Disney Days - An Epcot Kind of Day

Our second Day of Disney parks was full of Epcot! I always have fun at Epcot.

Maybe it’s all the memories of Drinking Around the World with our friends while we lived in Orlando, or maybe it’s the huge variety of things you can see and do there. Maybe it's because it's the only park I can usually get Josh in without a bribe of some sort! :) Regardless, it’s always a good time.

Dylan and I had a little ‘us time’ while the rest of our group went to fly on Soarin’. I remember when Soarin’ opened, my first thought was, “My mom would love this ride.” And she does. It was Cindy’s first time on it, and she loved it too. Once again, it is a must-do, if you’ve never experienced it. (And be sure to check out the hidden Mickey on the golf ball. You can only see it for a split second, but I swear it’s there!).

Dylan & Cindy checking out the Seagulls

After that, we headed over to the Seas. I love the Seas. Even before Crush and Nemo & Friends joined the party over there, it was still one of my favorites. Does anyone remember the old ride and Sea Base Alpha? Now it’s even better with Crush’s Turtle Talk and the fun Finding Nemo stuff inside. Even the seagulls out front are cute. Dylan was all about those seagulls. Cindy helped him get a better look. Let’s just hope he doesn’t pick up on their mantra - “Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!”

After riding our clam-mobiles inside, we went to see Turtle Talk (Another must-see!). Dylan and I sat down in front for our visit with Crush and he really enjoyed it. But, as you might have guessed, he didn't really have and questions for the “totally awesome” sea turtle. And afterwards we, of course, had to take the traditional photo in Bruce the Shark’s mouth! Dylan look a  little apprehensive, though, doesn’t he? Maybe it was those huge teeth!

"Ahh! There's an alien on my head!"

After venturing back to dry land, we finished off the other side of Future World. Dylan, Grandma Linda & I explored the awesome Mouse Gears store while Michael, Terry, and Cindy thrilled their way to Test Track. My mom and I always visit Mouse Gears. ?There is so much cute stuff in there! And why wouldn't we try on hats and other awesome stuff while we were there?

Okay, it’s after 11am! That means it’s time for the World Showcase! Woo-hoo! Dylan’s very first Disney character photo was with… Snow White! We figured starting with “face” instead of “fur” was a safe bet. She was very sweet with him, even though he was a little nervous. Grandpa Bob would be so proud considering I think he’s always had thing for Snow. I’m sure he’s say, “Atta boy, Dylan!”

After a nice lunch with Michael and Terry in Italy, they headed off and we continued to explore the World. One of the things my mom was really excited about was the Caramel Shop in Germany. I’m not sure if you know this about my mom and I, but we are definitely on the Caramel team when it comes to Chocolate vs. Caramel. As a matter of fact, I will eat the chocolate, just to get to the caramel inside! Anyway, if you are another Team Caramel person, you should check out this all-caramel bakery…It. Is. Awesome! Dylan even had a treat. He enjoyed his Jumbo Krispy Rice Treat with Caramel Topping!

While we were Germany, we ladies decided to stop for a shot of wine. Yup, we splurged on a shot each! Actually, we split a wine flight there. Cindy got the Schmitt Sohne Eiswein (Ice Wine), Mama got the Two Princes Riesling, and I got the Madonna Liebfraumilch.



Our Scandinavian heritage wouldn’t let us miss Norway! So the Swedish and the Norwegian tend to be rivals - but Norway is as close as we can get at Epcot! We couldn’t miss the opportunity to take the standard photos! (Btw, is it just me, or is the troll about to grab Cindy’s behind?)

On our way out of the World Showcase for our afternoon break, we had to stop in Mexico to get a photo with Amigo Donald!  Donald Duck is Josh’s favorite Disney character, so I never miss an opportunity to get my photo taken with him. I have

to admit, for some reason, I never full appreciated Donald until Josh turned me onto him. That duck is one funny guy! So even though I may not understand what he is saying most of the time, I tend to like the guy!


Later that evening, I had a business dinner to go to, so Mama & Cindy took the little man back to Epcot. Apparently, they had a great time! They explored some more Countries, took photos with some more characters, Dylan rocked out to the band in the U.K., and they watched IllumiNations.

I arrived back right after IllumiNations ended and met them on the bridge heading over to The Boardwalk. Cindy had never walked the Boardwalk before, and considering it's a very special place to me, I wanted her to see it. I can't tell you how many Tuesday nights I spent there when we lived in Orlando. Not only is it home to one of my favorite places (Jellyrolls), it also is the spot where Josh proposed. I just had to show them 'Our Bench.'

It was a full, but very fun day. And I know that Dylan had a great timetime with the two Grandmas that evening!

Cindy, Dylan, and (a very pretty) Belle!

Grandma and Dylan with Tigger & Pooh!