Mickey Power!!! - July 2019 - Once Upon a Time When DHS Opened After Sunrise - 2/27

[lvcourtneyy]

We did manage to adequately kill our efficiency rating though.

Is there any other way to design a car on Test Track though?! Lol

When the kids went to grab their bottles, the water had heated to the point where they were literally too hot to even hold in your hand.

Oh no!

After our snack, we decided to visit everyone’s favorite purple dragon on a ride that isn’t quite everyone’s favorite ride.

It's on my favorites list!

She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2). But it wasn't just him. There was a group of about 6 that came out with him. One of them apparently got a little too thirsty and couldn't wait until they got to EPCOT. He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

Oh my! While it's hysterical to hear about (and hopefully now she can laugh about it), it definitely would not be amusing to be stuck on the bus while this is happening! #howdothesepeoplemakeitthroughaday

Unpopular opinion, but I’ve never been a huge fan of it. The transitions from scene to scene even in the original made it hard for me to really buy into the feeling of flying and the new version with it’s over use of CGI and curved landmarks is just bad. It was always a ride that we do, but it just hasn’t ever really been my favorite.

I agree. I ride it and I don't hate it but I could really take it or leave it!

Since it was shockingly a walk on we ended up riding it 3 times while we were there.

Wow! You guys really do like it!

We managed to spend all day in EPCOT from Rope Drop to closing time! They did a lot of walking that day, and frankly, they were very well behaved.

Woo! Awesome!

 

[amazingact21]

Oh my gosh, I can't believe someone thought it wise to crack open a beer on a bus. They were probably ten minutes away from a park with a vast array of alcoholic beverages, yet they couldn't wait that long. How crazy!

Kudos to your older kids for powering through a full day at Epcot. You've got them trained well! Bet it was a nice change to visit with kids who were old enough now to handle a full day in the biggest park versus when they were babies and you had to account for naps and lugging around diaper bags.

Your Test Track photo is great; your DD looked like she was having a blast!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Finally got on the bus. They loaded a lady in an ECV and then she asked the bus driver to wait for her husband.

15 minutes later.

Husband is here. Also in an ECV. They’re loading him now.

About 10 minutes after that:

And now we're stopped along the road because somebody opened a beer on the bus.

Sadly I can believe this!!! I am suprised the bus driver didn't say no I can't wait. But he was probably in a tough spot with her bein gin an ECV.

After we reunited, I got the lowdown on the bus situation. Apparently there was a relatively large family. They sent momma out to wait for the bus. She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2). But it wasn't just him. There was a group of about 6 that came out with him. One of them apparently got a little too thirsty and couldn't wait until they got to EPCOT. He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.



This is the one time I almost wished I had been on the bus instead of in the park. I didn't believe her and I told her as much, but that was her story and she stuck to it.

We had someone get out to there seat on the airplane when it was taxing. And the plane had to stop right where it was. The person went to the bathroom. The stewardess were banging on the bathroom door for the person to go sit down. It was crazy. We sat for 10 minutes waiting for this person!

Some people are just more important than us...

Since it was shockingly a walk on we ended up riding it 3 times while we were there.

I think that is part of the allure! Being able to ride it more than once. How many rides can you say that about in Disney?

 

[FantasiaMagic]

It sounds like a very fun and successful day at EPCOT!

Gosh, if what happened to your DW on the bus had happened to me, I think I would have lost my mind! So much commotion and excitement, without even being in a park!

Nachos and Margaritas sound like a great dinner while at the World Showcase!

 

[suse66]

Soon after our flight it was time to use our FP that I was able to get for TT. We headed in and designed our car. L wanted to go for power, but chose the supercharged engine instead of the plasma burner, just because it sounded cooler so we left a little bit of power on the table. We did manage to adequately kill our efficiency rating though.

Looks like fun!

After we reunited, I got the lowdown on the bus situation. Apparently there was a relatively large family. They sent momma out to wait for the bus. She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2). But it wasn't just him. There was a group of about 6 that came out with him. One of them apparently got a little too thirsty and couldn't wait until they got to EPCOT. He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

Seriously???? What in the world is wrong with some people!

We always enjoy going to La Cantina to get some nachos. As I mentioned when we ate at Pecos Bill’s La Cantina nachos are just a little more flavorful in my opinion and we just really like them. It’s a go-to for us anytime we’re in the World Showcase. Also, since we were on the dining plan, DW and I decided to get Margaritas with our dinners. I don’t remember what the kids got, but I’m sure it was some combination of chicken tenders and mac & cheese.

The restaurant was pretty busy and seating was packed. We couldn’t find a table that was big enough with enough seats for all 5 of us. DW managed to find a round table with 3 chairs around it and a small table on a railing with 2 seats that was close by. I ended up sitting at the 2 seater with R.

After dinner it was time for the one thing we can’t skip if we’re in Mexico. It was obviously time to ride It’s a Small Mexico.

And you can’t just ride it once.

No.

Our kids love this ride and it’s always nice to at least have one ride that allows for an immediate re-ride when the kids get off and ask to do it again. And on top of that, hearing R say “Where’s Donald? There he is!” several different times through the ride as he figured out the storyline was a lot of fun.

Since it was shockingly a walk on we ended up riding it 3 times while we were there.

Love Gran Fiesta and your name for it!

There wasn’t anything we really were trying to do, but we just wanted to maybe have a snack or 2 as we felt the urge and DW and I wanted to try a few drinks. We got to Germany and the kids stopped to chase some ducks around. DW headed in to Karamell Kuche to get her caramel corn and I stopped by the beer cart to get a Schoefferhofer.

Always a good choice!

We walked out of the Land and headed to the exit as the fireworks were going off for Illuminations. I high fived L and B and told them they did a good job that day. We managed to spend all day in EPCOT from Rope Drop to closing time! They did a lot of walking that day, and frankly, they were very well behaved. There wasn’t much in the way of whining or complaining from either of them so I wanted to make a big deal about it to let them know we appreciated their good attitudes and behavior.

They did so well!

 

[vamassey1]

Yes, Disney Buses are Dry

Love this title!

While DW and R were headed back to the room, the older kids and I were off to begin a busy, fun-filled afternoon!

I bet they really enjoyed this. They're just the right age to go from ride to ride.

She enjoyed the ride again, but just wasn’t happy with being locked in there and waiting.

Can't blame her for that. I wouldn't like it either.

The ride, as usual was a lot of fun!

Everyone looks like they are having a blast!

I didn’t agree with her conclusion, and I'd questioned it before we left for our trip when L happened to be standing there.

Uh oh, this doesn't sound good.

L made sure to remind DW that he needed an insulated water bottle approximately 500 times a day the rest of the trip.

Never let her live it down.

After we reunited, I got the lowdown on the bus situation. Apparently there was a relatively large family. They sent momma out to wait for the bus. She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2). But it wasn't just him. There was a group of about 6 that came out with him. One of them apparently got a little too thirsty and couldn't wait until they got to EPCOT. He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

Only in Disney!

This is the one time I almost wished I had been on the bus instead of in the park. I didn't believe her and I told her as much, but that was her story and she stuck to it.

To be a fly on the wall of that bus. Can you imagine what story the CM told that night.

So needless to say, after waiting as long as I did for them to get back, I asked the older kids if they really wanted to ride it again or if they were ok with just once.

I would have skipped it too.

Our kids love this ride and it’s always nice to at least have one ride that allows for an immediate re-ride when the kids get off and ask to do it again. And on top of that, hearing R say “Where’s Donald? There he is!” several different times through the ride as he figured out the storyline was a lot of fun.

We love it too. I love R's reaction too. That is just too cute.

DW headed in to Karamell Kuche to get her caramel corn

This is a must stop for me too.

It was quite an undertaking to get him away from there. I’m not sure how long we stayed there watching the trains, but he was running back and forth along the walkway in the middle of the train set watching them and really having a lot of fun with it.

I'm so glad he found something he really likes. All of my kids have enjoyed this and I hope they don't take it out.

We got one of each and DW determined that the Grey Goose Citron Lemon slush is the best thing in all of World Showcase.

I haven't had the Citron but I have had the orange and try to get it every trip. So refreshing.

It was about 8:45 when we got there so the FP line was virtually empty. We basically walked right on so it was definitely much better than it would have been if we’d tried to use the RS when we were there earlier.

Perfect timing.

I would say that your Epcot day was a win. This is usually the park we have the most blow ups.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Wow, your kids were troopers! Staying in the park all day is not easy to do!

My daughter always makes her car for speed on TT!

The people on the bus must have thought it was a party bus

We love the Gran Fiesta ride and the food in Mexico! This is a wonderful Pavilion!

 

[franandaj]

After our bus experience on our first day, I was already at the point of swearing off the bus system and just driving to the parks. I always seem to get to that point, but this trip it happened sooner than usual.

We don't really ever have this option unless we want to spend OOP and rent a car, which we usually don't want to do.....

The kids and I were ready. That’s all I can say here. Moving on...

In the rush to finish getting ready and leave, she left her phone in the room!

I asked her if she really needed it.

Well... I guess not.

Then don’t worry about it!

I would have jumped off that bus and said, "See you at Epcot!" At least with my phone I can call and find out where you are!

As I completely expected when I had to decide a few months ago which Group A FP attraction to ride Standby at Rope Drop, TT would not be opening at Rope Drop.

We didn’t want to cross the park, as we had FP for the whole morning on this side of the park, so we just chose to stand around waiting.

Awesome.



Glad we got up and rushed to get to EPCOT early.

Of course. Also one of the reasons we don't try and rope drop. We are not early morning people and it always backfires on us when we try.

we decided to meet Anna and Elsa.



R was having none of it.

Quite the bummer.....

I have to say Anna and Elsa were on their A game. They both spent what seemed like a few minutes chatting and interacting with the kids. Even though R obviously didn’t want to go see them, both of them acknowledged him and tried to get him to interact.

That was really sweet of them to try

Anybody else feel that way about that ride or am I just nuts?

Ok, don’t answer that last part.

Well not that I think you're nuts, but I just didn't know that ride well enough to know where the troll was or anything else.

Normally, I love the long, relaxing ride through the history of communication on our fine planet.

But this time, it was long and painful.

Not only that, but the ride stopped long enough for them to really hammer into our heads how awesome Jesse Owens was in the 1936 Olympics. I couldn’t even tell you how many times we saw that film loop.

R eventually calmed down a little bit after the initial shock, but the whole ride we’d still hear the occasional scream of “My shoe! My shoe!”

R was reunited with his Croc and was once again happy.

Well at least you have that going for you.....

We had kind of an awkward interaction with a CM in front of the Land Pavilion. I paused with the stroller to get R out and then was going to go park it. A CM approaches us and offered to take the stroller and park it for us. I told her thanks, but I’d just go do it. She gave me kind of a funny look like she wondered what my problem was.

Maybe I'm the weird one, but there was a chance of rain so I just wanted to go park it, make sure the rain cover was on and stash the bag that we leave with the stroller so that it would stay dry.

I'm sure they think that they are helping you out by parking your stroller, when in all honesty they are trying to maintain order in the stroller parking lot and don't give a darned about your stroller, other than it is parked in line with all the others, taking up the least amount of space and making it easy to fill a large area as efficiently as possible. You both had your own goals and they weren't really in sync.

Bob was very adamant that since we were on the dining plan, we needed to take advantage of the fact that we’d get drinks with our meal and an additional specialty drink or alcoholic beverage. I forget what DW got, but I ordered a Yuengling. I typically don’t really want beer when it is really hot like that... it just makes me feel dehydrated. And we were planning to enjoy a few speciatly beverages around WS later so I really just wanted to hydrate myself up at this point, but when he made me feel like I was being wasteful by not getting one...

Well you know, he does have a point.....

I’m going to just say it now, we did 4 character meals this trip. Hands down, this one was the best. From the food, to the service, to the character interaction, this one checked all the boxes.

That's great to hear, we did this one 20 years ago and really liked it, but it hasn't been on our radar since. Not sure if it will go back on the list, but good to know it's a solid character meal. I always like the "buffet at your table meals."

While we were at lunch, I was able to grab a 2pm FP for Test Track. DW had decided she spent long enough without a phone though and was going back to CBR. She said that she’d take R back and try to get him to nap and I could stay at EPCOT with the 2 older kids.

Nice on the TT snag of FP. I don't know how she waited that long without a phone. I would have been dying. Then again, I am the lifeline of our world when it comes to the phone and while I don't always want to be in touch, I "need" to be, because I am the lifeline for our tenants and it could be the difference between a blown flexline getting fixed or who knows what if the tenant doesn't know what to do....

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

L wanted to go for power, but chose the supercharged engine instead of the plasma burner, just because it sounded cooler so we left a little bit of power on the table. We did manage to adequately kill our efficiency rating though.

Acceptable. But you can still go for single digits!

When the kids went to grab their bottles, the water had heated to the point where they were literally too hot to even hold in your hand.

L made sure to remind DW that he needed an insulated water bottle approximately 500 times a day the rest of the trip.

Only need to learn that lesson once!

After our snack, we decided to visit everyone’s favorite purple dragon on a ride that isn’t quite everyone’s favorite ride.

After we reunited, I got the lowdown on the bus situation. Apparently there was a relatively large family. They sent momma out to wait for the bus. She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2). But it wasn't just him. There was a group of about 6 that came out with him. One of them apparently got a little too thirsty and couldn't wait until they got to EPCOT. He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

Goodness gracious. What is with people?

As for operation nap for R... total fail. Didn’t fall asleep in the room or on the bus.

So you had that going for you, which is nice.

The FP line was quite a long wait too. I was waiting with R for about 45 minutes by the time they waited, rode and made it back out

Good grief. Let's start calling it the Slowpass.

As I mentioned in the PTR Soarin was a ride we decided we’d be ok skipping if we couldn’t make all the top tier attractions work.

Unpopular opinion, but I’ve never been a huge fan of it. The transitions from scene to scene even in the original made it hard for me to really buy into the feeling of flying and the new version with it’s over use of CGI and curved landmarks is just bad. It was always a ride that we do, but it just hasn’t ever really been my favorite.

The California version was so much better.

After dinner it was time for the one thing we can’t skip if we’re in Mexico. It was obviously time to ride It’s a Small Mexico.

And you can’t just ride it once.

Really?

No.

No, seriously?

I was overruled so we headed out.

I know that feeling, believe me.

It was quite an undertaking to get him away from there. I’m not sure how long we stayed there watching the trains, but he was running back and forth along the walkway in the middle of the train set watching them and really having a lot of fun with it.

Cool. Can't beat a good old-fashioned train set.

We managed to spend all day in EPCOT from Rope Drop to closing time! They did a lot of walking that day, and frankly, they were very well behaved. There wasn’t much in the way of whining or complaining from either of them so I wanted to make a big deal about it to let them know we appreciated their good attitudes and behavior.

That's awesome!

Our bus ride back was kind of uneventful..

Didn't bring any beer back with you, I guess?

 

[pkondz]

another ride on the Green side. As much as the kids enjoyed it the first time and were looking forward to it, our second ride was a little less exciting.

Yeah, I've experienced that. "Wow, Dad! That was fun! Can we go again?"... "That wasn't as much fun as the first time."

we left a little bit of power on the table. We did manage to adequately kill our efficiency rating though.

I got on MDE to see if we could find something for Soarin later in the day. Fortunately, there were some FP available sometime around 5 PM

Huh! I remember when Soarin' was the hottest ticket in town and FPs were gone for the day early.

I went to get our drinks. DW and I had a little conversation before our trip about the cups we were taking. She packed some metal bottles that the kids had from school. She thought they were insulated because they were metal.

I didn’t agree with her conclusion, and I'd questioned it before we left for our trip when L happened to be standing there.

When the kids went to grab their bottles, the water had heated to the point where they were literally too hot to even hold in your hand.

Except DW is right. You must have done something wrong, obviously.

L made sure to remind DW that he needed an insulated water bottle approximately 500 times a day the rest of the trip.

Since their water was undrinkable, we drained DW’s bottle and mine before heading off in search of some Mickey ice cream bars.

I actually prefer ice cream over water, myself.

After our snack, we decided to visit everyone’s favorite purple dragon on a ride that isn’t quite everyone’s favorite ride.

Finally got on the bus. They loaded a lady in an ECV and then she asked the bus driver to wait for her husband.

15 minutes later.

Husband is here. Also in an ECV. They’re loading him now.

About 10 minutes after that:

And now we're stopped along the road because somebody opened a beer on the bus.

You're kidding!

The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

Wow! Really! I didn't know they'd do that. Then again, I've never heard of anyone cracking open a beer on a bus either.

This is the one time I almost wished I had been on the bus instead of in the park.

I waited with R and having missed out on napping he was a handful to keep entertained.

oohhh… yeah. I remember the "missed nap" days.

the new version with it’s over use of CGI and curved landmarks is just bad.

It is. I like it... but only if I sit in the dead center. Otherwise it's awful.

We always enjoy going to La Cantina to get some nachos.

I have yet to eat in there.

After dinner it was time for the one thing we can’t skip if we’re in Mexico. It was obviously time to ride It’s a Small Mexico.

And you can’t just ride it once.

No.

Of course not!

Our kids love this ride and it’s always nice to at least have one ride that allows for an immediate re-ride when the kids get off and ask to do it again.

Glad to hear they like it so much.

And on top of that, hearing R say “Where’s Donald? There he is!” several different times through the ride as he figured out the storyline was a lot of fun.

Awww...

DW headed in to Karamell Kuche

Yum. I'm going with her.

R became hypnotized by the trains.

I am the same way.

It was quite an undertaking to get him away from there. I’m not sure how long we stayed there watching the trains, but he was running back and forth along the walkway in the middle of the train set watching them and really having a lot of fun with it.

I am the same way.

ahem

DW determined that the Grey Goose Citron Lemon slush is the best thing in all of World Showcase... even superior to her beloved margaritas.

I high fived L and B and told them they did a good job that day.

Great!

Our bus ride back was kind of uneventful...

No one opened a beer?

 

[LeiaIsAPrincess2]

Wow, your wife must have been ready to pull her hair out on that bus ride! At least she could get her own drinks once she finally made it to Epcot

 

[franandaj]

Yes, Disney Buses are Dry

You went somewhere completely different than I had expected when I clicked on the link.

then headed straight to Mission Space for another ride on the Green side.

Soon after our flight it was time to use our FP that I was able to get for TT.

When we finished our ride, I got on MDE to see if we could find something for Soarin later in the day. Fortunately, there were some FP available sometime around 5 PM so I grabbed them.

You were having some great luck with the App and rides that day.

DW and I had a little conversation before our trip about the cups we were taking. She packed some metal bottles that the kids had from school. She thought they were insulated because they were metal.

I didn’t agree with her conclusion, and I'd questioned it before we left for our trip when L happened to be standing there.

When the kids went to grab their bottles, the water had heated to the point where they were literally too hot to even hold in your hand.

You are totally right on this. I had a set of metal bottles that would "sweat" on the outside when I filled them with ice water. I now use a brand called Kleen Kanteen which are fully insulated and keeps my water cold even when it sits in a hot car in So Cal sun.

we decided to visit everyone’s favorite purple dragon on a ride that isn’t quite everyone’s favorite ride.

You're just hitting all the big ones!

They loaded a lady in an ECV and then she asked the bus driver to wait for her husband.

15 minutes later.

Husband is here. Also in an ECV. They’re loading him now.

This should never happen.

They sent momma out to wait for the bus. She was ECV number 1. She boarded and then made a bit fuss to the bus driver about waiting for her husband (ECV 2).

This is absolutely rude. The bus driver should have told her, "I'm leaving, the rest of your party can get the next bus." But its Disney so he can't. Then if he'd disconnected her the rest of the part would have arrived just as he was cutting her loose. Can't win either way.

These are the people that make ECV riders hated by able bodied passengers.

He cracked a cold one open on the bus. The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

See now this is just dumb. You pour it into a plastic bottle with a screw top in the room, so no one hears you open it.

We always enjoy going to La Cantina to get some nachos.

Someday we'll have to try these. Do they have refried beans on them? Disney is trying to get healthy at all their restaurants and seem to be using black beans, (which I hate) instead of pinto beans.

Since it was shockingly a walk on we ended up riding it 3 times while we were there.

Three times is a charm!

We saw a bit of the Guardians of the Galaxy show as we walked past. We had planned to try to watch it at some point, but figured we’d come back on our next EPCOT day to see the whole thing so we didn’t linger very long.

I didnt know there was a Guardians of the Galaxy show. The way you keep mentioning all the things you plan to do with your parents when they get there sounds like foreshadowing.

When we got to France, DW and I got a couple of the slushes to try. We got one of each and DW determined that the Grey Goose Citron Lemon slush is the best thing in all of World Showcase... even superior to her beloved margaritas.

Yes that Grey Goose slushy is definitely one of the best things in WS.

We walked out of the Land and headed to the exit as the fireworks were going off for Illuminations. I high fived L and B and told them they did a good job that day. We managed to spend all day in EPCOT from Rope Drop to closing time! They did a lot of walking that day, and frankly, they were very well behaved.

Good job Dad! Nice to acknowledge good behavior to reinforce it.

 

[afwdwfan]

Hi everyone! I've not been in front of a computer much at all this week and my fingers are too fat to type responses of any sort on my phone. I haven't disappeared, but I'll need to try to catch up sometime this weekend or next week. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

What a perfect Epcot day and kudos to your kids for making you proud!
While it was fun to read about your wife’s bus journey I’m sure the reality was less than amusing for her! I’m betting she needed that first margarita so much!!

 

[ashw100]

B began to get scared and panic on us a bit, but thankfully they delay wasn’t too long and we were soon underway. She enjoyed the ride again, but just wasn’t happy with being locked in there and waiting.

Poor B, feeling stuck sucks.

The ride, as usual was a lot of fun!

Look at that pure joy, she is having a blast!

The bus driver heard/saw the beer being opened and immediately pulled over to the side of the road and made him get out and dump the beer out along the side of the road.

OMG what a wild ride

There wasn’t much in the way of whining or complaining from either of them so I wanted to make a big deal about it to let them know we appreciated their good attitudes and behavior.

Good for them, as an adult that’s hard. Good job with the positive reinforcement, hopefully that helped keep good attitudes throughout the trip.

 

[Dugette]

Wow, other than the bus debacle, sounds like a great Epcot day! Well behaved kids and a nice assortment of rides, wandering, and snacks/drinks. I miss Epcot!

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow! How frustrating for your wife on that bus, while funny, I'm sure it was just annoying to be stuck waiting for that whole family to figure out their lives.

Thankfully there was plenty of time and she wasn't in a hurry to get back. I almost regret not being there to witness this absurdity first hand.

Otherwise, sounds like an awesome and successful EPCOT day

It really was! I enjoy those times when you can just kind of go without a strict plan. Seems EPCOT is the one park that you can really get away with that.

Your daughter, in particular, appears delighted! I'm glad you found a Fastpass after your missed opportunity that morning.

They love that ride. The designing part and the fast part are always a hit for them.

He sure didn't let her forget it!

Not at all.

It's not often I burst out laughing or say the long version of "OMG" while reading these boards.

I did both while reading this sentence alone.



What a crazy bus ride! (And aren't you glad you weren't traveling with THAT family?!)

It just makes you wonder how some people get through day to day life.

Wow! That was a nice treat considering the crazy lines you'd experienced on other attractions thus far.

Thankfully we can always count on IASM.

Maybe not the best thing in World Showcase... but she's probably right that it's one of the best alcoholic things in World Showcase! I don't tend to drink more than a glass of wine now and again these days, but I fully intend to get a Grey Goose Slush when we go to Disney next year!

Spoiler... we return to that stand. More than once.

Good for them! They were obviously having a fun day which led to them being such good kids. I'm glad that you then had a fun day, too!

It was a nice day with them. DW, frankly, just doesn't like being in the parks all day so it worked out well for her and R to go back. Once I'm in the parks, I just don't want to leave so I think it kept everyone pretty well satisfied and happy with how the day worked out. L and B were all about riding all the rides we could so they had a blast.

Sounds like the 3 of you had some good quality time at Epcot! Though it sounds like you missed out on the REAL excitement that your wife got to experience on the bus. Some people

We had a great afternoon. I'm glad we were there instead of the bus, but I'm also a little bit disappointed that I missed that show!

Glad the fun continued when all of you reunited!

Sounds like it was a great day!!

It really was a great day. Always enjoy getting some time in WS with no real plan in mind.

Oh no 9 pages in and I just found your TR!!!! I'm holding my place and heading back to the beginning....

I'm glad to be back, but I'm way behind on things myself.

 

[afwdwfan]

Is there any other way to design a car on Test Track though?! Lol

If there is, I haven't found it!

It's on my favorites list!

Oh my! While it's hysterical to hear about (and hopefully now she can laugh about it), it definitely would not be amusing to be stuck on the bus while this is happening! #howdothesepeoplemakeitthroughaday

And there's that hashtag. Got another candidate for it coming up in the next update.

I agree. I ride it and I don't hate it but I could really take it or leave it!

Wow! You guys really do like it!

Well, the kids do. I'm fine sitting on a boat relaxing as long as I don't have to wait in line.

Woo! Awesome!

They rocked that day!

Oh my gosh, I can't believe someone thought it wise to crack open a beer on a bus. They were probably ten minutes away from a park with a vast array of alcoholic beverages, yet they couldn't wait that long. How crazy!

I can only assume they felt the need to pregame. I mean a beer in EPCOT is only about a 600% upcharge from one in a case from the store.

Kudos to your older kids for powering through a full day at Epcot. You've got them trained well! Bet it was a nice change to visit with kids who were old enough now to handle a full day in the biggest park versus when they were babies and you had to account for naps and lugging around diaper bags.

Yeah, it really was freeing to just leave that stroller where it sat and go. They did awesome and we had a lot of fun.

Your Test Track photo is great; your DD looked like she was having a blast!

She absolutely loves that part where we go outside and go fast.

Sadly I can believe this!!! I am suprised the bus driver didn't say no I can't wait. But he was probably in a tough spot with her bein gin an ECV.

Yes. And DW did say that she didn't say anything until the ECV was already loaded, so clearly she's done this before and knew that by the time the bus driver loaded her she could put them in a tough position.

We had someone get out to there seat on the airplane when it was taxing. And the plane had to stop right where it was. The person went to the bathroom. The stewardess were banging on the bathroom door for the person to go sit down. It was crazy. We sat for 10 minutes waiting for this person!

Some people are just more important than us...

Our society scares me, sometimes.

I think that is part of the allure! Being able to ride it more than once. How many rides can you say that about in Disney?

Exactly! This isn't the most impressive ride by any stretch of the imagination. But it is dark, air conditioned and we can get right on it. A nice respite from a July afternoon and a win in my book.

 

[afwdwfan]

It sounds like a very fun and successful day at EPCOT!

It was!

Gosh, if what happened to your DW on the bus had happened to me, I think I would have lost my mind! So much commotion and excitement, without even being in a park!

I think it helped that there really wasn't any time crunch to get back, so she was able to appreciate the humor of that ridiculous situation.

Nachos and Margaritas sound like a great dinner while at the World Showcase!

I'll take it anytime!

Looks like fun!

Seriously???? What in the world is wrong with some people!

If only we knew...

Love Gran Fiesta and your name for it!

Thanks! It's a fun ride, but since I was little I always felt like that middle scene with the fiesta and all the kids was like a "Mexico" room from IASW. I don't remember when I started calling it It's a Small Mexico, but I've gotten to the point that I couldn't even tell you the real name of Gran Fiesta from memory.

Always a good choice!

Can't go past without stopping.

They did so well!

They really did! Proud dad moment.

Love this title!

I try to be creative. I usually fail, but every once in a while...

I bet they really enjoyed this. They're just the right age to go from ride to ride.

Everyone looks like they are having a blast!

Always a fun one!

Never let her live it down.

He doesn't mention it regularly since we've been home, but it comes up once in a while when he's getting a drink ready for soccer practice or something.

Only in Disney!

People never cease to amaze me.

To be a fly on the wall of that bus. Can you imagine what story the CM told that night.

There had to be a little extra venom in that "have a magical day."

We love it too. I love R's reaction too. That is just too cute.

This is a must stop for me too.

I'm so glad he found something he really likes. All of my kids have enjoyed this and I hope they don't take it out.

I really do appreciate that area. If it were to go away, it would certainly be missed. One of my favorite places to just stop for a while in WS.

I haven't had the Citron but I have had the orange and try to get it every trip. So refreshing.

They're both pretty good.

Perfect timing.

I would say that your Epcot day was a win. This is usually the park we have the most blow ups.

We usually do pretty well at EPCOT. The only downside is that sometimes the kids get bored with WS and that causes issues. Otherwise, I think it is a park where aside from RD priorities you can really take a relaxed "no plans" approach and you can still do pretty much whatever you want.

Wow, your kids were troopers! Staying in the park all day is not easy to do!

They take after me in that regard.

My daughter always makes her car for speed on TT!

Is there any other option?

The people on the bus must have thought it was a party bus

That will be the next upcharge option Disney offers.

We love the Gran Fiesta ride and the food in Mexico! This is a wonderful Pavilion!

Overall, I'd have to say it is my favorite pavilion.

 

[afwdwfan]

We don't really ever have this option unless we want to spend OOP and rent a car, which we usually don't want to do.....

Valid point. Probably the same for us if we were flying instead of driving.

I would have jumped off that bus and said, "See you at Epcot!" At least with my phone I can call and find out where you are!

Of course. Also one of the reasons we don't try and rope drop. We are not early morning people and it always backfires on us when we try.

I'm a big fan of it. I like to beat the heat and the crowds. Seems we can usually do more in the first hour than we can do in 3 hours if we can make it there that early. Unless everything is closed.

That was really sweet of them to try

A&E are always great to meet and they really lived up to it. Too bad he wouldn't go along with it.

Well not that I think you're nuts, but I just didn't know that ride well enough to know where the troll was or anything else.

Totally understandable. I just have all these random memories that go back to EPCOT's early days. My first trip was a couple of years after it opened, and some of my earliest memories are from that park (and ironically not MK.)

Well at least you have that going for you.....

Would have been nice to find it sooner, but at least he had shoes again.

I'm sure they think that they are helping you out by parking your stroller, when in all honesty they are trying to maintain order in the stroller parking lot and don't give a darned about your stroller, other than it is parked in line with all the others, taking up the least amount of space and making it easy to fill a large area as efficiently as possible. You both had your own goals and they weren't really in sync.

Good point.

Well you know, he does have a point.....

That's great to hear, we did this one 20 years ago and really liked it, but it hasn't been on our radar since. Not sure if it will go back on the list, but good to know it's a solid character meal. I always like the "buffet at your table meals."

The couple of times we've done it, it has been consistently good.

Nice on the TT snag of FP. I don't know how she waited that long without a phone. I would have been dying. Then again, I am the lifeline of our world when it comes to the phone and while I don't always want to be in touch, I "need" to be, because I am the lifeline for our tenants and it could be the difference between a blown flexline getting fixed or who knows what if the tenant doesn't know what to do....

True... in our case, I'd been doing the planning and FP procurement and everything anyway so it wasn't a big deal in the park for her not to have one. There wasn't anything major going on at home we had to worry about so we just sent a text to her parents and sister that if anyone needed to get her for some reason to call me.

Acceptable. But you can still go for single digits!

It is good to have goals.

Only need to learn that lesson once!

And it has to come from somewhere other than me.

Goodness gracious. What is with people?

We live in a strange world...

So you had that going for you, which is nice.

Good grief. Let's start calling it the Slowpass.

I'm on board.

The California version was so much better.

Really?

No, seriously?

I know that feeling, believe me.

Ironically enough, I'm usually the budget committee for our trips.

Cool. Can't beat a good old-fashioned train set.

Always a winner in my book.

That's awesome!

They were awesome that day.

Didn't bring any beer back with you, I guess?

Remember that insulated water bottle I mentioned...