It was another relaxed start to the day. Shortly before 10am, Kevin, Athena and myself headed to Disney Springs and Starbucks.
It was very busy so we sat outside to eat our breakfast. I had a green tea frappe and a delicious toasted bagel (American bagels are the BEST – which is why I’ve been having one nearly every day).
We then checked out all the shops we hadn’t yet visited.
The Marvel store was a surprise for Athena. I knew about it but hadn’t told them.
The guy working here had a big in depth conversation about the movies with Athena.
I still can’t get over just how beautiful Disney Springs is.
The Kipling store…
Didn’t go here but I hear the burgers are good and it looks super cute…
Outside guest relations…
Kevin’s selfie with lego Buzz…
This amazing huge lego sculpture…
After our explorations, Athena was in pain again – having walked today instead of taking the scooter. We dropped them back at the resort and Kevin and I went to get some groceries. We first stopped at Walgreens for some medical supplies (not realizing the supermarket also had a chemist).
We chose to visit Publix this time.
Such a lovely store. We really enjoyed shopping here until we came across the live lobsters for sale :-(. Don’t like the fact that they could be bought and boiled alive – so we won’t be shopping here again.
They did have a lovely salad bar so I made myself another salad for lunch. It’s interesting that you always get mandarin segments for your salads here – whereas in Australia it’s normally pineapple. I don’t mind as long I get some fruit. Kevin got some clam chowder, Athena some Asian and Christy some mac n cheese.
Back home Kevin and I sat out on the balcony to eat our lunch. Athena had fallen asleep and Christy was busy watching some TV shows.
We had a few hours rest and then, after a few false starts, headed to EPCOT with the plan to explore some more of World Showcase and see Illuminations.
Christy opted to go and do more rides instead of World Showcase.
First stop around the world was Mexico.
The ride here – Gran Fiesta Tour – is pretty cute.
Then was on to Norway. Not sure if the lines for the Frozen ride or meeting Anna & Elsa will ever be short enough for us to do but maybe later in the trip.
On our way to China Kevin found this rather weird Flamingo hat. Much as I love flamingos we didn’t buy the hat :-).
China…
Unfortunately I started to experience a lot of foot pain here so opted to sit outside and wait while Athena & Kevin checked out the shops.
Sunset view of the lagoon…
Germany – and it’s performers…
As you can see the park was rather crowded.
Athena was kind enough to let me ride the scooter for a bit and it was very much appreciated.
We went around to Japan to have dinner. Unfortunately the only thing vegetarian was sushi – which Kevin got for me – but I really don’t like sushi. I did try it but like it. Kevin also didn’t like his teriyaki chicken so I ate his plain rice. Athena thought the chicken was okay. We had such a nice meal here 4 years ago so it was rather disappointing. Nice atmosphere though.
We headed back to Italy..
And then to Germany…
It was only about 7.30pm by now so no-one really wanted to wait until 9.30pm for Illuminations. So we agreed to meet Christy at Spaceship Earth and ride that before heading home.
Isn’t the Christmas tree absolutely stunning at night? Despite the crowds I’m glad we got to experience EPCOT at night.
On the way out Athena did their first pin trading (only just having bought pins this morning). Both the kids have pins at home from previous trips but none they wanted to part with.
Back home I had an Amy’s dinner, downloaded the cameras and was in bed just as Illuminations would have started :-).
Thanks for the photos Libby, all the food looks yummy and glad you’re all having a great time together as a family.
I love the shopping blogs! Bagels are tasty. I didn’t know you could buy Kipling monkeys by themselves. Epcot is beautiful at night.