WDW: October 1, 2012 - Happy Birthday Epcot!

That's right, we were there for the big 30th Anniversary/Birthday celebration of one of my favorite places in the world! If you're reading this and that isn't a big deal to you, just pretend - it was to us :) But first things first, major itinerary changes. We realized how difficult it was going to be to leave town as early as planned, so our ridiculous deal on flights was nullified when we changed them relatively last minute. And to make matters worse, our only option - for the first time ever in our time together - was a non-direct flight. It was honestly the lesser of two evils though, because it's one thing to leave home at 4 or 5 am after days to pack and prep - and entirely another to try and pack up a hotel room in the same situation. But that's a story for another day. This particular day was just phone calls, emails to confirm rental car agreement changes, etc. It all went smoothly and we were off to Epcot early and excited! We got there at 8:15 which felt like overkill, but we realized as soon as we were in the parking lot that it was going to be packed! The announcement time was elaborate for the big day, including confetti cannons. Our commemorative maps and buttons were cute, and the girls were just as excited as I was - if for different reasons.

 

There was a mad rush to Mousegear for some exclusive merchandise (seriously - some people waited in line for hours!) and a similarly mad rush to the Festival Center. We made it to the lounge in time for wristbands though, then set out to see if we would be able to get anything accomplished in the crowds. After a quick ride on Journey into Imagination (still a 10 minute wait where there usually isn't another soul around), I grabbed some Soarin fastpasses and fed Ryder while Zach and the girls headed to Living with the Land - which had a 20-minute wait!

We realized then there wouldn't be many attractions without lines, so we decided to head to World Showcase instead. The Food & Wine Festival was in full swing of course, and we hadn't yet sampled anything! We started with beef empanadas and a steak skewer at the Argentina booth, and a paleta at Mexico, before finally getting to play the Agent P World Showcase Adventure game.

Lunch was at Lotus Blossom (plus some extra Potstickers from the Joy of Tea booth!), where they've replaced one of the gross ice creams with a lychee flavor (some sort of Chinese fruit) that is delicious - making it a good counter service option again. We split just two meals so we could continue snacking around the world.

 

Finally the time came to ride Soarin with Emmersyn and Hartley, and I assure you I cried a little. :) There is something magical about that ride, and I finally got to share it with my sweet daughters. They were so precious riding it, I hope I never forget how excited they were with each new scene. I couldn't wait for them to ride it again with Zach! We then took a bus back to the hotel to keep our parking spot, and hung out there for a few hours - knowing it was going to be a late night.

Back at Epcot that afternoon, we got more Potstickers and a Mongolian Beef Bun, rode the Gran Fiesta Tour and spent some time in Norway.  Zach took the girls on Maelstrom (which they surprisingly really liked), and Emmersyn waited in a long, hot line to see Mulan while a sleepy Hartley watched the acrobats.

From there, we got a few things at the Karamel Kuche (where the simple milk-chocolate covered caramel square is still champion) and headed to dinner at Tutto Italia. The girls were most excited about Minestrone soup (thanks to the mention of "Minnie-Strone soup" on an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), but everything about the meal was absolutely delicious. We left only to find it pouring rain, and were shocked. Ha.

After ducking in a few World Showcase shops, the rain eventually stopped. I took Ryder to our viewing area while Zach took Emmersyn and Hartley to Soarin. They came back in tears (all of them, very nearly) because apparently Hartley - who had never once been a source of hesitation on a single 40" ride - was "too short". They were heartbroken, as was I.

Zach was an absolute rockstar with the kids as we waited for Illuminations. It was the most spectacular thing I've ever seen (and our view was great). The tag ending for the anniversary celebration was deafening and blinding and simply unbelievable.

 

And we were beyond exhausted by the time we fought the crowds out and made it back to the hotel, but we wouldn't have wanted to miss being there for anything.

Next: October 2, 2012

WDW: September 30, 2012

With a regular 9am open, we had no problem getting to the Magic Kingdom in plenty of time for the Welcome Show and rope drop. Our first stop was to see Tink - and meet her sister, Periwinkle! Emmersyn and Hartley got a lot of sweet attention from Tink and Peri, being twins. (Side note: as I'm writing this, it appears Peri's prediction was right - Ohio actually did get some snow this winter. My girls are thrilled! I'm sure I'll fill you in on our snow play, oh, next Spring. ;)

Our next stop was the Magic Carpets, where we were just one ride away from riding with Aladdin and Jasmine!

 

Then it was time to say hello to Woody and Jessie, before finally riding Splash Mountain! Somehow I ended up riding first, despite Zach waiting years to ride with his girls, and - while they liked it ok - it took some convincing to get them to ride it again with him. I was a bit worried!

We had then planned to try the Citrus Swirl after its famous return, but the machine was down - so we settled for a dole whip ;) while we waited for Ariel and Eric to arrive. That Ariel is one smart cookie, even pointing out Ryder's yellow outfit "just like a little Flounder". Of course I planned it as such, but doubted anyone else would take notice. I always knew I liked her!

 

A very tired Ryder and I went to Columbia Harbor House and got lunch ready while Zach and the girls returned for their ride on Splash (which they loved). Lunch was delicious, and it turned out one of our last "to dos" for the morning, getting an autograph from the Fairy Godmother, wasn't happening today because she was busy elsewhere. We'll have to find her another time!

About halfway through our trip and moving much more slowly with girls out of a stroller, we realized that even with a 10-day vacation we'd have to miss some favorites if we wanted much downtime. We reevaluated and reprioritized on our way back to the hotel. We "rented" Ariel's Beginning from Community Hall, which Emmersyn and Hartley have wanted to see for some time, and rested for a couple of hours.

Hartley actually slept during rest, but it was Emmersyn who apparently needed to do so. She had a huge meltdown as we were about to leave - so it was Hartley's turn for some one-on-one time with Mama. To Epcot we went!

 

After riding Spaceship Earth, Hartley and I went to the Food & Wine Festival Center for a pin and to check out the Chase Members Lounge and try to get our wristbands for the special members-only Illuminations viewing area. We got some free candy and soda, and learned the "rules" about the wristbands. Namely, that we would all have to arrive before noon to get them - and considering the next day, our other option for Illuminations, was Epcot's 30th Birthday celebration? We knew we would not be going to another park first if we wanted them!

Next my little shopper and I went to Mousegear to scout out some souvenirs and buy some 30th anniversary stuff while we waited for Zach, Emmersyn and Ryder to arrive. We watched the fountains dance, and eventually her other half made her appearance. :)

 

 

Once we were all together, we went straight to the France pavilion - but on this particular day of the week Belle was not meeting the last time slot of the day. The girls were disappointed because they had wanted to show her their beautiful new dresses, but they did very well. Dinner at Les Chefs de France, one that we always "almost" choose but never quite makes our final list, was outstanding! After dinner we began an Agent P mission, but didn't even get back to the pavilion where we were to start before the worst downpour of the trip began. We were prepared with ponchos and umbrellas but it was raining so hard - one of those rains that is in every direction, including up from the ground - that we were still soaked in no time at all.

 

 

By the time we made it back to the car, we literally had to strip the kids down to practically nothing because they were saturated - and pouring rain themselves. Blech.

 

The next day's forecast actually called for rain... so we were hoping it was wrong. If these other days were supposed to be dry, we didn't want to see what it might have in store!

 

 

 

 

 

 WDW October 1, 2013 - Happy Birthday Epcot

WDW: September 29, 2012

Once again, we were well rested and out bright and early to start our day! We began at the Animal Kingdom, where we started on Kilimanjaro Safaris. The girls got to be honorary safari guides, and were pretty proud of themselves.

 

 

Ryder was pretty unaware of his surroundings.

 

 

Next we met Dug and Russell from Up!, and played in the Boneyard before walking right into the 11:00 Finding Nemo musical.

 

After watching the show (phenomenal, as always!), we had a delicious lunch at Flame Tree BBQ and headed for the Studios.

It was oppressively hot once again, but the girls were excited to meet Phineas & Ferb, so we waited in a very long, very hot line. They were a lot of fun though, and to watch Emmersyn and Hartley giddy as they danced with them for several minutes was worth it.

 

We got smoothies next, and grabbed a spot for the parade to try and cool off. Emmersyn and I even got to be part of a flash mob filming!  Hartley was a little too shy :)

 

When the parade was over, Zach rode Star Tours while the girls and I cooled off and colored inside the Art of Animation and Ryder got to stretch his legs a bit. What we were waiting for, though, was our new favorite secret - Characterpalooza!

We saw lots of characters, including some rare ones. That particular afternoon we found the Green Army man, Stitch, Minnie, Mary Poppins & Mr. Penguin, Pluto, Frozone, Genie, Chip & Dale. The girls were in autograph heaven, for the most part.

 

That is, except when they had a run-in with the Queen of Hearts. She was utterly terrifying to them, but they bravely followed her orders long enough to get her autograph. And they are still ridiculously afraid of her, even in parade settings. Or animated movies. It's quite hilarious, actually.

Dinner was at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater, and the girls were really kind of crazy. They were afraid of the movies, whiny about the food... but eh, it had been a great trip thus far. We cut our losses there and headed back to the hotel for a change of scenery instead of our nighttime plans.

 

The girls and Zach got to swim for a little bit while I did laundry, and they were thrilled. We let them stay up a bit later since they had chilled out some, and I'm pretty sure they were asleep 90 seconds after we turned out the lights!

Next: September 30, 2012

 

WDW: September 28, 2012

We were out the door after a good, smooth morning (great nights of sleep will start you out right!), and were at the Studios gate at 7:50 for Extra Magic Hours. After the traditional sugar-loaded breakfast (Butterfinger Cupcake) and the now-traditional run-in with obnoxious CMs regarding character meet and greets, we just headed over to Star Tours 2.0 so I could finally ride!  Zach and the kids saw Muppetvision while I was at Star Tours and everyone loved both.

 

Next we said hello to Lightning McQueen and Mater and Jake, followed by the Disney Junior Live show.

 

Afterward, we said hello to Sorcerer Mickey and went to the Animation Academy. Oh, how I miss when this gem was hidden! The girls wanted to come, too, so they did - for the first time of many. It would become one of their favorite attractions, as predicted, but not as I had predicted. If you recall, an animator takes you step by step and teaches you how to draw your favorite characters. I assumed theirs might be 4-year-old versions, but that they would enjoy following along. Instead, they wanted to draw Mickey - and so they did, while the rest of us drew Dale. Only, Hartley (especially) got very distracted by the instructions from what she was doing and drew a sort of Mickey-Dale hybrid...

But they had fun. :)

We met back up with Zach and Ryder, who had just woken up from a nap, and headed for Toy Story Mania. Unfortunately, only Hartley and Daddy got to ride because Emmersyn was in timeout, but we all survived. Barely ;) Lunch was the girls' choice (not a lot we love at the Studios), so we went right around the corner to Pizza Planet.

After leaving the studios and running to the hotel to grab a few things, we were on to our next stop - Animal Kingdom! Our first "must do" (which we must do every trip) was the Festival of the Lion King. The girls have always been engrossed in this show - and who isn't?! - but they get more and more interested in it each time. When they grow up, Hartley wants to live her mama's dream and be "the girl bird"... and Emmersyn wants to be the first girl Tumble Monkey! :)

We went to our parade spot next (yes, we have a spot for each and every parade), but discovered some changes and had a bit of a rough go. First it poured, again (and despite a 0% chance of rain forecasted), as was becoming the norm for this trip. Also, the parade went a totally different route unexpectedly, so we had to wait nearly an hour longer than we planned. I swear, I had better get back to actually planning if we aren't going to go as frequently. Sheesh!

 

After the parade eventually went by, the girls only intermittently paying attention because we were all soaked to the bone, we went to Pangani Forest trail to hide under some tree cover. Of course, the animals were also avoiding the rain, so that was pretty lame. I remember hiding a few more places during the worst of the downpour, but it hardly mattered - we were soaking wet, and still had dinner reservations to make.

Overall, despite our physical discomfort, dinner was great. Tusker House is always a favorite, and they even let us take the stroller in so Ryder (who wasn't yet sitting well) wouldn't have to be held while we were trying to manage everyone at a buffet.

 

Our walk out of the park was serene again, as I always try to book that particular reservation for the end of the day so we are walking out of the park well after closing. Back at the hotel relatively early, we dried out a bit, the girls got to color and play, and it was eventually time for bed.

Goodnight!

Next: September 29, 2012

 

WDW: September 27, 2012

On our first full day, we were up at 6 (why not?). We were moving a bit slow to start, so we knew we weren't going to make morning Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom. Our plan changed a bit, but anymore our "plan" is very loose (ie, approximately what time we'll get to a particular park) - so things weren't all bad. I did get to see an adorable older cast member catching worms on leaves to clear them off the path at the OKW Hospitality House. Adorable, charming, and oh so very Disney. The sunrise backdrop didn't hurt the scene.

We arrived at the park with two beautiful princesses and the sweetest baby boy just before 8. We knew we had all but missed any benefit from the early hours, so we decided we would just head to Merida's meet and greet since the line would get long *very* quickly - if it wasn't already.

 

Somehow, and this will not sound miraculous if you aren't familiar with the Brave/Tangled meet and greet that is a snafu 100% of the time, we were first in line! We still had to wait 25 minutes for her arrival time, but - true to form - that would be the shortest possible wait time for that line the rest of the trip. And holy cow, was it hot! Since we were the first ones in, we didn't get to do the "play" part of the "Play & Greet", but you'll never hear us complaining about missing that gimmick!  Ryder was tired anyway, so it worked out perfectly. We said hello to the beautiful Merida (where Hartley was ridiculously shy), then headed back to the stroller to get Ryder settled in for a morning nap.

 

 

While he slept, the girls rode Goofy's Barnstormer for the first time! I had to ride "with them", but they sat in a car by themselves - and loved it more than words can say. We'd ride it repeatedly throughout the trip, and they can't wait to get back for it... but for this particular morning, we headed next to the Carousel, showed Ryder "it's a small world" for the first time (of many) and then stopped at Peco's Bills to get some lunch.

 

 

Once we had eaten, it was time for our Big Thunder Mountain Railroad fastpasses. I waited so nervously as Zach took the girls on. I had heard numerous horror stories about kids who are just barely tall enough for a ride getting past the first "gatekeeper" only to be turned away at the very end of the line just before boarding... but eventually I saw them whip around the corner on the runaway train! They loved it, and wanted to ride again. Utilizing rider swap, I got to walk right on with them, and wow - I can't believe they loved it. I had forgotten what a jump it was from anything else they had done. It is a legitimate, fast, fun, roller coaster. I'm still kind of in shock! :) Next we waited for Aurora back up at the Town Square Courtyard, then decided we simply had to go back to the hotel to cool off, regardless of what that would mean for naps/rest.

 

After about an hour and a half in the air conditioning coloring, reapplying sunscreen and changing into less sweaty clothes, we headed to Epcot. Our first stop was Club Cool for some Little Girl Pop (still my favorite accomplishment to date ;)) and two of the most ridiculously large homemade ice cream sandwiches I've ever seen. We definitely should have only ordered one, and still might not have been able to finish it!

 

Our first ride there was the Seas with Nemo & Friends.  Ryder was enthralled with most of it, but a little bothered by the EAC. We saw Turtle Talk, played on the playground, watched the dolphins and checked out the tanks for a little while after, until it was time to head to World Showcase for dinner - and a visit with Duffy!

 

 

Marrakesh was delicious, though not as wildly so as I had remembered and subsequently built up. We got out in plenty of time to ride the monorail to the Magic Kingdom for the Main Street Electrical Parade as we had really hoped (our only chance to see it this trip) - but instead were caught in a monsoon! We hid tucked away in an alcove in Morocco for a while, and made a run for it when the rain let up some. Apparently we didn't need to hurry though, since the monorail was delayed over an hour (for reasons still unknown). Instead of making it to the MK we rode the monorail loop just for fun, then headed back to the hotel to call it a day.

Since we had missed the MSEP - and sorely miss Spectromagic even more - we watched it in our room, instead. It was definitely a compromise, but an okay way to end the night!

 

 

Next: September 28, 2012