faline
09-10-2009, 07:40 PM
Cast of Characters: Gene & Me
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Plan for the Day:
Epcot
Akershus – Norway Breakfast with Princesses
Boardwalk Bakery for lunch
Big River Grille and Brewing Works for Dinner
How the Day Really Went: Still wake up several times during the night. Our 5:45 a.m. wakeup call comes. What was I thinking – making an early morning breakfast reservation?! Okay, we’re up!
We’re out at the bus stop by 5 minutes before 7. It’s still not totally light outside! It takes 15-20 minutes before our Epcot bus rolls in. This route visits all 4 Riverside stops after picking us up before heading to Epcot. Still, we arrive before those with early dining reservations are allowed through the gate. They say they will allow us in at 7:45 a.m. Those with early Segway Tour reservations are already being let through the gate. It’s a full 5 minutes after the 7:45 a.m. mark before they open up the dining gate. We’re only a few families back and we’re quickly in.
We enjoy a leisurely stroll through a mostly empty Epcot and stop to take some pics along the way.
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/43133/2281022480104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2281022480104031159hweAFw)
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/45289/2249276870104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2249276870104031159HbWQCb)
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/24762/2635308260104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2635308260104031159dvtXaB)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/44344/2722704480104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2722704480104031159RsDaKa)
Our checkin at Akershus is quick. We are called a few minutes later and are put on a short line to have our picture with Belle. Following our picture, we are led to our table which is just a short distance from where Belle continues to greet incoming families. We start with a buffet consisting of a variety of cheeses, fishes, yogurt, fruit, nuts and pastries. We no sooner set our buffet plate on the table when they also deliver a family style breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausages. Along with the food, we have a coffee and an OJ.
In quick order, we are visited by Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. Each is lovely and we enjoy our breakfast with the princesses!
I am hopeful of beating the 9 a.m. park opening crowds to Test Track but no such luck. Not only is the standby line out the door but the line to obtain fast passes is also quite long. Still, we manage to get a couple of fast passes and, with those in hand, head to Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
There are only a handful of people here. In fact, Gene & I have an entire car to ourselves for the ride! After increasing our energy awareness, we walk onto the milder side of Mission:Space though the more intense side lists a 20 minute standby time.
URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2090246690104031159wbhTpK]http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/44292/2090246690104031159S600x600Q85.jpg[/URL]
We successfully complete our mission so turn in our fast passes for Test Track. By now, the standby line for Test Track is at 50 minutes!!
The line at Character Connection is way too long so, instead, we head to Nemo. Even this attraction has a 10 minute line! We check out the manatees (only one is visible) before moving on to The Land.
It’s close to noon and this pavilion is mobbed! We join the queue at the Soarin’ Fast Pass machines and are rewarded with a return time between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.!!!!
Living with the Land, is, of course, not in operation so we do something we’ve never done before – we sign up for the Behind the Seeds Tour! Our tour is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.
With some time to kill, we walk over to Figment which, surprisingly, has a 5 minute wait! Don’t think I’ve seen that before – at least not for this version of the ride!
After riding, we head back to the Land and sign in for our tour. We’re provided with name badges and told to wait for our tour guide. Our group includes two youngsters, though not little kids, who are with their adult cousins; a couple from Florida who enjoy gardening;, and an adult family of four. I’m thinking I’m probably leaving someone out!
While waiting, we hear one family discussing where they might eat including, perhaps, heading over to Rose n Crown. I believe one member of the party went off to call about reservations and, no surprise, came back empty handed.
Landon (I think that was his name) was our tour guide. He’s an entomologist (He paused after stating this – I think he was waiting for someone to ask him to explain what that meant but no-one did). He is quite involved in research surrounding the use of predatory bugs to control pest bug populations in the gardens. We start in his area where he gives us a short lesson, including video, of some of what he has been working on. Several members of our party are provided with little vials of lady bugs which were stored in the refrigerator. They are not moving at all when first brought out of the chill but as soon as they warm a bit, they become quite active. Come to think of it, I don’t feel like being very active when I’m really cold either! The lady bugs wills be released later in the tour.
We then enter the greenhouses. Though you generally see the same things you’d see on the boat tour, you see it from a whole new perspective with lots more information – and particularly interactive information!
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/21409/2409734010104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2409734010104031159TXKCTz)
While we were beginning our tour, the fast pass machines for Soarin were being covered as the passes were gone for the day!
Along the way, we got to touch a plant that immediately closes up when just lightly touched – I think it’s called a Sensitive plant. Those with lady bugs released them when directed to do so. We all got a great view of the alligators, got to taste cucumbers grown in the greenhouses, and had a turn feeding the ravenous tilapia – I may have eaten one of them before we departed Disney World!
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/45258/2371558720104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2371558720104031159ZLBYcX)
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/10903/2502695420104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2502695420104031159cAMmGC)
URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2381636470104031159UXRPPv]http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/42510/2381636470104031159S600x600Q85.jpg[/URL]
All in all, it was a quite worthwhile tour at a very reasonable cost. Once the tour was completed, we headed home for some swim time!
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/42167/2349462290104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2349462290104031159ghaaVt)
Refreshed, we headed to Sassagoula and used a couple of our quick service credits for a Mickey Bar (for me) and ice cream (for Gene).
After we shower and change, we return to Epcot and arrive just in time to turn in our fast passes for Soarin’! The stand-by line is listed at 90 minutes!!!
Following our tour of California, we head out the International Gateway and walk over to Big River Grille and Brewing Company for dinner. Knowing that no reservations are taken at this location, I was a little concerned that this might not have been a good idea in the midst of free dining, but my fears were for naught – we are seated immediately after arriving.
One weird thing is that we are in view of the brewing tanks. One is overflowing and there is an active yeast/hops blob going on. It brings to mind that very old sci-fi movie “The Blob” so I’m sure to keep an eye on it during our meal!
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/24049/2883651310104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2883651310104031159KMKcTh)
I have a very yummy salmon dish along with mashed potatoes and snap peas. Gene has an overly generous portion of ribs along with the same sides. He isn’t able to finish the ribs! We are stuffed so take our desserts to go – cheesecake for Gene and chocolate cake for me.
We walk back to Epcot and decide to walk the long way around. As we stroll through the countries, the lightning becomes more and more pronounced. It’s looking quite threatening so we quicken our pace and decide it might be time to head home! Apparently many others had the same thoughts as our bus home is quite full – standing room only! Despite this, we arrive at home without experiencing the expected downpour!
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/45384/2737903950104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2737903950104031159XWzGyk)
Gene now devours his dessert though I’m still too full so mine is stowed in the fridge.
Miles Walked: 7.91
What’s New: Behind the Seeds Tour; Breakfast with the Princesses at Akershus
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Plan for the Day:
Epcot
Akershus – Norway Breakfast with Princesses
Boardwalk Bakery for lunch
Big River Grille and Brewing Works for Dinner
How the Day Really Went: Still wake up several times during the night. Our 5:45 a.m. wakeup call comes. What was I thinking – making an early morning breakfast reservation?! Okay, we’re up!
We’re out at the bus stop by 5 minutes before 7. It’s still not totally light outside! It takes 15-20 minutes before our Epcot bus rolls in. This route visits all 4 Riverside stops after picking us up before heading to Epcot. Still, we arrive before those with early dining reservations are allowed through the gate. They say they will allow us in at 7:45 a.m. Those with early Segway Tour reservations are already being let through the gate. It’s a full 5 minutes after the 7:45 a.m. mark before they open up the dining gate. We’re only a few families back and we’re quickly in.
We enjoy a leisurely stroll through a mostly empty Epcot and stop to take some pics along the way.
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/43133/2281022480104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2281022480104031159hweAFw)
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/45289/2249276870104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2249276870104031159HbWQCb)
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/24762/2635308260104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2635308260104031159dvtXaB)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/44344/2722704480104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2722704480104031159RsDaKa)
Our checkin at Akershus is quick. We are called a few minutes later and are put on a short line to have our picture with Belle. Following our picture, we are led to our table which is just a short distance from where Belle continues to greet incoming families. We start with a buffet consisting of a variety of cheeses, fishes, yogurt, fruit, nuts and pastries. We no sooner set our buffet plate on the table when they also deliver a family style breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausages. Along with the food, we have a coffee and an OJ.
In quick order, we are visited by Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. Each is lovely and we enjoy our breakfast with the princesses!
I am hopeful of beating the 9 a.m. park opening crowds to Test Track but no such luck. Not only is the standby line out the door but the line to obtain fast passes is also quite long. Still, we manage to get a couple of fast passes and, with those in hand, head to Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
There are only a handful of people here. In fact, Gene & I have an entire car to ourselves for the ride! After increasing our energy awareness, we walk onto the milder side of Mission:Space though the more intense side lists a 20 minute standby time.
URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2090246690104031159wbhTpK]http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/44292/2090246690104031159S600x600Q85.jpg[/URL]
We successfully complete our mission so turn in our fast passes for Test Track. By now, the standby line for Test Track is at 50 minutes!!
The line at Character Connection is way too long so, instead, we head to Nemo. Even this attraction has a 10 minute line! We check out the manatees (only one is visible) before moving on to The Land.
It’s close to noon and this pavilion is mobbed! We join the queue at the Soarin’ Fast Pass machines and are rewarded with a return time between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.!!!!
Living with the Land, is, of course, not in operation so we do something we’ve never done before – we sign up for the Behind the Seeds Tour! Our tour is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.
With some time to kill, we walk over to Figment which, surprisingly, has a 5 minute wait! Don’t think I’ve seen that before – at least not for this version of the ride!
After riding, we head back to the Land and sign in for our tour. We’re provided with name badges and told to wait for our tour guide. Our group includes two youngsters, though not little kids, who are with their adult cousins; a couple from Florida who enjoy gardening;, and an adult family of four. I’m thinking I’m probably leaving someone out!
While waiting, we hear one family discussing where they might eat including, perhaps, heading over to Rose n Crown. I believe one member of the party went off to call about reservations and, no surprise, came back empty handed.
Landon (I think that was his name) was our tour guide. He’s an entomologist (He paused after stating this – I think he was waiting for someone to ask him to explain what that meant but no-one did). He is quite involved in research surrounding the use of predatory bugs to control pest bug populations in the gardens. We start in his area where he gives us a short lesson, including video, of some of what he has been working on. Several members of our party are provided with little vials of lady bugs which were stored in the refrigerator. They are not moving at all when first brought out of the chill but as soon as they warm a bit, they become quite active. Come to think of it, I don’t feel like being very active when I’m really cold either! The lady bugs wills be released later in the tour.
We then enter the greenhouses. Though you generally see the same things you’d see on the boat tour, you see it from a whole new perspective with lots more information – and particularly interactive information!
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/21409/2409734010104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2409734010104031159TXKCTz)
While we were beginning our tour, the fast pass machines for Soarin were being covered as the passes were gone for the day!
Along the way, we got to touch a plant that immediately closes up when just lightly touched – I think it’s called a Sensitive plant. Those with lady bugs released them when directed to do so. We all got a great view of the alligators, got to taste cucumbers grown in the greenhouses, and had a turn feeding the ravenous tilapia – I may have eaten one of them before we departed Disney World!
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/45258/2371558720104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2371558720104031159ZLBYcX)
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/10903/2502695420104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2502695420104031159cAMmGC)
URL=http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2381636470104031159UXRPPv]http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/42510/2381636470104031159S600x600Q85.jpg[/URL]
All in all, it was a quite worthwhile tour at a very reasonable cost. Once the tour was completed, we headed home for some swim time!
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/42167/2349462290104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2349462290104031159ghaaVt)
Refreshed, we headed to Sassagoula and used a couple of our quick service credits for a Mickey Bar (for me) and ice cream (for Gene).
After we shower and change, we return to Epcot and arrive just in time to turn in our fast passes for Soarin’! The stand-by line is listed at 90 minutes!!!
Following our tour of California, we head out the International Gateway and walk over to Big River Grille and Brewing Company for dinner. Knowing that no reservations are taken at this location, I was a little concerned that this might not have been a good idea in the midst of free dining, but my fears were for naught – we are seated immediately after arriving.
One weird thing is that we are in view of the brewing tanks. One is overflowing and there is an active yeast/hops blob going on. It brings to mind that very old sci-fi movie “The Blob” so I’m sure to keep an eye on it during our meal!
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/24049/2883651310104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2883651310104031159KMKcTh)
I have a very yummy salmon dish along with mashed potatoes and snap peas. Gene has an overly generous portion of ribs along with the same sides. He isn’t able to finish the ribs! We are stuffed so take our desserts to go – cheesecake for Gene and chocolate cake for me.
We walk back to Epcot and decide to walk the long way around. As we stroll through the countries, the lightning becomes more and more pronounced. It’s looking quite threatening so we quicken our pace and decide it might be time to head home! Apparently many others had the same thoughts as our bus home is quite full – standing room only! Despite this, we arrive at home without experiencing the expected downpour!
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/45384/2737903950104031159S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2737903950104031159XWzGyk)
Gene now devours his dessert though I’m still too full so mine is stowed in the fridge.
Miles Walked: 7.91
What’s New: Behind the Seeds Tour; Breakfast with the Princesses at Akershus