Trip Report: For the First Time in Forever

If you missed the last update, you can find it here.

After lunch we had to head for the World Showcase because we had Frozen FastPasses. 

We stopped in the Odyssey building on our way. My parents wanted to check out the craft beer stuff because my brother is a huge craft beer fan.

I mostly looked at the Epcot 35 artwork they had hanging up.

They bought my brother a growler. I changed camera batteries and got a new SD card. Then we were on our way again.

World Showcase was a little busy, but it could've been worse.

And we were at Norway in no time. I really enjoyed the attraction. The projections and animatronics are very well done. The Let it Go scene is pretty cool and a good use of that ride feature from Maelstrom. I'm glad we have another FastPass scheduled for later in the trip.

We checked out the gift shops in Norway for a little bit. Someday I'll buy something Helly Hanson just because my initials are also HH.

We continued to walk around the world and stopped in France to watch the movie. There was a little bit of a wait, but at least it was in the AC.

It was a nice video, but sitting in a cool theatre with little to keep you captivated can lead to napping. The film could be updated and maybe get a new narrator. Like Martin Short is great in O'Canada.

We stopped in the gift shop to buy some water, but there wasn't any. Denise did a pressed penny.

Then, it was time to head out. There was some bottled water at the shop by the International Gateway. So, we bought some water and then waited for a boat.

Up next: More New Things

Trip Report: Eating with the Fishes

If you missed the last update, you can check it out here.

Now, it was time for lunch at the Coral Reef. My parents had eaten here on their last trip. I'd never been before-mainly because I don't like/eat seafood.

We were at the far end of the restaurant, but right next to the tank. The restaurant is tiered though so you can always see the tank.

There was a cool fish we kept seeing which I was calling unicorn fish.

Guess what? 

That's their actual name.

It was hard to eat because I just wanted to watch the fish. I did set up my camera and film a time lapse of the fish swimming by us during our meal.

The bread was just meh. Dad got steak which he said was nice and tender. Denise got the salmon with seasonal risotto which was mushroom. She said it was delicious and light which is nice when its hot.

I got the chicken breast which came with a corn tamale and black beans. I would have preferred it without skin because I don't like chicken skin. And it was a little dry. The tamale and black beans were good.

I don't feel the need to eat here again. It was a decent meal and the atmosphere was fantastic. But there are so many other restaurants I like more or want to try.

Up next: For the First Time in Forever

Trip Report: Columbus Day=High Crowds

If you missed the last update, you can check it out here.

I arrived at Epcot and made my way through security. My parents weren't there yet so I headed to the Imagination gift shop. This way I could pick out some merchandise. I did ask them to join me so I could steal their discount.

I actually spent less than $100 which I think may be the least amount I've ever spent in that store/on Figment merch.

Then we went to Spaceship Earth because our FastPass was almost expired. But the line wrapped around the building. I'm sure it wouldn't have been horrible, but since we had a lunch reservation at 11:40, we didn't want to push it.

So, instead we were off to the Living Seas. The Nemo ride had a forty minute wait so we passed and just checked out the aquarium. The Columbus Day holiday was certainly making the crowds a little crazy. 

It's nice to see all the different creatures. Manatees are my favorite animals so I had to visit them. I also like sharks and sea turtles.

There was one tank with a huge sea turtle in it. That was just so awe inspiring to watch.

Then, we saw Mickey diving in that tank. We don't know what was going on, but he swam to the other side of the tank. Maybe there's a room or something over there. No matter what, it was cool and something different to see.

Up next: Eating with the Fishes

Trip Report: Bus Drama...

If you missed the last post, you can check it out here.

Welcome to Day 3 of your vacation.

Today was going to have a later start because we planned on meeting at Epcot at 10 AM.

I figured I would wake up at 8 AM, but I kept hitting snooze. Apparently, last night took a lot out of me. So, I ended up getting out of bed a little before 9.

And I forgot to get a knife for my cream cheese, so no breakfast for me on top of running late. I filled my mug with some iced tea at the food court and then went to the bus stop.

The TV thing said the next Epcot bus should be there at 9:26. The line was already out past the chains so I wasn't even sure I'd make the first bus.

I didn't. Just barely.

There was a family of four in front of me that were the first people denied entry. Maybe 5-10 minutes later another bus showed up and we were on our way. The Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios lines were even worse so I'm glad I wasn't going there.

I was a little worried about being late, but my parents were delayed because of monorail trouble.

Now, I want to take a moment to complain. Sorry if that is annoying.

I want to get to the parks as fast as the next person, but buses (and any transportation) is not instant. Just because an Animal Kingdom bus comes when it isn't necessarily needed doesn't mean you can just change it to another park.

Maybe it's because I've worked in workforce management, but I get the logistics behind it all. So, as Kathy Werling from the Dis would say-pack your patience.

Ok, that's it. The next post will be less preachy and complaining.

Up next: Columbus Day=High Crowds