Epcot in a day ~ the long version

Spending the full day, from opening to closing at Epcot yesterday wasn't our original plan.  We fully intended to be responsible parents and bring our kids back to the condo for a rest.  But then the boys sacked out in the stroller as we entered the world showcase and since the girls rarely nap anymore, we decided to make the most of our time and keep moving.

But I jump ahead of myself.  I must begin with the weather yesterday morning.  Ian and I woke to the sound of a deluge hitting our skylight window.  It wasn't exactly sunny when we headed out.

are we really in the "sunshine state?"

And the temperature?

pretty sure when i packed our suitcases that the temp for sunday was to be in the 80s

But our parking lot attendant promised sunny skies later.  After all, this is the most magical place on Earth, right?  Thankfully he delivered the sunshine and warmer temps came with it!

Following our personal planner's advice (if you are planning a trip to Disney anytime soon and are a true novice like Ian and I, AND you already know Bekah, LET HER CREATE AN OUTLINE FOR YOU!!!) we headed straight for Soarin'.

after pausing for the obligatory shot in front of the "whatever that thing is"

Soarin' got a two thumbs up from five out of six in our family.  One member was a little less enthusiastic and made us promise they wouldn't have to ride again.  Too much soarin' over 'big waters' for that child's comfort.  I sat between my littles.  And Daniel got real comfy with the woman beside him ~ he reached over and took her hand as well.  I apologized for his forwardness, but she just smiled and said she missed the day her kids were that young.

It was then time to head under the sea and explore with Nemo and his friends for a while.  The kids had a close encounter with a sharks, both of the real...

not visible right now, but there were about eight sharks swimming in the giant tank.

 ...and the not so real variety.

say cheese mr. shark!

Crush the turtle taught my kids to use the word Dude and we serenaded the giant sea cow with a M6 chorus of "Barbara Manatee."  Before we headed out of the deep blue sea, I got to pause for a photo opp with one of my heroes.  Someone who reminds me on the tough days to "just keep swimming..."

We took a journey into the imagination with Figment and then it was time for a lunch break.  The boys almost couldn't be called away from the Universe of Energy pool because of their fascination with ~ of all things ~ a mallard.

Disney on a dime (okay, it is Disney, maybe Disney on a Dollar) for us means a gourmet pb & j on the lawn.

Next came Ellen's Energy Adventure.  While it was a bit startling for all the kids, Daniel's excitement reached a crescendo when we saw the GIANT dinosaurs!  Totally worth scare factor of any of the rest of the ride.

And then we decided to explore the world.  First stop?  Becoming secret agents with Kimpossible.

Caleb took his secret agent role very seriously.

Until he and sleepiness had an altercation.  And sleep won...

So while the boys slept on, we had a little snack from the French bakery (don't worry, we saved them some too!) and Ian and the girls completed our missions in France and in Japan.

Oh, and the girls met Aurora (pic in previous post) and DQ got to hug Marie the Aristocat.  Kylie could have too, but it was a "stand up animal."  We finally got a full explanation of her fear.  She's only bothered by animals that stand up on two legs that should be on four legs.  In her words, "If there was a kangaroo at Disney, I wouldn't be scared of it, because kangaroos stand up on two legs in nature."  So there ya go.

traci, do you remember when we were here about 30 years ago and your purchase of choice was the Marie doll?  this picture is for you!

From there we continued around the world showcase, exploring some showcases more than others.  We rode Maelstrom in Norway, caught both the film and dinner in China, and went on a fiesta tour with Donald, Panchito, and Jose Carioca (twice).  

From there it was Test Track, but sadly Daniel didn't make the height cut.  Strange that he did at Soarin' earlier in the day, but we weren't going to be jerks and argue with the height regulator guard.  So Ian took the girls and the boys and I went for a walk and rode Spaceship Earth while we were waiting for them.  Caleb accompanied me on Test Track ~ oh my word, SO FUN! ~ with our "baby swap" pass while Ian, Daniel and the girls scouted a spot for us to watch Illuminations.  

Still love Ky's "this is a dream come true!" comment that I heard during the show.  And then Caleb's most sincere thanks for taking them to Disney World.  Some how everyone managed to stay awake for the ride back to the condo, but it sure didn't take anyone long to fall asleep.  

It was a perfect first day!