A seed was planted and here’s what grew....Magical Memories About This Page:

[mzozzietj]

Originally Posted by CinderAbby

So now in an effort to get my mind off waiting for the phone call. I'll get on with my TR

Yay, can't wait to read more!

[CinderAbby]

Friday August 13th

I was up at 6:15 this morning and Lenny was up shortly thereafter. I started waking Abby up at 7:15 but she wouldn’t get out of bed until 8 am. I had planned on us going to Epcot early today because we wanted to do Kim Possible. I read it’s better to sign up for this early so that was the plan. When I’m in a hotel room, I have the habit of constantly looking out the windows when I don’t have a lot of other things to do. Because it took Abby so long to wake up, I looked out the window a lot. And then I started to think. It was another beautiful morning and on Monday when Characters in Flight wasn’t flying, I promised Abby we would try for it again during the week. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and I really started thinking that it would be a good time to try for it again. Once Abby was up, she wasn’t entirely open to the idea for some reason, but I told her I made her a promise and we were going to try before going to Epcot. So once she was all ready, we loaded up the scooter and headed to DTD. We got there right at 9 am and the ticket window wasn’t even open yet. When I saw the employee standing outside of it, I asked if it was open and going up today. He said they were in the process of opening and as soon as we got the tickets, we could go up. I didn’t look at the prices but apparently they do like Disney - 10 YO’s are considered an adult as I paid for 3 adult admissions (currently 18 each). I was fine with that though because we wanted to try it out.

Our pilot, Joey, didn’t even wait around to see if anyone else was buying tickets. He took just the 3 of us up and he started pointing out some of the landmarks at the top. The ascent was very smooth and as long as I didn’t look down, I was fine with the height (I don’t like them). And I now know why it closes so much. There was no wind on the ground when we left and there was no wind when we first got to the top, but one built up. I didn’t think it was too bad but I wouldn’t want to be up there when it was any windier. At the top, with the naked eye we saw the boat at TL, ToT, EE, the geosphere, and the Contemporary.

Joey took the first picture (obviously as none of us could have ) ---I didn't take many photos but this was the best one I did

I think we saw Space Mountain too but I don’t remember. Lenny had remembered to bring his small pair of binoculars and Abby loved looking through them at different parts of Disney and announcing them. Then before we knew it, Joey’s timer went off and the ride was over. The descent was just as smooth as the ascent and even though Joey said the landing would be bumpy, I didn’t think it was too bad at all. The ride itself, for us, was worth it to do the one time but because of the cost, I wouldn’t rush back to it.

The other pilot took this picutre of us

Once back on solid ground, we stopped for Lenny to rest on a bench and to take a couple of quick pictures of Abby.

Then we headed to Epcot and were there by 10:00.

Our first stop was to get our "mission" pass for Kim Possible

and it said Italy for 11:00. The CM told us we could report to Italy anytime after 11 and we could still use the ticket so there was no need to worry if we were in a line at 11. I thanked him for that info (that was a big help to me because I would have worried) and off we went to Imagination. Abby was hoping it was running this day and so was I. Because it was so hot out, we cut through Club Cool on our way and we tried the drinks. I was too chicken too try the Beverly but Lenny did and since he’s the guy that eats just about anything, he said it wasn’t too bad. I made sure Abby stayed away from it though - it wouldn’t have been fair to have her try it. The only one I liked was the gingerale. The rest kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. After sampling the Coke products, we finally made it to Imagination which had no line. Is anyone surprised by that? I’m not. Today the ride was running smoothly and Abby was very happy. Afterwards, she played a bit in Imageworks and then we decided to have a couple of pictures done at the Fantasy Theater. I didn’t want to have to run back there to pick up pictures nor did I want to carry them around so I opted for resort delivery and I filled out the paperwork. We waited a while and I was starting to get impatient as only one person was working but then a second person came over and took us right away. We had the pictures taken and edited to our liking and after we paid for the photos, we headed to WS.

Since we had to go by Mexico to get to Italy, we stopped for another ride and then finally made it to Italy about noon time. We got our Kimmunicator and our first country was Germany. Abby didn’t seem to want too much to do with it at first but as we got the hang of it, she took over the phone and really paid attention to where we needed to go.

Once we got the bad guy, we had the option to continue, which Abby wanted to do. She chose China for the next country. I have to admit, for a kid who sometimes can’t see something right in front of her face, she did a good job of picking out where we were suppose to go. There were a couple of times Lenny and I had trouble finding the spot but Abby was able to find it. After China, we started to get hungry but Abby wanted to do more KP missions. We happened to spot a KP CM collecting the phones so we asked what we should do. He told us to leave the phone on the pick a country screen and then just pick up there when we were ready. So we did that and because the only place that really had a suitable lunch for everyone was USA, we headed there for lunch. Just as we got there, the Fife and Drum Corp was coming out and Lenny stopped to video them. It was hot and Abby wanted the shade so we sat at an outside table. After a minute or two, I said the heck with it and went inside. I figured if I had to wait for Lenny, I might as well kill two birds with one stone and wait out the time in line. The only problem with that though was once Abby and I got inside, there were no lines. Oh well, Abby and I got in line anyway then Abby said she wanted to sit. I’m still protective enough over her that I didn’t want her to leave my side but I let her go. The restaurant was relatively empty so I told her to pick a table where we could still see each other and not move from it. Once she was seated, I turned back to the CM who had waited patiently for me. I had no idea what Lenny wanted so I ordered a pork sandwich for me, the adult nuggets for Abby and the kids chicken wrap for Lenny (we took turns having Abby’s kids meals). I had all our food and was just heading to the table when I saw Lenny come in. Since we play mix and match with our meals anyway, Lenny was fine with the kids meal that day. Plus too, we ate lunch so late that dinner was only a couple of hours away.

In the middle of lunch, our Kimmumicator started beeping. We didn’t think much of it at first but when we finally took the time to look at it, it told us to return the Kimmunicator to the nearest CM. We finished lunch and since the location was right there between Italy and America, we headed there first. Abby wanted to do more missions and the CM got us set up again. While she was doing that though, it started to rain which upset Abby. The CM’s seemed confused as to why she was so upset so I briefly explained that she’s Autistic and even just getting the toe of her shoe wet at times is upsetting to her (no exaggeration) and that I was hoping the new mission would distract her enough to forget about the rain. I’m pretty sure the CM said she knew someone (maybe in her family) with Autism and the next thing I knew she started moving quicker and then she was calling Abby over to come get the Kimmunicator and asking Abby which country she wanted (she chose Japan). Within what seemed only a few seconds, the CM had everything all set for us and sent us off with "go and have fun." It went really quickly but I thought it was really sweet that she helped in trying to distract Abby from the rain - and it did work. Abby walked along with her umbrella in one hand and the Kimmunicator in the other and by the time we made it to Japan and listened to the intro all over again, the rain had stopped. A few sprinkles came here and there but by the time we were done with Japan, the rain was all over and Abby wanted to continue onto France. Again in France Abby was able to find a couple of the spots that Lenny and I just couldn’t see and once we had saved the day again, Abby said she wanted to stop playing and go back to FW. We had done more missions that I thought we would so I was "game" for something different. We turned in the Kimmunicator and on the way to FW, we stopped at the edge of Canada. With the people sitting in the seats, I knew someone would be coming on stage soon but since I thought we were still in the UK, I thought it was going to be the British Invasion. I was wrong (Lenny thinks I’m right all of the time - this just proves I’m not). It was Off Kilter that came on stage and even though it was extremely loud, Abby not once asked for her headphones and even wanted to stay which surprised me. I only wanted to sit a couple of minutes and check it out - I didn’t plan on staying for the whole show, but Abby wanted to so we did.

Once the show was over, we continued on the way to FW where Abby decided she wanted Nemo. I made sure my glasses were safely tucked into my glass case and we boarded our clammobile. We hung around a while checking out the Nemo area

then left for our 4 PM dinner ADR at the Garden Grill. When we walked outside, it was apparent that it had rained again. I was so glad we missed it as Abby really let the rain get to her this year. We got to the Land with no rain drops and headed right to the GG. We were a few minutes early but I was able to check in and we were given a pager. As we waited, I was glad to see the restaurant revolving tonight (I’ve read different threads where it wasn’t working but that night it was). After a few minutes, all the characters came out and starting waving to people then our server came out to get us.

I had asked for a table instead of a booth and we were given one. A few minutes after we were seated the chef came out to talk to me. Instead of the food that most people get what I had was plain salad with oil and vinegar on the side, plain turkey, broccoli, boiled potatoes and a fruit cup. The bowl of salad was huge just for me and the plate I was given was just as big. On top of the late lunch we had, it was hard to eat all of it. Lenny had only had the kids meal for lunch so he was hungry and he ate from his platter (which was geared towards just one person as Abby got the kids platter) and also from mine. I really don’t know what Abby and Lenny thought of the meal. I didn’t hear any complaints and the dishes were relatively empty when taken away so I have to think that it was good. I didn’t touch the dessert - the chef told me they use lots of butter on it. Lenny said it was really, really rich - almost too rich so he only tried it but left it as well. Of course he had another dessert too that he liked more. It was noted at most (if not all) of our meals that he was celebrating his 50th and instead of the cupcake we got at CRT and Akershus, at GG Lenny got a piece of chocolate cake. It was huge and I don’t know if it had frosting or mousse or what was on it but it was good but very rich (Lenny did share a taste with me).

So overall, the food itself was good. I wouldn’t say over the top, but it was good. The character interaction here though was absolutely wonderful. We saw Mickey 3 times and everyone else twice. And they stayed and interacted too - they didn’t rush off. I don’t know if it’s because of the early hour and the lack of others there (a lot of tables were empty) or if the restaurant is just small enough to allow for multiple visits. Whatever the reason, it was definitely the best interaction. A couple of times they motioned for Lenny to take the camera so I could be in a picture and then they’d walk behind Lenny and Abby so I could get the 2 of them. But definitely the best interaction at all the meals we had. For that alone I’d go back. Plus Lenny and Abby liked the fact that the restaurant rotated and that we got different scenery during dinner.

The first time by us

Yes, these pictures are in the right order. We saw Mickey for the 3rd time before we saw Pluto for the second time

After we finished dinner, we headed over to the Circle of Life movie. We’ve never seen this and it was a good way to let dinner settle before we headed downstairs. Our first ride downstairs was Living with the Land. Back in 2008, I really enjoyed the ride. This year however, I was left wondering why I liked it so much then. I’m not saying it’s a bad ride but for some reason, I just didn’t like it this time around. Maybe the fact that there seemed to be nothing growing in there. There were plenty of plants and greenery but there wasn’t much in the way of fruits and vegetables to see. As we got off, we saw a CM wearing a rain coat (she could have just been getting in or returning from a break or something). I happen to ask her if it was raining and she said it had poured out for quite a while but it was finally tapering off. Being inside the pavilion for so long, we had no idea what the weather was and again, I was glad we were missing the rain. We then headed to Soarin and as usual, we all enjoyed the ride. Although Lenny mentioned something about riding again, Abby wanted to go to Nemo. We went outside and headed back to Nemo. Since it wasn’t too sunny, I just left my sunglasses where they were in the case.

We rode the ride again and afterwards visited the real Nemo again. Abby didn’t want to see Turtle Talk so we skipped that and went to play in Bruce’s area instead.

After a while, we were kinda tired of playing in there

and then we found ourselves over at the manatee tank.

I didn’t see them at first but then I noticed them in the back part of the tank. I pointed them out to Abby because it looked like the were playing and then they swam into the front part of the tank. And what I saw was definitely an indication of playing, but not the type a child would understand. Abby watched them for a minute than wandered somewhere which kinda made me happy because as I left, the two manatees were at the very bottom of the tank. I know birds do it and bees do it , but I didn’t need to see manatees do it - nor did I want to explain it to Abby on vacation.

Abby then decided she wanted Figment but this is unfortunately one of the rides that closes at 7. We found it out the hard way but she seemed okay with it when I pointed out we weren’t the only ones who were turned away from it. Since we couldn’t ride Imagination, I suggested hitting MouseGears on the way out and Abby was okay with that. I don’t even remember what we got but when we were done shopping, we called it a night and headed back to the hotel.

[mdobereiner]

Another great update!! I've never thought about doing Characters in Flight but after seeing your pictures, I'm inclined to check it out. It would very cool to see the various Disney landmarks like that! I'm so glad to hear that you all avoided a lot of the rain at Epcot that day, good planning on your part .

Hope Lenny's tests are going well. Can't wait to read your next installment.

Mel

[Vonnydee]

Great photos once again. Abby looks like she really enjoyed things. We (DH DG and me) hope to do the Charachters in Flight. I dont have a great head for heights but would love to do it for the view. Great reading the update so far. Cant wait for the next episode.

[saibot0001]

Loved your day at Epcot. We want to try the Kim Possible missions on our next trip. Glad to see that Abby enjoyed them. Do you remember how long the missions take, and as an adult, did you enjoy them too. Just wondering.
I love Soarin too! Oh and your comment:

I know birds do it and bees do it , but I didn’t need to see manatees do it - nor did I want to explain it to Abby on vacation.

made me chuckle. I would have felt the same way. lol
Glad you all had a great day, and I hope you all find out good news today about Lenny!

[B.M.]

Great day at Epcot! Glad Abby enjoyed Kim Possible so much. And glad yall were finally able to ride the hot air balloon in DTD! More please

[Roxie2006]

Very enjoyable update. Sending prayers and pixies for your husband hope all goes well!!!

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Another great update! I'm so jealous that you got to go on Characters in Flight. Both times we've been there it was down for wind. Sounds like you had fun with the Kim Possible Missions too.

[mzozzietj]

Another great update, thanks Darlene!

What is Fantasy Theatre? Can you use your photopass or is that something you purchase separately?

I am so excited to read your report about Garden Grill as we have reservations here as well and I hadn't really read much good about it. Since our DD is so little the character interactions are really what we are looking for this trip. Thanks for providing so much detail on your trip, it's really so very helpful!

I hope the test results come back soon and go well so you can finally relax again!

[SharonK0527]

Thanks so much for the review of Garden Grill. We are having DD's birthday dinner there next month and are really looking forward to it!

Looking forward to the next update.....

[Wolfy6688]

I didn't know you guys had a pet bunny! I used to have a lot of rabbits as pets and show rabbits (4-H and otherwise). They're a lot of fun, I miss having them around.

Another great update! I want to do the Characters in Flight, but I'm not sure how DBF or my brother will be with the heights aspects. If we do it, I'll know to do it during the day when it'll be warmer - I bet it's very chilly at night from the extra wind.

When we went to Sea World in 2008, some dolphins were "playing" like those manatees. It was horrifying. I love nature and animals, and I know obviously things have to happen, but it looked a little too human-like for me.

Can't wait to read what happens next!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great day Darlene! Glad you were able to get on both the balloon flight and get all that done in Epcot! Love the pictures!

[CitrusSwirl]

It seems like you had a really great day at Epcot! Characters In Flight looks like it would be fun to try. My daughter saw your pictures of it and immediately said she wanted to do it.

[omd]

Wow another busy day! I have to say that I love the picture of Abby with Pluto but my absolute favorite is the one of her near the Manatee tank. She just looks so happy and like she is having a wonderful time.
Your update was great as usual and the pictures were too.

[sc507]

Oh my! The manatees! I would have hightailed it out of there with my kids too Sounds like you all had a great time saving the world! One of these days, we'll get on that Characters in Flight balloon - it was closed when we went this year....