Disney World - Part 2 of 3: Epcot and Disney Springs

Day 3 - Epcot
On our 3rd day in Orlando, we went to Epcot!

Owen had his eyes closed. -_-

Our first ride of the day was Spaceship Earth, which is a slow ride that tells us how our means of communication have evolved (from caveman drawings to the internet). After the ride, there was an area where we were able to play "virtual reality" games. Owen wasn't into it and kept running towards the Exit.

My parents, Ralph, and I had Fast Passes to Mission: Space, which is a ride that simulates what astronauts go through when launching into space. Ralph and I volunteered to go first to see if it's a ride my dad can handle. We knew almost right away that it wasn't because there were PLENTY of warnings that you shouldn't go on the ride if you are claustrophobic or are prone to having motion sickness. Heck, I was even thinking about bailing, but we went for it. And I hated it, lol. Those damn G-forces!

It's Beaker and Dr. Bunsen!

After that crazy ride, we took a nice slow boat ride called Living with the Land.

And then we met some of our favorite Disney characters - Baymax, Joy, and Sadness!

Unfortunately, it took us an HOUR to meet Joy and Sadness, but we had to push through..."Inside Out" is Owen's favorite movie right now, so we did whatever we could to keep him happy AND awake.

Stay awake!

Watching "Inside Out".

Almost our turn!

*GASP* IT'S JOY!!

Unfortunately, Owen was waaay too sleepy and cranky by the time we got to meet them...he actually liked Sadness more than Joy. Awwwww.

AND THEN IT WAS TIME TO EAT! My mom planned this trip perfectly because they were having the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.

We basically just walked around the World Showcase area and ate whatever we found appetizing...which was everything. What I thought was really cool was that each country was represented by their countrymen at the food stands. The French and Italian accents were my favorite, hahaha.

Fresh Potato Pancake from Scotland

Boeuf Bourguignon from France

Ice Cream Crepe from France (Can you tell that I love French food?)

Chicken Gyro from Greece

After a few stops, Ralph and I went to Club Cool, which lets you sample Coca-Cola drinks from all over the world. Ralph pretty much liked everything from there. As for me...I'll stick with my Diet Coke.

Then we went on the Gran Fiesta Tour, which is a slow boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion.

Owen getting in touch with his Mexican side!

I wish I bought him that hat! But it'd just get squished in our luggage...*sniff*

And then we ate some more...

Beijing Roasted Duck from China

Buttered Chicken from Africa

Roast Bratwurst and Apple Strudel from Germany

When we had our fill (for the moment), we just walked around. And then we reserved a table by the water so we could watch IlumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which is a fireworks show. While we waited for that to start, we ate some more!

Belgian Waffle with Chocolate Ganache form Belgium

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogi from Poland

Pennete alla Parmigiana from Italy

Epcot was DEFINITELY my favorite! If I ever go back, I'm only going during the Food and Wine Festival.

Day 4 - Disney Springs

This day was our rest day. We slept in and ate breakfast without rushing...though Owen was in a rush to go somewhere because he was begging us to put on his socks and shoes the moment he woke up.

Around noon, we headed for Disney Springs, which used to be Downtown Disney. Like Downtown Disney in Anaheim, they have The House of Blues, The World of Disney Store, The Lego Store, and a movie theater; however, Disney Springs blows Downtown Disney out of the water - it is GIGANTIC. (EDIT: My husband just told me they closed down The House of Blues in Anaheim, heh.)

While my parents ate at Morimoto, Ralph and I took Owen to eat at T-Rex, which is very similar to Rainforest Cafe (except with dinosaurs).

This was my lunch - bruschetta, quesadilla, onion rings, and nachos. YUM!

After lunch, we just window-shopped and took a bunch of photos.

Ralph and I saw this super cute fan art of Chewbacca, which started a new collection for Ralph - postcards from Disney Parks.

There was a Coca-Cola store, and there were a bunch of figurines made out of Coke cans - pretty cool!

Ralph's favorite movie is Peter Pan, so I had to snap this photo real quick.

Stitch actually spits water!

Of course we had to go here, since Ralph is left-handed.

Before we took a ferry back to our suite, I had to stop by Sprinkles (because I obviously didn't think I had enough calories from the day before).

Next post...Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and our last day!