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Old 19 Jul 17, 11:22 AM  
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sheluk
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The Farewell to Wishes & Twenties Tour - May 2017 - Day 2: Farewell to Wishes

The Farewell to Wishes & Twenties Tour - Index

Day 1 - Travel Day

Day 2 – Thursday 11 May - Epcot EMH & Magic Kingdom: Farewell to Wishes

As per usual with our first night I slept well until 2am, then again until 4am and finally giving up at 5am. Not too bad but it was going to be a long day as we had Wishes to get through to!

We showered and got ready as we wanted to make early magic hours at Epcot at 8am.

Breakfast was cereal that we’d brought with us, plus the expensive strawberries and milk we’d bought last night.



We were out of the room by 7 and it was already a nice 22 degrees. Unbelievably I had goose bumps but they certainly didn’t last long. A bus passed us on our walk to the bus stop but we wouldn’t see where it was for. Unfortunately, we determined it must have been an Epcot bus when there were buses scheduled for every other park bar Epcot. Then in turn several buses showed up for the others park APART from the one with EMH. There were 3 for Hollywood Studios!





Finally, 25 minutes later one showed up. It thankfully only took 15 minutes from getting on to getting off at the park. We went through security, then the extra security asked us both to go through the metal detector. We scanned our magic bands for the first time – eek – and was then kept in a holiday area in front of Spaceship Earth for a couple of minutes.





Such a gorgeous day!

At 7.58am (hows that for precise – it doesn’t last) they let us all through and we sped walked round most stragglers to Soarin. We were looking at all the parents having to park the buggies and gather the kids and knew that would be our fate on our next trip but for now it just being the two of us we managed to get row 1 screen C and was on by 8.10.

This was our first experience of the ‘new’ Soarin and whilst we both liked it, we didn’t love it and both agreed that we preferred Test Track. I hadn’t smelt any of the things Richard had but we both thought the transitions were much better than the old.

As we were next to it we jumped on Living with the Land which of course had no queue. Learning that 15 tonnes of produce is used from the land every year. Always a nice relaxing ride round the fish, fruit and veg.











Leaving the Land pavilion Rich went to do single rider on Test Track and I decided to wander round the fountain and take some photos. It was wonderful in the morning sun, such a perfect temperature and it felt lovely and quiet as I strolled around taking photos and the odd selfie. It certainly reminded me that we should do it more, take the parks slowly and take them all in. It was also the bit of the trip where you know you have it all ahead of you… ahhhhhh.





















Rich was only gone 15 minutes in the end, he said he choose not to design a car (I didn’t think you could do this on single rider anyway?) and that the screens hadn’t been working properly anyway but he’d still enjoyed the outside section. Ah jealous.



We then tried to pop into Starbucks but it surprisingly didn’t open till 9 – now that seems strange to me! There were lots of people trying to go in for their morning hit and being sadly turned away.

We then choose to go and meet Joy and Sadness as I’d heard the queue can get quite long and they’d starting meeting just after our trip last year so it was our first time. We waited about 10 minutes and got called over (the only couple without kids by the way haha). Sadness was just soooo cute, she’s now my favourite. I had told Rich to pull a sad or happy face depending who he stood next to and he did! This is one of my favourite photos ever! What a good egg



Next up was the Seas pavilion. We walked over to Nemo which is always a cute little ride. Our favourite bit are the seagulls outside – mine! Mine! Mine! Haha. I tried to record it but every time I stopped they started so after a few minutes I called it a bad job and we went in. After that we were going to do the Crush show? Ride?





We had 15 minutes to kill before the next show so had a wander round the aquarium, we’d never been upstairs before and therefore not realised how big it was! We really enjoyed watching the dolphins and sting rays and knew this would be an area kids would love for ‘next time’. Particularly the sting rays which looked like they were smiling to us!







Back to Crush which was cute with the little kids asking questions but nothing memorable. It really is quick witted though to reflect what the kids are, or aren’t saying, we had a lot of shy kids in our group. One little girl froze when they came to ask her question so went crying to her mum and got subsequently told off – eek, that seemed a bit harsh to us.

We had had a fastpass for nemo (Epcot tiering system…) but I had changed it after to Spaceship Earth so we headed up to the big ball. This was a good little trip as always, however I noticed it was particularly jerky – probably only as I was paying attention to it more only being 12 weeks.









Back into the sunshine led us into Club Cool. Richard did not believe me that this was its name and I had to prove it with the big sign above the door! I enjoyed the Japan drink the best and Rich said he actually liked Beverley this time… yeah, whatever.





We both wanted a water refill next after drinking the two insulated bottles we’d brought with us and luckily as we were right next to Starbucks we went and had a very large water each for free! We did also buy an apple as we were a little peckish, which was $1.99.







Next up was a first for us – Figment! I’ve read about it being a classic but err, whys that? Is there a story line here that I missed? The benefit was that the air con was veryyyy cold.





We noticed a reoccurring theme that the air con was clearly set to artic levels whilst we were there, no doubt the only way they could combat the mini heat wave on the go. Several months of no rain fall had led to it constantly feeling very dry.



Deciding we’d done all of the rides we wanted to for now we started walking round the world showcase. Controversially at Canada as we were popping out at the International gateway between the UK and France.









Wow it was H-O-T. We popped into the butterfly enclosure which was sauna-esque so walked straight through the other side. Then up to France past all the amazing topiaries.

















Once we got to the bakery at France we shared a ham and cheese croissant. Yummy! Wish I’d had one to myself though. Especially as it had taken my about 15 minutes to purchase it after the family in front of me proceeded to swap item after item, again and again at the cashier, I eventually gave up and asked the cashier next to mine to serve me who looked very confused as to why but my patience had worn thin at that point.

We grabbed a little table inside and ate our yummy croissant with two glasses of free iced water which were much appreciated. The indecisive family also tried to steal Richard’s chair whilst he was in the loo which did nothing to improve my judgement of them. Haha reading that back what a miserable so and so I sound, but the croissant was entirely worth it







Leaving Epcot through the gateway we found the Friendship Boat just to the left of the exit and jumped aboard, it was just after midday at this point. We waited 10 minutes for it to leave but didn’t mind too much being on the back seat and enjoying the lovely breeze.





I’d been looking forward to this moment in the sunshine and it was really enjoyable.





Jumping off at the Swan and Dolphin we headed into the main building of the Dolphin to pick up our car. We’d never been in these hotels, it was quite grand but extremely busy and convention-ey.






We located the car centre desk opposite guest services. It then took half an hour for them to tell us our car type wasn’t available so they’d have to downgrade us for a day then swap it tomorrow. Er, no. We asked if they’d drop it off for us at Saratoga – answer: no. Question about compensation: sort out tomorrow. Okayyy then.



This didn’t leave us with the best impression. It seems they source their cars from the Disney Car Centre so they have to be driven over which always takes some time and we’d just struck unlucky.

Not wanting to waste any more of our day we took what they had resolving to raise it the day after and headed out to the valet who had the car ready. It was extremely basic and pretty dirty (do all modern cars not have central locking these days? ) but we weren’t going to let it stop us so we jumped in and headed off to Walmart.

By the time we got to Walmart it was already 1.15pm so we were a little behind my schedule for the day! We had a look at the subs but they weren’t on par to Publix so we ended up in Subway as we were getting hangry by that point. Richard’s Italian was a special of the day so only $2.50 and mine was $9 for a chicken and bacon melt (no meatballs available…). They were ok, nothing more, nothing less.

We did a small shop then being quite conservative as we knew we had to move rooms in a few days. We always get lost in Walmart – its just so big! We had chosen to go here over Publix as it is generally a bit cheaper. BUT they didn’t have a few things we wanted to we had to go to Publix anyway – lol.











Being back in the Publix near International Drive really reminds us of our first trip together as this was our closest supermarket and it just feels so familiar. Next time we’ll be skipping Walmart.





Rich said the beer was definitely more expensive at publix but the selection was much better. We spotted a few comparisons like the water we’d bought being $2 more a pack at Publix. The main reason for this second shop was Rich’s cooler which he got for $5 and of course loves getting every time we come here!

We were back at our room for 2.45 so certainly a bit later than we hoped. I had my first sugar cookie on the balcony with a large glass of water. I was surprised that the cookie was quite soft as I’d expected a more short bread type thing. Very good though.

Showers were certainly welcome next although I noticed Richard had set the room temperature to Disney artic when I got out.

We’d agreed to have a nap on our first day due to the late night we’d been having. We usually just power through and have an earlier night but that wasn’t an option today. We both fell asleep quickly but waking up was pretty brutal after an hour.

Out and dressed at the bus stop by 5pm it was still very hot, my phone said 36 degrees!



Our bus arrived after 15 minutes for Magic Kingdom and we were on our way for our first visit to the happiest place on earth! I had to cancel our Buzz fastpass as we wouldn’t make it in time so we just had Space Mountain left for Richard at 6.45pm.

I was really surprised the buses weren’t busier for Magic kingdom this being the last night of Wishes.

We really saw the extent of the roadworks now too, they are doing some massive changes all over, particularly under the Disney sign and entrance to Magic kingdom.

20 minutes later we’d arrived to the new security bag check. This was a breeze although you can tell they are being much more thorough, they even looked in my make up bag and every part of Richard’s backpack which had a lot of pockets!





The Move it Shake it parade was just finishing as we walked in so we got a brilliant spot in the hub and waved to a few of the characters before following it down main street straight to Caseys where we had planned for dinner. We decided to share a footlong chilli cheese dog as they didn’t seem to have the pulled pork one on the menu anymore, it came with a portion of fries and we asked for some iced water too. This came to $16.60 with tax. When Richard went to collect it they had given us two portions of fries which he didn’t quibble over and for the first time ever we spotted an outside table free! We’ve eaten stood up many times before as people seem to congregate on these tables even if they aren’t eating! We had a fab view of the castle and the parade in front.





The food was tasty and just enough as we’d already had a few small means today and didn’t want to get too full. After demolishing those we sang along to the catch Vamos song (well I did) and then headed back up Main Street to have a look in the shops.





It had been really warm sat eating our food but it had now clouded over so the temperature was quite pleasant.

Richard spotted a backpack the night before at the World of Disney and it was here too, on one of those offers where if you spend $40 you got the backpack for $20, so he decided he was definitely going to get one just not today. Stupid decision by us both again!

There were lots of Wishes tees for sale and whilst we liked them we didn’t really want to pay $28 plus tax when we knew we wouldn’t wear them, although that may be another regret in the years to come.









Next up was the glass shop where I ordered my auntie a personalised tumbler glass for her birthday which was $14, plus $3 for personalisation, plus tax. I had wanted to get one of these for her on our last trip but didn’t leave enough time to get it personalised. This time it was nice and early on so we got it send back to Saratoga to collect another time.





After a quick nosy round the confectionary and the Pandora charms we decided to go and get some rides under our belt.



Heading to Tomorrowland we had a fastpass for Space Mountain at 6.45, or Rich did at least. He went on it solo and enjoyed it, and I just enjoyed people watching for the time he was gone. Next up was Monsters Laugh Floor which was really funny thanks to some excellent audience participation!



Love this one



It was extremely busy and there wasn’t anything else we fancied doing so decided to head to our Dessert Party slightly early and see if we could get in, it was only 5 minutes early in the end and there were lots of people already there on the Tomorrowland Terrace.

The hub 90 minutes before Wishes


We were showed to our table and told to let them know when we wanted to head to the hub area. When I asked how far in advance he would suggest, he said an hour! As that would have left us approximately 10 minutes for the desserts we decided to just enjoy the food and then head down in good time but saw many people grab something and head straight to the hub.

We both helped ourselves to several sweet treats. Our favourites were the rice krispie cake and the oreo moose ears. In all honesty they were all a bit meh. I had read plenty of reviews before where they were mostly called plain and was baffled as to how that could be but it was spot on and a bit of a let down. Not to be defeated my second go at the buffet was an attempt at an ice cream sandwich, but again meh. Rich had a plate of cheese and melon instead saying he’d tried to pick out the cheese marked spicy – it was certainly the most tasty of the cheeses but not spicy. I too had some of the ‘spicy’ cheese with some grapes.

























To drink we’d both had a class of the sparkling cider which is like Appletiser, quite nice if you have a sweet tooth.



It amazed us as we watched tables around us as to the HUGE portions people were helping themselves to and the waste that was being left. It seemed you could ask for some to be boxed to take away but not many people did that (not that I blame them) and maybe they should have tried less before heaping it on!

We agreed then that if it wasn’t for the priority viewing and how busy Main St now looked with people queuing for Wishes then we wouldn’t be impressed at all, so I can’t therefore recommend it as we wouldn’t be returning but certainly last night of Wishes and all… needs must. And we had used the return of the Cruise deposit to pay for it so it didn’t feel like we were too out of pocket for it.

Around 8.15pm we were done so along with another small group was escorted to the roped off grassy area in front of the ice cream palour. We had been given wrist bands on entering to show we should be there and managed to get a spot at the back against railings which was comfy enough. Those who had gone earlier had bagged the grassy areas so were lay down on those which looked appealing.





The time passed quickly as we watched the cast members behind us try to move people from the walkway as that was an exit route. Some guests got quite fraught and others refused to move! The cast members really stood there ground, although it seemed a bit of a waste as five minutes before they stopped bothering and the area was flooded with people.

That made the party certainly worthwhile for us.

Once it started everyone stood up which was a shame as I’m so short but we still had a great view. And immediately the opening few bars of music just made me feel so emotional, the entire show was amazing and we are so lucky we got to see it one last time. It reminds me so much of when we got engaged and I’m so sad it won’t be back.







Sorry we didn't take many photos as we just wanted to take it all in

After Wishes ended we either had a 30 minute wait for the new projections show on the castle or we could have headed back to Saratoga. Richard wanted to go but I wanted to stay due to our fab viewing spot and in the end he agreed as long as we could try and beat the crowds for the bus by leaving a little earlier. We were flagging now and that was by far the latest we’ve ever stayed up on day 1!



We watched most of that which was really, really good and then once we thought it was near the end hot footed it up Main Street and very luckily straight onto a bus back to the hotel. It certainly didn’t take us long to fall asleep after a very busy but amazing day!
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Old 19 Jul 17, 02:11 PM  
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Lisa_Lollipop
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Is there anything more beautiful than Epcot during Flower and Garden festival?! So many beautiful photos! It certainly looked super hot, you did very well coping with such a busy day in those temperatures!

I totally feel your pain on having to be left behind on the bigger rides... totally worth it but I am excited to make up for it on future non-pregnant trips! ;-)

I totally don't get Figment either, I think it must be a nostalgia thing for people who have grown up riding it... Paul loves it as it brings back memories of riding as a child, I on the other hand just enjoy the sit down and the air con!

Such a great day and so amazing you was there to experience the very last showing of Wishes, so special
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Old 19 Jul 17, 07:08 PM  
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I absolutely love Figment! The ride reminds me of my childhood as I was obsessed with it so it's a total nostalgia thing for me!

Flower & Garden is just so pretty - those topiaries!

So glad you got to see Wishes one last time xx
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Old 19 Jul 17, 07:58 PM  
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So exciting you got to see Wishes on its final night . Well done for lasting the day!
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Old 19 Jul 17, 08:09 PM  
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Wow that was definitely one busy first day! You both did very well!
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Old 19 Jul 17, 09:03 PM  
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Haha my OH always has the room set to arctic temperatures too. I have to take long PJs with me so I don't die of hypothermia.

We have picked a car up from the Dolphin before (weren't fans of the hotel, felt like any other convention hotel anywhere in America) and they also didn't have the class of car we booked but we got a free upgrade! Not cool how you were treated; they knew you were coming so there's no reason at all why your car shouldn't have been ready and waiting.
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Old 20 Jul 17, 05:50 AM  
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I can't believe you didn't love Figment! A shame that the dessert party didn't live up to expectations but at least you got to see the last wishes.
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Old 20 Jul 17, 09:41 AM  
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What a beautiful day, shame about the meh desserts, but that is something I have read so many times about the Dessert Parties. You both definitely deserved a good night's sleep after such a long first day.
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Old 21 Jul 17, 11:38 PM  
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What a great first day! Shame about the car and dessert options but looked like you got a great view!😊
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Old 22 Jul 17, 10:35 AM  
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What a lovely first day. Nothing beats that first morning, waiting for the first bus (well, maybe not as long as you waited!) and knowing the whole trip is ahead of you.

I love Epcot - it's our first day park this year which will be a definite first for us.

Shame about the hassle with the car - what a pain.

I think booking the party for Wishes was a good idea even if the food was a bust. What a long day though - impressive stamina!
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