Life is a Journey

We were up and out the door to EPCOT in time for opening again today. As we headed to Mission Space we saw that Test Track was open (official opening is not for a few more days) so we quickly headed over there.

This is been totally revamped since we were last here and you now start by designing your own vehicle. This is Kevin and Amy’s.

And this sparkly one was Christy’s design.

The ride is still pretty cool. The best part outside, is just the same. The girls loved it when the car went so fast and I’m pretty sure I’ve got some funny video of our hair going everywhere.

After this we went to Mission Space. Kevin and I opted for the green (less motion) mission. We’ve both done Red before and will never do it again. They don’t provide vomit bags for no reason.

However, one inside I had a panic attack at the enclosed space and wanted to get out. Luckily Kevin suggested I close my eyes, which I did while imaging outside spaces. Funny how things have changed – 8 years ago I wasn’t bothered by this at. Anyway, after a while I did open my eyes and the screen was showing things in the distance so I was able to watch and be okay. The girls loved the red ride and can’t understand what all the fuss was about.

We then headed to the Universe of Energy. Still cute but really does need an update. We actually thought that of quite a few of the attractions, esp. ones showing really antique computers.

By now World Showcase was open so we started our walk around the world. It was such a gorgeous day out and such a beautiful place.

Our first country was Mexico.

Where we had some sombrero fun. When I came to the USA as a child I really wanted one but wasn’t allowed (instead I got a stuffed poodle) so it’s a bit of family joke.

We went on the ride, which is a bit like a Small World.

Then outside we got to meet Donald!!

Next on our journey was Norway. It was so beautiful but I don’t seem to have many photos.

We rode Maelstrom (which I thought was a little lame) and Kevin bought this hat.

We had decided to try food from most countries, which we had desert first. Both of these Norwegian pastries were to die for. SOOO good.

We walked on to China, where we watched a movie about the country.

On our way to Germany we came across a man making these amazing glass ornaments. I bought this snowman and a mickey head (engraved with 2012).

Then Germany – can’t believe we’ll be in the real one in April. There was nothing vegetarian to eat here so we just browsed the shops…

and moved onto Italy. We did find pizza here but it was crazily expensive.

So we walked on to Japan.

where we managed to find some amazing udon noodles – which Amy and I shared. Kevin has sushi and Christy had some rice.

We continued our adventure to Morocco.

Aren’t all the building just amazing? You really do feel like you could be in the various countries.

Christy and I heard about how Moroccan’s celebrate their holidays and Christy even got some dance lessons.

Here we bought a falafel wrap to share. Yum. I’ve missed my falafels.

We also shared the almond baklava, which was SOOO good.

As we neared the end of our trip around the world we visited France – where we saw a movie about the country.

We would have bought a french pastry but the line was too long. We headed back to entrance, making a brief stop in the UK for Amy to buy some shirts for her friends.

I then had 15mins all to myself while the other three rode Spaceship Earth one last time. I have to confess I really did enjoy the peace of that 15mins :-).

We went home via the supermarket to pick up something for dinner. We got some spring rolls, potato bake and mashed sweet potato. It might not look too appetizing but it really did taste amazing.

After last nights very late night it was a very slow morning around here (though I was still up before 7am). I played on my laptop as one by one everyone woke up. Christy was up around 10am so I made french toast for the two of us. I had mine with a protein shake and some strawberries.

We then did a bit of “smashing” until it was time to head off to the Animal Kingdom around 12pm.

Of course, we had to catch the tram today as we were parked a bit further away from the front gate. Once inside we headed to Dinoland. Along with way I spotted Dibs – you might recall I fell in love with these last year at Disneyland.

We proceeded on to see Finding Nemo the musical.

While the music wasn’t anything outstanding (not like the usual Disney standard) I thought the puppetry and set was amazing. The girls enjoyed it but Kevin was unimpressed.

We were getting hungry by now so went to have lunch.

Amy and I had the vegetarian sub, which, although it doesn’t look much, was truly delicious. Would have been perfect on a healthier roll.

The girls were super keen to ride Dinosaur. It’s definitely not one of my fav. rides but the girls proceeded to ride a second time.

I really wanted to get the purple vegetarian t-shirt in the gift shop but they only had teen sizes. The shop assistant thought I might have more luck with the carnivore top!!!!!

Next up was Primeval Whirl…

which happened to break down while we were on it. We had to wait for a cast member to come and escort us off the ride. I guess if it had to happened it wasn’t a bad ride for it as it was outside in the fresh air.

We then had to proceed quickly and find a spot for the parade. We actually found the perfect spot and only had to wait 10mins.

The parade was good, but not great. Not as good as the one I’d last seen here, though I’m sure some of the lost sparkle is because the girls are older and not as mad for the characters as they once were.

After this we headed to Camp Minnie & Mickey…. where Christy and I got to meet Chip and Dale.

Before we went to see Festival of the Lion King, which was as good as we all remembered.

Everyone wanted to complete a ride on Primeval Whirl (not really sure why as it wasn’t that good) but we went back to Dinoland to do it in full this time. Christy loved it, Kevin & I not so much. Mabye we’re just getting too old.

It was 5.30pm now and we had a dinner reservation for 5.45pm which we were not going to be on time for so we left the park, stopping for a pic beside the Christmas tree…

then drove to….

We’ve stayed at the main lodge before but this time we headed to the villas. What a place. Just gorgeous.

We had a booking for Sanaa, which I thought was an African resturant, but it turned out to be more Indian.

It was an amazing place to eat. We were in one of the (hut) booths.

We started with some breads – which were oh, so yummy.

I then had the sampler – first two on the menu. It was okay but I didn’t eat much. Kevin loved his meal and Christy adored her pizza (made on naan bread). I’m still very glad we came here as the setting and bread made up for any shortcomings in the main meal (which was probably just bad choices on my behalf).

The girls and I were tired and wanted to head home but Kevin was keen to visit Walmart (and wanted to get a new shaver).

Amazing we all perked up once we walked in the stores. The girls were amazed by the size, not remembering from their last visit. And I was jealous when I saw the prebagged chopped kale.

We picked up a few groceries then explored the rest of the shop. Amy picked up some posters for her and her friends.

I really wanted to buy this wreath, but didn’t, and was even more jealous of all the Christmas goodies available to buy.

I did, however, indulge in some makeup buying. Not too much though as we’re still to visit Sephora. But look at those prices! We get so ripped off in Australia. $10 in Australia, $2.93 in the US!!!!

We finished here and headed home, tired but happy.

We had a bit of a slower start this morning and didn’t leave until 10am, for the short drive to Downtown Disney. Unfortunately it was Sunday morning and there were rather a lot of people doing their Christmas/holiday shopping. Plus, they probably had a 20% off vochure for World of Disney like we did.

Our first stop of the day was the Christmas shop.

So pretty. This fireplace is in the store. I’ve been taking plenty of video and hope to do a series of vlogs when I get home.

In another store you can design your own t-shirt. Christy comtemplated this one….

We had a morning snack and I chose this amazing cookie to share with Christy. Mind you, I still haven’t finished it as it was so big.

We had fun with this mirror.

And the girls and I fell in love with Basin, a Lush like store.

Finally we went to World of Disney and managed to get some gifts to take home. The store is gorgeous. Shame it was so busy.

For lunch we had a booking a T-Rex. We’ve never eaten here before and it was quite the experience.

Lots of big dinosaurs and even more noise. Definitely not the place for a romantic meal.

The food, however, was delicious and Amy & I shared this yummy tri-coloured tortellini.

Instead of having a break we headed to Disney Quest, as the far end of Downtown Disney.

I did try to have a rest though as my arthritis was, unfortunately, rather bad today. The girls and Kevin went on this ride. Then the girls designed (and rode) their own roller coaster – which is what they had really wanted to do here. In amongst all this Amy realized she had lost her phone…. luckily is was till on the ride.

At 4.30pm we headed to the car, drove and monorailed to the Magic Kingdom for…..

First up we went to meet some Princesses….

then the main man mouse himself…. the star of the show….MICKEY MOUSE!!!!

We rode Pirates and then had dinner at Pinocchio’s Village Haus- flat bread pizza (yep, pizza two nights in a row!). Rather delicious.

By now the day crowds had left and only the party goes remained (gee, never thought I’d refer to myself as a party goer :-)). We rode the carousel….

and Peter Pan….

Then headed to the Castle Forecourt for the “celebrate the season” show which was very cute.

Doesn’t Cinderella’s Castle look amazing?

We then rode the Haunted Mansion and It’s a small world.

Before heading back to Main Street for Celebrate the Magic – projections on the castle. Love it!

And then the Holiday Wishes fireworks show. Just magical (even with Christy whinging that she couldn’t see).

We then headed up Main Street, getting some free cookies on the way (never did get the free cocoa) …

and finding a prime viewing spot for the parade.

We had a bit of wait but finally Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade began… and it was truely magical.

After the parade Kevin and I found some rocking chairs (yep, you read that right) to “rock” in while the girls headed off for one last ride on Space Mountain. We then left the park and caught the ferry (the line for the monorail was VERY long) to the transport center and walked the short distance to our car (the line for the trams was long too). So we had a pretty speedy exit from the park which was very much appreciated by my weary body. We were back home and in bed by 12.30am. I had a cup of tea and read a few blogs before going to sleep around 1am.