See?! I told you I should have written these immediately upon arriving home so I didn’t forget to.. Better late than never, and, fortunately, I remember this day as though it did just happen.
Epcot is the park I was least excited about. I think it’s because in the past I didn’t research it’s full potential, or throw myself into all it had to offer. I was very ride oriented and just hell bent on making sure I didn’t have to wait in those lines. So much so that I nearly sprinted through the world showcase on both trips prior. This time, we did it right, and Epcot might just be my new favorite park second to Magic Kingdom of course.
Our hotel, Shades of Green, has transportation to all parks and the monorail/ticket and transportation center. We hopped the bus to the monorail and rode it to Epcot. Upon arrival instead of immediately getting in the long line for Spaceship Earth, which we usually do, we headed directly to Soarin’. Because we had fast passes. YES! Anyone who has waited in line for that ride, knows a fast pass is vital to fully enjoying the attraction. Ain’t nobody got time to wait in a 70+ minute line with small children. Because we had a fast pass, they allowed my Mom and me to wait with Evie while my Dad, Matt and Chloe went. Then, we swapped Evie out for Chloe and rode it ourselves. This ride makes me laugh because My Mom *swears* she is going to fall out of that darn chair and it’s hilarious to watch/listen to her. She gets so nervous that she talks to complete strangers in line and asks them questions like a child.. “So, have you rode this before.. Are you scared?” By the time the ride is over she giggling to herself and her new friends are so happy she made it through 😛 For serious, the smell of the trees, the fireworks at the end, all of it is equal parts relaxing and exciting. Like you’re at the Omni, but *in* the movie.
After Soarin, we took off to start the World Showcase and found our first of many food/drink stops of the day. I believe it was at Refreshment Port that I purchased a cronut and dragonberry cocktail for my Husband. Each were delicious.
Next stop, Canada! Holy gorgeous country, batman. My Brother lived there (Kelowna) one summer to play baseball and his pictures were insane. The idea of the World Showcase, for those who are not familiar, is a small replica of each country in a u shape around the water of Epcot. So each country has it’s own little facade and there are details galore. Oh Canada, you are beautiful (Anthem title pun intended). We watched a short film in a 360° theater hosted by Martin Short. Neat.
Next stop was the UK where I did a little candy shopping for Susan who runs support for me at PDCD, she lived there for years and I am always looking for ways to show my appreciation for her. Girl runs that support desk like a boss. I call her Angel Muffin. 🙂 Chloe and I made a few faux phone calls from the little red telephone booth, after I explained to her what a payphone was… My Dad, and Husband grabbed fish and chips, I grabbed some ale, and we all watched some dudes cut logs with chainsaws competitively while they woofed down their delicious food and I my drink. So. Good.
After the chainsaws we walked across the pretty little bridge to France. Oh, France. This was an especially fun little stop as my Mom and I went dessert and wine shopping. Chloe met her favorite Princess EVER here, Aurora 🙂 We sat and watched a little street show, snacked on creme brulee, Napolean cake, red wine and a chocolate tarte. So happy.
From France we started walking and got in line to meet Belle, MY favorite Princess 🙂 We kept walking passing a few countries, until we got to America, and my favorite place, the funnel cake stand. You really cannot beat the simplicity of a funnel cake. I am drawn to them like a vampire to it’s prey. I seek them out, and had looked forward to this little stop all day long. It did not disappoint.
From America we were off to Italy, my favorite stop of the world showcase all day long. I had a red wine flight and watched my Dad dance with Chloe in the middle of the square. It was one of those moments I will remember forever. Precious. Matt tried all sorts of fresh fruity drinks, and my Mom had the “best moscato of her life”. Italy does wine well, but, duh. The food, the drinks and the atmosphere here were fantastic. We stayed here longer than any other country just relaxing and soaking it all in.
From here on out things are a bit fuzzy (see paragraph above re: wine flight) but we shopped around, met Snow White in Germany, grabbed some schoolbread in Norway and zipped through the fast track and spaceship earth before settling down for the fireworks show, Illuminations.
We did more walking this day than probably the other Disney parks combined, but it didn’t feel like it. We loved every minute.
EPCOT is my favorite park too! I always make a mad dash for France to get a Greygoose Slushie! So much fun!