February 2019, Day 5: Epcot

 Even though we jumped over to Epcot shortly the night before, this was the day we planned to spend at Epcot.  We were really excited to meet some new characters first thing this morning.  We knew that Vanellope and Ralph had started meeting and we thought we were going to be first in line.  

9:00

Well, we went to where they had been meeting and the doors weren't open.  Okay, we thought, we've seen this before where characters don't start meeting as soon as they drop the rope and you have to wait a few extra minutes.  However, nothing happened.  I'm not sure how long we stayed here before we finally found someone and were able to ask them and we discovered we were in the wrong location.  We were told that as of today, they were moved to their new permanent location at the exit of Journey into Imagination.  So, we hurried over there and found a few others waiting in line and a handful of castmembers there to oversee and photograph their first entrance.  That's right, they now make an entrance and we caught the end of their first entrance.

So, we didn't get the great start of the day that we prefer, but it was fun witnessing this Disney first and we still got to meet with Vanellope and Wreck it Ralph, characters #1 and #2.

Yes, as you can see, this was a cold day for Disney.  In fact, this was our coldest day ever at Disney.  Let's just say, we were very thankful that we had a pair of long pants and a jacket.  After this fun experience, we hurried over to Soarin, attraction #1.  LittleCGC had waken by this point, so Patrick rode with LittleCJC first while I nursed LittleCGC.  When both parties were finished, we swapped and I rode Soarin, attraction #2 with LittleCJC.

10:00

While LittleCJC and I were on the ride, Patrick doubled back to see Vanellope, character #4 again with a now awake LittleCGC.  Unfortunately, Ralph was not out at this time.

In all honesty, I think Patrick had lost something so he went back looking for his lost item...but I don't remember what it was.  Once we met back up, we were ready to use our first fastpass at The Seas with Nemo and Friends, attraction #3.

After the ride, we did spend some time watching the animals in the aquarium.  We also took some time for a restroom break here, which I would not recommend since these have to be the smallest restrooms on property.  I think at this time though, we had a bit of a diaper emergency that needed some attention.  By time we were done, we were able to make our way to Norway for our next fastpass.

11:00

That's right, next up was Frozen Ever After, attraction #4.

When we finished our ride, we stayed in Norway and decided to visit Anna, character #4.

We of course also met Elsa, character #5.

We love visiting Epcot during any festival, and we always participate in whatever scavenger hunt they have going on.  During this visit, the Festival of the Arts was in full swing meaning we were searching for famous paintings with a twist from Figment.  We found him first at the Mexico pavilion.

This was the perfect time to search for a few of these since LittleCGC was zonked out.  Disney is so exhausting.

We also found the figment painting in Norway.

I thought the titles were very cute and creative.

12:00

With only two paintings found, we needed to take a little break so that we could make our way back to Mission Space and our next fastpass.  We stopped first though for a snack near Test Track.  After our snack, LittleCJC and I used our last fastpass at Mission: Space, green side, attraction #5.

1:00

After our ride, we swapped places and LittleCJC rode again with Dad on Mission: Space orange side, attraction #6.  LittleCJC always loves playing in the play area at this ride exit, so we decided to let her for a bit while I nursed LittleCGC.

When we moved on, LittleCJC decided it was worth waiting in the standby line for Test Track.

2:00

So, LittleCJC and Patrick rode Test Track, attraction #6.

We then swapped and I rode Test Track, attraction #7 with LittleCJC.

When we finished at Test Track, LittleCJC sat in the stroller with the thought of continuing her Figment hunt, but instead quickly fell asleep. 

3:00

So, Patrick and I enjoyed a stroll around the World Showcase, taking in a few more snacks.  I think we stopped at Mexico, but I missed out on that picture.  We then made it as far as Germany before stopping again, this time for a caramel tart.

So yummy.  We then stopped in France for a cheese and bread bowl.  

This one looked real pretty, but not my favorite.

LittleCJC was still asleep, but Patrick and I couldn't pass up any more photo op art without stopping.

So, LittleCGC got a picture with me.

Deciding that was fun, we also stopped at the UK pavilion for another photo op.

We also tried the deconstructed BLT but again, I failed to get a picture.  

4:00

At this point, we decided to add our part to the art mural that is completed during the festival.  This was really a lot of fun.  It's basically a big paint by numbers picture.  So we were given a small amount of paint and told to paint 6 squares of whatever number corresponded to our color of paint.

We then tried another great dessert, the peanut butter chocolate pretzel crunch.

One of the most photographed snacks this festival was the popt art, so we of course had to try it ourselves.

Ha, get it Popt art was really just a pop tart, but it was more like a sugar cookie outside so even better.  We were ready to start our second loop around the world showcase, but decided to stop again in Mexico for some chicken roulade.

The food was all so pretty and really a plate of art.  Before leaving Mexico, we went inside the pyramid for some fun.  First up, we rode Grand Fiesta Tour, attraction #8.

I love how big LittleCGC's eyes were on this ride.

We also played with a few hats.

5:00

When we left Mexico, we were back to our hunt for Figment paintings.  Since we had found him earlier in Mexico and Norway, we went straight to China.

This one was tucked in way in the back of the pavilion, but we found it and marked it with the sticker on our map.

They also had some added IP art that we spotted in some of the pavilions, including this Lion King art that we spotted at the outpost.

Our next stop was to find Figment in Germany.

As we entered Italy, we stopped for some ribs and another photo op.

Thank goodness for baby wearing that helped keep LittleCGC and me warm.

Before moving on, we found Figment in Italy.

Since LittleCJC isn't great about eating all the fun foods around the world, we decided to stop at the American pavilion for some chicken nuggets.  We also took advantage of getting inside for a bit to warm up.  While Patrick waited for the food, these cuties had a fun sister moment.

6:00

Outside of the restaurant there was another opportunity to become a part of the art.

We also had to find the Figment painting before moving on.

Look familiar?   LittleCJC thought it was pretty neat that it was the same picture.  We then found Figment in Japan and Morocco.

While searching in Morocco, we noticed that Princess Jasmine was still meeting guest.  We have never met her here before so we decided to wait.  Unfortunately, she did not have a photopass photographer with her, but it was still fun.

We also found a new lamp photo opportunity in Morocco.

We then continued our search of Figment in France.

7:00

Moving right along, we found Figment in the UK pavilion.

Since LittleCJC was asleep the last time we passed through the UK, we stopped again so that she could take her turn being a mermaid.

She then decided she had to take her photo on both sides.  She was determined for it to only be her though, as she wouldn't let either Dad or me pose with her.

Since it was so cold, we stopped for some Joffrey's coffee to warm us up as we went in search of our last Figment painting in Canada.

This one took LittleCJC a while to find, but that worked out just fine for LittleCGC and me.

Burr, it was getting so cold.  As we finished our lap around the showcase and made our way towards the front of the park, we stopped for another photo.

We had so much fun during our time here with this new festival.  Before leaving the park, we stopped for one more photo, this time with the Spaceship Earth ball.

This day was so laid back and yet, everyone had a great day.  This may be a hard time for us to get to Disney on a regular basis, but I do hope to go back at some point to experience this festival again.

Musical/Movie Project Week 1

 I have to admit, I've been really enjoying this project so far.  In case you've missed what I'm doing, I've planned out a movie a day, each day following a different theme.  This all started by wanting to see more musicals and spread from there.  This week I have a little extra to report on since the new year started on a Friday and I wanted to start on the first.  So, here it is.

Friday First - Mulan (2020)

I'm a little ashamed to admit that I still hadn't seen the new Disney live-action Mulan, but I was wanting to so it seemed like the perfect movie to start this project.  I really enjoyed this movie.  I had heard so many mixed reviews when it first came out, but I thought it was nicely done.  I didn't have a problem with it not being a musical and in fact I loved the little nods here and there to the original soundtrack without just singing the song.  These nods included both musical phrases in the instrumental score and lines taken from the lyrics of the original songs.  I know some people also complained that Mushu wasn't included, but I think it was better this way.  Whatever your thoughts are on it, I enjoyed it.

Seasonal Saturday - The Proposal (2009)

So, I actually didn't have anything on my schedule for this day.  My weekends are they only days I haven't fully planned out already.  As it worked out though, I had the opportunity to watch a movie this day and I thought of a winter-ish movie that I owned and decided to watch.  The Proposal.  I love this movie and it mostly takes place in Alaska so I thought it would be appropriate.

Disney Diner - The Incredibles (2004)

It only made sense to me to start the year with this movie, because we are going to have an incredible year.  Our family enjoys both the Incredible movies, but you'll have to check my Disney Diner post for the dinner details.

Musical Monday - Anything Goes (1934)

I knew my library had this, but I didn't think about it until this day.  In hind sight, I'm glad of this because I looked on YouTube and found a video from the 2011 Broadway revival.  Now, I'm torn with this, because I don't like that people do this since I know it's illegal and I fully want to support all those involved with the production of the show.  However, I'm also thankful that I get to see these shows since I don't get the opportunity to see them in person very often or at all in most cases.  With that disclaimer said, I enjoyed the show.  Although, not as much as I thought I would.  I didn't know much about this actual show.  I knew most of the music since it's such a classic show, but I didn't know the plot line at all.  To be honest, I think since I knew it to be such a classic I thought I would love it and in reality it was just okay.  I really enjoyed the music and all the dancing, but the show itself didn't leave me feeling the love of it like I thought it would.  In fact, usually I finish watching a show and I want to instantly hear the soundtrack again or at least find myself singing the songs which wasn't the case here.  I will say though, that I did end up getting the video from the library and I'm extremely glad that I didn't just watch that one.  Although I was excited to see Ethel Merman in it, I guess it was taped as a comedy hour production in 1954 so it was very abridged.  I enjoyed this after watching the other production, but I would have definitely been missing out if it was all I saw.

Tune Tuesday - Titantic (1997)

In contrast, I wasn't looking forward to this musical at all.  I was only expecting to listen to the soundtrack, but again I was able to find the show on YouTube.  I expected this show to follow the movie, but thankfully it doesn't and I ended up loving this show.  I immediately wanted to hear the soundtrack again after watching this show and in fact did just that.  I can't even explain why I loved this show so much.  I love great dance numbers in musicals and I can't say this show really had that, but it was a full ensemble show and I think that really came through in the music.  Maybe that's why I loved it, or maybe it was just the music in general.  I'm not sure, but I can say with certainty that I really enjoyed this show.

Way Back Wednesday - Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Here's another title that I feel like everyone's heard of but how many people have actually seen this movie?  In fact, I'm not sure if the title is familiar because of the movie or the book, but I know I've heard of Doctor Zhivago.  I can't say I was glued to this movie, but I did enjoy it and I understand why I found it on so many lists of best movies or best classic movies.  I'm half tempted to try to read the book now, since books are usually better than movies.  I'm a little curious to see how much more I get out of the book.  I haven't looked yet, but I'm a little intimidated as to how long the book actually is since the movie was almost 3.5 hours.  Whew, I wasn't really prepared for that.  I felt like there were parts of the movie that kind of went on and weren't really necessary but then I also felt like some parts went way to fast leaving a little left unexplained, if that even makes sense.  I guess this is why I'm intrigued to read the book, but we'll see.

Throwback Thursday - Cliffhanger (1993)

So, I found myself in a bit of a jam here.  I planned this movie without thinking about how I was going to view it.  I didn't think I would have any trouble, but it isn't streaming on any service, for free at least, and I couldn't find it at the library.  I was shocked that the library didn't have this movie.  At first I thought that maybe it was because it was rated R, but then I realized that the movie I picked for Friday was also rated R and the library had that one.  For whatever reason, they didn't have it and I was starting to worry about needing to change my schedule when I happened to check the TV listings and found it was scheduled this week.  I guess I was on target with this movie! I was able to record it and watch it on Thursday.  I remember watching this movie when I was younger and it was just as enjoyable this time around.  It is such a classic 90s action movie.

Friday First - Fargo (1996)

Well, I'm not really sure how I feel about this one.  It's not really my type of movie, but I understand why it is acclaimed the way it is.    I will say that they pulled me in just as they planned and after I finished the movie I found myself researching to see if it really was a true story.  I felt like it wasn't, but then I thought these people are so crazy, is it really a true story?  Thankfully, the video I got included the documentary "Minnesota Nice" that I was able to watch where I learned it's not a true story.

Seasonal Saturday - The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Again, my movie choice logic is on point, because this movie was actually on TV this day.  This isn't a movie I watch often, but I did remember it from when it first came out.  I think this movie has such interesting ideas and it's a little scary to see how it plays out.  Overall, a very enjoyable and winter appropriate movie.

Disney Dinner - Frozen (2013)

It's hard to believe this movie is 7 years old already.  I feel like I cheated a bit with this one as this movie is pretty much on repeat at our house, but I knew the girls would love this Disney Diner and I thought it would be better during cold weather.  Check out my Disney Diner post if you want more details.

Hello Monday

 Weekend update

We had a nice family fun-filled weekend.  We bought a small card table and spent a lot of the weekend playing games.  Every thing from Hungry, Hungry Hippo to checkers and Phase10.

We also are always blessed with music and dancing in our house, lol.

We also have a big girl in our house now.  LittleCGC decided she was ready to stop using diapers this week.  She decided her little potty should be in the living room for some reason, but I'm not complaining since she's actually using it.

Hello Monday

This week we have a lot to celebrate.  Thursday is Patrick's birthday and last week was his sister's.  So, their parents are planning on coming in town this weekend so we can all celebrate.

Hello Movies

If you saw my post last week, you know that I've got a musical/movie project I'm working on this year.  So, here is this week's schedule.

Musical Monday - The Fantasticks

Tune Tuesday - Frozen the Musical

Way Back Wednesday - La Dolce Vita

Throwback Thursday - Cool Runnings

Flashback Friday - Wind River

Seasonal Saturday - Message in a Bottle

Disney Dinner - Inside Out

Hello New Books

Well, I didn't quite finish the book I started reading last week called Amber Frost by Suzi Davis so I'll need to finish that first.  Once I do though, I plan to read the second book in that series called Silver Dew.  However, I did finish a massive audiobook, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.  I have some mixed feelings on this book.  I was interested enough to know where the story was going, but it was unnecessarily long.  It's a good thing I listened to this book, because I don't think I would have ever made it through otherwise.  

Happy Monday everyone!