It was another 2:45 wake up this morning for the 10k race at Disney. We managed to get almost 5 hours of sleep. We could hear the rain and knew it was going to be a very sloppy day. We left at the 3:20 to get the shuttle to the EPCOT parking lot and corrals. But, unfortunately, it was full by the time we got there and the attendant said that it would be another 20 minutes before the next one came. This was not an ideal situation because most runners like to get there as early as possible. However, waiting with us and as impatient as one could be, a very nice woman from New Jersey took it upon herself to call a Minnie Van and offered to share it with 4 of us who were waiting. It was so, so very kind of her and a real time-saver since we were dropped off right at the entrance to EPCOT and did not have to traverse the mile in the parking lot.
It was pouring and Amy and I split - she to the corrals and I to a bench in a covered area of the park.
At least by the start time it had cleared up and she could ditch the poncho.
Once the rain had stopped, I headed over to the finish line area. It looked like it was going to be a nice day.
She said the traction was not very good on the race course, but she did her personal best for the Disney 10k.
We met back in the reunion area and I went to get the champagne while she did the race finishing photos.
It was then back to the hotel to shower and change for our day at EPCOT. We knew that we wanted to keep the day from being walking intensive so Amy had figured out a plan, the Disney expert that she is, to minimize back tracking. She had bought the Lightning Lane pass and had our day well organized.
Our first stop was Space Ship Earth.
It really is a good ride and always a pleasure to listen to Judi Dench relate the history of the world.
Unfortunately, the camera only caught Amy for the "future world" part of the ride.
We then headed over to the World Showcase part of EPCOT, but first a stop at the Finding Nemo area. We had a bit of time before our next Lightning Lane so decided to see the new version of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. It is a calm ride with lots of music. The colors seemed brighter, but very much the same as the old ride. Then it was time for Frozen. This is a wonderful depiction of the movie and a ride with a bit of a splash down. Heading back to the World Nature area to one of Amy's favorites: Living with The Land. It is so interesting to see the natural world and the innovative growing of fruits and vegetables. The movie also explains the destructive ways we are embarking upon with regard to the environment. We had also done the The Seas and Finding Nemo.
When we came out it was raining a bit so time for a Mickey Bar underneath the monorail to stay dry.
Unfortunately, the Journey into Imagination was closed due to technical difficulties, but Amy was still able to convince the cast members that she should be the last to have meet and greet time with Figment. She was quite happy.
We then did the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. Love Piper and Feast. With still a lot of time left before dinner we decided that we would brave the 50 minute wait for Ratatouille. It actually was a bit more that that, but we really didn't want to walk back over to Mexico just for a Margarita. They have eliminated the 3D effects, but the ride was still a thrilling one.
We pretty much covered it and it was time for some liquid refreshment. The line at Les Vins de Chefs de France was extremely long. That meant heading to Italy where we procured a Proseco. Sat and enjoyed it a lovely conversation with a newbie runner and her parents.
We thought we would take in the American Adventure film in the U.S. pavilion, but they were also having some technical difficulties. We notice that the line at Les Vins de Chefs de France was not that long, so time for a Kir Royale. It has been a custom on all our EPCOT vists.
Just as we were finishing, it was time to head to Canada and Le Cellier Steakhouse, another one of our favorites and a tradition. We started the evening with a glass of Cross Barn Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Amy's wine rating says that we would enjoy it and we did.
Next was our favorite wedge salad. We both wanted the Rib Eye Steak, but the 16 oz cut, was a bit too big for each of us. So we ordered the 28 oz Rib Eye Steak for 2. It was perfect with the Brussels sprouts for Amy and braised mushrooms for me. We finished a very leisurely dinner just in time to see the end of the fireworks.
Then back to the hotel where we fell into bed, looking forward to not getting up at 2:45 a.m.
What a great day it was!!
