The "are we nearly bankrupt yet" french family trip - Day 12 - Epcot and Illuminations Cruise

[Loopylooloo]

We began our time in Ecot with Soarin, using fastpass plus, (thank the lord for fastpass, the regular queue was over two hours! ) I thought this ride was brilliant, right up my street! Then we did Mission Space, Terry and I took the easy route, and the boys went for the full throttle version!

Next up was Test Track, we used single rider lane for this, it was ok, but it broke down about three times while we were on it, thankfully the bit at the end where it goes really fast made up for that!

They had a flower and garden festival going on, with lots of amazing sculptures made from leaves, and flowers, of all the Disney characters, I took a lot of photos (sorry if they are boring) I just loved it!

Then we went into the world showcase, I was immediately impressed, some people skip this whole part of Epcot, but I would happily go back and do it all a bit slower, boys wanted to race round, get pizza in Italy, and get back to the pool at our resort. I wanted to go in all the little shops, try all the little snacks, take lots of photos...

We saw actual MARY POPPINS!

Headed back to the resort, as it was very hot and humid, for a swim. Next time I come here to Florida, I am doing Epcot again, properly.

In the evening we had a quick dinner (rubbish food) at Millers Ale House, then we drove to Disneys Yacht Club, for our much awaited Illuminations cruise.

Its really lovely at this resort, very New England themed, they were showing a movie on the beach, and there is a pier to walk along, it was gorgeous with the sun setting.

We met our boat driver, Ron, and the other people who were sharing our cruise, fellow Dibbers, Tracey, Lee, and Joseph, and Newly weds, Laura and Stuart who were on their 'Disneymoon' all really nice people, we were so pleased to share the experience with them.

The cruise took us past the Boardwalk, around the lake, then down to Epcot, where we docked just under a little bridge, ready to see the show.

The show was spectacular, I was a little worried for the ducks swimming around on the lake, as the fireworks went off, and the music boomed, but they seemed completely unfazed!

It really was magical, what a perfect way to end the day...

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New Photo Added by Loopylooloo - 15 Apr 14 3:43 AM.

[xXxSammi88xXx]

Enjoying reading your report. How are you finding the crowds? I'm going easter next year so interested to hear how busy it is x

[Megandllsmum]

Another brilliant report, looks like a good day was had by all, the cruise sounds fantastic x

[Loopylooloo]

Regarding crowds, we are finding it ok actually, not as bad as people had said it would be, it is busy, but using fastpass plus, and getting to parks early helps. We are having a wonderful time, and weather is great at easter too...

[mrsdjh]

Hi, I am looking out each day for your updates, as we are also going next Easter.

Your holiday looks great, and I'm glad you are finding the crowds manageable.

Weather looks great too!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Diane

[KittyBlackDog]

More great photos LLL. Thanks for sharing about the illuminations cruise

[Taffy1959]

The illuminations cruise sounds good I'll have to have a look at doing that

[vanlou]

I love Epcot - my favourite park. We managed to miss illumiNations on our 1st trip, so definitely need to see it this year. The cruise looks a great way to see it.