Life is a Journey

This morning I awoke at 6.30am feeling somewhat more refreshed. By 8am we were out the door and on our way to EPCOT.

Our first ride was Spaceship Earth, which opened just after we entered the park. We always enjoy this.

Especially making our own futures at the end. Afterward the kids played a quick “power the city” game.

Then it was onto Mission Space.

I opted out of this one (having ridden before) but the others reported that even the Orange version seemed much tamer than before.

Then it was fastpass time for Test Track (which was reporting a 70min wait).

The kids programmed up their cars (Christy’s ended up being the best performer).

Athena’s…

Christy’s….

Fun times and messy hair

We visited the Mousegears Shop (one of my favs)

on our way to Starbucks as Kevin was really wanting a coffee. However the line was too long, but on our way to Ellen’s Universe of Energy (which we’d planned to skip but Athena really wanted to do) he came across this.

Kevin enjoyed it but didn’t realize it cost him of US$12 !!!!

Universe of Energy was just as I remembered – rather outdated now and since we’ve seen it so many times now, not even very funny.

Time for our lunch reservation at the Rose & Crown.

We have dined here EVERY trip and always love it.

I ordered the Vegetarian Cottage Pie which was delicious.

Kevin got Bangers & Mash, Athena had the kids steak & chips and Christy got Mashed Potatoes (shaped in a Mickey head) and 2 yorkshire puddings. Everyone LOVED their lunch.

Athena also got this awesome looking triffle with the kids meal.

We then wandered through the UK shops, where Kevin actually dozed off in this chair (waiting while Athena did some colouring).

We made a few purchases in the Tea Shop (including a new wallet for myself), then it was on to France.

Of course, Kevin was most excited to finally get the crepes he had been talking about all trip.

I also got some to share with Athena but neither of us were all that impressed and gave most of ours to Kevin. They definitely weren’t as nice as before because they were reheated and not freshly made like they used to be.

Last stop for today was Japan. Anyone who knows EPCOT will realize we missed Canada and Morocco, but we’ll visit them on one of other trips to EPCOT.

Christy has been so excited to visit the store here to see all the Anime stuff but didn’t actually buy anything. I, however, bought some more bowls and plates (I still love the ones I got on our last trip).

Last “ride” of the day was the friendship boats. Haven’t been on these since our first trip in 1999 and know I remember why. Very slow to ride and quick trip across the lagoon. Definitely much quicker to walk but it was nice to give the feet a little rest.

As you can see some clouds were rolling in but we never got any rain.

Time to head out and back to the apartment for a rest.

My feet were VERY sore by this stage but was it was nice to head down to the lazy river and float around in the water for a while. It wasn’t as warm as the pool the other night but was really perfect for a refreshing, relaxing swim.

After doing a few rounds we headed back to our room where I put my feet up and worked on catching up on blog posts.

Shortly after 6pm I heated up some more Amy’s dinners and, after we ate, set off in search on the nearest Super Walmart. But before we’d left the carpark we saw some fireworks going off. Not sure where they were (possibly the Magic Kingdom) but they were lovely.

We had a fun time in Walmart and were there for over 2 hours. However all came out with VERY sore feet.

It was after 10pm by the time we arrived back and got the groceries put away. I made a cup of tea and enjoyed that while blogging. Then it was off to bed, where I read for a bit (not feeling all that tired) before I finally went off to sleep around 11.30pm.

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Finally the day had come to head to the Magic Kingdom. We were up and out the door by 7.45am, taking bagels with us to eat later on (though Kevin had cereal before we left).

Once we parked and headed to the Ticket and Transport center, we caught the ferry – which we think is the nicest way to arrive at the Magic Kingdom for the first time.

And see this view as you arrive – getting your first peek at Cinderella’s Castle.

It was through bag check and the metal detector (for Christy and myself), then waiting for the Welcome show.

Before heading past this sign…

and onto Main Street – which is always stunning, but even moreso when decorated for Christmas.

With the scooter we had a bit of a slow, difficult trip but eventually made it the hub.

Then it was onto Adventureland…

where we spotted the cutest little squirrel,

before heading to our first ride of the day.

This is a definite family favourite.

Next…

Then Splash Mountain

Luckily none of us go too wet.

Then it was a relaxing journey on the Riverboat.

where I tried out my new Pirate ears.

Then another family fav, the Haunted Mansion, which we had a fast pass for.

We then watched Great Moments in History with the Muppets – which is a very cute show.

Before having lunch at the Columbia Harbour House. This trip we are mainly doing quick service dining so will be going to quite a few new us places like this one.

I had the lighthouse sandwich – hummus, coleslaw and tomato sandwich with chips, which was very tasty (though the bread a little dried out). I actually only ate half as I ended up having Christy’s corn cob.

Love the Christmas cups.

We then spent a bit of time wandering around some shops.

Before heading back to ride Big Thunder. The wait earlier had been 25mins and it still was but we had discovered that quite a few rides had seperate lines for the scooter access – which was helpful to Athena as it eliminate standing in line or walking long distances.

Such a fun ride – we all really enjoyed this.

We then made our way back towards the front of the park to find a spot for the parade. Kevin was kind enough to go and find popcorn for me, icecreams for the kids and chocolate banana for himself.

The parade was amazing. One of the best I’ve seen I think.

Flynn Rider has his eye on Athena’s tiara and was flirting with them :-).

And both the rabbit and Alice came up to Athena who was holding her new bunny.

After the parade we went to see Tinkerbelle, which had a 4min waiting time advertised, but we think took about 20mins. She was lovely though and chatted to both the kids.

We then used our fast pass to meet the Talking Mickey Mouse.

Then it was time to head home, quite a bit later than planned. We hopped on the ferry since it was there and just after it left, we realized (thanks to Christy) that Mickey had forgotten to return our autograph books to us. So Athena and I got off and headed back to the car, while Christy and Athena returned to the Magic Kingdom. Kevin used the opportunity to get his third chocolate banana of the day and refill the popcorn container ($1.50 for refills).

Finally we got back to the apartment about 5.30pm and I heated up everyone’s dinner. Later I had a tea (in my new mug) and some Disney shortbread. We all did our own thing (I was downloading photos and working on a blog post) and then headed to bed around 9pm.

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Kevin & I had a bit of a sleep in this morning as we’d both been awake during the night. I didn’t get up until 8am (when Athena came to wake up because my medication alarm had gone off). Athena had already been awake since 4am. I woke Kevin up around 9am and Christy shortly after. We got ready, packed up and checked out before heading to the Crossroads to have breakfast at Sweet Tomatoes.

I heard many great things about this place but to be honest we were all very dissapointed. Not sure if it was just out timing – it was 10am and they were changing over from breakfast (so it seemed) or just because most of the food wasn’t labelled and we didn’t know what it was. Anyway, I ended up with a plate of potatoes, and got a second small plate of salad. Not sure if I’ll be able to convince everyone to give it a second try for either lunch or dinner.

Afterwards we headed back to Disney Springs.

We were in the Coke store when Athena realized they were already in a lot of pain and was really going to struggle so we went to get them a wheelchair. Unfortunately Athena’s anti-depressants aren’t really working at the moment so it’s been a real stuggle for them and they get rather anxious at times. I pushed the wheelchair, which was a real workout for me.

Though we weren’t here for the black Friday sales we did enjoy seeing the Stolling Piano which just roams around Disney Springs.

We visited quite a number of cute stores today, including Sugar Boo…

and Anthropologie (where I would have bought lots if it wasn’t for the price and getting it back to Australia :-)).

I simply adored this cushion, but not the $90 price tag.

We also visited the lego store, where we decided to swap out the wheelchair for a scooter.

Kevin went to do this and realized that riding a scooter isn’t nearly as fun as he thought it would be.

Both kids got some tattoos. CHristy got this cute Eeyore one and Athena got Hawkeye.

We also visited Basin, where I got some soap and bathbombs,

and a shop where Christy and Athena bought tiaras.

We explored some more of Disney Springs trying to find somewhere for lunch.

Before we decided to head back to the Crossroads, where we went to Moe’s Southwest Grill. The chips and salsa served free were delicious and we were impressed when we got more chips delivered.

I ordered the vegetarian fajitas and they delivered ALL this food. Needless to say I didn’t manage to eat it all but it was yummy.

While we were at lunch Kevin got online and organised a scooter rental for the two weeks, which the rental company delivered to our accomodation that evening.

Then it was time to head to the Wyndham Bonnet Creek, where we are staying for the next 14 nights. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get a lagoon/pool view room this time and instead overlook the carpark. Luckily from the 5th floor we tend to see more trees than cars.

The room itself is lovely – almost identical (but flipped) but seems to have been renovated since our last stay.

After our luggage arrived we unpacked and rested up a bit before heading out to Whole Foods.

We had dinner first (though I can’t find any photos) and sat in the dining area to eat, before getting a cart and exploring the store.

We ended up spending $400 which was for food and other purchases – like some beauty products. Such an amazing store. Hopefully one day we might get some in Australia.

When we arrived back the carpark we were most excited to spot two raccoons. No idea if they are pests of not but we thought they were so cute.

Back in our apartment I quickly unpacked before having a cup of tea and heading to bed.

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I was awake at 7am after a good 8 hours sleep, feeling a whole lot better and more refreshed. Athena had awoken just before me. Kevin got up around 8am and we woke Christy at 9am, when Kevin and Athena went in search of breakfast. I showered and dressed while they were gone. The returned with Starbucks and my longed for tea (I hadn’t had any since we left home). I also had a nice breakfast wrap with spinach and feta.

After breakfast we checked out of the Caribe Royal,

headed to Disney Springs, arriving around 11am.

It has changed so much since we were last here in 2012 and is absolutely gorgeous. I love the new parking garages. We parked in lime but came out the wrong way – onto the road – and got in trouble by one of the security guards (not major trouble just told to follow the signs to the walkway).

Our first shop was the World of Disney and we were there for a good hour – having fun checking out all the goodies. Athena was so excited and bought quite a bit of stuff. I was super impressed with the range of sizes (so much more in large sizes than 4 years ago). I just bought a stuffed Eeyore and Kevin bought some shortbread and a t-shirt. Christy left empty handed.
We had to quickly leave and pay when I realised it was fast approaching our reservation time at the Rainforest Cafe. And after an hour on our feet both Athena and myself were in need of a rest.

Luckily we were seated quite quickly but I’d forgotten how loud the restaurant is. Luckily Athena had their headphones to wear. We’re going to see if we can get some concert earplugs (I’d actually ordered some at home but they hadn’t arrived in time).

I had the usual China Island Chicken Salad without the chicken and it was just as amazing as I remembered.

The kids were able to able to order kids meals -which I thought was really great and not normally allowed in Australia.

We all really enjoyed our food – just as well since it cost us US$90. I don’t know how people afford to eat out all the time at WDW unless they are on a dining package – we only have two sit down meals planned. Of course, the bad Aussie dollar doesn’t help because converted lunch lost us about $120!!!
We then to visit more shops and got to buy our Magic bands for the parks, which we’ll use for park entry and fast passes.

After an hour I made sure we stopped to have a short rest before a few more shops.

By 3pm we decided we’d had enough and all wanted a drink.

So we headed to the Hanger Bar, which was a surprise for Kevin, as it was based on the bar in Indiana Jones (but he didn’t really remember it).

Oh well, we still enjoyed the theming, and Kevin enjoyed his drink…

and the prezels that he shared with me.

We then headed back to the hotel via CVS (which I’ve heard lots about but never visited). We picked up a few things, including my favourite Choc Mint Milanos. Kevin decided to dry out his US money that had gone through the washing.

Then it was time to head for a swim. The water was unbelieveably warm. We had a lovely time and had the pool all to ourselves.

Back in the room we ordered room service for dinner. I got a sweet potato soup…

and hummus sampler.

Once again it was a late dinner and we didn’t eat until after 8pm (at home dinner is normally around 6pm).

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