Check it Out!

Check out some more of the pictures from our last trip at

http://theweirdneills.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-2-part-threedoes-disney-make-rides.html 

KidCot and Kim Possible

Kidcot Fun Stops are colorful craft stations for kids located in World Showcase at Epcot theme park. “Travel the world" discovering these activity-filled craft areas at which to draw, write, stamp and create.

At many pavilions, you can meet Cast Members from around the world and learn about their native countries as well as create a souvenir craft.

Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an ultra-interactive quest at Epcot theme park based on the Disney Channel animated series, Kim Possible. Transform into secret agents, join Team Possible and help save the world from super-villains with the help of a high-tech "Kimmunicator".

Upon reporting for duty, recruits receive their super-secret Kimmunicators—interactive, handheld, cell-phone-like devices that help maneuver agents through their mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, your Kimmunicator will connect agents with a variety of Kim Possible characters who will provide clues to help stop super villains from carrying out their dastardly plans.

Embark on exciting quests for clues throughout the Mexico Pavilion, the Norway Pavilion, the China Pavilion, the Germany Pavilion, the Japan Pavilion, the France Pavilion or the United Kingdom Pavilion. Each pavilion hosts a different mission, so you can go back again and again.

Imagination Pavilion

The Imagination! Pavilion in the Future World area of Epcot contains attractions and entertainment that encourages Guests of all ages to play and set their imaginations free.

Captain EO starring Michael Jackson, the classic 3-D film musical starring Michael Jackson and a cast of intergalactic characters, is back at Epcot. Fans of all ages can experience the magic of this innovative film.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment, an attraction that's fun for little ones, is a tour through the sensory labs in the Imagination Institute. The tour guide is the playful purple dragon Figment who tickles your senses with his mischief and music.

Conduct an orchestra, experiment with lights and video, make dragons sing, check out the live show Digital Imaging which features the world's largest digital camera, and explore the interactive stations at ImageWorks.

Pin Trading

I hope you like the pins from yesterday! These pin lanyards can be worn around Disney World and you can trade pins with other kids or the people that work there.

Disney Pin Trading is as easy as 1-2-3.

      1. Meet a Disney Cast Member wearing a pin trading lanyard.

      2. Find a Disney pin with your favorite Disney character, attraction, movie or    design.

      3. Trade your Disney Pin with the Cast Member.

The most important thing to remember about Disney Pin Trading - have fun collecting and trading the Disney pins you like. Disney Pin Trading can be a great way to interact with and meet Cast Members and Guests from around the world.

Cast Members at the Theme Parks and Resorts have to trade their pins displayed on their lanyards. You can make up to two trades per "lanyard," per Cast Member, per day. When trading with Cast Members, you should offer a pin that is not already displayed on the worker's lanyard.

Today's post

Check out the pictures from  our last trip at this link!

http://theweirdneills.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-2-part-twotears-fears-and-fish.html

The Seas With Nemo and Friends

The Seas is a fun filled trip into the underwater world of Nemo. The action centers around the 5.7 million gallon aquarium that is home to thousands of fish including sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. This pavilion features all of the characters from "Finding Nemo". 

Finding Nemo-- When you enter the building, the queue begins with a seashore setting that transitions to an underwater theme. With the use of special lighting it appears as if you're under the sea. 

Once guests reach the boarding area, they're transported by "Clam-Mobiles", and join Mr. Ray on a field trip. As you can expect, Nemo goes missing and the pursuit begins.

Animation and puppetry combine to make this a fun filled trip into Nemo's world. You'll join Marlin and Dory as they go in pursuit of everyone's favorite clownfish. Through the use of amazing technology, it seems as if the stars from "Finding Nemo" are inside the 5.7 million gallon aquarium for the final sequences.

Turtle Talk with Crush-- You're ushered into a small theater. There are benches for the grownups to sit on, while children are encouraged to sit on the carpeted floor close to the screen.

A Cast Member hosts the session and it begins with everyone calling for Crush to appear. When he makes his entrance, he can "see" the audience. Crush makes comments about the "dude with the orange shell" (the color of the kid's shirt), when pointing out a child, much to their delight.

The children are encouraged to ask questions. In our session, we were taught "dude-speak."

Bruce’s Shark World-- is another take on the Nemo theme. It's a new, fun way to learn more about sharks. If you like, you can take your photo either next to or in the mouth of Bruce.

There are all sorts of hands-on activities, with some unexpected twists. Be sure to touch the "shark skin" and peek into the periscopes.

The Land

The Land is the name of a pavilion that sits on the western side of "Future World". At nearly 6 acres, this pavilion is the largest in Future World.

Circle of Life-- A cute lesson in environmental responsibility awaits you in the Harvest Theatre. This 20 minute film stars the Lion King's Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Combining live footage with animation, the tale is told in simple terms that all age groups can enjoy. This is a good place to visit when you need a break and don't want to deal with overly long waits that you may find at some other rides.

Living with the Land-- A relaxing 13 minute boat ride takes you on an informative journey through a tropical rain forest, an African desert complete with sandstorm, and the windswept plains of a small, turn-of-the-century family farm. You can also see a state-of-the-art garden where vegetables are grown. These vegetables are served at Disney restaurants!

Soarin’-- is a multi-sensory attraction simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over California. Fasten your seat belt on the multi-passenger glider and be lifted 40 feet into the air. Swoop up and soar towards the clouds and spectacular California panoramas. 

Other Fun Stuff in Future World!

Here are a few other fun things to do in Future World!

Spaceship Earth- Learn about the history of communications from cavemen to future centuries. As you journey though the scenes, your seats eventually rotate to reveal a glorious star-filled night sky.  You continue your trip backwards passing through the future.

Innoventions-- Innoventions Plaza is located behind Spaceship Earth and is home to two pavilions, Innoventions East and Innoventions West.

Each center features unique exhibits focusing on scientific and technological innovations. By use of imaginative displays that encourage interaction, there's something for all ages to enjoy.

 Club Cool-- is the place to go to cool down and sip a free beverage or two. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, this "exhibit" situated near Innoventions West, offers free samples of soft drinks from around the world, as well as Coca-Cola merchandise.

Future World East

 

Future World East is on the left side of Epcot... you will reach this area of the park after you go under Spaceship Earth. It has three major rides: Mission Space, Test Track and Universe of Energy.

"Mission Space" simulates a realistic launch into space as you and your crew pilot your capsule to Mars. There are two versions so choose wisely. If you have the slightest inclination towards motion sickness, pick the tamer option. This attraction offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience. Mission Space launches visitors into a simulated space adventure with a pulse-pounding lift-off followed by the sensation of weightlessness in outer space.

“Test Track" takes you on an unforgettable ride. This is a great attraction where the guests are “test dummies” and ride a test car through a series of tests. Then your car bursts through the wall onto the outside track. The course has steep banks that add to the thrill factor as you reach maximum speed of 65 MPH.

The "Universe of Energy" features Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy heading back to prehistoric times to find the origin of energy. The 'Adventure' begins with Ellen falling asleep while watching Jeopardy.

Bill Nye the Science Guy takes Ellen under his wing and they embark on a trip back to prehistoric times. At this point, the 600 seat theatre rotates and breaks up into 6 enormous "cars" that accompany Ellen and Bill as they travel in pursuit of the origin of energy.

Epcot

Epcot opened in 1982, almost 30 years ago. Epcot consists of two themed areas, Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions that focus on energy, communication, the land and our environment, the ocean, imagination, transportation and space exploration.

Centered around a beautiful reflective lagoon is Epcot's "World Showcase". Each country features entertainment, dining and shopping unique to their culture.

Every evening Epcot presents "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". This is well worth waiting for and is the perfect way to end your day.

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

We are eating at three restaurants the day we go to Hollywood Studios. We will eat breakfast at a place called Kouzzina. Here you can eat Mickey shaped waffles, pancakes, French toast, or an egg with bacon and a muffin. 

For lunch, we are eating at a place called Starring Rolls. Here you can have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with grapes, applesauce and milk. You can also have one of these awesome cupcakes for dessert!

Finally, we will have an early dinner at the Brown Derby. Brown Derby serves salad,  soup, hot dogs, barbeque chicken, or grilled cheese. For dessert, have the “Hidden Treasures” dessert,  which is vanilla ice cream, oreo cookie crumbles and “hidden” gummy worms—all topped with a chocolate chip cookie! 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Yak & Yeti Restaurant provides dining during lunch and dinner. We will be eating there twice, actually. Situated at the base of Mt. Everest in the small town of Anandapur in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom Theme Park, this grand old house turned restaurant sets out adventurous meals of Asian cuisine that combines flavors from China, India and Nepal.

The children's menu at Yak & Yeti Restaurant offers egg rolls, burgers and a veggie lo mein.  Choose from chocolate pudding or an ice cream sundae for dessert! 

Jiko – The Cooking Place fuses the bold flavors of traditional African and Indian food at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Jiko’s kids’ menu features salad, pizza,  steak, grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese. For dessert, create your own smores or dip mini-treats into a bowl of chocolate! 

One morning, before we go to Animal Kingdom, we will be eating breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café. Choose from eggs, waffles, pancakes or French toast! So yummy!

Food!

At Disney World,  will have two big meals per day—lunch and dinner. A few days, we will also eat a sit-down breakfast in a restaurant. Other days, we will just have something in our room, like a muffin and juice. We will also have snacks each day. We could get a cupcake, a Mickey shaped pretzel, or a frozen chocolate covered banana or many other things!

For each lunch and dinner sit down meal, you will get an appetizer, meal, and dessert. They have tons of cool desserts at Walt Disney World. For example, you can get a bowl of chocolate and a bunch of items for dipping, you can get a ice cream sundae with “hidden treasures”, or you can choose to make your own smores!

Here are some pictures of Hayden’s food last year. It was all so yummy!

Touring Plans!

Disney World can be a crowded place! When places are more crowded, you spend more time waiting in line. Who wants to wait in line? Not me!

Because we don’t want to wait in line, we want to plan our days so that we can see the most shows and ride the most rides! I am making a plan for each day so that we beat the crowds to the parks and we get in line before everyone else!

Just so you know, we will have to wait in line sometimes, but our lines will be shorter than everyone else’s! 

Another benefit of planning is less fighting! Everyone will know what we are doing next. You won’t hear me and Evan fighting about whether to ride Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. We will get to both, as they are both listed on the plan! 

We will go through these plans in future posts. You can let me know what you like/don’t like about the plans so that we make sure we do what you want to do!