Epcot Evening: March trip report pt. 8(b)

After a wonderful morning at Coronado Springs, we spent our final afternoon & evening at WDW visiting Epcot.  While I made a run for Soarin' fast passes (believe it or not, there were still some that afternoon), mom and the boys headed to the Mexico pavilion and got a great outside table at La Cantina.  We had a quick bite there, and I have to say, the food was really good.  I'm not a big guacamole fan, but I loved their slightly spicy guac!  After our snack, we headed into the pavilion for the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros.  Then a quick trip to Norway and the Maelstrom got Ari in touch with his inner viking!  As we left Norway and were moving on around World Showcase, we had to take a short break while the globe for Illuminations was moved into the lagoon.  It was our first time seeing the bridge up and was a really neat experience.  The Flower & Garden Festival had just begun, so we were able to view some amazing topiaries & some beautiful bonsai trees.

While waiting for the Voices of Liberty to perform at the American Adventure pavilion, we explored the Toy Story ABC garden, then moved inside to explore the pavilion exhibits.  Voices of Liberty was fantastic, and their renditions of so many patriotic songs brought tears to my eyes.  The rotunda makes the sound surround you inside the pavilion.  We also saw the American Adventure show for the first time, which if you haven't taken the time to see it, please do.  Such a cool way to experience American history.
After the show, we continued to explore World Showcase until it was almost time for our dinner reservation at the Garden Grill.  We took one of the Friendship Boats across the lagoon to Canada, then made our way swiftly back to the Land pavilion and checked in for dinner.  This was another first for us and such a neat experience.  Not only did we get to meet Chip & Dale, Pluto & Farmer Mickey, but the restaurant rotated slowly showing views of the Living with the Land ride!  The food was great too!  After dinner, we opted to do some souvenir shopping at Mouse Gears, then it was time to cash in our Soarin fast passes for one final ride.
After Soarin, we headed to World Showcase in the Canada pavilion and found our spot for Illuminations.  The show and fireworks were amazing as usual, but the smoke and ash was a little heavy, as the wind was blowing in our direction.  We opted to not fight the crowds for the buses, and took the long way around World Showcase.  Again, everything was more magical after dark.  There was nearly no-one in World Showcase at that time.  We explored a part of the Morocco pavilion that we had never even known was there!  On the way out, Ari got so tired that his legs stopped working, so mom and I took turns giving him piggy-back rides back to the bus.

Up next, our final wrap up as we headed back home.

An Evening at Epcot - March Trip Report pt 3

So for our first night at Walt Disney World, we decided to visit Epcot.  Because we had missed our lunch reservation at Whispering Canyon Cafe (boo), we went straight to the Land pavilion for a late lunch at Sunshine Seasons (yeah!).  Sunshine Seasons has to be one of my favorite quick-service options in all of Walt Disney World.  There are so many amazing options, ranging from Asian to American to sandwiches, and also vegetarian options.  Since this was our first meal, we had forgotten that we were allowed a desert each, so Grams had to go back and pick out four deserts for us to share!  Check out the amazing menu here!

Because we went to the Land pavilion first, we were able to get fast passes for Soarin, but our ride wouldn't happen until 8:15 p.m.  So after eating our lunch, we went right over to the boat ride, Living with the Land.  This attraction is a combination of boat ride, animatronics, and real horticulture.  I attempted my first UStream video on this attraction.  Unfortunately, all I got was audio.  I would highly recommend this attraction.  Don't skip over it just because it's a boat ride...trust me, it's so much more than that!
After Living with the Land, it was time to get out and explore more of Epcot.  Payton immediately led us to the Imagination Pavilion, so we took a ride on Journey Into the Imagination with Figment.  This ride gets a lot of criticism, but I have to say, it's still a really fun ride and the boys loved it!  We played a bit in the pavilion afterward, and the boys had a green screen photo taken.  Then it was on to Captain EO.  Nothing like some classic Michael Jackson to keep our energy up!

Then it was on to The Seas with Nemo & Friends.  We enjoyed our ride in the clam-mobiles and explored the Living Seas pavilion.  By this point, we were all starting to wear down.  Keep in mind, the boys were running on about 4-5 hours of sleep, and I had had only 2!  (see part 1 of the report if you want to know more)  We opted to lounge around in the Seas pavilion to wait for the next Turtle Talk with Crush.  Ari was so excited, and Payton was so tired!  He told me, "I'll sit with Ari, but I'm not raising my hand to talk to Crush."  Well, Crush had other ideas, and he picked Payton to talk to him first!  Payton did really well, and he introduced Ari, Grams and me.  Well then, I got to talk to Crush.  We had a "bonding moment."  It was so funny.  Then later Crush had everyone put their hands up to their foreheads so that they could shake their head and say "Dude."  I didn't do it fast enough, and he caught me.  Next thing I hear, "Come on Momma Mendy, get your fin up."  I was so tired all I could do was giggle and put my hand on my head!

After Turtle Talk, we knew we had just about had it for the night, so we tried to go ride Ellen's Energy Adventure.  On the way, we stopped at Club Cool to sample sodas from around the world.  Now understand, Payton was dragging at this point.  But after a few cups of Coke, especially the soda from Japan that we renamed "Japanese Juice," he had a sparkle in his eye again!  We found out that Ellen's was closed for the night, and the Test Track line was still too long, so we looked around in MouseGears and then decided we couldn't last until our Soarin fast pass time.  We headed toward the front of the park and took a spin on Spaceship Earth before heading back to the resort.
Once we made it back to Coronado Springs, we stopped in the main building to pick up our refillable mugs and grab a quick snack, then it was on to our room for a bite and bed.  Everyone was sound asleep the minute their head hit the pillow!

Next post...Animal Kingdom Day!!
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Wordless Wednesday 4/11

Another sneak peek at the next part of the trip report!

Wordless Wednesday 1/18

Ah, to be in Epcot today would be so much better than going to work!!  And I love my job!

Birthday Bucket List - Disney Style

Well, yesterday was my birthday, another year has passed and I'm another year closer to 40.  Thought about posting this yesterday, but hey, it was my birthday!  So instead I enjoyed some chocolate covered cashews and a good book.  Anyway, having a birthday so close to the New Year is really great, because it gives me an opportunity to really look at setting goals for myself, both for the New Year and for life in general.  I'm continuing with my goal of making changes in my life that will help me be healthier and happier.  I also started toying with the idea of a bucket list. 

Now I've primarily heard of the bucket list idea as being all the things you want to do before you die.  Well I'm sorry, but that seems a bit morbid to me.  I don't even like putting that vibe out into the world that I have to hurry up and do some things before I die.  So I look at a bucket list as more of an ultimate wish list.  A wish list that I plan on doing as much as I can to make into an accomplishment list.  Check those babies off!

So I thought I would share with all of you my Birthday Bucket List as it relates to Disney (which works out great since a large portion of my bucket list has to do with Disney anyway...go figure!)  Here we go!

1.  Visit Disneyland (& Disney's California Adventure):  As a true Disney geek, I feel a great pull to go west, to walk where Walt walked, and to see his park.  I've heard so many people say, "oh you won't like it as much as Disney World," or "You'll be underwhelmed, it's not very big you know."  Well, that might be the case for the average visitor, but I guarantee you, it will take all the strength this Disney girl has to not shed tears while looking at Sleeping Beauty castle or Walt's apartment above the fire house. 

                On top of that, there is so much excitement going on at Disneyland these days.  I've heard AMAZING things about World of Color, the newest night-time spectacular.  And DCA is getting Cars-Land!  Woo hoo!  I'm hoping to check this bucket list item off sooner rather than later.

2.  Take a Disney Alaskan Cruise:  I've already marked a Disney cruise off my bucket list, so now it's time to get specific.  Although I have to admit that so far, I prefer my adventures on land rather than sea, this cruise intrigues me.  The photos I've seen are incredible, and it would give me a chance to explore areas of the United States that I would never thought I could visit.  I think it would be a great adventure for my family.

3.  Visit Marceline, Missouri:  This should be an easy one to cross off!  Missouri is right next door to Illinois, and Marceline is about 6 hours from my house.  That's less than half the time it takes to drive to Disney World.  This quaint little town that served as Walt's home for four years and later as one of his models for Main Street USA has so much charm and history that I feel like it's a must do for a true Disney fan.

4.  Take a behind the scenes tour:  This is something I've wanted to do for so long!  Get up close and personal with the magic that goes on in the Walt Disney World parks.  See the backstage areas, walk through the utilidoors under the Magic Kingdom, ride on a segway through World Showcase, I'm game for almost any of them (except the diving...that is NOT going to happen!).  There are so many amazing people who make the magic happen for my family and everyone who visits the parks every day, and I would love to see those folks in action.  I don't think it would take away the magic for me, just help me to appreciate all the little things I miss because I'm so caught up in the Disney fun.

5.  Spend some quality time in a spa:  So this is one that I know I can do at other places and when I'm not on vacation, but I would just love to have some serious pampering at one of the world class spas at Walt Disney World.  Or maybe on a Disney Cruise ship...either would work for me!

6.  Run a half marathon at Walt Disney World...or two...or three:  One of my general bucket list items is to run a half-marathon.  Just a few short years ago, I never in my wildest dreams would have set this as a goal for myself.  Now that I'm into running, I know I'm going to do it.  I want to have this accomplishment under my belt.  And if I'm going to do it, why not do it at Disney?  The Princess Half Marathon, the Food & Wine Half Marathon, the half at the Walt Disney World marathon weekend, any of those would make me happy.  Now while it isn't a half, I also really want to do the Everest Challenge 5K, obstacle course & scavenger hunt too, as well as the Tower of Terror 10 mile run that was just added to the line-up.  I am ready for some serious Disney Running bling!!

7.  Take an Adventures by Disney Vacation:  While vacations in exotic and amazing locations around the world can be done through any travel agency or even planned on your own, there's something to be said for a vacation having the Disney touch.  You know what I mean if you've been spoiled to the way Disney treats you on vacation, then tried to vacation somewhere else.  Other theme parks really aren't all that "themed" and the service doesn't always feel as warm or professional.  I can only imagine how this plays out when Disney is in charge of taking your family on excursions in Europe, Central & South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, or various places in North America.  I've been to England & Scotland in the past, and I would love to take my family to Europe someday.  I've also got to get to Australia, so I'm so glad that they've started this itinerary.  I just hope it's still around when I can afford to go!!

8.  Buy in to Disney Vacation Club:  There's just something about the idea of owning a piece of Disney, and really being able to feel at home when cast members welcome you "home" that appeals to me.  I just want it.  I want it so that I can visit as much as my points will allow.  I want it so that I have a real reason to be an annual pass holder (something else on the list!).  What can I say?  I just want it! 

9.  50th Anniversary Celebration:  Just this past year, the Magic Kingdom celebrated its 40th Anniversary.  That anniversary is really the anniversary of the entire Walt Disney World resort, because it started with the Magic Kingdom.  I want to BE THERE when we celebrate the 50th!  I really hope that Disney is planning something big for that year!

10.  Vow renewal ceremony:  Kendall doesn't know this yet (guess he will when he reads this!), but I'm hoping that someday, we can do a vow renewal ceremony at Walt Disney World.  If you haven't read this somewhere on the blog before, Kendall and I accompanied a friend to Florida to be in a wedding.  While we were there, I insisted that all of us visit Walt Disney World.  It was at Walt Disney World that we started spending more time together, talking more, and he asked me out on our first date.  After we were married, we spent our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.  And of course since then, we've visited Walt Disney World A LOT.  If I had a "do-over," even though I loved our wedding, it would be to actually have gotten married at Walt Disney World.  So I guess I'm secretly hoping that one day, maybe on a special anniversary, we can mark the celebration with a vow renewal at one of our favorite places on Earth!

Well, even though there are definitely more Disney bucket list items, I'm going to stop at 10.  I managed to squeeze an extra or two into the 10 listed above, so they count!

Have you made a bucket list?  What's tops on your list?  Any Disney related items?  Please share in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!

Oh, and I'll definitely keep you posted as I cross items off my list!!

Wordless Wednesday 10/26

Epcot's Mexican Pavilion

Back on Dry Land: Trip Report pt. 4

So the cruise on the Disney Dream was wonderful, but boy was I ready to be back on dry land.  Mainly because I knew I was headed "home" to Animal Kingdom Lodge!  My family has been privileged to stay at the Lodge several times now and I can say without a doubt that it is our favorite resort at Walt Disney World.  I fell in love with AKL from the first moment I stepped inside and now it really does feel like home.  The drive from Cape Canaveral was very easy and we even had time to stop and pick up some McDonald's for breakfast.  We checked in around 9:30 a.m. and since our room wasn't ready, we headed to the buses and on to Epcot.


This trip we opted to take it easy on our WDW touring, since we've been so many times already, so the whole goal was to hit our absolute favorites and to try and do a few new things as well.  So of course, once inside Epcot, we headed over to the Land pavilion to pick up fast passes for Soarin' later that evening.  Then it was on to the Imagination pavilion, Payton's favorite.  A quick ride on Journey Into the Imagination with Figment, a stop in the gift shop and our traditional "imagination" green screen photo taken, then on to Captain EO.  Payton was determined to see this show again, as we've heard rumors that it won't be around much longer.  I have a feeling that he and I will both probably cry when the official news comes out that it's being replaced, especially if they put Honey I Shrunk the Audience back in!


Up next, time to travel around World Showcase.  We slowly made our way over to the Canada pavilion to enjoy the gardens and to see the Circle Vision showing of O' Canada (something we had never seen before, believe it or not).  The show and pavilion are beautiful.  We were early for our reservation, but decided to go ahead and check in at Le Cellier.  Again, this was our first time eating at this restaurant, and it was such an enjoyable experience.  Because we weren't on the dining plan this trip (I'll have more to say on this later), and we had just spent quite a bit on the cruise, we opted out of steaks and decided to try the Le Cellier House Burger.  I also tried a small bowl of the Cheddar Cheese soup, while Kendall ordered their onion rings.  It was honestly too hot for soup, but I am glad I tried it.  It is very good, not something I would order every time, but I enjoyed it.  The burger was the absolute best burger I have ever eaten.  If I wasn't getting steak, I'm glad I got this!  Another great part of lunch was the pretzel bread that was brought out as an appetizer.  Delicious!

Following our wonderful lunch, we lazily walked on into the France pavilion and decided to take in a showing of Impressions de France, which luckily for us, was air conditioned and had seats!  The film and the music were both beautiful, but it was hard to keep our eyes open!  Not only were we a little tired and very full, but I was still fighting off the motion sickness a bit, and this film didn't always help that.

Then it was on to Japan, Payton's favorite pavilion in World Showcase.  The whole reason for stopping in Japan?  Why to shop of course!  Believe it or not, my son found a Godzilla t-shirt in the shop and had to have it.  Thankfully we were able to slow him down after that, because he was drooling over all the Power Rangers toys!  By this time we were all getting very tired and very hot.  I had wanted to go on to the American pavilion to finally see The American Adventure, but I was out-voted, and so we caught the Friendship Boat at Moracco and headed back toward Future World.  Then it was on a bus back to AKL.

Thankfully our room was ready once we arrived back at the Lodge.  I had asked them to text me when it was ready, but had never received a message.  We were assigned room 5122 with an amazing view of the Sunset Savannah.  We hauled our luggage up from the van, with the help of bell services, then took a few hours to just rest and relax before heading back to Epcot for the evening.

Photos from AKL taken over course of stay.

Once we felt ready to go, it was back to the park and to the Land pavilion again for a ride on Soarin' and dinner at Sunshine Seasons.  This is one of our absolute favorite quick service options, as they have so many choices and everything is delicious.  The boys shared some chicken (well Payton got a kids meal, then ate some of his dad's too!) and I had a turkey sandwich.  They finished before I did, so they headed off to Mission Space while I finished up and then leisurely took photos of the pavilion and the park on my way to meet them.  Epcot is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day.  Once they finished riding Mission Space, we walked around a bit, enjoying the cool breeze, then found a spot for Illuminations.  That fireworks show is simply amazing and brings tears to my eyes every time.

Since we were in for a big day at Hollywood Studios the next morning, and we were close to Future World, we headed on to the buses right as Illuminations ended, and thankfully got back to the Lodge pretty quickly.  Then it was off to bed!

Up next, our first day at our first Star Wars Weekend!  If you have a favorite location in Epcot, share it with me!  Please leave comments or questions below.  I love to hear your thoughts on the best spots in the parks, or the best time of day to visit.