Trip Report “Parents please supervise your children, and children please supervise your parents” 2018 Graduation Trip Report! *COMPLETE*

Well, it’s been three days, but I’m back from “The World”. Still trying to recover and catch up on sleep . I was pretty exhausted, but we had a great time! The Disney depression has officially kicked in, but I’m hoping this TR will help alleviate some of the pain.

For those of you who are just joining and are wanting to know the Who, When, Where, and Why, feel free to read my PTR!

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-captain-is-headed-home.940164/

This is my first TR, and the bar was set pretty high for first timers (cough cough @becca_ cough cough). Seriously, if you haven’t read her first TR, you need to! Anyways, I hope everyone bears with me and enjoys the 2,000+ pictures that I made, along with this TR!

Up next: Travel Day!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

EPCOT continued

This has got to be my favorite view during F&G!

If I remember correctly, on her last TR, @becca_ stated that she has a fear of butterflies (Lepidopterophobia), so I hope the following pics don’t freak her out too much.

This is probably one of the best (if not the best) pictures I made the entire trip.

It was getting close to our TT FP time window, so we slowly began to make our way in that direction.

Up next: Test Track again!

 

[becca_]

So gross !! Yes and @Doc Disney assured me I was not alone in my butterfly fears!

 

[MegRuss626]

So gross !! Yes and @Doc Disney assured me I was not alone in my butterfly fears!

I’m also a member of that club! They’re so gross and creepy! When I did my student teaching, the second grade class I was in raised them from caterpillars

 

[becca_]

I’m also a member of that club! They’re so gross and creepy! When I did my student teaching, the second grade class I was in raised them from caterpillars

Disgusting

 

[Captain Barbossa]

TT round 2

It may have looked awesome, but performance wise, our car flat out sucked. We didn’t win a single test.
And on top of that, we got someone else’s ride photo!

We met M when we got off, and it was time to head to World Showcase! (via the Odyssey)

1st stop, one of my favorite boat rides!

I remember a couple trips ago when a little girl sitting in front of us pointed at the volcano and asked her dad what it was. He told her that’s where they sacrifice all the bad children who misbehave and disobey their parents. Then she began to scream and cry for the next 5-7mins (thanks dad).

If you look at it sideways, it’s a hidden Mickey! (kind of)

After our fiesta, we wandered around the shops inside the Mexico pavilion for a little bit before heading to Frozenlan... ..I mean Norway.

Next up: More WS!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

WS continued

We stopped inside the Puffin’s Roost, and I was very happy to see this guy was still there!

I was also happy to see some none frozen merch as well!

It sucks they closed up the waterfall. I miss seeing guest go down the drop.

We didn’t stop in China, so we continued onwards to Germany.

It was a mad house over at the Simba topiary, so that’s why I didn’t get a pic. Too many dads lifting their infants up trying to replicate Rafiki, and too many moms yelling at said dads if they weren’t doing it right.

We soon arrived at our destination, and it was time for the first outdoor kitchen of the day!

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany) Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyere Cheese.

I’d heard nothing but positive reviews about it, and for good reason. It was soooo good! I’m not a huge pretzel bread fan, but I actually enjoyed it. The one thing that really stuck out to me, was how flavorful the ham was. And the cheese was also very good.

L had the same because she got it back in March and really liked it. I don’t think M got anything.

We grabbed a bench by WS Lagoon while we ate, and enjoyed the view.

While I ate, I noticed something that hadn’t caught my attention before. This blue building just to the right of the Canada pavilion.

I assume it’s the theater for Soarin’?

There was a lonely PP photographer standing near us, so we grabbed some pics then were off to Italy!


Next stop: Italy

 

[Captain Barbossa]

WS continued

The miniature garden railway always has and always will be a favorite of mine.

Greetings from Italy!

We went into La Bottega Italiana to get some chocolate (a must do every trip). Sergio was performing outside, so I stepped out to watch. M and L came out and we leisurely strolled around.

Honestly, Italy wasn’t that crowded, which was nice.

It was starting to get close to our SE FP, and M wanted to get something to eat from France before we headed back to Future World, so we rushed on by the American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco.

Wadup Ratatouille construction!

I’m actually very excited about this attraction. If you haven’t seen the version from DLP, I highly suggest that you check it out!

Up next: More WS

 

[Captain Barbossa]

WS continued

M chose the Braised Duck Confit with Parisian Gnocchi from Fleur de Lys. (France outdoor kitchen) She said it was really good.

They had these cool pomegranate trees next to the line for Fleur de Lys.

This is definitely one of my favorite topiaries.

I thought Peter looked a little weird without any eyes.

I started to feel a little snacky and wanted something else to eat, so it was time for outdoor kitchen #2.

Cider House (United Kingdom) House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare.

This was nasty. No doubt the worst thing I ate on this trip. I pinched off part of the biscuit and itself was good, but everything else, not so much. Imo, the thing that killed it was the fresh dill. It was so strong and ruined the flavor of the salmon and the rest of the biscuit.

I was really looking forward to it because M and L have gotten it before and would go on about how good it was. I can’t stand to waste food, but I’m not gonna lie, I literally took one bite, gagged, took another bite, gagged again, then threw it in the trash. It was that bad. I’m actually gagging right now just thinking about it. If it wasn’t for the dill, it would have been much better.

While I thought I wouldn’t be able to rid that disgusting taste from my mouth, we continued on to Future World.

Up next: Spaceship Earth!

 

[fractal]

WS continued

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We stopped inside the Puffin’s Roost, and I was very happy to see this guy was still there!
View attachment 292007
I was also happy to see some none frozen merch as well!

It sucks they closed up the waterfall. I miss seeing guest go down the drop.
View attachment 292006

We didn’t stop in China, so we continued onwards to Germany.

View attachment 292010
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View attachment 292012
It was a mad house over at the Simba topiary, so that’s why I didn’t get a pic. Too many dads lifting their infants up trying to replicate Rafiki, and too many moms yelling at said dads if they weren’t doing it right.

We soon arrived at our destination, and it was time for the first outdoor kitchen of the day!

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market (Germany) Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyere Cheese.
View attachment 292013
I’d heard nothing but positive reviews about it, and for good reason. It was soooo good! I’m not a huge pretzel bread fan, but I actually enjoyed it. The one thing that really stuck out to me, was how flavorful the ham was. And the cheese was also very good.

L had the same because she got it back in March and really liked it. I don’t think M got anything.

We grabbed a bench by WS Lagoon while we ate, and enjoyed the view.
View attachment 292017

While I ate, I noticed something that hadn’t caught my attention before. This blue building just to the right of the Canada pavilion.

View attachment 292016
I assume it’s the theater for Soarin’?

There was a lonely PP photographer standing near us, so we grabbed some pics then were off to Italy!


Next stop: Italy

You're right - that is the new Soarin' theater building.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Spaceship Earth

It was time to, well, time travel!

My current mood.

“Our Spaceship Earth”

Once we returned to Earth, L wanted to check out the line for Mission: SPACE again, so we headed towards Future World East.

Can I please take this home with me?

The wait time for green was like 10mins, but we basically walked straight into the briefing room. Once again, we had another successful orbit around the Earth!

We met M outside the gift shop (she doesn’t do simulators). She and L wanted sit and rest for a few minutes, so I wandered some more around FWE.

Usually the festival center is open during F&G, but it was close because they were doing some work on the front of the building.

Perhaps a WoL comeback? Um no, but it was interesting to see people working on the building. I still wonder what exactly they were doing.

RIP Universe of Energy

I can’t stand the marvel IPs. I wish they’d dump the guardians coaster completely and put the Tron Lightcycle Power Run here instead.

I saw a bunch of lizards on this trip.

I went back over to where M and L were sitting. They had rested up and wanted to head to the Seas.

Next up: A bunch of fish pics

 

[Captain Barbossa]

You're right - that is the new Soarin' theater building.

That's what I thought, just wasn't 100% sure.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

The Seas!

Mine! Mine! Mine! (aka the vocabulary of a 3 year old, and some adults)

I could watch the manatees for hours.

Wadup Ellen!

Up next: More Seas!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

The Seas continued

Wadup Marlin!

Time to go upstairs!

This is definitely one of my favorite hidden Mickeys.

Next up: Last bit of the Seas

 

[Gurt]

I too could watch the manatees for hours

 

[Captain Barbossa]

I too could watch the manatees for hours

They’re such beautiful creatures! I wish one day I could see them wild in the rivers in Florida.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Finishing up the Seas

Luckily the dolphins were out!

Nemo’s extended family

After the Seas, we were ready to head back over to WS.

Note the crow on top of Daisy’s bow

I love this picture of monorail gold passing over the flower beds.

This is probably my “perfect monorail picture” of the trip.

Up next: WS round 2!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Back to WS

Not complaining, but like I said earlier, I saw a bunch of lizards.

Had to stop and get the rest of the gang.

Greetings Eiffel Tower!

I was hungry ever since my pile of disgust on a biscuit , so it was time to get something that I’d been eyeing from outdoor kitchen #3!

Fleur de Lys (France) Tarte a la Tomate Provencale: Provençal Tomato Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme, and Rosemary on a Flaky Pastry Crust

We grabbed a table between France and Morocco, kind of near Florida Fresh, and I devoured it in about a minute or so.

OMG y’all, this was absolutely fantastic and full of flavor!! It was so freaking good!! Everything blended together perfectly! And it was topped with olives, which is also a plus! (I LOVE olives) To me, it was kind of like a pizza, but waaay better. I know people complained about it because it wasn’t very filling, but it’s a tart, it’s not suppose to be filling! I really hope it returns to F&G next year!

L got a chocolate crepe from Crepes des Chefs de France. I don’t like the texture of crepes. If it’s drowned in chocolate, I might eat a bite or two. She said it was good though.

It was around 4:45, and we sat for a bit to discuss our game plan for the rest of the afternoon and the night. The American Adventure had a show at 5:15, so we decided to head over and catch it.

Soon

We caught the last bit of the Voices of Liberty as they were about to end on the Star-Spangled Banner. I always look forward to hearing them, so I was bummed that we pretty much missed their entire performance.

We had to wait FOREVER because there were 8 ECVs that had to be elevatored up to the 2nd floor and they could only take one at a time! And to make matters worse, there was only one usher working! (I’m not kidding) Seriously Disney?! The guy had to make sure that all the ECVs made it up ok and seat them before letting us head on up! It took like 20mins and the show started late!

I’m not bashing the usher because he was doing his best to handle the situation, but there severely needed to be a 2nd usher working. I’d never been to the American Adventure before and there was only one usher working.

I apologize for my mini rant. Had to get that one out.

After a long and aggravating wait, they finally let us in.

I really did enjoy the new enhancements, and the fact they added some up to date Olympians to the finale, like Michael Phelps. It’s good to see an attraction like this get some well deserved tlc. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if the potty mouth behind me wasn’t dropping F bombs out loud every 3 words. Seriously dude, there’s kids around, have some respect for others.

Anyways, I love the American Adventure. It’s one of those shows you can’t watch without getting teary eyed at the end, and it always leaves you with that 'Merica! type of feeling. And that my friends is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I will always love my country no matter what, and will always be thankful for the many rights and freedoms that I have. 'Merica!

Damn I’m feeling really patriotic right now! Who’s ready for the 4th?


Up next: More WS

 

[MinnieM123]

I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if the potty mouth behind me wasn’t dropping F bombs out loud every 3 words. Seriously dude, there’s kids around, have some respect for others.

Think we've all had experiences like that with idiots. You can have a theater full of people enjoying the show, and it only takes one jerk to lessen the attraction for those around him. Ugh!

By the way, I really enjoyed your photos of The Seas Pavilion -- very nice pictures of the fish in the tanks. I also like your EPCOT Flower and Garden pictures, too. Keep the pictures coming!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Think we've all had experiences like that with idiots. You can have a theater full of people enjoying the show, and it only takes one jerk to lessen the attraction for those around him. Ugh!

I know, it’s just so aggravating. For someone to be considerate of others is just too much to ask for nowadays.

By the way, I really enjoyed your photos of The Seas Pavilion -- very nice pictures of the fish in the tanks. I also like your EPCOT Flower and Garden pictures, too. Keep the pictures coming!

Thank you! There’s definitely more to come!

 

[Captain Barbossa]

WS continued

I ducked my head inside the gift shop next to the AA as it started to drizzle once we got out. It lasted for about 5 mins, then we were off to Morocco.

We stopped inside the Mitsukoshi department store in Japan along the way. As usual, it was sooooooo crowded, so we didn’t stay long. I think a lot of people ran inside to avoid the rain. Also, there were these 3 unsupervised hellions, maybe 10 years old, but old enough to know better, who were sword fighting with umbrellas. There’s no telling how many people they almost hit. It’s at times like this when I have no problem yelling at other people’s children.

We walked around the bazaars and went into the shops for a while.

I don’t think they tried very hard to hide this one.

I love this little area so much.

It’s secluded and peaceful, and shaded to, so it’s a great place to relax and cool off.

The Morocco pavilion is underrated, imo. There’s so much more to it than what you see when you walk by. All the shops and numerous places in the back where you can sit and chill, makes it a hidden gem.

We then continued on towards France.

I’m completely obsessed with these F&G banners!

By the time we reached France, I was hungry (again ), and I could hear Les Halles calling my name.

Jambon Beurre (aka the norm)

Usually I get it cold, but this time I got it toasted, which made it even better. Sooo good!! I don’t think there’s a sandwich on the property that I look more forward to than this one.

M and L might have gotten something, but if they did, I can’t remember what.

Oh the irony!

At this point, the plan was to continue on to FW so we could ride SE and LwtL before coming back to WS to get our spot for Illuminations.

Up Next: More EPCOT