Our next day was devoted to Epcot. Test Track had recently been renovated and so we headed there first. Technically, the girls headed there while Ryan jetted over to get Fast Passes for Soarin'. Even though we hadn't made it to the park by opening time, thanks to me taking forever to braid Tessa's hair, the line for Test Track wasn't bad. While waiting, we used our "Key to the World" aka room key to build race cars. The computer rated our design based on power and performance and other stuff. The engineer in the group thought this was a very cool program. Then we loaded up to see how our prototype performed on the track. Even though this ride is dark, loud, and fast, Tessa loved it.
Next on our list was Soarin' so we crossed the park to this awesome attraction. Fast Passes sometimes necessitate crisscrossing the park like this but the extra steps are worth it when you go right to the front of the line. We boarded for our flight and I realized how little Tessa looked in her seat. Strapped in and ready, our simulated hang-gliding adventure took off and we went up and up and up. We were lucky enough to be in the front row as we soared over California. Crashing surf, snow skiers, golfers, fellow hang gliders, Napa Valley and orange groves whizzed by us. The ride ends by flying up Main Street Disneyland and into the fireworks. How could I have forgotten the fireworks?!?! Each time a colorful explosion occurred our seats would vibrate with the boom but Tessa actually liked it. I guess now that she has seen them up close and personal she had decided that fireworks aren't scary after all.
Then it was over to Norway for Storybook Dining in Akershus. Belle greeted us at the door and we had a photo op without me having to sing opera. A nice perk of this meal is that the photos are included.
After being seated, we helped ourselves to the koldtbord which offered cold meats, cheeses and vegetables. We then ordered our entrees as the princesses began making rounds. One of the great things about this meal is that the princesses have plenty of time to talk and visit at each table. We saw Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora and Ariel. They also did a princess parade where the kids were invited to follow their princess as she wove around the tables. Tessa happily "swam" right behind Ariel. It's all about the princesses in our house, but the food was excellent too.
After lunch, we went to China to meet Mulan. To the amazement of a nearby lady, we did a quick costume change while standing in line. She marveled at how quickly we transformed Tessa from Belle into Mulan without flashing everyone. We have a lot of practice changing costumes. Tessa talked to Mulan all about being a warrior princess. Mulan told her secrets while I took pictures.
Then we went to Mexico to find Donald Duck. He loves it when you tell him he is number one. I love that he is so close to the margarita kiosk.
Mickey Mouse has a stuffed animal named Duffy the Bear. We have this adorable bear and he comes with dress up clothes. The story is that he sailed around the world and visited Disney characters. While you stand in line to meet Duffy, you can read all about his adventures.
I love teddy bears so I jumped in a picture with this lovable guy. Epcot has great shopping, including a store featuring this bear. While we browsed, Ryan laid down on a bench for a nap in the sunshine. Maybe we drank those margaritas a little fast.
Over in the United Kingdom we met Mary Poppins. She taught Tessa how to say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious backwards. It's part of the song, which we sing a lot, so Tessa did a pretty good job repeating it back. We were in Alice costume, hoping to also meet her in the UK, but the timing didn't work.
We ventured over the bridge and into France. Here we met Ryan's favorite princess, Sleeping Beauty. I wasn't carrying our Aurora costume because we planned to see her another day at tea. I could cry looking at Tessa's sweet little face when she talks to her beloved princesses. It is truly magical for her.
And in France there is champagne, so cool and refreshing after a hard day of princess chasing. Ryan declared Epcot his favorite park because he likes drinking his way around the world. We watched the film Impressions de France, had snacks in the pattisserie and checked out the shops.
Also in France is Provincial Belle, it's just the best country. By this point, Tessa didn't want me talking to the princesses. They were talking to her and could I please not interrupt? At least she was nice about it as she hogged Belle. I stayed back and took pictures and just listened as they talked about singing and reading. They are so precious together. I always tell Tessa she looks like Belle, brown hair and hazel eyes with the sweetest smile. She loves Belle.
Next to France is Morroco where we found Aladdin and Jasmine. Princess Jasmine was amazing and called Tessa 'Jas-Mini.' I thought it was adorable. Tessa and I asked where Raja was and Aladdin told me he was in Animal Kingdom. He also said they would swing by on the magic carpet to pick Raja up later. Cute, very cute.
We strolled around Italy, had a Bellini and shopped some more. We had reservations at the Biergarten for dinner. I had previously ignored this restaurant because they have no characters and you are seated at long tables with other families. But, in honor of German Christmas, I decided to give this place a try. And I am so glad because it was fun, fun, fun. The food is buffet style and traditional German fare of meat and potatoes. The beer was good but the wine was terrible. The Oompah Band played and Ryan and I did the polka. Tessa danced with my mom and then made friends with kids on the dance floor. My princess could dance all night.
Working our way back around the World, we revisted Mexico. There is a bar called Cava de Tequila that had interesting choices we wanted to try. We ordered blood orange, avocado and pineapple margaritas. They are all good but I think the orange one was best. We rode the Three Caballeros ride more than once since there was no wait.
Next we went to The Seas where we went to Turtle Talk With Crush. He chats with the kids in his surfer boy accent. Also in the same building is the Finding Nemo ride. We bobbed along in our little clam shell looking for the missing clown fish. Finally we left Epcot and rode the monorail back home. We had spent more than twelve hours at Epcot and we were beat. Good thing tomorrow is our off day.
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