Disney World. Day 3. Around the World and Up to Space.
Today was the largest pro-Israel Jewish gathering in Jewish history.
We were in EPCOT.
We woke up this morning and made it out by 9:20. We arrived at EPCT and parked so close that there was no tram for us, which actually worked out better because folding up the stroller we rented is an endeavor (it’s the Double Bob, which for regular use seems like a nightmare, but is perfect for two kids at Disney – Tzvi curses every time he has to lift it in and out of the car).
This morning Avery had an interview, which left me in charge of Lightning Lane purchasing. At 7am I booked our first LL of the day, Remi’s Ratatouille Adventure for the adults and Frozen for the kids. Yes, you read that right, I booked Frozen for the kids, and only the kids. So, our first stop of the day was Guest Services to ask them to switch me to Frozen so at least one adult would be riding with my children. The man was very nice and said he would just get me a LL for Frozen, and not take me off Ratatouille. Good start.
Then it started to rain.
We made it to Norway and I took the kids on Frozen while Tzvi and Inbar got on line to meet Anna and Elsa. Hallie enjoyed it, I think Madeleine was still scared. When we got out it was pouring, so we ran over to Tzvi and Inbar and met Anna and Elsa! I think the kids were starstruck. Madeleine had a whole list of things she wanted to ask Elsa but when she got there she could barely speak. She did tell Elsa she had the same dress as her though.
From there it was a game of how to get out of the rain. We finally gave in and (mom) bought ponchos from the China pavilion (ironically, made in China). That helped. The problem was there was just dead time because we couldn’t really go anywhere. We ended up in Germany where the kids did some coloring. One of the German workers said she loved my Chanukah backpack. Can always count on the Germans. Then it was time for lunch at Space 220.
Space 220 is a relatively new restaurant near Mission Space, themed like you are in space. You take an elevator ride to Space, which was pretty cool. It took about a minute, but in reality I’m not sure we actually went anywhere because from the outside it didn’t look like the building was more than one story. Once you are “up” in space there are huge windows (ginormous screens) looking out into space. The girls enjoyed seeing different spaceships flying around and even a space dog. The food was pretty good. I had fried cauliflower and then a pad thai with tofu that was delicious. Tzvi got the salmon and said it was one of the few times where he regretted his order (it’s usually my dad). [Tzvi: the salmon was good, but it was just one of those meals where you look around and everyone else’s plate looks so much better.] It was a nice experience (they do a good job of making the space fully immersive), and now that I’ve done it, I don’t need to do it again.
When we got out, the rain had stopped! Our feet were soaked so we stopped into Creations to buy some new socks. Then it was off to the Land! We did Soarin’ and Living with the Land, always a fan favorite. [Tzvi: Fan = Steph. Living with the Land is nap time. While they all rode Soarin’, Madeleine and I walked around The Land and bought water bottles. The cashier gave Madeleine a Mickey Mouse sticker, but Madeleine asked if she had any Minnie Mouse. When the woman said no Madeleine asked the cashier, “Next time can you buy Minnie Mouse?”]
We did Nemo, and then the Journey of Water, which was a Moana walk through with different water activities. The girls loved it. Then we rode, and met, Figment. He was oddly large with a tiny head. Then it was time for the best ride of the Resort, Guardians of the Galaxy. There are no words other than “it’s the best.” We got Disco Inferno (IYKYK) and I was so happy they hadn’t changed the music over to Christmas music yet. My parents had never been on it and had no idea what to expect, so that was fun to see.
Then we hit Test Track, and finally started making our way to France for Ratatouille. My parents, Inbar, Avery and Gabs did it first, and then Tzvi, Hallie and I went. In the interim, the girls got ice cream from France. Tzvi tried to order this toasted brioche ice cream sandwich he had seen on Instagram. First they said the allergy was no problem, but only after we had paid did a different worker come out to say they make peanut butter ice cream sandwiches on the same press and there was no way he could have it. He was pretty disappointed.
Dinner tonight was in Mexico (because, where else, really). Dinner was delicious. We started with chips and guac and then I had some fried Masa with beans and who knows what else. [Tzvi: Nothing else. Steph barely even had the dish. It was called Huarache Vegetariano and had fried corn masa topped with beans, grilled queso fresco, nopales (which is like cactus) and pea tendrils served with a side of salsa verde. Lisa and I also added Mahi, and it was absolutely delicious. Steph basically just had the fried corn cake and some beans.]. Our server was great. When we asked him if the chocolate dessert was good, he told us he didn’t know because he’s allergic to chocolate and then taught us all about his allergy. He even used visual aids, showing us photos of a rash he breaks out in if he eats it, which was fun for the doctors but not the rest of us. We also got to hear about his motorcycle accident and hip replacement. He was a fantastic server though. Anyway, for dessert we got the 100 year anniversary dessert which was a chocolate pyramid with tres leches ice cream and churros underneath. Well done.
Inbar, Madeleine and I ran out just in time for the fireworks, but everyone else missed it because they had to pee and evidently move very slowly. The show was Epcot Forever, which was after Illuminations but before Harmonius. They got rid of Harmonius because everyone hated it, but I think a new show is debuting next year.
After that we began our walk out, but not without stopping for one more shopping trip at Creations. Inbar asked if we’ll see the same stuff tomorrow at World of Disney. I said yes, but it doesn’t count unless you’ve seen the same merchandise at least 3 times.
Great Day.