home stinks, doesn't it? Are you going to write a TR?

I can't believe how short the wait times have been for you two. You've gotten so much accomplished in so little time.

We were so surprised with our lack of wait times. I figured they would be so much higher in the summer. Maybe rope drops helped??? I was so happy that we were able to get so much accomplished!

 

[Spartangirl]

Hiya Lynne! I was really really behind so I've got lots to comment on......

Glad you're back, Michelle!

First of all, that first picture you posted of the bat - the close up one with it's mouth open - seriously sent chills up and down my spine! Those bats are so cool, but soooooo creepy too!

I agree completely! I honestly don't know if they're more cool or more creepy!

The pictures of the tigers in the water are so awesome, really really great shots!

Thank you so much!

Sunbathing bird I'm glad it wasn't injured!

Me too...I kept thinking the worse...I really should have taken a picture of the bird when it was on the ground. It really did look like it was dying!

How exciting that you got to see the baby gorilla up close like that, I was barely able to catch a glimpse back in May - so sweet!

It was so adorable!!! I was a bit shocked and surprised to get such a great "show!"

Your nephew is adorable! I can't believe you couldn't find him a hat, that's crazy! I'm glad he was thrilled with what you picked out anyway

Thanks so much...I just love him to pieces! I was SO SURPRISED that in WDW of all places, I couldn't find a toddler hat. Thankfully he's only two and so easy to please!

I'm so sorry to hear about your basement flooding! I hope everything is fixed and back to normal now

Unfortunately, we're still waiting on the carpet. Chris called our carpet guy yesterday and the carpet is supposed to be in this Friday. But then, we'll still have to schedule an install date. I'm guessing it's taking so long since we had to go through insurance??? I don't know...what I do know is that I'm so ready to have my basement back!

What an awesome morning at Epcot! You guys really lucked out with the wait times!

It really was fantastic...I couldn't have asked for any better!

Mom had that spicy cashew chicken too, I took a bite and thought it was really good. I had always skipped Sunshine Seasons in the past because it always looked so crowded, but I know now that it's worth the stop!

So glad you got to try it! This was our second time trying Sunshine Seasons. We had positive experiences both times, so I'm sure we'll be back in the future!

Guess I'm alittle late with my comments. We had my nephew's wedding in Vermont this past weekend. It was absolutely beautiful.

Not at all! So glad that you had a good time at the wedding...I BET it was beautiful!

Nice job on the rope drops. That's always a nice treat.

Thanks...we were so happy to make it to all 4! Plus, we really did get a ton done in the mornings!

Great pictures of you with the characters. I just love character photos.

Thank you! We usually don't do a ton of character pics, but this trip we went a little crazy!

The picture of Chris in front of Test Track is adorable. He looks as excited as a little kid.

He's just like a "BIG KID" in WDW!

The food looks amazing. Makes me hungry.

It was terrific...Sunshine Seasons has such a great variety!

Can't wait for the next update.

Thanks for continuing to read!!!

 

[Aburns8]

Hey Lynn,

Loved the rest of Epcot. The creme brulee with the hidden Mickey was too cute! I can't wait to see Captain EO, I never saw it as a kid since my parents only took us 2 times and I don't think it was there either time. This time on Sunday I am sure I will have seen it! My hubby is getting sick for our big trip so hopefully we can get him better so we can have fun! Can't wait to hear the next installment of the trip but it will probably be when we get back!

 

[Spartangirl]

Hey Lynn,

Hey Andrea!

Loved the rest of Epcot.

Thanks so much!

The creme brulee with the hidden Mickey was too cute!

It was delicious too!

I can't wait to see Captain EO, I never saw it as a kid since my parents only took us 2 times and I don't think it was there either time. This time on Sunday I am sure I will have seen it!

Very cool...I hope you get to see it!

My hubby is getting sick for our big trip so hopefully we can get him better so we can have fun!

Oh no...here's to hoping that he gets better!!! I hope you both have a magical trip!!! Are you writing a TR?

Can't wait to hear the next installment of the trip but it will probably be when we get back!

Next installment coming right up...I've been working on it!

 

[Aburns8]

I have been thinking about writing a TR. I owe Disneygrl36 (I think that is Melanie's screen name) a report. I just started a job this week (after being unemployed for 2 years) so things have hectic. I hope my hubby gets better to! He is working nights right now and he sent me an email about being sick, so tomorrow on his way home while I am work I have to figure out when I can get him into a doctor's office since he needs his sleep as well. Are writing trip reports hard?