I awoke very early to make my way to MK to get my hands on some of the POTC pins, I turned on the TV to the info screen. Gack!! MK had the EMH, DEFINITELY didn't prepare for this. I booked my ADRs based on an idea of *insert park on a particular day* So, with a rush out the door, , I made my way to MK.
When the doors opened to MK, I rushed towards the pin shop. My jaw dropped the doors had just opened and the line was nearly outside the door. Are you kidding me? So, I ran inside and made my way to the line. As i waited , I talked to some of the other customers. i couldn't believe the amount that some people would go to to get these pins. There were 3 main pins to collect, On one end of the scale there was a 15 dollar one with Jack and Barbossa, 25 for a large Jack pin, and 125 for the pirate lord set. The pirate lord set was in a beautiful wooden box, but I was also taking my luggage into account. My budget was only for the Jack/barbossa one, but people in front and behind, the sky was the limit. I also grabbed a Goofy 75th Birthday Pin and it was off to Epcot.
I arrived at Epcot a little later than expected, but i quickly made my way to Mission Space..Eep, would my nerves, and more importantly, my stomach handle the G forces. After selecting the Orange Mission (the normal mission I believe)One thing I learnt the first time was not to eat breakfast or anything for that matter until AFTER the big rides. With MK, Space Mountain didn't throw my stomach for a loop(pardon the pun, but Mission Space was a BEAST. Once i strapped in ( I was an Engineer again, curse that Commander spot that eludes me
) I watched as we took off. I punched the buttons and my stomached cringed with the landing. I wonder why it is that up until the last 30 seconds I am fine, and then that bit I am a mess. I never got sick again, but I needed some air. After I got out, I made my way to Test Drive. I looked up at the single line..30 minutes..argh...well, I could grab a FAST pass and try to get in Soarin' but as Ilwould learned, that would be a foolish venture. I waited in line and when we got into the cars, it was refreshing to be indoors where it was cool. It was also a treat to see GMs involvement in their production. We made it to the cars and I have to say that Test Drive is always a treat, gives a fast ride and raises the adrenaline. After the ride I took alook at the new vehicles in GMs lineup. it was interesting to see the hybrids, and SUVs, but I miss the sports cars!!!
From There, it was off to Soarin'. I will say this, after Mission Space, this is quickly becoming a favorite of mine not only in EPCOT, but in all of WDW. The line was getting loner as the day grew on, and due to renos, there was a partition that led to a lot of bottlenecking. As I strapped in, and tucked my bag under my seat. I finally began to relax at Disney. As we were flying over California though, I noticed a small glitch, I couldn't smell the scenery around me. Meh, still the views were amazing, and the ride feels realistic. After Soarin, I had lunch inside the Soarin' building, and I had my first taste of the Chocolate Croissant...heaven!!I decided to take a look at the Flower and Garden Show exhibits before heading to Epcot. When I first entered Epcot, I noticed the amazing Peter pan and Hook on the Pirate ship with the crocodile and Stitch close by.On the Entrance to World Showcase. I spotted Donald, Goofy and Mickey dressed in pirate gear. From thereI grabbed a passport to get stamped and wrote in( I noticed a lot of adults have gone and did this).With not a lot of time to waste. I made my way around the world. At Canada, I watched Off Kilter , who were very good, and I made a point of finding any Saskatchewan workers, and ribbing them about the total lack of Saskatchewan Roughriders merchandise (they said the only sports teams were the Canadian NHL teams) in England, I caught the perfomers, who were hilarious. As I was making way from England toFrance. I was approached by amember of the EPCOT staff.. I'm not sure whether it was an OFFICIAL YOAMD gift, but they gave me a private viewing seat for the Illuminations show on one of the exclusive patios. woo hoo. Soon after, it was time to get to my ADR at Le Cellier
Le Cellier
I sat in the Yukon section , as there were not a whole lot of single seats. I started off with the bread which was delicious, the appetizer was the seared salmon, which was ok, but not great. For my drink, I had a chocolate rasperry shake. Verry good but a little sweet( ironic, as I would choose the maple creme brulee as my dessert. For my entree, I had the filet mignon with yukon potatoes instead of the cream cheese. The steak was a little undercooked but overall very excellent meal. Just for kicks, I took a peek at the bill before handing my dining card. Holy schnikes, it was pricey, but if I did all over again, Iwould go for that again. Looking at the menus now, the took out the creme brulee and the seared salmon for supper. What gives?? After my meal, I was stuffed and ready for Illuminations. Hopping outside in the flowers were tiny (baby?) rabbits, which brought a smile to my face.
With the sun setting I made my way to the exclusive patio. About 15 others were seated down there and one gentleman took offense when I sat down. he claimed the spot was his, so I stood by the railing. When others got up to do the same He got annoyed as it was "blocking his view for the camcorder. Sorry buddy but people wanted to get a good view of the show
As always the show was excellent and I had a little trouble hearing with all of the fireworks. After the show, I made my way to the hotel for another long day and another long day to come with MGM
Coming up: Day 4 MGM or "Walk This Way" to Fantasmic