Trip #8; But Was It Great? A WDW MAYcation with a side of LegoLand & Celebration, FL!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After checking out our room and view we unpacked a bit. And against my better judgment we headed off to Epcot. At the time we didn't know that right around the corner from our room was an elevator (just 1, not like the set of 4 that go to the lobby) that takes you out by the quiet pool and closer to Epcot. So we headed back down several hallways and to the main/lobby elevators and took them down and we went out the main doors and turned left to walk to Epcot.

I took a few pics on the way to Epcot, but not very many. Like I said, I was tired & grumpy! Sorry.

As we approached the International Gateway entrance we could see that there was something going on. There is usually a big open area there across from the boat dock, but it was all partitioned off and there were tons of buses lined up waiting for people. And they weren't WDW buses. It was weird!

We soon realized that Epcot was packed! Seriously people everywhere. Big groups of people. Somewhere between the UK and Canada there on the left (heading towards the front of Epcot) there is a big building. It is usually blocked off by a wall. Well there was no wall there tonight and there were hundreds of people pouring out of it. I'm guessing that is who the buses were waiting for. Although the people were in no hurry and were just hanging out and being loud and taking up a lot of space. I think it might have had something to so with dance and/or cheerleading. Not sure.


It took quite awhile to get through all that mess. Since TT is closed we headed straight for Soarin, even though we knew the wait was going to be long. It was at 45 minutes now, and this was at about 10:00pm or so. My kids don't generally want to wait for anything that is over about 15-20 minutes. We decided to go ahead and get in line since there was really nothing else to do this late. Hoping that the wait would actually not be that long. But as soon as we headed up that ramp I knew it was going to be more like an hour+ wait so we turned around and left.

Now even more tired and more grumpy we stood outside of the Land not knowing what to do next. Or at all. DS13 suggested Nemo since it was right next door so that's what we did.

Continued in next post....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Continued.....


After a ride through the big blue world we were all in a little better mood!

We were all a little hungry since we hadn't eaten anything since about 4-4:30 at the airport. So we decided that we would get a little snack and call it a day. We headed towards the fountains hoping to get an ice cream cone at the Fountainview Cafe. Unfortunately they were closed. Now we were back to being grumpy. We passed by a few snack/ice cream carts that were also closed. We weren't up for a trek around World Showcase, so we headed right hoping to find something along the way that was still open.

Finally DS10 spotted something open and they had ice cream!! YAY! Chocolate & vanilla swirls in waffle cones for everyone!!

After that we called it a night and walked back to the BC. We finished unpacking and went to bed. Luckily we didn't have anywhere to be too early the next morning because DH snored the entire night and DS10 – who had a little cold before we left – coughed half the night. After 2 doses of cough meds about 4 hours apart he finally quieted down. I think I may have slept for about 2-3 hours that night.


Up Next: Soarin into the morning

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Hi Shelly! I'm joining in!!! Loving it, although I am so sorry for all the "bumps" so far, but you do state it gets better, right!!???

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Hi Shelly! I'm joining in!!! Loving it, although I am so sorry for all the "bumps" so far, but you do state it gets better, right!!???

Welcome! Yes we did get off to somewhat of a rough start -- but it does get better!

Hope you will enjoy!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Ok Kelli, this comment coming from the Queen of Clean Baseboards should speak volumes! If it passes Jo's white glove inspection, then it MUST be a winner! Go with confidence Kelli!


(Jo, I can pick at you about this b/c I too have been known to check and inspect 'unusual' places in hotel rooms. I've also been accused of taking more cleaning/disinfecting products in my luggage than what the room attendant has on her cart. )

Woot woot!!! Thanks again!!!

 

[lala3291]

I love the Nemo ride...I don't know what it is, but it makes me so happy! That's a bummer about it being so crowded. The line for Soarin always seems so long, and the line seems to go so slow. I don't blame you for not waiting!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh bummer Shelly! I'm sorry Soarin' had such a long wait even though it was so darn late. I'm glad you found ice cream though! Yum!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I love the Nemo ride...I don't know what it is, but it makes me so happy! That's a bummer about it being so crowded. The line for Soarin always seems so long, and the line seems to go so slow. I don't blame you for not waiting!

It is one of those rides that always brings a smile to my face, not sure why either!

We have been in that Soarin line plenty of times to know how long the wait is from each point, and it was definitely going to be over an hour.

Oh bummer Shelly! I'm sorry Soarin' had such a long wait even though it was so darn late. I'm glad you found ice cream though! Yum!

Now I know why we usually avoid EMH!!

It's okay though, we ended up getting to ride Soarin more times than we expected throughout the week.

That ice cream was very yummy!!

 

[PEANUT1]

Sorry you didn't love Beach Club. We have stayed there once in a studio villa and thought it was really big. My hubby didn't love it there, but I really did and my girls did too. I have such fond memories of that lobby and the SMELL..I love what they pump in through the vents. Smells like I am at the shore in south jersey.

We always avoid evening EMH bc it seems to be so busy. If you can stay til the end it usually quiets down but my girls can't seem to hang past 9pm. We are early EMH people...when MK opens at 8 I am in heaven

Can't wait to hear more. I am getting excited for our halloween trip. I feel so bad for a friend of mine though. SHe is driving home from the world today and a tummy bug has hit her family hard on this trip. Talk about a bummer. Luckily its their second trip this year so they go alot.

 

[Monny2AE]

Hi Shelly! I'm here and joining in! Now the question is....can I keep up???

What a tough start! Having to wait all day for an evening flight must have been torture! Glad you at least found ice cream before the day ended!

 

[T*Bird]

Crowds, long wait times, hard to find an open food place........well, at least things can only get better after Day 1! Knowing you and your family, I'm sure you will make the best of everything.

I have never done Nemo before! And I don't even know why or have an excuse.

In your first pic, as you just started to walk over to Epcot, there is a building in the distance with the words "Dance Hall" lit up on top. Do you know what that is? ("Do you know?" Dummy me, you know what everything is at Disney. )

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sorry you didn't love Beach Club. We have stayed there once in a studio villa and thought it was really big. My hubby didn't love it there, but I really did and my girls did too. I have such fond memories of that lobby and the SMELL..I love what they pump in through the vents. Smells like I am at the shore in south jersey.

We always avoid evening EMH bc it seems to be so busy. If you can stay til the end it usually quiets down but my girls can't seem to hang past 9pm. We are early EMH people...when MK opens at 8 I am in heaven

Can't wait to hear more. I am getting excited for our halloween trip. I feel so bad for a friend of mine though. SHe is driving home from the world today and a tummy bug has hit her family hard on this trip. Talk about a bummer. Luckily its their second trip this year so they go alot.

We always avoid EMH too. The only reason we went was because of the late flight and being able to walk over. Should have known it would be crazy busy! The only other EMH we have done is AM EMH at AK. Only because we usually go to AK on Monday morning and that happens to be when they have EMH. It's always nice to be able to ride EE as much as you want to before 9am!!

That is awful about your friend. Having a stomach bug at WDW would be the worst.

Hi Shelly! I'm here and joining in! Now the question is....can I keep up???

What a tough start! Having to wait all day for an evening flight must have been torture! Glad you at least found ice cream before the day ended!

Welcome Kim! Hope you can keep up. How are the renovations coming on your house?

It was a tough start. Evening flights stink. But yes, some yummy ice cream was a great way to end that day!!

Crowds, long wait times, hard to find an open food place........well, at least things can only get better after Day 1! Knowing you and your family, I'm sure you will make the best of everything.

I have never done Nemo before! And I don't even know why or have an excuse.

In your first pic, as you just started to walk over to Epcot, there is a building in the distance with the words "Dance Hall" lit up on top. Do you know what that is? ("Do you know?" Dummy me, you know what everything is at Disney. )

I was surprised to see so many food places closed when Epcot was open til midnight. Stupid!

You've got to do Nemo. Very relaxing ride and brings a smile to your face.

The Dance Hall is over on the BW. It's a night club I think. Walked by it several times, just never been inside.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Ice cream makes everything better!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Ice cream makes everything better!

I TOTALLY agree!!!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

What a crazy week this has been!!
I'm here now. Looking forward to your TR Shelly!
I would have been past grumpy being up since 4.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Love all the nighttime pictures! The whole Epcot resort area is so pretty at night. I know you must have really enjoyed being able to walk to Epcot. How long do you think it took you to get there from the BC?

Sorry your night didn't go as planned, but at least you got a ride on Nemo and some ice cream out of the deal. I think those kinds of crowds would've sent me running for the exits as well though. I've heard people say that there really isn't a slow time to go in the spring anymore and it sounds like they might be right. I'd love to see the F&G Festival at Epcot, but I am really afraid to go in the spring for that reason. I'm curious to hear if it got any better.

 

[JoBird]

Bet you thought I wouldn't make it onto here tonight!


Holy cow- I knew Epcot was crowded but that sounded completely miserable! I'm so sorry that it worked out to be a frustrating experience- you were looking forward to it so much that night.

At least you were able to get some ice cream out of the deal, even if you had to hunt for it.

Looking forward to the next day's activities!!

Thanks to you I shall be singing about the Big Blue World as I drift off to sleep.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Ice cream makes everything better!

I TOTALLY agree!!!!!

What a crazy week this has been!!
I'm here now. Looking forward to your TR Shelly!
I would have been past grumpy being up since 4.

I know, this time of year is crazy!! We've got so much coming up - a play, a field trip, field day, awards assemblies, lots of soccer, etc. I'll be glad when school is out!!! How is your sub job going?


I was WAY past grumpy that night.

Love all the nighttime pictures! The whole Epcot resort area is so pretty at night. I know you must have really enjoyed being able to walk to Epcot. How long do you think it took you to get there from the BC?

Sorry your night didn't go as planned, but at least you got a ride on Nemo and some ice cream out of the deal. I think those kinds of crowds would've sent me running for the exits as well though. I've heard people say that there really isn't a slow time to go in the spring anymore and it sounds like they might be right. I'd love to see the F&G Festival at Epcot, but I am really afraid to go in the spring for that reason. I'm curious to hear if it got any better.

It was a beautiful night. I really should have taken more pics. But, like I said -- the grumpy thing.

It is probably a just under 10 minute walk to Epcot from the BC!

The crowds did get better throughout the week. Tues, Wed, and Thur particularly weren't bad! The weekends were awful though. Definitely much busier than when we used to go in May.

Bet you thought I wouldn't make it onto here tonight!


Holy cow- I knew Epcot was crowded but that sounded completely miserable! I'm so sorry that it worked out to be a frustrating experience- you were looking forward to it so much that night.

At least you were able to get some ice cream out of the deal, even if you had to hunt for it.

Looking forward to the next day's activities!!

Thanks to you I shall be singing about the Big Blue World as I drift off to sleep.

Nope, I didn't think you'd be on here last night at all. I know you were out partying!!! How does it feel to have 2 teenagers now?

Yeah, I guess I never really told you just how crowded it was that night. It was bad. We really should have just gone to bed when we got to the BC! Oh well, we got a ride through the big blue world (did you dream about it last night? ) and some giant ice cream cones!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I'm here!

Sorry your trip wasn't off to the best start.

A late flight would definitely put me in a bad mood, add in lack of sleep and not loving your room... I can totally understand where you were coming from.

We ran into those crowds too... luckily they weren't there for our whole trip but the last few days were crazy! I hope the crowds settled down after the weekend for you.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I know, this time of year is crazy!! We've got so much coming up - a play, a field trip, field day, awards assemblies, lots of soccer, etc. I'll be glad when school is out!!! How is your sub job going?


I was WAY past grumpy that night.

The sub job is going well, thanks for asking. It's a nice 1st grade class. I was lucky!!!