Brad's Intercot Excursion Day 5 - Soarin', Singin', &The Big Party

[brad192]

Sorry I'm a bit tardy with the reports, but life sometimes gets in the way! Onward!

10/13/07 - Saturday

Cast – Just Me, 48 Yr. old Disney Nut, engineer, singer, and thespian.

Supporting Cast – All my new Intercot buddies!

Dates – 10/9 thru 10/16

Accommodations – Pop Century, 50’s section, room 3434.


After a late night at MNSSHP, I got up a little later than I had planned at 7:40. I was ready to go by 8:25, and went to get my morning OJ. The food court was mobbed! I mean, yeah, it’s prime breakfast hour, but this was something to see! It took me almost 5 minutes to work my way to the OJ & get in line to pay, and another few minutes to actually pay. As I stood there I hoped this wasn’t an omen for the rest of the day. Out to the bus stop for Epcot, I made up time as, just when I got in line, a bus arrived & I boarded with no wait at all. Arrived at Epcot & made the Soarin’ meet by 9:10. There was some confusion about where to meet, but we got that worked out fairly quickly & got our FP’s. Since the standby line only had a 30 minute wait, we all decided to go for it. Turned out, the wait was only about 10 minutes – not bad at all. Soon I was entering the ride for my first ever flight! Woohoo!

Let me say right up front that this ride ROCKS! I now understand what all the fuss is about, and why wait times are so long. Wow! It was also really fun to ride it with a couple dozen Intercotees, all in the same glider. While I didn’t score the coveted 1B seat for my first ride, 2B wasn’t too bad! My only complaints about this are that it needs to be twice as long with a theme either for Florida or the US in general, and they could add some additional effects such as some heat during the desert scene, maybe a slight mist for the ocean scene, etc. I’m certain it wouldn’t be too tough to do, since they already have the technology developed, and I’m pretty sure it could be added to the fan/smellatizer array without too much difficulty. Oops, the Imagineer in me is coming out….

After Soarin’, a bunch of us decided to ride Living with the Land. We trundled over there, and filled our boat with Intercot people. Funny thing, the boat in front of us only had 1 person in it. Very odd. After our nice boat ride, we all headed for The Seas to visit Nemo. Again, the clammobile ride was very nice, and we all decided to go see Crush. I have to admit, I wasn’t too thrilled about this, as I thought it would be aimed mainly at kids. Surprise! It was quite entertaining! Especially when Crush got into a conversation with a little boy – “I had a rocket once…..”. Finishing the Seas, we were still a fairly large group, and it was almost time for the Mexico meet, so we headed that way. After riding the new “improved” version of El Rio, I have to say I prefer the old version much, much, more. It gave you a better feel for Mexico, and a more laid back kind of ride, whereas the new version is all frantic & noisy with the addition of the Disney characters, which IMHO don’t add a thing to the ride. I’m really not liking the trend of trying to inject a character into everything at Epcot. Wasn’t the original idea to keep characters out of the park? I think they need to revisit this.

After we finished the trip thru Mexico, I split from the group & had lunch at the Cantina. Had my usual combo platter, churro, and iced tea, and grabbed a seat near the water to watch the birds & boats. Filled to satisfaction, I started to make my way around WS, clockwise. Why do I always go clockwise? It’s a mystery to me. I’ve never even considered going counterclockwise…..hmmm. I was headed for Norway to ride Maelstrom, but on the way ran into Emily (MissStyles), who was headed for TT to ride solo, as her mother was going to the beer tasting at the American pavilion, on my recommendation. It didn’t take much arm twisting for me to join her, so we both got in the single rider line. Luck would have it, we were placed in the same car, and with a bunch of first timers too! I love riding with first timers. It’s so much fun to see their reactions, and you get to live that first time experience again thru their eyes! We all had a great trip, and were quite satisfied as we pulled into the garage to disembark. Emily had to leave then, as she was going to meet her mom at DS/MGM to ride ToT, so we said our goodbyes & I got back on my journey around “the World”.

Entering Norway, Maelstrom only had a 15 minute wait, so I jumped in line for that. Always a fun ride, but I wish it was a bit longer, and the wait at the end can be quite annoying if you don’t time it right. Yes, I watched the movie, as I always feel a bit guilty if I don’t. Movie over, I exited the theater & not wanting to spend $350 on a sweater, I continued my trek. Noticing the Voices of Liberty were going to perform in less than 10 minutes, I walked briskly towards the American pavilion. I’ve been singing in vocal groups for almost 35 years, and let me tell you, these folks are amazing! They are, in my opinion, the best a capella group I’ve ever heard. I always plan at least part of my day around their performances. For their third song, they did “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, in honor of the YoaMD celebration, and I instantly got all misty-eyed & emotional. Ooh, another Disney moment. Went on to see the AA show, which always leaves me feeling quite patriotic, and then grabbed a big, honkin’ Sam Adams Festival Beer from the stand outside & relaxed for a bit before strolling to Canada to see the new film. Great update! Much more entertaining than the old version, with a great balance between comedy & information about Canada. Two thumbs up!

After the film, I had about an hour to kill before my ADR at Beirgarten, so I reversed direction & meandered aimlessly thru the countries stopping now & then to “smell the roses”, as it were. Dinner at Beirgarten was good, but I was seated with a couple that kept to themselves, and a group of 5 that were off in their own little world, so I didn’t have great conversation. The food was wonderful as usual, and I sampled just about everything they had. I think though, the next time I eat here will be with a group. It just felt a little odd being there with 7 others & not conversing with them. Oh well, lesson learned. Stuffed from dinner, I wandered over to China & visited the terra cotta soldiers on display there, along with the other artifacts, then headed to Mouse Gear to spy what I’d be purchasing later. After some browsing, it was close to the time for the “Big Meet”, so I headed for Norway.

Arrived about 6:50 & everyone was beginning to arrive. As we were starting to clog up the entrance to the pavilion, with so many of us gathering in one spot, we headed for the entrance to the VIP lounge for our meet with the Big Guy himself. After checking in & being banded, we headed on up. Wow! I didn’t even realize there were places like this in WS. What a nice lounge! We all lined up, and soon Mickey arrived, to the delight of all. Everyone got a photo op with the Mouse, and when it was my turn I gave my camera to Mickey’s helper, ran up & was ready for my shot. My luck being what it is, the batteries in my camera decided to die at that very moment. Arrggg! Luckily, I had a second set ready to go, so I left Mickey with a promise to return, changed my batteries, got back in line & finally got my shot. Turned out great. The Mouse worked extra hard for us, as there was around 125 of us to see in a short period of time. He was fantastic! And so are the sponsors that allowed all of us to have that wonderful moment! Thanks you so much!

After our meet with Mickey, we all headed for the private viewing area for Illuminations. I had a great conversation with Kathy (TikiGoddess) on the way, which made the walk seem shorter. Once in our special area, the dessert table was amazing, and our special anniversary cake equally so. Thanks again John & everyone, for making all of this happen! We all got our “swag”, and proceeded to light up the night with the lanyards, badges, etc. that were blinking, flashing, and generally drawing attention to us. It was quite fun to see. After several nice conversations, and some yummy treats, Illuminations started. Wow! Now I’m spoiled. I won’t want to see the show from anywhere else! Arguably, the best seats in the house for this. I felt like I was “in” the show we were so close, with such a great, unobstructed view. When the inferno barge erupted, I had to check & see if I still had my eyebrows! Absolutely the best viewing of this I’ve ever had.

After the show, I contemplated going to Jellyroll’s with everyone, but knew that come tomorrow morning, it would be a mistake. So I headed for the exit, hopped a bus back to Pop, relaxed a bit & watched the end of the race, and went to bed. After all, tomorrow would be the AK meet, and my first ride on EE!

[ChipnDaleGal]

Brad - that was an excellent account of the big Intercot Day! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your report. It was such fun to be along for the ride when you discovered the joy of Soarin'! Thanks for sharing.

[faline]

Originally Posted by brad192

So I headed for the exit, hopped a bus back to Pop, relaxed a bit & watched the end of the race, and went to bed.

Was that the Nascar race? Gene watched the end as well!

Did you ever get that ride on Expedition:Everest?

It's fun to read everyone else's experience at the Illuminations meet!

[TikiGoddess]

I have loved reading the reports of everyone from the Big Weekend. It's cool to see what people were doing when you were in the park at the same time!

We've got a lot of parallels. I saw Voices of Liberty (a must do for me) and teared up (When you Wish Upon a Star). Loved Soarin' (especially riding it with everyone). Had a great time talking to you on that long walk over from Norway to France (have you ever seen so many people in WS?).

Great times, great memories.
Kathy

[BriarRose0708]

Brad, I've been looking forward to reading about this day since you began your trip reports. I love EPCOT, and I loved reading it through your eyes. Looking forward to Animal Kingdom Day and the Nemo show!

[hoop de do]

Another great report Brad. Keep em' comin'.

[DizNee143]

what a great day at Epcot!! isnt soarin' a great ride? its one of my favorites now!! glad you had such a great time at the meets...i really wish i could of been in disney for at least the illuminations meet..that one sounded the best!!

[castlelady36]

Thanks for sharing Brad!!

[realtreebar]

thanks for the trip report!! "gotta love"

[Here we go again...]

Another great report! Off to see what you do tomorrow...