8 Days Without the Kiddos – June 2014 Trip Report COMPLETED - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Tuesday, June 10: PART 2 - Epcot World Showcase & Chef De France
Tuesday, June 10: PART 2 - Epcot World Showcase & Chef De France
With our free picture certificate in hand we were ready for the world, World Showcase that is. We decided to start in Mexico, as we had and ADR for Chefs De France for that evening, so this would give us time to explore on the way around.
I had not really been into World Showcase before, so I did not know what to expect. Of course we were drawn to the Mayan Pyramid and followed the crowd in. Once inside the theme was so impressive and unexpected. It takes a minute for you eyes to adjust to the low light. It really feels like you are outside in and open market.
We looked around, then got in line for The Grand Fiesta. I have to say, this is not my favorite ride. It just felt kinda weird. The old look of the artifacts with with live action and cartoon character videos. Just strange. The fireworks at the end were neat.
As we headed out Candi spotted Donald in his Mexican clothes. We got in line and had a great time. Pictures with characters is turning into a fun event for us, and not something I had planned to do. I was surprised by how fun this activity was. As we headed done the steps of the pyramid we found a great photographer taking pictures on the steps. I do not know that the pictures turned out great, but we had fun with him. Then it was off to the next stop.
As we approached Norway we were immediately drawn to the Stave Church. We went in and looked at the artifacts. They had tied them all into a Frozen reference with images from the moves. It was interesting. But when we went out the other side and I say the Kringla Bakery, home of the ever famous “School Bread.” It was good, but I am not sure it is as good as all the hype. We spent a few minutes looking around in the shops. But the line at Maelstrom was too long, it would have to happen later in the week.
China was up next. After some time in the shops we noticed it was starting to rain, so we picked up the pace and went to the Circle Vision Movie, Reflections of China. This was a really interesting experience. It was hard to know where to look, but it was beautiful. However, it made me hungry for egg rolls, as as we headed down the road we past a stand, the Lotus Blossom, selling them, yummy!
We stopped for water and one of the few soda purchases we made all week at the Outpost. I was not sure exactly what was going on there, just seemed like a space filler.
I was excited to arrive in Germany. There was a shop there that was on my mind. Caramel is my favorite candy, besides my wife Candi -- LOL! I headed right in to Caramel Kouch (? spelling) and started looking over my choices. I was drawn to the standard salted milk chocolate caramel square and a bag of caramel corn. $8 later, we are out in the courtyard enjoying it. That turned out to be a messy job in that heat. I loved it, but Candi was not impressed with the salt. We ate the popcorn later, but I was not a huge fan of it, it was chowey, and that is not how I like my popcorn. Of course we did a little shopping here as well, but not other purchases.
Italy was fun to just walk around, and of course window shop, but there was not much else for us there. We had already had plenty snacks, so this was just a diversion.
Up next was the American Pavillion. As we approached the the bugle core was performing in the courtyard, but it was just so hot. We headed inside just in time to see the Voices of Liberty heading out to perform. Man they were incredibly talented. Following their set, we followed the crowd upstairs for the American Experience. I am in love with the animatronics. The historical educationment is so much fun.
I was looking forward to Japan, and it was just around the curve. The drummers were performing as we approached. I had heard about the department store and all the interesting snacks in the back. I wanted to check it out, so we headed into the belly of Japan and over the bridge. Before entering the store, we did a pass through the anima museum. I am not into that stuff, but it was interesting to see how people have taken these ancient mythological creatures and turned them into modern edgy cartoons. We made it through the department store, intrigued, but no purchases today.
By the time we made it to Morocco it was starting to rain lightly, so we did a little exploring. This is such a beautiful pavillion, but nothing for us. Jasmine was there, but the line was way to long for us. We had an ADR in France to get to.
As I head into France, I think I will take a break. Wen We return, I'll review Chef De France.
You were able to sample quite a bit and enjoy a lot of the pavilion amenities! Italy can have some funny entertainment but I guess you had walked through while they were off set, but you were able to catch quite a bit int he other countries for sure! Excited for your thoughts on Chefs!
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You were able to sample quite a bit and enjoy a lot of the pavilion amenities! Italy can have some funny entertainment but I guess you had walked through while they were off set, but you were able to catch quite a bit int he other countries for sure! Excited for your thoughts on Chefs!
We did have a great time exploring. We did not see many enertainers in the countries. Guess we were just not there at the right time. We had a great time just spending time together.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
You all are covering quite a bit of ground in the World Showcase.
We were moving, but had seberal hours to take it slow. Had time to do all the rides and movies except in Norway. Had a blast.
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Sounds like you got to experience some cool things while making your way around WS. Karamel Kuche is one of my favorite places! At first I didn't think I liked the popcorn as I wasn't expecting the texture, but the taste was good and it became rather addicting.
Aren't the VOL wonderful? I love listening to them. Can't wait to hear what you think of Chefs.
It looks like you guys are having a great day at Epcot. DH and I got a picture with Minnie and Goofy also using our Disney Visa but we completely forgot to pick up the picture when we left. Oh well.
World Showcase is so much fun, isn't it. I can't wait to hear about your dining experience in France.
Sounds like you got to experience some cool things while making your way around WS. Karamel Kuche is one of my favorite places! At first I didn't think I liked the popcorn as I wasn't expecting the texture, but the taste was good and it became rather addicting.
Aren't the VOL wonderful? I love listening to them. Can't wait to hear what you think of Chefs.
The cany was soooo yummy, but never cared for the popcorn.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disny_luvr
It looks like you guys are having a great day at Epcot. DH and I got a picture with Minnie and Goofy also using our Disney Visa but we completely forgot to pick up the picture when we left. Oh well.
World Showcase is so much fun, isn't it. I can't wait to hear about your dining experience in France.
They really should make it so that you can go online and order the pic, or something different. The lines are so long.
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