Hubby started every morning (and most nights) with a cup of coffee at the All Star Sports resort before heading to the parks. I can honestly say he took full advantage of our free resort mugs. LOL
The goal that morning was to hit Epcot at opening and head straight for Test Tracks. We had missed out on this on our last trip and since we had a fastpass for Frozen and had been able to hit many of the other rides we wanted to see at Epcot the day before, this would give us the opportunity to take our time walking through World Showcase later that day. We ended up not even using our fastpass for Space Ship Earth or Figment because we had a chance to see it the night before.
We didn't make it in at the front of the line, but did make it in ahead of the crowds.
This would also be the first time we would see the changes to the inside of Test Tracks since the refurbishment. I wasn't sure if I would miss the old set up, but surprisingly I really liked the new design, especially the interactive bits while you wait to get on the actual ride. This is one of the many things that Disney does well.
I was glad to see that you can still try out the latest cars once you have finished the ride. This has always been a highlight for my family. I don't think we have ever rode Test Tracks and then not stopped and taking a picture in each of our favorite of the cars on display. LOL
My daughter checked the Disney app and saw a small window of opportunity to see Joy and Sadness without a long wait and since we had never actually met them before we though this would be the perfect time to do so.
Me trying to explain why I have never seen the movie. LOL
The line to see Baymax was crazy long so we skipped it.
After the character meet and greet we headed towards the Land Pavilion to ride Living With The Land.
Love this saying!!!
I know its not at the top of the must see attractions for people heading to Disney but I have fond memories of this ride because we rode it the first time we went to Disney and my godparents were with us as well as my mom. My godfather is no longer here on earth with us but every time we ride this ride I think of him.
Epcot is my family's favorite park for so many reasons. But especially because of World Showcase. For one it reminds me of my second favorite park (Busch Gardens) which I grew up going to every summer here in my home state of VA. When we go I always feel as if I really am in another country. I just get to experience them all in one day. Also it has some of the best shops around and its become a tradition for me to purchase at least one item from one of the countries to take back home to remember each trip. One of my favorite souvenirs still is a blanket I got many years ago from Mexico. I can't explain it if you have never been. It just makes me very happy. We usually make our way around stopping to check out the various shops and to see all the details of the various buildings.
The Mexican Pavilion
China
Germany (my youngest daughters birth place).
Italy (Marc and I try to take a photo in front of the fountain every year.)
I love the architecture of this place!!!
Another must do for my family is the Turkey legs! And we usually stop here in Epcot at the Fife and Drum Tavern to get them.
A small tip for those who stop here. This was the first year thanks to a CM that we found out we could eat our food inside (in the air conditioning) at the restaurant on the left side of the American Pavilion which made for a more enjoyable meal. And there were plenty of seats to choose from!
After a quick lunch we kept moving around the world showcase making our way past Canada.
United Kingdom (another favorite of mine).
At some point during the day our daughter once again received some Disney Magic when she stopped at one of the Food stands to get a treat and was surprised when the server gave it to her for free to commemorate her birthday.
We eventually had to backtrack to make our 1 PM Fastpass for Frozen. I had seen enough videos that I kind of knew what to expect so I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. Its crazy how popular this ride is, considering the fact that I recall a time when it was just the ride in Norway and you could literally just walk on anytime you went! I will tell you a secret....I kind of miss the old ride, especially the part where the boat goes backwards and you could see the ride from the outside. Also the drop seemed more intense on the old ride. Or maybe that is just me lol. Stay tuned for the second half of our day as we explore the dark side of Hollywood Studios and later that evening take a look around the All Star Sports Resort.
