Well, weather-wise it just keeps getting better with Wednesday being the best day of all. The sun came through after lunch and we wore shorts and t-shirts all day – right up to after 11pm when we got home – it was really warm and sunny.
In the morning we sat out by the pool, had a leisurely brunch then went to Epcot – still not renamed to its former Epcot Centre and it seems that may only be a myth. We arrived about 2pm and it seemed quiet. We walked straight onto Spaceship Earth after quickly checking out our leave a legacy picture by the entrance. Some of them have worn badly but ours still looks good.
On Spaceship Earth our screen/computer malfunctioned so when we produced our story board at the end our faces were not super-imposed onto the pics. We wanted to mail you the postcard like we have done before but obviously couldn’t. Maybe we broke the camera!!
We had a quick stop in Innoventions where we went into a new extreme weather simulator. It was actually not that extreme (no where near as good as Twister at Universal) but being Epcot it was very educational teaching us what house building tools and techniques are best to survive a hurricane.
After this we headed to the Land deciding to get a Fast Pass for Soarin’ as this is still the best ride in Epcot. The return time was 8pm to 9pm which was about the latest we would have wanted but decided to get them as it would be a good way to end the day. Whilst in the Land pavilion we rode the Land ride – again we walked right on with no queue, and also went into Circle of Life. We hadn’t done this for a while and both decided to do it again. It’s a bit preachy and moralistic but ok.
We left the Land and headed over to the Seas to ride with Nemo. Although primarily for kids this is a very cute and clever ride – especially at the end where Nemo and friends appear to be in the aquarium tanks with the real fish. Definitely worth riding.
We came out and decided to take a pit stop for shops and coffee. I got yet more Tinkerbell T-shirts (another 3 this trip I think) and we picked up a few gifts.
After coffee and a well-earned rest in the sun we headed to Ellen’s Universe of Energy. This ride is starting to get a little dated but it still 45 minutes well spent! We must know it pretty much word for word and have to try hard not to spoil other guests’ enjoyment by pre-empting everything that is said!!
It was now about 6pm and getting dark so we headed to the World Show Case. We decided to go around anti-clockwise for a change so we could have fish and chips for dinner from England. We both commented on how badly stereotypical England is and how the Americans love to think of us in that quaint way. The chips we pretty good though and very popular with the Americans. We even heard two parties practising ordering in their best English accents which they then did when they got to the counter!!
We walked right round the other countries, as it got dark. There was a huge choir at America with a big queue. I think they offered candlelight dining to the choir. Whatever it was it was very popular.
We got to Norway and rode Maelstrom. There was a 20 minute wait but we had time and both do like this ride. We marched straight through the film at the end; as did all the other riders – they must get so annoyed at that!
We also rode the Gran Fiesta tour at Mexico – both commenting that we preferred the old version before they updated it with Donald. We must be getting old and set in our ways not liking change!!!
We came out of the Show Case at about 7:45 – just in time to head over to Soarin’ and use our Fast Passes. On the way we stopped at a couple of photo spots which Paul has uploaded to this blog.
We walked right onto Soarin’ and finally got seats in the front and highest row. We were off to the side but you can’t have everything – we’ve always wanted the highest row and this is the first time we’ve got it. The film was very dirty with lots of marks over it but the ride was as good as ever. The Orange and Pine smells were very strong this time. By the time we came out it was just after 9pm. Illuminations started at 9:30 but Paul had tired feet so we decided to skip it and leave.
We wanted to go to Target before we came home to buy a camera to use at the Gaylord event. Don’t you just love this country where you can head to the shop at 10pm to buy whatever you want? We selected the one we wanted after much deliberation and were then told it was out of stock! We were at the one on the 192 so the server looked up other stores and told us that Millenia had stock. Since they are open to 11pm we headed over. We did get the one we wanted – which Paul has been playing with for most of the morning. We will probably leave it out here.
Are you on tenterhooks about the Gaylord event? I hope it’s not a big anti-climax!
Today the weather could not be more different – we are on a tornado warning!! The rain is torrential and the wind is howling (which kept us awake for much of the night). No swimming today. The Gaylord event is indoors and afterwards we are going to the Florida Mall so at least we should avoid the weather. We only hope it gets better for tomorrow as we are off to Magic Kingdom again. The forecast is for clear but cold which is ok as we can wrap up.
Today we are both a bit snivelly too – there is a lot of man flu going around. Hopefully it won’t take hold and we’ll all be better soon.
More again tomorrow…