Trip Report No rain, no lines, no crowds, no ADR's, no fastpasses, lots of fun and pool time.

OK, so I am starting my very first trip report. We went Sept. 7-15 and stayed offsite the first night then 7 nights in a one bedroom at Bay Lake Tower. This was an anniversary trip...she has tolerated me for 31 years of marriage now...something that still amazes me.
The first day we arrived around lunch time after driving through masses of lovebugs. We got there during what I understand is the beginning of the fall lovebug season. Wife's new car, white with lots of front bumper space, was covered in the little pains in the you-know-what. We stopped at a couple of gas stations just to top off the tank and try to clean them off a bit (felt we should add a bit of gas since we were using their window cleaner and water and paper towels).
Arrived at DTD, which has become our traditional first stop, and enjoyed the afternoon. Later went to the offsite room, checked in, freshened up a bit then back to DTD for the evening.
Ate at Earl of Sandwich a couple of times on this trip. Walked around, did some shopping, looked at the construction, or I should say at this point construction preparation and deconstruction, and back to the room early after a long day.

The cast of characters for this trip are Mr. and Mrs. epcotisbest, seen here at Epcot last Wednesday with a couple of other suspicious looking characters:

We are hopeful for the changes coming to DTD, but hope it does not become too much of a shopping mall. Time will tell.
We like Rainforest Cafe and saw the remodeled volcano for the first time. It seems to me a company that talks about the environment a lot is not very environmentally friendly with all the gas used in the eruptions...just sayin'.

We have gone to WDW and not carried a camera, we have so many pics already, but decided to take my wife's little Canon point and shoot this trip. Left the Nikon DSLR at home. Quit carrying it a long time ago. The Canon did OK.

Plenty more to come, a little at a time.

 

[epcotisbest]

We explored Future World for awhile, just taking it in. Looked around for some leftover Flower and Garden festival merchandise and found very little. Went by the Starbucks just to see what it looked like. Never had anything from Starbucks ever, and no reason to start now. Watched the fountain show and it always amazes.
Headed over to Test Track and TT 2.0 was the disappointment of the trip. Oh, it was OK, I suppose, but the design bit, just standing around in a room with some touch screens, creating a car design I could care less about was underwhelming at best. I did like the old line where, to me it was very interesting seeing all the crash test display dummies. For me I think I like the other much better than this new version. I did notice a lot of people having a very good time designing their vehicles. To me it was much less interesting than the old que through to the ride. Anyway, the changes inside on the ride were even more disappointing. Let's make it dark, take out most of the interesting testing stuff and just toss in some neon. Won't cost a lot and most people will be wowed by it.

To us, this is now the best part of the ride. I used to consider this part just a bonus to all the interesting stuff prior to getting to this point:

 

[epcotisbest]

SSE is another we always do, but never when there is a line early in the morning. Many just go to it as soon as they come in. We usually wait and after a little while, no line, no wait. Over the years they have dumbed down and cheapened SSE, especially the descent. So much that could be done here, but the powers that be would rather give you a little computer screen to take your attention away from all the nothingness at the end.

Aren't I mister negativity today. It is just I am sure I'm not the only one missing what Epcot used to be and could be again with a little love and a lot of money invested. It is an investment I believe would pay off handsomely.

 

[epcotisbest]

We went over to the Land, but there was a crowd there and standby for Soarin' and Living with the Land was a little long, and knowing it would be less later, we decided to return tonight. Went to Innoventions, got our Visa Card pic with Minnie and Pluto and went back out for more wandering around. That is when I hit a wall. The back pain and just being out of shape took its toll and I asked my wife if she would be OK hanging out while I went back to the room and hit the hot tub for some relief and then I would lie in the floor for a little while then come back over and meet her somewhere. She insisted on going back with me.
It really was frustrating having to go back to the room because I am so outta shape, but there is no one to blame but me.
On the way out we noticed the flag at half-staff and it hit us, today was Sept. 11. We rarely watch a lot of television and when we are at WDW we watch even less, and tend to let the days run together, not worrying about what date, or even what time it is most days. We said a little prayer and had a quick hug, both remembering where we were on that awful day in 2001.

 

[epcotisbest]

Went back to the room, had a very light lunch, hit the hot tub, then I got in the floor for awhile. Lying on the hard floor helps the aching back.
Headed back to Epcot around 5 p.m. We decided to drive and first went to Beaches and Cream for an early dinner of burgers and onion rings, no Kitchen Sink or sundae for us today. Walked around the Stormalong Bay just because it is so pretty, but did not take a dip there, it is not part of the DVC perk.

Went in the International Gateway and headed over to France. Always, and I do mean every single time we go to Epcot, get pastries. The new location is much bigger, but I think it loses a bit of its charm. Because I am supposed to be limiting my sugar intake, I don't order anything, but do have a taste of the chocolate filled eclair my sweet wife always orders. Sometimes I wish she would order something different but she loves it.

Have always liked this photo spot:

 

[epcotisbest]

Mr. negativity is back. After finishing the eclair and some cool, refreshing ice water, we headed back out for an evening stroll around World Showcase. The alleyways in the France pavilion are kinda narrow and you have to pay attention to others, even during low crowd levels. At one especially narrow space, there was a small backup. I looked over the people in front of me, and there were two ladies standing right in the middle of the walkway firmly planted, oblivious to anyone else there. Now I am not lieing when I say they were standing right in the middle, not moving, one on the phone, the other listening, laughing, so I know it was not an emergency. It would have taken no time to have stepped to the side, but no, this was their spot, after all they paid for the ticket, by gosh they can stand anywhere they please.. Even more amazing, people were just standing there waiting for the conversation to end I suppose. I got my wife by the hand, parted the small, backed up crowd, tapped the lady on the shoulder, gestured to the others standing there and said, "Excuse me, but are we in your way?" She gave me a go to you know where look and I gave her a go to heaven smile back and we went on by. "Thanks," said a lady who followed us through. "Sure, anytime, but just make sure you don't get in their way again." We had a good laugh. That was almost as annoying as the family having a reunion in the doorway of Ghirardelli earlier in the week, sharing a sundae, about eight of them, right in the doorway....I love people.

 

[epcotisbest]

The evening is a magical time at Epcot and we enjoy just walking around enjoying the view.

 

[epcotisbest]

Another view. I was taking a picture of the bass player and this lady got right in the way. She must have gotten into an ant bed or something and was trying to shake them off:

 

[LuLaSue]

Another view. I was taking a picture of the bass player and this lady got right in the way. She must have gotten into an ant bed or something and was trying to shake them off:

View attachment 33215

Can't believe she photo bombed the bass player! LOL

 

[Figgy1]

OK, got enough time to add a few more entries this morning.
Wednesday would find us up early, another breakfast in room, then over to Epcot. I was doubtful about Epcot the next day after MK, because of some earlier back surgery (multiple back surgeries over the years) and diabetes and just being way out of shape and overweight. Being the stubborn person I am we went anyway. Got to the monorail at Contemporary and it was down. They were directing people to take a bus to T&TC as the monorail to Epcot was fine. Only had to wait a few minutes for the bus then it was a quick transfer from bus to Epcot monorail line. While boarding monorail to Epcot, the other monorail was fixed and back up again.
This made us a little late for Epcot, but no biggie. The weather was great and the tombstones are still there:

View attachment 33208

IMHO this area has so much potential that is wasted. It could be a beautiful introduction area to our favorite park, landscaped beautifully to set the tone for the day, maybe some displays about what is to come or even a restaurant here or something like what greets you at Uni and IoA. SSE is so beautiful. The entrance to Epcot, not so much.

Not taking as many photos helped conserve the short battery life of the little Canon camera.
The guys are one of our favorites:

View attachment 33207

My wife wearing the Jammitors bling while posing with the group. And a not so hidden Mickey as well:

View attachment 33209

Love those guys! Your dw is the best looking by far!

 

[Figgy1]

SSE is another we always do, but never when there is a line early in the morning. Many just go to it as soon as they come in. We usually wait and after a little while, no line, no wait. Over the years they have dumbed down and cheapened SSE, especially the descent. So much that could be done here, but the powers that be would rather give you a little computer screen to take your attention away from all the nothingness at the end.

View attachment 33211

Aren't I mister negativity today. It is just I am sure I'm not the only one missing what Epcot used to be and could be again with a little love and a lot of money invested. It is an investment I believe would pay off handsomely.

Super cute couple!

 

[epcotisbest]

My neighbor has a koi pond even bigger than this one, but it is not landscaped like this. Such a peaceful place. I also like the zen rock garden and have talked about building one for a long time, but have never done it.

 

[Figgy1]

My neighbor has a koi pond even bigger than this one, but it is not landscaped like this. Such a peaceful place. I also like the zen rock garden and have talked about building one for a long time, but have never done it.

View attachment 33216

I want one but the wildlife here would go fishing in it

 

[epcotisbest]

I want one but the wildlife here would go fishing in it

Yeah, my neighbor has to fight off raccoons and foxes and neighbors.

 

[Figgy1]

Yeah, my neighbor has to fight off raccoons and foxes and neighbors.

BTW you're allowed to be grumpy it called post Disney depression. The only cure planning your next trip.

 

[epcotisbest]

Earlier at the American pavilion, this very nice cast member called us over to him. Excuse, me he said, but you have a phone call. We were a little confused when he said, "Follow me."
He took us to a door over to the side and we went in a little office. He picked up the phone and dialed an extension and handed us the phone. It was Mickey wishing us a happy anniversary. Now our actual anniversary was still a few days away, but we counted this as our anniversary trip and wore the buttons for most of the trip, and this was a nice surprise. He then made us a little anniversary card, in some lovely handwriting. Nice touch.
When the evening sun gets lower on the horizon, the lighting can be harsh, but I took some pics anyway. Here is an Epcot light pole, to go along with the MK one I took a picture of earlier. This one has better company than the other one:

 

[epcotisbest]

Love the artwork at the African outpost. These, or at least the one this gentleman is working on, are not made in China:

There are some items here made in China:

 

[epcotisbest]

The inside of the Norway pavilion's Stave church is beautiful, but I only took a pic of the outside with a couple of Vikings standing nearby:

 

[epcotisbest]

I have always thought the Mexico pavilion is beautiful and I just know in my heart you have never seen it from this angle. The photographic wizardry of epcotisbest continues:

The inside is lovely as well. Always like the mood the lighting creates in here. We ride Three Caballeros while there just because there is no one there, so why not?

 

[Longers]

Loving this report and the photos as it brings it alive. Thank you for sharing

 

[epcotisbest]

Decide to head over to first aid at the old Odyssey Center for a couple of pain relievers as the strong stuff is wearing off and I did not bring the bottle with me. This is so good to have and a couple of doses helps me to continue.

Headed over to the Land from there, and stopped by Club Cool for a cup or two, but not too many samples as I just can't have the sugar. There are several samples out, just as last time, but the little I do try are very cold and tasty, especially Mezzo Mix.

OK, here is another crowd shot. This is in the evening, on the way over to the Land and Soarin'. Notice the angle of the evening sun: