Epcot

The first thing we did this morning was get Fast Passes for the Test Track. The lines for that attraction fill up fast. While in that section of the park we walked over to Soarin' (a new ride) to see if that was something we could put on our list … NOT! None of us do simulators well so we marked that ride off our list.

The next one in that area was Universe of Energy with Ellen Degeneress. The wait wasn’t long so we got in line. It didn’t take long before we were ushered into this big, carpeted room with really large screens. There was a short “movie” starring Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy. After about ten minutes we relocated to a larger room with rows of bleacher type seats and even larger screens. Those seats were really large moving cars that moved through jungle scenes while explaining energy from the beginning of time until now. It was amazing. By the time that was over we had an hour or so before we needed to return to Test Track to use our Fast Passes, so we had to get something to eat. I have to time those rides just right – I can’t do them on an empty stomach but also can’t handle them right after eating.

On the way to Test Track we caught the Jamminators, a percussion group performing with trashcans as their instruments. I just love that kind of stuff. Cari got pics – I videoed them. Test Track was as much fun as we remembered. Mom whooped and hollered with the rest of us and the ride photo is wonderful!

Mom with her "1st Visit" pin

The World Showcase is a huge part of the park. I knew we wouldn’t have time to come close to seeing all of it. We walked through Mexico, did a boat ride in Norway (it was kind of cheesy), saw amazing acrobats in China, rested in Italy (and walked around taking photos) and heard an incredible A cappella group in America. There was a 30-minute movie of the “American Adventure” that sounded interesting so we took advantage of an opportunity to sit a while and rest. I’m not much of a history person and while this was well done, it wasn’t captivating. Another time when we weren’t all so tired it would’ve been better. I think we all wanted to close our eyes and rest through it – I know I was.

 

architecture in Italy

flags in America

By now, Bob was not feeling good at all and we were all tired so we walked through the rest of the countries and grabbed some dinner in the United Kingdom at the Rose & Crown Pub. As badly as we wanted to catch the Illumination of the Earth at 9pm it wasn’t meant to be. We started our long walk to the car (and took more photos) and got back to the condo a little early. Bob went straight to bed.

Epcot at night

Of course Cari and I stayed up downloading, viewing and weeding photos. Mom and I got on the floor and did some stretches. Hauling that backpack and my camera around were really getting to my neck and shoulders. At some point Mom went into her bedroom and just started giggling. When Cari and I asked what in the world she was laughing at she pulled out the Test Track photo and dissolved into laughter. By the time it was over all of us were crying from laughing so much. Her expression is priceless! Bob, Cari and I are smiling and Mom looks petrified! She kept saying, "But y'all just look like you're sitting in your living room watching a movie! And look at me!!" It was a great way to end the day.

Top 3:
Mom - Universe of Energy, Voices of Liberty, Test Track
Cari - Test Track, Jamminators, Mango Green Tea
Me - Test Track, Universe of Energy, Voices of Liberty
Bob - Test Track (that's it, he didn't feel good today)

Loot:
Mom - Leanne's pink ears, t-shirt for Marc

Laugh of the Day - Mom laughing at herself in the Test Track photo