{"id":47411,"date":"2016-07-05T08:33:15","date_gmt":"2016-07-05T12:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=47411"},"modified":"2022-05-04T20:19:30","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T00:19:30","slug":"trip-report-arrival-day-epcot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/trip-report-arrival-day-epcot\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip Report: Arrival Day and Epcot"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MFL<\/p>\n

In June my husband and I took our daughter 9 and son 6 to Walt Disney World to celebrate her birthday and were joined by my parents who celebrated my dad’s birthday as well as my sister and her husband who celebrated her college graduation. \u00a0\u00a0We stayed for 8 days and 7 nights at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and had the Disney Dining Plan as well as park hoppers and the Memory Maker. \u00a0If you are going, might as well go big right? \u00a0Through my next few blog posts I will provide you with a report of our trip including our daily plans, meals and what our favorites were each day. \u00a0I hope these reports will bring some magic to your day.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Kids waiting at the airport<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Our travel day started early as our flight left at 6 a.m. from our local airport. With all of the new security as well as the recent warnings about long wait times we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time before our flight. \u00a0And we sure did. \u00a0We arrived at the airport before the Southwest agents were even there at the counter. \u00a0Oh well. \u00a0We got checked in and headed to security, which no matter how many times I fly or how organized I think I am or how educated I try to be security still throws me through a loop. \u00a0We had multiple bags taken apart which was flustering and didn’t make the birthday girl very happy as they took all her books and stuffed animals out, but we got everything cleared and headed to our gate to wait some more.<\/p>\n

The wait got better when my sister and brother-in-law joined us as the kids were so excited to see them. \u00a0Our flight boarded and took off on time without any hiccups. \u00a0Our kids had flown before, but both were little so they were excited to watch out the window. Isaac, age 6, wasn’t so sure about the different noises and bumps but he loved getting a drink and treats.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Isaac making sure we were safe<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

We had a plane change in St. Louis with only 45 minutes in between flights, but Disney magic was on our side and we had plenty of time even with having to walk all the way to a different gate. \u00a0Once again our flight boarded and took off right on time getting us closer to our vacation quickly.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Getting ready to board Magical Express<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Arriving at the Orlando airport at a little after 11:00 a.m. put us in great shape for a fun afternoon in Disney. \u00a0\u00a0After taking the tram to the main terminal and then getting to Disney\u2019s Magical Express<\/a> we only had a short wait before boarding our bus and being on our way to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. \u00a0\u00a0We were the first stop for the bus which was nice after a long flight and early morning.<\/p>\n

As the family waited for our carry-ons from the bus, I headed in and checked in at the front desk. \u00a0I had already done online check-in, but as I hadn’t received a text that our room was ready and I wanted to get an update and have them keep our luggage as we headed to the pool. \u00a0I was pleasantly surprised however when I was told that our room was ready and we could head there. I was happy that we got our request of Aruba and were close to the quiet \u00a0pool and bus stop. \u00a0We waited for my sister to check-in as well; however, her room wasn’t ready yet. \u00a0Being ready to be done we decided to head to Aruba anyway.<\/p>\n

As Caribbean Beach Resort is big we had to wait for a bellhop to drive us to our \u201cisland\u201d as well as get our food we had ordered from Garden Grocer. \u00a0This was the most frustrating part of the day as we were all ready to be done with our bags, sit by the pool and get some food, but we had to wait for a while before heading out. \u00a0\u00a0Although it was only probably 15 minutes it seemed like an eternity. \u00a0Once we got into the bus we had to also wait for another family to be taken to their island as well. \u00a0Again in the big scheme of things not a big deal, however after a long morning the kids were not a fan of being stuck in the van. \u00a0In the long run it turned out well though because once we got to Aruba, my sister’s room was ready.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Waiting for bellhop while playing swords of course<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I wanted to decorate the room for my daughter’s birthday as well as set out some welcoming surprises, so my husband took the kids to the main house Old Port Royale to get started on lunch. \u00a0We have stayed at this resort before, but they had done a lot of refurbishing since then. \u00a0I was super excited as we got a room with the\u00a0pullout bed which I knew would make bedtime so much easier on us. \u00a0Again some Disney magic.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Finally swimming<\/strong><\/p>\n

After getting the room ready, I headed with swimsuits to the main house for lunch. \u00a0The kids and husband had already gotten started so I was able to grab my own lunch and sit down. \u00a0Once we were done eating, the kids wanted to head to swim. Shocking I know. \u00a0We headed to the resort\u2019s main pool for a while as we waited for my parents to get to the resort. \u00a0The plan for the evening was to head to Epcot for supper and our FastPasses (FP). \u00a0Once everyone arrived at the resort, we all took quick showers and then met up at the bus stop around 4:30 p.m. to head to Epcot.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Birthday Buddies waiting for the bus<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0I absolutely loved the update of having the estimated bus arrival time at the bus stop. \u00a0Although sometimes I swear the times just kept increasing, it was a great improvement made by Disney.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Outside Finding Nemo after rain<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ride to Epcot was smooth and quickly reminded me how much I love the convenience of Disney buses. \u00a0It started to drizzle when we arrived and then it quickly turned to a downpour. \u00a0Most of us had FastPasses for Finding Nemo so we quickly fought the rain towards The Seas. \u00a0My husband and brother-in-law had FastPasses (FP) to Mission Space so they headed out in the opposite direction. \u00a0We were able to walk right onto Nemo with our FP reservations. \u00a0The kids and grandparents thought it was a cute ride. \u00a0A nice slow start to the trip. \u00a0I enjoyed how at the end they have Nemo and other characters actually projected in the aquarium. \u00a0\u00a0A unique touch.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Dolphin in the\u00a0aquarium<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Nemo we went up and walked around the aquariums. \u00a0\u00a0We were all fascinated by the dolphins. \u00a0It had been some time since we had seen dolphins and the kids and my sister were extremely excited.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Enjoying Turtle Talk with Crush.. and friends<\/strong><\/p>\n

We decided to stay inside and try out Turtle Talk with Crush. \u00a0There was a 20 minute wait before the next show so the kids were able to check out the trivia throughout the holding area. \u00a0I was impressed by how much learning could be done in the little waiting area. \u00a0Our daughter loved answering the questions and even our son liked reading the information they provided.<\/p>\n

Turtle Talk With Crush didn’t disappoint. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you haven’t been this is an interactive show where kids are able to ask questions to the cool Crush from Finding Nemo<\/i>. (Ed. note: and now you can see characters from Finding Dory<\/em> too!)\u00a0 Kids also learn to speak turtle meaning they leave saying dude for the remainder of the day. \u00a0Although it is geared towards kids and those with kids, we were all able to get a few laughs out of it.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Loving the interactive games<\/strong><\/p>\n

From The Seas Pavilion to Spaceship Earth to use our second FastPass of the evening. \u00a0They didn’t have a clear area set up for those using FastPass which caused a little confusion and frustration at first but we made it through and enjoyed the ease and tradition of this ride. \u00a0Upon leaving the ride, our daughter was once again drawn to the interactive opportunities provided. \u00a0She was able to build a virtual body in a 3D videogame. \u00a0If you have an inquisitive kid, I would highly recommend these interactive areas at Epcot. \u00a0If allowed, our daughter would have spent hours there.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

On Test Track<\/strong><\/p>\n

We were not able to spend forever there though as our final FastPass of the day was ready for us at Test Track. \u00a0This was one of the main rides our six year old was excited for and I was grateful that the rain stopped allowing it to reopen. \u00a0The whole group enjoyed building their own cars before riding the ride itself. \u00a0With a big group it obviously became a competition as to who would have the better car. \u00a0The ride itself was fun and the little guy loved it! \u00a0When leaving the ride, this time it was the big kids who got distracted as there were different vehicles to look at on our way out.<\/p>\n

After long flights and a long morning it was time to relax and have some supper. \u00a0We headed over to Sunshine Seasons, as I thought there were a lot of options for everyone to choose from there. \u00a0We were all on the Dining Plan <\/a>which can be confusing at first as to what is included. \u00a0I was extremely impressed with how helpful the cast members here were at making sure we got everything that was included in our dining plan. This was our first visit where we could substitute fruit\/veggies for dessert and we really appreciated that option. \u00a0My husband and I both went with Asian, our kids got the kids chicken leg and rice and my parents went with the chicken Caesar salad. \u00a0Everything was fresh and well made.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Checking out the World Showcase<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following supper, we decided to head to the World Showcase and walk around a little bit, as the rain had stayed away and the evening was beautiful. \u00a0We listened to some live entertainment along the way but mostly just wandered around together as a family. \u00a0I had wanted to allow our daughter to pick a pearl in Japan, but by the time we got to Japan it was close to 8:00 and I wasn\u2019t sure how long the kids would last. \u00a0We decided to split up and I stayed with my daughter, my husband took our son back to the resort and the rest of the crew decided to continue to enjoy the sights of the World Showcase.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Pick a Pearl<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Katelyn loved picking a pearl and learning a little more about Japan\u2019s culture before we headed out. \u00a0Illuminations were set to start in 10 minutes when we got out of Japan and I knew that if we stayed it would be a while before we got a bus back to the resort, so instead we booked it around the world while taking in Illuminations and then got to the bus right as it pulled up. \u00a0We got tucked into bed quickly and were excited about our first full day at Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom the next morning.<\/p>\n

\"MFL<\/p>\n

Mother-Daughter Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overall our first day in Disney was full of laughter, fun and of course some Disney magic as well.<\/p>\n

Look for more blog posts about how the rest of our trip went as well as review of picking a pearl, Cinderella\u2019s Royal Table and other food options in Walt Disney World.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In June my husband and I took our daughter 9 and son 6 to Walt Disney World to celebrate her birthday and were joined by my parents who celebrated my dad’s birthday as well as my sister and her husband who celebrated her college graduation. \u00a0\u00a0We stayed for 8 days and 7 nights at Disney’s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":47419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1695],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47411","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-theme-parks"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47411"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84532,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47411\/revisions\/84532"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}