What are we celebrating? Everthing! A January 2018 Trip Report - THE END - New TR link added

[pattyw]

I love the Living Seas! DS is doing CP right now and he works Living Seas, Turtle Talk, and Imagination. We always stop at the sea horse tank and stare at them for a long time- just too cute! Salmon w/grits? sounds good! I love the dessert counter at Sunshine Seasons- did you guys indulge?

 

[JenLanDisney]

Bump...are you there, Ruthie?

 

[Ruthie5671]

Bump...are you there, Ruthie?

Yes, alive and kicking. I just haven't had time to update much (it is really time consuming). Work has been keeping me on the go over the past week. I hope to try to get something up this weekend. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

 

[Ruthie5671]

Another million apologies for the lapse in trip reporting. I didn't realize it had been such a while since my last update and I didn't want to be one of those trip reporters who stop mid-story. I mean there are still more Disney days and non-Disney days. And there is a surprise ending that nobody will see coming (unless you're @Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina because she knows all about it). So let's press on! When we last left off, we had finished up lunch and were ready to use our last FP of the day at Living with the Land. The wait time posted at 20 minutes, but with our FP, we just zipped over to the ECV parking area and climbed aboard a boat. Now I wish I had a garden at home. A flower garden. A vegetable garden. Any kind of garden. The only thing I can successfully grow in my yard are weeds. So I am in awe of this ride and their ability to grow just anything. Here are some pictures.









This is just so pretty.







Yes, even Mr. Snowman in Living with the Land is in cahoots with Mother Nature to make the weather wonky.

When the ride ended, I had a little difficulty getting out of the ride. This was a "boat ride concern" that I had prior to the trip - being able to take deep steps in and out of the boats. I got in just fine, but I needed the arm of a cast member to get out. They were all very kind about it and I appreciated their help. I did peek over to see the wait times for Soarin', but it was over an hour and that was not going to happen. We headed outside to begin our journey to the World Showcase.





Our plan was to start to the right beginning with Canada and be able to explore and see all the countries before our dinner reservation in Japan. Would we see everything we wanted to see? Stay tuned . . .

 

[Ruthie5671]

What was the green side dish on Tony's meal? It looks very green.

It was guacamole. It seemed like an odd combination with salmon, but Tony liked it.

I love the Living Seas! DS is doing CP right now and he works Living Seas, Turtle Talk, and Imagination. We always stop at the sea horse tank and stare at them for a long time- just too cute! Salmon w/grits? sounds good! I love the dessert counter at Sunshine Seasons- did you guys indulge?

That is so cool that your son is working at Living Seas. Is he having a fabulous time?

We took a hard pass on the sweets at lunch and opted for fruit to take with us for later. I was still in sugar over load from the mega cupcake I had the previous evening.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I love the boat ride Living with the land, and we enjoy strolling around World Showcase so I am looking forward to your next instalment.

 

[pattyw]

Yes, even Mr. Snowman in Living with the Land is in cahoots with Mother Nature to make the weather wonky.

That snowman does look like he has a little "evilness" in his grin!

That is so cool that your son is working at Living Seas. Is he having a fabulous time?

He's having a great time! And he's missing the "winter that never ends" here in Buffalo, NY! Talk about Mother Nature's tricks!! We had an ice storm last night!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Oh Ruthie, I am soooooo far behind . I need to just start at the beginning and read everything through to date from start to finish. Considering the weather here today, that might just happen before nightfall!

I did take a peek at the latest entries, and you have me yearning for a return trip to Epcot so much that it hurts . I love, love, LOVE Living With The Land. And the World Showcase. And it will still be the Flower and Garden Festival when we travel .

Ugh. I hate budgets . How I wish I could be frivolous and not think about cost when planning our trips.

But I am loving all your pics!

 

[JenLanDisney]

I also really enjoy Living with the Land. I can't grow a tomato, but I admire those who do.

 

[Ruthie5671]

Two updates within three days!!! I'm attempting to make up for my lapse in reporting for almost 2 weeks. And I took a lot of pictures in World Showcase, so it will take a few installments to get the rest of EPCOT done.

When we last left off, we had done all of Future World we had the time for and started making our way to the World Showcase. Our goal was to see all the countries and enjoy the different shows, movies, culture, etc., that each one had to offer. For no particular reason, we chose to go right upon entering WS.



Our first stop was Canada. I was in awe of the beautiful gardens they had there and once again gave the side eye to my sweet husband who promises me flowers every spring. Never ever happens.



We decided that we wanted to see the movie, so we followed the winding path into the pavilion. Once inside we waited a few minutes were ushered into the IMAX theater. I have been to Canada before, but I was a young kiddo - maybe 8 or 9? My mom was born in Canada and actually became an naturalized US citizen when she was in her 20's. The movie was interesting, but like most people say, it could use a little updating. Not that I don't like Martin Short, but I think that most people (younger folks) have no idea who he is and was doing a bit of internet research. After the movie, we poked around the area some more and looked at one of the gift shops. I bet you didn't know that soap was funny.



Beaver butt soap - hehehe.

The next country was United Kingdom. While the outside of the buildings were very pretty, at the time we were there it did not have much going on. There were eating spots (but we weren't hungry) and shopping spots (I cannot do every single store) and little walking paths (which we did), but other than it being a pretty area it was kind of meh. We zipped thru it fairly quickly.





As we were making our way to France I spotted a photo pass photographer and of course, we had to stop.



And our "magic shot" - we stink at surprise faces.



Me: Wow, Tony is holding Chip!!

Tony: Ummm, what are we doing taking another picture?!?!?!?!?

Up next - a slushie with a kick!!!

 

[Ruthie5671]

I love the boat ride Living with the land, and we enjoy strolling around World Showcase so I am looking forward to your next instalment.

I just put up an update!

That snowman does look like he has a little "evilness" in his grin!



He's having a great time! And he's missing the "winter that never ends" here in Buffalo, NY! Talk about Mother Nature's tricks!! We had an ice storm last night!

Yes, I did feel like the snowman was being a bit evil. It just went with the theme of vacay.

Oh Ruthie, I am soooooo far behind . I need to just start at the beginning and read everything through to date from start to finish. Considering the weather here today, that might just happen before nightfall!

I did take a peek at the latest entries, and you have me yearning for a return trip to Epcot so much that it hurts . I love, love, LOVE Living With The Land. And the World Showcase. And it will still be the Flower and Garden Festival when we travel .

Ugh. I hate budgets . How I wish I could be frivolous and not think about cost when planning our trips.

But I am loving all your pics!

Well you've been a little bit busy these days my friend. And now you're getting ready to leave on your own adventure! I do understand not loving the budget. Every once in a while I plan my "no budget necessary" dream Orlando vacation. I can spend some money in my mind!

I also really enjoy Living with the Land. I can't grow a tomato, but I admire those who do.

Weeds is the only thing I grow in my yard. I don't even attempt anything else!

 

[pattyw]

I bet you didn't know that soap was funny

Bear breath sounds... interesting! Think I'll pass on beaver butt and dog drool!

And our "magic shot" - we stink at surprise faces.

You guys look pretty surprised! Love that magic shot- where in France did you get this done?

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

So glad you got the Chip magic shot. One of my favorites.

 

[JenLanDisney]

Dog drool soap? yuck

 

[cinderaimee]

Late to the party but all caught up and following along now I am planning a trip for next January/February so it's interesting to see what that time of year is like. I hope we get warmer weather!

 

[Ruthie5671]

Wow, almost two weeks without an update. Let's see, work, work, work, bronchitis, bronchitis, work, work, bronchitis and then I gave my germs to Tony. He got two shots. I did not. I win!!! I think I just need to walk around with a container of Lysol. At home and at work. I've got way too much stuff to do for this kind of silliness.

When we last left off, we were headed to France. If I were ever going to travel internationally, Paris, France would be my destination. I have always found France to be so romantic and mysterious. As soon as we crossed past the international gateway, the French music just sucked you into the culture. We wandered around a little bit taking in the culture.





I wanted to go in and see the movie, but our timing was not good at all. We tried twice, just missing the start of the movie by about 10 minutes each time. But that's okay - just another thing to jot down for our 2019 trip. Yes, I already have a mental list of things I want us to do that we missed this trip. I have issues, I know. I knew that there was a really great photo pass spot and wanted to get in line. But I spied a group of gals drinking what looked like a smoothie. But in a champagne glass. I was intrigued, so I asked and they pointed me in the direction of the alcohol cart, telling me it was a liquored up orange slushie. They had me at liquor. Oh. My. Goodness. Stop what you're doing, drive to Orlando and purchase one of these drinks. I'm sure it has an official name, but I'm just going to call it a spiked orange slushie. And because it was so yummy, it joined us in the pictures.





Tony is probably thinking "how in the world did I end up with this cray-cray gal?"???? I let him have some too. But I drank most of it. Hehehehe.

We then started browsing the shops and I came across a perfume store. It was very fancy, so I brought my drink in with me. Even though I had already made some Basin purchases, I really wanted something for nicer occasions. I went in and this very nice gentleman asked me some questions about different scents I like and gave me some options to sample. I ultimately decided on a bottle of Dior J'adore. I know it is something I can get at home at Macy's, but for just that moment it was nice to be fussed on and given all that attention. I opted to have them ship it back to the resort because with my luck, I would drop it or something crazy like that and it would not be a happy moment.

Our next stop in the World Showcase was Morocco. We did not spend much time here, as the afternoon was slipping away from us and we were short on time. Also on the 2019 mental list - two days in EPCOT. I don't remember us doing much other than looking around and admiring the décor.





Tony put his coat back on and you can see the fleece blanket in the basket of his scooter. The later in the day it got, the chillier it was getting.



I will name him Carl the Camel. But I didn't want to take him home with me.

Even though the next country was Japan, we skipped it since that was our dinner spot. Up next - an American Adventure.

 

[Ruthie5671]

Bear breath sounds... interesting! Think I'll pass on beaver butt and dog drool!



You guys look pretty surprised! Love that magic shot- where in France did you get this done?

The way the soap was packaged, we couldn't smell them. I'm gonna go with they smell like fresh, outside air!

The magic shot was on the bridge right by the international gateway.

So glad you got the Chip magic shot. One of my favorites.

I like that the photographer doesn't tell us what we will be having in the shot. So it is magical and surprising!

Dog drool soap? yuck

I know right!

Late to the party but all caught up and following along now I am planning a trip for next January/February so it's interesting to see what that time of year is like. I hope we get warmer weather!

Welcome to the party. There is plenty of trip still left to report on. I do hope that your weather is better for your trip. Mother nature just is not our friend.

 

[JenLanDisney]

That's a lovely, cozy picture in front of the fountain!
Have you ever tried an item or two at the French bakery? Delightful...

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

I always say that I'm going to stop for one of those adult slushies but so far have not followed through. It looks so good, though!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Great to read another update. Hope you are on the mend now, illness who needs it....

I love walking round the world showcase, and that slushie looks delicious. I'm surprised you didn't indulge in one of those lovely buns from the patisserie in France, we always seem to stop there!!