There and Back Again: Disney Day Three

Today was a great day. We started off slow and slept in a bit so we didn't get to Epcot until 11. We were a bit late because just as James and I were about to get up, Jon climbed into bed and asked to cuddle. How could we say no to that?

Entering Epcot

Once we got in our first ride was the Seas with Nemo which is a rather underwhelming ride. But the kids loved the surrounding aquarium and enjoyed learning about sharks and manatees. We could have stayed there a lot longer but soon it was time to head over to Mission Space.

Christian enjoyed the aquarium

Christian in the mouth of a shark

Mackenzie was eaten!

Lion fish

Mackenzie and Jon on the Nemo ride

James and Diana opted for the gentler ride but Christian was very excited so despite my misgivings I went with him and Mackenzie on the more intense ride. I became rather nervous as I walked past sign after sign warning about motion sickness but I didn't want to send Christian on without me or James there. I need not have worried since he had the best time ever and proved once again that nothing is too scary for him. I however felt very ill by the time the ride ended.

Noel had taken the three older boys on Mission Space and they had a fantastic time. Will was so happy when he got off and told us all about the ride in full detail. Afterwards the kids all played at the ride exit while I tried to get my bearings back.

Diana gets a hug from Christian

All the kids in front of Buzz Lightyear

My boys at Epcot

Sisters

Our next ride was Test Track which was fantastic. Riley and I designed a car together and ours won every contest except efficiency (and probably style). But who wants an efficient car when you can have one with a plasma supercharger engine? The actual ride is good and does go pretty fast in some parts. But I love that they give you the ability to play around with your design after you exit the actual ride. The boys made commercials about their cars, raced them on little virtual tracks, and took pictures with them. Will, Jon, and Christian were so proud of their designs!

Designing our cars

Christian designs his car

Nana and the boys make a car

Christian takes a picture with his car

Jon and his car

Riley with the car we designed

Lunch was next and we headed over to the Chinese area of the World Fair for a counter service meal and some shopping. We have been packing PB&J for James and the kids and it has been saving us a ton of money. We aren't skimping on dinners but it has definitely been helpful to bring in our lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Christian gets a ride

James and the kids take a break

Mackenzie with her new fan

We split up for a bit after some shopping so James could find a replacement Totoro in Japan and we could take the kids on the Figment ride. But after that we all met up again in the Earth section to go on Epcot's best ride, Soarin'. This ride is fantastic and while it isn't a thrill ride it may be my favorite Disney ride. We were able to go on twice, before and after dinner. The first time I sat next to Christian and the look on his face was wonderful. He was in awe and thrilled to be flying. The second time I sat near Will as he delighted in the smells of each new land and the look on his face was priceless as well. I really wanted to take a picture but we were high above other people and I didn't want to risk hurting someone.

We get a whiff from Figment

Waiting in line for Soarin'

Nana and Will design their own dragon

For dinner we went to the Garden Grill where the kids got to meet some of their favorite characters. Mackenzie loves Mickey and her face just lit up when he came to our table. Riley's favorite is Pluto and he was so happy to see him. I'm not entirely sure why but Christian's favorite characters are Chip and Dale and he spent the last two days eagerly looking forward to seeing them. When they finally arrived he gave them each multiple huge hugs. We had to pry him away! I loved seeing how happy he was and the actors were so kind. Will and Jon enjoyed the characters as well but seeing them through Christian's eyes really did make it seem like magic.

Enjoying our dinner

Hugging Dale

Chip gets some love

Chip plays with Jon

Christian loved meeting Chip

Dale stole Christian's seat

Christian wouldn't let go

All the kids with Mic

Pluto gets hugs

There were fireworks in Epcot tonight but after nine hours in the park we were ready to go home. Noel stayed with her kids because they love the fireworks but we took the boys back to the hotel and were home in time for a nice swim in the pool. We tried a different pool this time which was again excellent. But after a little while there we went back to our favorite lazy river. Above the river is a little fort and from the top we were able to see a good deal of the Epcot fireworks show. But the boys were too eager to get in the water and didn't want to stay and watch.

Walking to a ride

Jon on a ride

The kids at Epcot's garden show

We had a wonderful, if tiring, time in the turbulent, chaotic river. Will and Jon raced each other around and around and James and I chased after Christian. Once I caught Will and Jon and forced them to pull me halfway around but all too soon they escaped to continue their mad dash. Another time I found myself running through the river pulling Christian and another child away from a tube monster that was chasing us. Then towards the end Christian and I played piranhas as we zoomed around. Finally we headed up to bed, tired but very happy.