We braved the 4th!!! AND the rain...and the crowds??? 7/1-7/8 BOOKED NEXT TRIP!!!!

[Tinkerbellie16]

Thank you soooo much for the advice on Swan/Dolphin. After hearing from everyone, I think I'm just like you. I would most likely be disappointed that it's not actual disney!

So funny you remembered about my hair! I LOVE your hair at the length it is now! I really like it curly too. A lot of people say they like it shorter but whenever I see people with long braids, I get so jealous! Mine is getting longer now, you can see in the AK pictures!

It would be even longer but I made the mistake of getting my first trim since the big cut at Supercuts and they totally screwed it up! I had to go to another place to get it fixed and she had to cut off even more to fix it!

After 37 years, I've finally learned to embrace the curls even though I've denied (and straightened) it for a long time

The best service I got from the Dolphin was IN the Disney Store! The people were so nice but even the store wasn't as "Disney" as I wanted it to be since there wasn't much theming, just merchandise in a room. No significant issues with the place, I just love my over-the-top, lack-of-gum, plug-in-the-music, costume-wearing-cast-member filled Disney resorts!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Just joining in...followed you here from Christy's (PopArtGal) report. I think I read your honeymoon report...but cannot recall if I ever commented! Anyway, hi!

I can't believe the lack-o-crowds! That's INCREDIBLE! Was it pure luck, or did you subscribe to TGM or UG for avoiding the crowds? Sorry about the rain - ugh.

You and Tom have oodles of cute pictures together! I like your 4th of July super festive and Mickey adorned outfit, and he's festive as well in his red/white/blue Captain America shirt.

Thanks for coming over!! We did NOT subscribe to TGM or anything! I'm telling you, we expected the WORST!

So glad you like my 4th outfit! And glad you mentioned Tom's too! I was surprised that not too many people were decked out in the red, white and blue!

After 37 years, I've finally learned to embrace the curls even though I've denied (and straightened) it for a long time

The best service I got from the Dolphin was IN the Disney Store! The people were so nice but even the store wasn't as "Disney" as I wanted it to be since there wasn't much theming, just merchandise in a room. No significant issues with the place, I just love my over-the-top, lack-of-gum, plug-in-the-music, costume-wearing-cast-member filled Disney resorts!

I love those CMs too! The cheesier the better!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 4 cont. - Epcot All Day!
July 4, 2010​

So we last left off with a ride on Soarin' after our awesome Behind the Seeds Tour! It was around noon at this point, I believe.

We walked out of the Land pavilion hoping to see that the rain had stopped but it had NOT! So we moved to the side and got out the orange bag! I changed my flip flops and we put on our rain jackets and off we went to World Showcase!!!

Here's what it looked like!

Now, I have to say...it wasn't empty! I sort of staged those pictures so that no one would be in them but it was so eerily NOT crowded! Here's what it looked like down the path......

Weird, right?! We headed straight to the American Adventure pavilion because the Voices of Liberty were doing a concert in the American Gardens theater at 12:30. We made it there just as they were starting. Unfortunately, all the seats that had a cover overhead were taken and the rest were wet! We stood around a while listening but it was really uncomfortable just standing in the rain.

As we were standing there, I looked around and could see the sign for next show in America - 12:45! So as much as I LOVE listening to beautiful patriotic music, I would much rather be sitting in a theater watching the history of America unfold before my eyes than standing in the humid rain! So we headed that way and that's when I saw him!! BEN FRANKLIN!! I had heard he was going to be around so I was thrilled that we saw him and that NO ONE was around!

After the pic, we headed in and had to wait in the rotunda for a few minutes before we were escorted to the theater.

Supposedly, Betsy Ross had a storytime at certain points throughout the day (I assumed this was her storytime chair!) but we never did see her.

I did sit in her chair though! (I'm telling you, I had that flag waving ALL day!)

The show was amazing and made me cry, as always!

Our lunch was at 2:30 so we had some time to kill as we made our way to France.

Here we are in Italy....with no crowds!

I mean seriously, I know I've said it before, but we were expecting there to be MASSIVE amounts of people everywhere! I thought the whole day would look like Main Street after Wishes and we were just SHOCKED. Not only was it not super crowded...it wasn't even a LITTLE crowded! There were less people than we'd EVER seen in World Showcase on any other trip we've been on. What was going on??!?!

So we decided we'd take a few fake "Fighting Off the Crowds" shots!

Here's me fighting off the crowds in Italy.

Here's Tom fighting off the Crowds on the promenade outside of Italy.

Here's Tom fighting off the crowds in America.

LOOK AT THIS PICTURE! This is AMERICA on the 4th of freaking July! Why isn't everyone here! Never in a million years would I have ever imagined that I would get a picture of Tom with not a single person in front of the American Adventure pavilion on the 4th of July.

We walked around and did a little window shopping. I really like the merch they have for each country, the cute shirts with the names of the countries written on them. I debated getting one from America but never got around to it.

So while we were window shopping, I asked the CM working the merch cart. "Ummm, is it weird that there's, like, no one here?" He wasn't really that chatty and just said that they were expecting 30,000 people. Yeah...okay. I can count about 25 in my line of vision right now so...don't think so!

We got to our ADR in France a little early and, once again, I was shocked that they were taking walk-ups! Not only were they taking walk-ups but with no wait! At this point, I shouldn't have been surprised... We checked-in and another couple checked in after us, without an ADR and they got called first! What's up with that? But we were called just a few minutes later and we got a lovely seat by the window. Maybe, since we had an ADR, they held the better table for us? Who knows!

At this point, World Showcase was started to "fill up" a little more. Here's what it looked like from my table...

Last year when we ate here, we both ordered from the 3-course menu and that was the plan again but once we sat down, I realized I wasn't really that hungry. But we did both quickly decide on one thing! "Want to start drinking?" "YES!" So we ordered some wine.

I had just French Onion Soup and salad for my meal. (Sorry, don't have a pic of the salad!)

Tom got the mac and cheese.

During our meal, the street performers were doing their little show and I was excited to get some pics from a different angle!

Then we saw this guy!

FINALLY! Someone is showing a little patriotism around here!!

Part of the reason why I didn't ordered too much was because I wanted to save room for crepes!! I've had my eye on these for a while!

So after lunch, we headed straight there! And also to the champagne stand nearby to continue with the drinks!

(Thankfully, the rain had stopped at this point!)

Before I could eat my crepe, we had to do a photopass pic, of course!

I thought this crepe was sooo delicious!

At some point earlier in the day (I guess right after we left The Land) we got FPs for Test Track so we decided to make our way over there to ride, stopping for a photopass or two, OF COURSE!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

After TT, we got another photopass pic and did a little browsing in MouseGear.

When we left MouseGear, we sat on a "gear" for a few because we were both so exhausted! Between the early mornings and now the drinks, we just needed a rest. It was only like 6 o'clock so we had 4 more hours to kill before Illuminations.

But look! This was right behind the Fountain of Nations. 6:00 and still not crowded!

Once we headed back to WS, we could see the the crowds started picking up a little! WATCH OUT!

Tom had to get his traditional funnel cake!

And a photopass photog took this awesome shot of us pointing to it!

We sat outside of America to eat the funnel cake, debating what we should do for the next few hours. We were both really tired and just could NOT walk around anymore.........

Up Next: What to do for the next 4 hours?! Will we make it for Illuminations with the extra special patriotic tag? And will the rain stay away!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Yay, an update!!!

I know the rain totally stunk, but I think it was 100% to blame/thank for the lack of crowds. We were there on July 4 last year and it was NUTS!! However, we were at the MK.

In your Italy picture I see that they had a vineyard tarp up. We were only there 2 weeks after you and when we were there the tarp was down and you could see the restaurant. I took a pic, but it was at night and not that good. It's REALLY cute, though!!

I tried a crepe too about 2 years ago and I was so excited to try them. Mine was totally gross. It didn't even have about 1/2 that much chocolate and it was stone cold - blech! I'm really glad you liked yours and it gives me hope to try again

Oh, and we heard about the whole funnel cake with vanilla ice cream thing on the DIS, so we tried it for the first time this trip while we watched 2U at the America Gardens Theater. So yummy!!!!!

I also love that you guys always make silly faces in the ride photos. We do too! The funniest one this trip.....I don't know if you've ever seen the show Toddlers & Tiaras, but the kids do this thing where they put their fist under their chin and then make this pouty face and shake their head. Anyway, I did that on the Spaceship Earth ride photo and when it popped up on the screen I seriously thought my husband was going to pee his pants he was laughing so hard

 

[kate_wdw]

I really love your TR! You and your DH really seem to be enjoying yourselves!

Trip reports like yours are really making me re-evaluate taking a summer trip to WDW (which is something I've always avoided).

I'll be interested in hearing how you handle your 4-hour window of time. I think we can all relate to the too-tired-to-walk-around feeling.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yay, an update!!!

I know the rain totally stunk, but I think it was 100% to blame/thank for the lack of crowds. We were there on July 4 last year and it was NUTS!! However, we were at the MK.

In your Italy picture I see that they had a vineyard tarp up. We were only there 2 weeks after you and when we were there the tarp was down and you could see the restaurant. I took a pic, but it was at night and not that good. It's REALLY cute, though!!

I tried a crepe too about 2 years ago and I was so excited to try them. Mine was totally gross. It didn't even have about 1/2 that much chocolate and it was stone cold - blech! I'm really glad you liked yours and it gives me hope to try again

Oh, and we heard about the whole funnel cake with vanilla ice cream thing on the DIS, so we tried it for the first time this trip while we watched 2U at the America Gardens Theater. So yummy!!!!!

I also love that you guys always make silly faces in the ride photos. We do too! The funniest one this trip.....I don't know if you've ever seen the show Toddlers & Tiaras, but the kids do this thing where they put their fist under their chin and then make this pouty face and shake their head. Anyway, I did that on the Spaceship Earth ride photo and when it popped up on the screen I seriously thought my husband was going to pee his pants he was laughing so hard

I mean, there really IS no other explanation than the rain, right? That had to be it! But for the crowds to be sooo low? It was weird. Very interesting about the Italy restaurant. Later in the week, I managed to get a picture over the wall and there was basically nothing there. I didn't realize the restaurant was behind the tarp!

Can't believe you got such a bad crepe! They usually make it right in front of you! How could it have been cold?

That slab of ice cream is genius!! When were you there? We saw 2U last summer, too!

Making funny faces in ride photos is a MUST-DO! Stacy needs to add that to her list.

I really love your TR! You and your DH really seem to be enjoying yourselves!

Trip reports like yours are really making me re-evaluate taking a summer trip to WDW (which is something I've always avoided).

I'll be interested in hearing how you handle your 4-hour window of time. I think we can all relate to the too-tired-to-walk-around feeling.

Thanks!! Don't get me wrong, the lack of crowds was unusual but I am a big pusher of summer! Don't fear the crowds! They are not bad if you know how to work them!

Oh, you just wait! We come up with the BEST way to kill those last few hours!!

 

[Shannon84]

I am really enjoying your TR...great update...I cannot believe how empty it was on July 4th, i mean rain or no rain that is just crazy!!!

I really enjoyed your pics of the Behind the Seeds Tour as well...I used to work at Living with the Land back in 07 and we "had" to take the tour as part of our training, I said had like it was something forced upon me I mean thats a perk of working there!!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Love it! You're patriotic finery is wonderful! I'm impressed with your mad t-shirt skillz!

We were in Epcot as well on the 4th. We only stayed until around 1pm, as we had dinner plans at 'Ohana's, but I agree, it was shockingly very uncrowded.

I heard the fireworks at Epcot were better than MK.... I sure hope you got to see them!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I am really enjoying your TR...great update...I cannot believe how empty it was on July 4th, i mean rain or no rain that is just crazy!!!

I really enjoyed your pics of the Behind the Seeds Tour as well...I used to work at Living with the Land back in 07 and we "had" to take the tour as part of our training, I said had like it was something forced upon me I mean thats a perk of working there!!

Thanks! I know, it really was crazy! It only really rained a little bit that morning too!

Love it! You're patriotic finery is wonderful! I'm impressed with your mad t-shirt skillz!

We were in Epcot as well on the 4th. We only stayed until around 1pm, as we had dinner plans at 'Ohana's, but I agree, it was shockingly very uncrowded.

I heard the fireworks at Epcot were better than MK.... I sure hope you got to see them!

Oh I have to give credit! I did not make the shirt! I ordered it from this person! http://www.etsy.com/shop/onegreatthing?section_id=6510930

She was amazing to work with! She even let me send her my own shirts to dye. I had this one made and one other you'll see later.

Yum! 'Ohana is delicious! It was really tough trying to stay there the whole day. We never do that. We always go somewhere in the morning and then end up somewhere else by the evening...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I can't wait to see how you spent your four hours waiting!!!

You totally inspired me through your other reports; we tried to make funny faces in some of our ride photos! Of course, even when we didn't try, some of our faces are so funny!

 

[taymacsmom]

Love the picture with Ben!! Plus your "rain flip flops" match your rain jacket! Genius and fashionable!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Fourth of July at WDW, wow. I'm just smiling reading your TR and looking at the photos. I dig your outfits and am happy to see someone wearing American Flag shorts. There is nothing more American than wearing that!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I can't wait to see how you spent your four hours waiting!!!

You totally inspired me through your other reports; we tried to make funny faces in some of our ride photos! Of course, even when we didn't try, some of our faces are so funny!

Oh we find the BEST thing to do for the remaining hours!!

We just HAVE to make faces on the rides! Glad you do it too!

Love the picture with Ben!! Plus your "rain flip flops" match your rain jacket! Genius and fashionable!

Thanks!! Finding Ben was a goal and I'm so glad it was that easy!

Haha! I didn't notice that about the rain flips flops! The reason I have to switch them out is because Reefs form to your feet and when they get wet, they mold much more easily, and then they are not so squishy and comfortable anymore. So I had a few pairs of new Reefs that I didn't want to ruin and that light blue pair is older and more worn so it was the designated rain pair! There seriously is a difference too! When I would switch back to my newer ones, they were way more comfortable to walk in!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Fourth of July at WDW, wow. I'm just smiling reading your TR and looking at the photos. I dig your outfits and am happy to see someone wearing American Flag shorts. There is nothing more American than wearing that!

Thanks! Honestly, until we saw that guy with the crazy outfit, I think I had the most patriotic clothes out of anyone we saw so far! There were some people with the generic red shirt or white shirt with American flag but not nearly as much as I thought. More people were decked out for Canada day on the 1st! I think I was the only one with an actual flag!

 

[DEdisprincess]

Yea! drinking in Epcot. can't wait to hear what else was consumed that evening.

 

[Tracy161]

I'm so glad the rain stopped! I absolutely LOVE your awesome 4th of July outfit! I am in complete shock at the lack of crowds though, where was everyone?! NOT that you were complaining!

 

[onelilspark]

I wonder if it was just the rain that kept everyone away? Amazing! We were at the MK on the 4th back in 1996. It was so incredibly crowded. The park had closed to capacity, we were on Main St waiting for the fireworks...they began, and Mother Nature decided to put on a little show of her own!! It poured for the next hour. We spent it hanging out in the Emporium. After the rain stopped though, the park was completely empty and we walked on every ride! Including Space Mountain!!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Great update! I love the pic with Ben Franklin! I can't wait to hear how you spend the next four hours.

 

[anewmac]

I just decided!

So OF COURSE, when I have not even the thought of a future trip to look forward to, what comes in the mail but this beautiful booklet all about the Food and Wine Festival this fall.

SO jealous. I want to do that. But ill have to wait till my kids are big enough to go off on their own... or crash some DIS MOMS party LOL

Food looked yummy and I love crepes i missed them when we went.. 2 times in epcot and didnt get it once.. darn it oh well NEXT TIME.. lol

I wonder if people were more at the Magic Kingdom since thats like the "main" park and thought the fireworks were there? either way glad you were able to miss them all!

Cant wait to see what you do with the 4hours..