Life is a Journey

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 :-).

Unfortunately I was right with my prediction of how I would feel this morning and I woke with a lot of a body pain and a bad headache. I took my meds, turned off the lights and closed the blinds and hoped I’d improve. It was not to be though, so I opted to take a fibro time out for the morning.

Since it was the 1st December, Christy and Athena opened their Disney chocolate calendars that we had purchased from Goofy’s Candy Store.

The rest of the family decided to head back to the Animal Kingdom. Kevin and Athena both vlogged but as you can tell from the photo below Kevin had a few failed attempts – getting photos instead of video.

They did the safari we’d missed the other day.

Had Starbucks for breakfast…

Saw this cute squirrel…

Christy rode Expedition Everest 7 times as a single rider before starting to feel a little squimish. Athena and Kevin visited the Wilderness Explorer places and checked out more of Dinoland.

When they got back around 12.15pm we decided to go have lunch at one of the resort cafes and then have a swim. Christy stayed behind because she just wanted to rest. I still wasn’t feeling great but hoped getting out would see me improve. And it seemed to work.

This is the view we could have had if we were on the other side of the building.

Took some more photos today to show you the resort. Our building (no.5) is on the right. Last time we stayed in the one on the left.

We went to the Back Bay Bar & Grill (which is part of the hotel).

I had the Floridian Salad which was very yummy.

Kevin enjoyed a chicken & avocado melt but Athena found the wrap too spicy (with their funny tummy) so just ate the fries.

We stopped for a swing on the way back to the lazy river…

where we enjoyed floating around for a few laps…

Then it was back to our apartment where I showered and an hour or so later we headed to the Hollywood Studios. Knowing I wasn’t feeling great and due to visiting two parks in the same day, Kevin had bought the preferred parking (an extra $15) so we could park closer. Doing this they discovered we can just ask for medical parking since we have the scooter.

I love how this park looks, especially when it’s decorated for Christmas, but I did miss seeing Mickey’s sorcerers hat.

Since I still had a massive headache I opted not to ride Star Tours, which we had fast passes for. Kevin enjoyed it but the kids just said was okay and didn’t make any sense since they hadn’t seen all the Star Wars movies.

We then watch Muppet Vision in 3D, which I always enjoy.

And we loved this movie poster :-).

We then bought some Christmas decorations at a little Christmas shop. Love these themed shoes – so cute.

Kevin got a little bored (after picking out his Merida ornament) and went to wait outside.

From the moment we had entered the park Kevin had been going on about churros (having moved on from chocolate bananas) so was very happy when he finally got one. I had just got a refill of popcorn.

We then checked out some of the shops and admired the Christmas decorations.

Had some photos taken.

Thee was still in the shop when Christy jumped into our photo session.

I bought this Merida for Kevin’s birthday – we have a few pieces by Jim Shore and I love his style. I also got a Jack Skellington as Santa.

Then the moment we’d all been waiting for – it was time to ride the Tower of Terror.

Love that I caught this couple about to kiss in the lobby.

Such a fun ride. Another family fav.

Then it was time for Rock n Roller Coaster – which is my fav.

And it was just as fun as I remembered. And remains my fav :-).

Kevin got himself another churro and I opted to have a Mickey Pretzel. Not as good as I remembered (though I think the Wetzels Pretzels are the better ones) but I ate it all (with some help from Kevin) while we waited for Fantasmic. Unfortunately Kevin stole some before I could get a photo !!

We were seated in the back row right by the entrance but the view was still great (and it meant a quick easy getaway at the end). Of course, everyone was on their phones as we waited for the 15mins or so for the show to start. Do you like Christy’s new night ears?

Athena loved Fantasmic. Kevin and I enjoyed it but wouldn’t rave about it (but we’ve seen World of Colour so it’s hard for anything to live up to that).

On the way back to the car we stopped to admire the gorgeous Christmas tree all lit up.

Then it was back to our room for dinner and a brief relax before heading to bed around 9pm.

Today was supposed to be a “rest” day so we had a relaxed morning. Everyone slept as long as they wanted (though I was up about 5am after a good 8 hours sleep),Kevin & Athena went on a Starbucks run, I cooked breakfast including some hash browns and we eventually headed out the door about 9.45 to do some shopping at the Outlet Mall.

Most of the shops we just weren’t interested in but we did visit Kippling (where the kids both got bags and I now regret not getting one), the Disney store (which I was dissapointed in but I guess it just depends what you’re looking for – Athena picked up a few things)…

and Build a bear – loved these cute reindeers…

There we a few other stores before we stopped for a break in the food court. I promptly spotted a sign for a peppermint bark iced choc. I LOVE these so much and we don’t get them in Australia.

I just wanted a small one but it’s probably a medium in Australian sizes so I only drank about half. It was so good.

We then went to sketchers, Forever 21 (where Thee got a few skirts), Crocs (where everyone but myself got some new shoes), Lane Byrant (where I made my first purchase of the day) and finally Bath & Body Works.

I was so excited and pleased to see that Peppermint Twist is still available and pretty much got one of everything in that range. We also got LOTS of the pocket backs – about 30 I think!!

Kevin was kind enough to help carry all the bags.

We left about 1.30pm happy with our purchases. I still can’t believe I bought so little – obviously my new minimism tendencies have stayed with me :-). I know just two years ago I would have bought a lot more things.

We decided to get a quick lunch at Taco Bell which was just across the road. Christy wasn’t feeling the best and we were all keen to get home and have a rest.

I had a vegetarian fiesta salad bowl – which was rather yummy – it had refried beans at the bottom.

Then it was back home to put our feet up for a bit. Kevin was the only one to have a snooze.

Then at 5pm we headed back out for an evening at the Magic Kingdom. We were parked WAY at the back of the lot so Christy and I caught the tram, while Kevin walked with Athena on the scooter.

 

Once again we caught the ferry across and it was lovely seeing the end of the day from the water with all the lights on.

By the time we entered the Magic Kingdom is was full dark.

and VERY busy.

Athena bought a purple Mickey balloon.

And we had our photo taken on Main Street.

We battled the crowds to the Jingle Cruise, which we thankfully had fast passes for.

Cute ride but it was rather hard to hear all the commentary.

With our next fast pass not until 9pm we decided to head over to Tomorrowland in search of burgers (Athena’s request) for dinner. On the way we got the see the transformed castle (we had been too late in arriving to see the Frozen Wishes show at 6.30pm).

Simply stunning.

There was an empty table outside Cosmic Rays which we were able to grab before pulling up the menu on the app and deciding what we wanted to eat. Kevin was then kind enough to go inside and order for everyone. I had the falafel burger (which was really rather yummy for a plain – just had falafel and tatziki on it – fast food burger). Kevin and Athena also had a burger and Christy just had fries.

It’s a Small World had a short wait and it’s one of our favs, so we headed over there to ride.

I don’t think this one ever gets old.

And we love how they know our names (well not Kevin’s). Kevin asked one of the cast members how it was done but the only answer given was “pixie dust” :-).

Mickey’s PhilharMagic also had a short wait. But I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had in the past. Not sure why really.

Athena couldn’t fit in this selfie so we just got their fingers.

Finally it was time we could ride Space Mountain. Athena had to transfer to a wheelchair but no-one warned us it was a LONG walk/push to the ride with uphill and downhill parts. On the downhill part the handle covers of the wheelchair started to come off and there was a bit of panic with trying to get the breaks on so Athena didn’t go hurtling down the ramp. Of course, this brought on a bit of an upset/panic attack. Luckily by the time it came to ride Athena had calmed down and was able to enjoy the ride. I must be getting old because I used to love this so much (dark roller coasters are my favs) but I found it jerky and not as enjoyable to ride.

The noise and crowds were having a big effect on Athena and they were in immense pain so we decided to head out before the fireworks. This meant we hit the crowds on main street but once cleared of the castle end it wasn’t too bad. Christy was in a bad mood at having the miss the fireworks, which meant we left the park with two rather unhappy teenagers. However things worked out and before we got on the ferry we realized we would have a reasonable view of the fireworks (without the crowds and noise) from outside the park. We could still hear the soundtrack and see of the show (just not the castle itself).

As always, the fireworks were incredible and I was happy we got the see them. And not have to deal with the crowds afterwards. So I said, everything worked out and we all got the ferry much happier. Though my feet were in a LOT of pain by now and I was worried about how I’d feel in the morning. It was another trip back across the lagoon looking at all the lights and the castle all lit up. Christy and I once again caught the tram but Athena and Kevin beat us back to the car this time. Then it was back home and swiftly into bed (though Kevin stayed up watching TV for a little while). I read till about 11pm due to being in pain but was eventually able to get to sleep.

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I woke up at 4.30am this morning, which meant I’d only gotten 5 hours sleep at the most. Unfortunately fibro pain meant I was unable to go back to sleep. But it was a good opportunity to get all caught up on blog posts and start editing the first vlog.

Right on time at 8am we set off for Animal Kingdom.

We got through the bag check and ticket gate and only had to wait about 10mins before being allowed to head into the park.

The always amazing Tree of Life.

First ride  was Expeditition Everest. But unfortunately is wasn’t working so after waiting about 15mins we decided to come back later.

The kids then rode the River Rapids. I didn’t feel I would enjoy this ride after the recent tragedy in Australia and Kevin didn’t want to get wet. They had fun though and got to ride twice.

We then headed back to Expedition Everest.

I had forgotten just how amazing this ride is. So fun. We rode once on standby and once using our fastpass.

My touring plan had gone a bit astray by this time so we went to do It’s a Bug Life 3D before Flights of Wonder.

We’d missed this the last few trips so I was keen to see it, but it really wasn’t anything all that special. The main host was VERY hard to understand. I did enjoy seeing the birds though.

By now it was midday and time for some lunch. Even though it was another expensive sit-down meal I really wanted to go to the Yak & Yeti as the menu looking great.

Kevin had ribs, Athena the kids Chicken Teryiki and Christy had the kids mac n cheese. Again, I LOVE that Disney have no problem with all ages ordering off the kids menu. I had vegetable low mein – which was delicious.

We then headed to Dinoland…

to ride Dinosaur. Not my fav. ride but it’s okay.

Kevin really wanted to buy this hat but I wouldn’t let him (guess we’ll be hearing about that for the rest of trip!)

On our way over to the Nemo Musical we bought some Dibs. Don’t know anywhere else to find these and we love them.

The Nemo musical is great. Love how the performers are clearly seen alongside their puppets. So clever.

Then it was time for Primeval Whirl (which we got stuck on on our last trip when it broke down).

Unfortunately we’d all forgotten just how rough the ride is (not really surprising for a mighty mouse type ride) but one go was more than enough and we all vowed not to ride ever again.

I think my expression says it all :-).

We were getting really tired by now (it had been a very hot day at 30C) so while Christy went back to ride Expedition Everest in the single line we checked out a few shops and this guy who was awesome (if anyone knows who he is please let me know)

and saw where the entrance to Pandora will be when it opens next year…

before stopping at the Nomad Lounge.

Such a hidden gem (for now) that you’d be lucky to find if you didn’t know about it. We got some comfy chairs…

and ordered drinks and appetizers from our awesome waiter. Don’t I look relaxed? 🙂

I had the veggie summer rolls – yummy, but almost too spicy for me.

Athena had chicken wings, and Kevin shared some of each.

Christy met us after 3-4 rides and, since Athena wasn’t doing so great, we decided to skip the Safari and head for home. On the way we met Tarzan…

saw a tiny flamingo…

and I posed for this photo since I was wearing my flamingo top :-).

We headed out, with Christy and I once again taking the tram. We were back home about 5pm. I had been wanting to see the nighttime show at Animal Kingdom but was very happy to have a nice relaxing bath instead. My poor feet were sore (I’m sure they are in shock being stood on for so many hours every day) but otherwise my fibro pain is ok (only bad for the first hour or so of the day before my meds kick in) so I’m complaining “too much”.

It was definitely good to have the evening to unwind. Athena fell asleep almost as soon as we got back, only waking up to have some dinner (tonight we shared some Amy’s pizzas). Christy wrote up her trip diary, I edited a vlog and uploaded photos and Kevin watched TV/read facebook. I think I was asleep by 9pm.

Tomorrow is our first “rest” day :-).