Let The Memories Begin! – Day 10
We woke up today and remembered that we no longer enjoy free breakfast. So we made our way to Epcot, our second day in that park.
Epcot appears to be very crowded which could be due to the Extra Magic Hour. Jarod and Ashley were hungry so we headed over to Sunshine Seasons for a quick breakfast. We ordered a Strawberry cake and a Key Lime Tart to share using our Snack Credit while Ashley had kids’ breakfast platter with scrambled eggs, sausage and French Toast. The dessert were indeed very yummy. Both Jarod and Ashley wanted to do Test Track again so we went over to get our FastPass using our Key to The World card. We are glad that as Disney resort guests, we could ‘double dip’ by booking FastPass+ in advance prior to our visit and collect the paper FastPasses using our card.
As we have explored Mexico, Norway, China and Germany yesterday, we started walking from the other end of the lake. We visited Canada, United Kingdom, France. We saw Belle in her provincial dress at France and stopped to meet her. We marveled at the resemblance of the real Belle against the movie. Ashley asked where Gaston was and was told he was busy looking for a wife and told her not to marry him. It was so funny. Next, we stopped at Morocco to meet Jasmine. Jasmine was really friendly and took time talking and dancing with Ashley. She had her autograph signed and photo taken before going over to Japan.
We had a lunch reservation at Teppan Edo. Teppan Edo offers Teppanyaki meal made by our personal chef on the hibachi grill. As it is communal dining, we were joined by two other couples. As we were seated, Ashley was immediately entertained by the chef at the other table demonstrating his tricks. She was surprised when told that her meal would be cooked right in front of her. We were warmly greeted by staff with traditional bow and we reciprocated. We couldn’t help but felt we were in Japan. The staff took our orders – Jarod ordered Steak and Shrimp, Ashley had Shrimp while both ZA and I ordered Filet Mignon. The meal also comes with Udon and Sukiyaki Beef Rice. We had conversation with the other couple and made the experience even better. Our chef was Hiroshi from Kobe. After confirming our orders, he proceeded to cook our lunch. He demonstrated the ‘volcano’ trick using onions. Unlike the other chefs at the restaurant, he was more conservative and that was the only trick he did. However, the meal was cooked beautifully and our Filet Mignon so tender even Ashley liked it. For dessert, Jarod ordered Greentea Cheesecake and ZA ordered Chocolate Ginger Cake. I gave my Vanilla Ice Cream to Ashley. We walked away satisfied.
After lunch, we continued exploring America and Italy and thus completed all eleven countries in the World Showcase. It was time for our return window for Test Track. Ashley wanted to ride with Jarod so that she could have the most powerful car. Although this is our second attempt, we still enjoyed it tremendously and Jarod wanted to return again to make his car the most powerful car of the day.
We had FastPass+ booked for Soarin next. We have heard so much about how good this ride was and couldn’t wait to try for ourselves. Soarin is a simulator attraction and takes riders on a simulated hang glider tour of California. We flew over Golden Gate Bridge and many other parts of California. It also highlighted recreational activities such as skiing, kayaking, golf, river rafting and hot air balloon. The finale took us to Disneyland in Anaheim itself with holiday fireworks surrounding the riders in the nighttime sky. It was good but both ZA and Jarod felt giddy after the ride, Ashley wanted to repeat the ride but all FastPasses for that day had already been distributed.
Next, we rode The Seas with Nemo and Friends, a relaxing ride telling the story of Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush. Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive show where childern could have conversation with Crush the turtle. Ashley was disappointed that she did not get a chance to interact with Crush. She cheered up as we made our way back to Norway. Jarod stopped at Starbucks to redeem a Frappuccino using our Snack Credit. She had wanted so much to meet the Frozen characters. When we reached there, we were told that the wait would be at least 3 hours. It was insane and so she gave up once again. As this is her must-do, we would return to Epcot another day.
We walked back towards the Future World where we had dinner reservation at The Garden Grill – Chip n Dale’s Harvest Feast. Along the way, we walked past France and saw Belle again, this time with a cape. Ashley wanted a photo with Belle in that costume. It was the same Belle and it was sweet of her to remember Ashley. Alice was in United Kingdom, so we stopped for an autograph and photo. Unfortunately, the line for Mary Poppins was already closed. Ashley also met Aurora in France. She is indeed privileged with both father and brother as photographers. The PhotoPass photoraphers also took pictures of her.
By now, Ashley has changed into her Minnie Mouse outfit. This is a character dining featuring Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale.This rotating restaurant offers ever changing views of Living With The Land and offers family style dining. The server brought us everything on the menu, fish, turkey, beef and whipped potatoes for adults and chicken and macaroni with cheese for kids. We can then re-order whatever we like. The beef was a little bit dry but all the rest were good. The characters walked round the restaurant, stopping at every table and we were kept very busy taking photos. Ashley enjoyed the experience and collected her autographs. However, Jarod felt giddy whenever he looked out so we told him to focus on his food.
After dinner, our feet were still aching so we decided to ride Living With The land, a slow boat ride and sail through the greenhouses. It was relaxing. We walked back to the World Showcase next to find a spot to watch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The surrounding of the lake was already filled with people and we finally found a spot but were partially blocked by a tree. This night time spectacular integrated fireworks, laser lights, neon, and music in a stirring tribute to the nations of the world. It was indeed stunning.
After the show, hoards of people were leaving the park so we hopped on Spaceship Earth to avoid the crowd. Spaceship Earth is the iconic structure of Epcot. The ride, sponsored by Siemens features a trip back in time. We then descended back to Earth and got to choose how to end our journey through history. It was relaxing but fun. We ended our day and returned to our hotel flat out.
