Disjointed Kitsch

I’m up at 7:15 this morning determined to get this group moving so we can be there by opening at 9 AM. Want to get a jump on the major rides there before the crowd sets in. I’m ready by 8 AM, but everyone else is dragging - ok, we’re on vacation so I’ll settle down.

We wait at the stop for what seems like forever. There are plenty of Disney Transport buses, just none to EPCOT (slide show). After about half-hour of waiting, one arrives. After more stops in Old Key West, we arrive at EPCOT around 10 AM - an hour after opening.. ok, ok, we’re on vacation…

First thing is to hope the tickets I purchased through Undercover Tourist work. After inserting the ticket and pressing my index finger down, I’m in! Guess they work after all. We all head around Spaceship Earth (man this place has changed since I was here last in Nov of ‘91) and toward the FastTrack - 40 minutes wait so we decide to try FastPass and move onto Mission Space - a 30 minute wait that takes most of that. We opt for the “green side” which is billed as “less intense” than the orange side. It an interesting simulator ride but we all feel we could do the “orange” one. Couple of pit stops and some looking around and it’s time to head to the Fast Track with our FastPass.

We’re in line for less than 15 minutes and into the boarding area. FastPass for me. The ride’s OK, the best part is outside - really zoom around out there. By the time we get off it’s starting to sprinkle hard so we head indoors to shop and wait out the rain. Eventually we move over to “The Land” to check out “Soarin’” - a 50 minute wait.. FastPass again .. UGGG.. 4 PM. OK, lunch break. Then walking in raindrops and downpours around the World Showcase window shopping.

We take in O’ Canada! Maelstrom in Norway. Easy rides that get us out of the rain. Mexico has a Margarita stand that’s just what I want. We decide to try out the “orange side” of Mission Space and it does give us some motion sickness.. perhaps it was the Margarita. More shopping and walking and it’s time to head to Soarin’ - which is flipping AWSOME. Well worth the 3+ hour time walking around the park.

We pick up another Margarita (line is longer now and the only one I’m really interested in waiting in) a snack or two, more shopping and then it’s time to go. A quick ride back on the bus and we’re ready for a quick dinner and some decompression. But.. my bag’s not here but I call the bell service and to my surprise they have it!!! Ya! I can get on the computer and charge my cell phone.

Gonna try and get some sleep since we’re at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow and it’s going to be a long day.

I’m keeping my pedometer with me. EPCOT touring was 18,066 steps or a little over 9 miles. That should work off that Swiss Chocolate I got at the Germany pavilion!