Trip Report Will it ever stop raining? Our June 2017 trip

Hi, all!! I've finally had a chance to start going through my photos and thought I would get started on my trip report! For those of you not familiar, here is my pre-trip report:
Adventure is out there...June 2017
If you don't want to read the PTR, here is a brief synopsis before I get started:
Who: Me (Amy), DH (Brian), DS Logan (14), DD Lily (12), and DS Owen (9)
When: June 2-17, 2017
Where: Universal Studios (Hard Rock Hotel), Disney (Art of Animation), and SeaWorld

For those of you who followed along with the live portion of my PTR, I apologize that some of the photos will be the same. I'm too lazy to go back and remember which ones I used!

I experienced one of the longest days of my life on Friday, June 2!! We left Dayton, Ohio before 5am.

Neither one of us drinks coffee, but we definitely needed some caffeine to start our morning! We stopped for the best Coke in the world!!

McDonald's!!
We had a little delay in Cincinnati because I-75 was closed both directions and we had to take a little detour.
We waved @LisaBelle and @21stamps and any other Cinci friends as we finally drove over the bridge and entered Kentucky!

We made sure to get past Lexington before morning rush hour, and stopped in Richmond for breakfast.

The kids had never had Chick fil A for breakfast, so we had to correct that!

 

[TheMouseFan]

Yay! No Rain!

The one and only day!

 

[TheMouseFan]

Saturday, June 10

Today we were heading to Epcot. We had another early ADR, so were at the bus stop before 7am. All of the other parks had arrival times, but not Epcot. Finally, at 7:10 I got frustrated and asked the CM that was wandering around. She told me that they don't dispatch any busses for Epcot until 7:30am! I knew for a fact that isn't true because we've caught them earlier on previous trips, but thought maybe they changed and that was true this year. We were just about to give up and drive, when an arrival time showed up on the board. A bus finally came about 7:25.
IMG_3630 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Of course, they dropped us off as far away from the gates as you can get!!
IMG_3632 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3633 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3634 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20170610_074000 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

They actually let us in at 7:50! Usually Epcot waits until right at 8:00 to start letting people in, then you are rushing to get to your ADR, especially when you have an 8:05 at Akershus! However, we were eating at Garden Grill this particular morning, so we had plenty of time for some pics!!
IMG_3637 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3638 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3640 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3641 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3642 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3643 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3644 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3650 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

Still on our way to breakfast:
IMG_3652 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3654 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3655 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3656 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3659 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Finally made it! We were seated quickly in a lower booth.
IMG_3662 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3701 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

This was our view when we sat down:
IMG_3664 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3666 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3667 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

POG juice!
IMG_3668 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3670 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3675 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3681 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3686 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3695 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3698 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

I really enjoyed our breakfast! With the dinner menu changes, I think breakfast will be our new go to at Garden Grill!!

 

[TheMouseFan]

We were done by about 8:45 and headed to Soarin', which was already running and a walk on. We got to be in the very center for our first ride on this new version!!
IMG_3702 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3703 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then back out to head to Test Track.
IMG_3707 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3708 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3709 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3712 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

The wait was already at close to an hour, but the kids decided they really wanted to ride, so we hopped in line.
IMG_3713 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3715 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3716 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3719 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Lily's car:
IMG_3720 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Owen's car:
IMG_3721 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
PhotoPass_Visiting_EPCOT_403209521338 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

Mission Space was closed and the kids had no desire to watch Universe of Energy, so we headed back across the park for our Nemo FP+.
IMG_3726 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3727 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3728 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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We spent a little time looking at the manatees and dolphins.
IMG_3734 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3737 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3739 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3741 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3742 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3743 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

I couldn't talk everyone into wearing our matching shirts again this year, but Owen wanted to wear his, so I agreed to wear mine!
PhotoPass_Visiting_EPCOT_403210147064 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

Then we headed back to The Land for one of my favorite rides in Epcot.
IMG_3744 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3745 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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The sunflowers were droopy!
IMG_3762 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3770 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

We has a little time before our SSE FP+, so we headed to Imagination.
IMG_3774 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3775 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3776 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3777 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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Then it was time to head to World Showcase.
IMG_3799 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
20170610_122159 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3802 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3805 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3806 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3807 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

First up was our Frozen FP+.
IMG_3809 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3810 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3811 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3814 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3816 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3827 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3828 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3832 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3834 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3841 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3849 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
PhotoPass_Visiting_EPCOT_403209545539 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3858 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

 

[TheMouseFan]

We decided to get lunch in Mexico. Back in 2008, we ordered burritos from here, and Brian has been very bitter that they didn't have them again when we went back in 2011, so this is the first year I have been able to convince him to try it again! He and I ordered the chicken tacos, and the kids got the cheese empanadas. The kids weren't too impressed, but Brian and I really enjoyed ours and would definitely get them again!
IMG_3859 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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IMG_3863 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Then we went into the pavilion to find the Kidcot station for Lily and Owen, and to take a quick boat ride.
IMG_3865 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3866 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3867 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
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[fractal]

Wow! What a great morning/afternoon in Epcot!

I've never tried Garden Grill - will have to next trip. It's kinda funny reading your trip report and continuing to see things we didn't do. First time we missing out on Living with the Land despite being one of my favorites; also didn't get to the Seas so I appreciate you sharing!

Looks like fun in Mexico (another place we didn't get to this time )!

At the risk of jinxing it, I do believe you were enjoying another rain free day!

 

[TheMouseFan]

Wow! What a great morning/afternoon in Epcot!

I've never tried Garden Grill - will have to next trip. It's kinda funny reading your trip report and continuing to see things we didn't do. First time we missing out on Living with the Land despite being one of my favorites; also didn't get to the Seas so I appreciate you sharing!

Looks like fun in Mexico (another place we didn't get to this time )!

At the risk of jinxing it, I do believe you were enjoying another rain free day!

It was a great start to the day! It was very laid back, and the kids were behaving!

I don't think I would miss Nemo, but it would upset me to miss Living with the Land!

Unfortunately, it did not stay rain free! But this time it was a standard Florida afternoon shower that we could see coming and managed to avoid it!

 

[mousefreak]

The Land pavilion is my favorite in Disney. The smells and the music makes it relaxing even though it's pretty busy. I feel the same way about LWTL. I have to do it at least twice. If you get a chance, do the Behind the Seeds tour. It's inexpensive but a lot of fun. We did it in Feb.

 

[TheMouseFan]

The Land pavilion is my favorite in Disney. The smells and the music makes it relaxing even though it's pretty busy. I feel the same way about LWTL. I have to do it at least twice. If you get a chance, do the Behind the Seeds tour. It's inexpensive but a lot of fun. We did it in Feb.

Next time we take an adult trip I want to do the tour! I'm just not sure it would be engaging enough for the kids!!

 

[fractal]

Forgot to mention; I really like the photo of the hanging stars in Mexico.

 

[TheMouseFan]

Forgot to mention; I really like the photo of the hanging stars in Mexico.

Thanks! Like @Doc Disney , I like to find unusual light fixtures!

 

[PrincessP]

What great photos of Epcot! Love the detailed ones of Space Ship Earth. I'm gong to take more time to " smell the roses" on our next trip like you do....the details you capture are awesome.

What did you think of the new Soarin'? And FEA?

We haven't been to Epcot since our kids' first trip in 2009 (ages 6 & 4). They only remember it being hot so they never put it on our family must do list. My daughter and I have never done test track! Hubby and son did it in April during my son's school band/choir trip. I'd like to go back, especially after seeing your photos. They only served dinner at Garden Grill when we went in 2009. I'd love to try the breakfast. Looks yummy in your photos! And the character interaction there was top notch for us so I'm sure it still is.

Hooray on finding a new menu item to love in Mexico.

 

[TheMouseFan]

What great photos of Epcot! Love the detailed ones of Space Ship Earth. I'm gong to take more time to " smell the roses" on our next trip like you do....the details you capture are awesome.

What did you think of the new Soarin'? And FEA?

We haven't been to Epcot since our kids' first trip in 2009 (ages 6 & 4). They only remember it being hot so they never put it on our family must do list. My daughter and I have never done test track! Hubby and son did it in April during my son's school band/choir trip. I'd like to go back, especially after seeing your photos. They only served dinner at Garden Grill when we went in 2009. I'd love to try the breakfast. Looks yummy in your photos! And the character interaction there was top notch for us so I'm sure it still is.

Hooray on finding a new menu item to love in Mexico.

Thanks!

We all enjoyed Soarin'. Overall, I liked Soarin' Over the World better than Soarin' Over California, but some of the images are really distorted depending on where you sit, so that kind of bothered me. Having said that, Soarin' has never been a favorite of mine, and I wouldn't miss it if I never rode again! FEA was cute! We enjoyed it, but I could live if I had to skip it on a trip.

The food was really good at Garden Grill! The character interaction has been good every time we eat there, so we will continue to do so!

 

[amjt660]

Thanks!

We all enjoyed Soarin'. Overall, I liked Soarin' Over the World better than Soarin' Over California, but some of the images are really distorted depending on where you sit, so that kind of bothered me. Having said that, Soarin' has never been a favorite of mine, and I wouldn't miss it if I never rode again! FEA was cute! We enjoyed it, but I could live if I had to skip it on a trip.

The food was really good at Garden Grill! The character interaction has been good every time we eat there, so we will continue to do so!

Put me in the Soarin over Calfornia fan list.
Over the World not only has distortion issues but I think so much CGI (fake) stuff.
I know it sounds odd but I "believe" that I am soaring over the state of California but I just feel like I am watching a movie with the World.

And I ride it every time I go to a park that has one operating.

Just my 2 cents.

Max

 

[75disney]

That b

Still on our way to breakfast:
IMG_3652 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3654 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3655 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3656 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3659 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

Finally made it! We were seated quickly in a lower booth.
IMG_3662 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3701 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

This was our view when we sat down:
IMG_3664 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3666 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3667 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

POG juice!
IMG_3668 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3670 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3675 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3681 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3686 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3695 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr
IMG_3698 by Amy Clingner, on Flickr

I really enjoyed our breakfast! With the dinner menu changes, I think breakfast will be our new go to at Garden Grill!!

That breakfast looks delicious. I haven't eaten there in years but might try it again on our next trip. I love the Mickey shirt that your youngest son has on.

 

[TheMouseFan]

That b
That breakfast looks delicious. I haven't eaten there in years but might try it again on our next trip. I love the Mickey shirt that your youngest son has on.

Breakfast was really good. I definitely recommend it! We all had that shirt to wear last year, but Lily outgrew hers so we couldn't wear them again this year!