OK, just got through the first update when I realized there is a second one. I need to get Fran up from her nap on to Trader Sam's so I'll finish my comments here and then be back.
The plan was that DW and I were going to take the older kids and we’d grab a RS pass. Then Mom could use the RS and Dad would take R’s MB and the older kids would get 2 rides on it.
Not having kids we've never taken advantage of Rider Swap, but you guys seem to have it down to a science!
I’ve always felt that Via Napoli is not only delicious, but if you get a pizza or 2 rather than ordering individual meals, it is really one of the best bargains around as far as table service goes. We chose to share a couple of pizzas at our table and got a kid’s menu cheese pizza for R.
With a big family I can totally see that, but even with two of us, it's a good deal as well, we order an appetizer and a pasta and come out stuffed for only a little money.
Our next stop was to see the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix. We approached the theater just before showtime. R was in the stroller and a CM approached us pointing to an area outside the rope where we had to park the stroller. I told everyone to just go in and I’d go walk around. Selfishly, I was thinking of what drink I could put in my hand while they watched the show, so it really didn't bother me at all to make that sacrifice.
Best plans thwarted......
But as we discussed splitting up, the CM realized R was asleep in the stroller and told me I could take the stroller in the theater and sit in one of the park benches at the back.
That was nice of her, but I'd rather be lurking in the back with an adult beverage.
As we were doing this, R woke up and flipped out.
Oh no!
She was pretty embarrassed and upset by the whole thing. I felt bad that I wasn’t there when it happened to help, but I was at least thoughtful enough to get her another lemon slush, which I knew she needed at that point!
Or two.....
Oh wait, that's me!
The highlight of Sunshine Seasons, for us anyway, was that they still had real straws and lids at the drink stations! We considered grabbing a handful of each to throw in the park bag to use through the rest of the week. Probably should have, but we didn’t.
I've started carrying metal straws in my purse, and in the cars. I just can't stand those paper straws and they're serving them everywhere in California even Fast Food places.
I took her to Mouse Gear to buy it and a stuffed Figment while everyone held our spot down for Illuminations. It turned out to be a good purchase, because she uses that backpack often to haul doll clothes, books and her kindle when we go somewhere and she needs some entertainment to take along with her.
That's great when you can get them something that they really like and use, even possibly cherish.
I’m really nostalgic about this park. My first visit to Disney World was when it was just MK and EPCOT... and EPCOT was only a few years old. I do feel like EPCOT needs an update. I’m not opposed to change. We’ve seen a lot of it in the park over the years.
Funny I was touring the park yesterday with a guy, who is definitely a curmudgeon (self admittedly), I'm sure
@Captain_Oblivious can attest to his curmudgeon status, and he is perhaps a few years older than you, as he remembers the opening of Epcot. As we walked around the torn up park he wanted to cry. Eventually he had to admit he had not gotten past anger and moved on to sadness at the removal of the innoventions buildings and so many other memories from youth that park held for him.
Losing the fountain is a hard pill to swallow though.
Yes, even for me whose first visit was over 10 years after the park opened, I loved the fountain. I can't imagine what they could put in that would be better.
I keep wondering if I should push my daughter in that direction.
You should keep suggesting it. She sounds like she might be an awesome Imagineer. I realize that me and some of my friends are more localized to make it a possibility, but one of my friend's daughters was just accepted into Culinary in the DL CP. It didn't hurt that they are friends with an Imagineer and her father is a Firefighter at DL, but she had a day shadowing some of the DL Chefs about a year ago. Evidently she impressed some people cause now that she is in the program one of the Chefs told her that he has big plans for her.
You never know where a break can come from!