Monday 26th October
I had had my fingers crossed al night that DW would wake up feeling better this morning - but it wasn't to be. If anything she was worse. She topped herself up with tablets - against my advice of staying at the villa and getting a days rest - and we were soon on our way to Epcot.
The plan today was to go and do some of the things that the kids wanted to do and then to head over to HS where we had a reservation for the the Fantasmic dinner package at Hollywood and Vine.
Test Track and Mission Space were on the list, followed by Soarin and Living with the Land.
While the others did Soaring DW decided to sit it out as her head wouldn't cope with it, so we went and sat in the Seasons and waited for them. We had never been in here before but we were really impressed with the food on offer. We never ate on this occassion but we made a mental note to make sure we do next time we come. Everything looked so nice - especially the cakes in the Bakery.
I also managed to do a bit of pin trading with the CMs clearing the tables. I have been pleasantly surprised by how you can find an ellusive pin in the most unlikely of places and this was no exception. On this trip I had decided to take a tip from my mate DizneeMad and look out for the Hidden Mickey pins. These were originally called CM pins, they are only given to CMs and are not available to buy - and it is a lot of fun tracking them down. They usually come in sets of 5 and so far I have managed to complete two different sets and am on the look out for 2 more pins to complete a 3rd set. Fingers crossed though as we are running out of days.
We also had a walk around the World Showcase as DW wanted to get a glass engraved in Germany for her brother as a thank you for dog sitting for us, and on the way DD grabbed a couple of autographs and pics that she hadn't managed to get yet.
Looking from the bridge between UK and France towards DTD
Once Epcot was done we headed off to HS and got there for about 3.30pm. After a quick look in the shops we went and booked in for dinner.
I have read a lot of bad reviews on here about Hollywood and Vine, but this was our 3rd visit here and so far we haven't been able to fault it. The food is always good and topped up regularly and the servers have always been prompt and attentive. I know different people have different expectations but this has always done good by us and we really like it here. It also went down well with the newbies in the group and we all left feeling very content - as we headed off to do TSM.
Last time on this ride BIL beat me by 100 points - so it was war. We decided to sit next to each other to make it more fun and at each screen the lead was changing between the 2 of us. When it came to the last screen it was down to who could pull their string fastest - and BIL had me beat hands down. Obviously this means that he has faster hands and better wrist action than me - make of that what you will
ETA by Mrs Pegasus = I beat Kenny on TSM
even tho I am far from on top form
After a couple more rides and autographs...
...we went to watch Fantasmic.
The place was absolutely full but as we had the dining package we had no trouble getting a seat even with only 20 minutes to go. The show, as always, was fantastic - and DW had a tear in her eye (was blubbing) from the first second to the last. We always enjoy this show and it is one thing that is on the top of our list to come and see. I didn't bother with pics or video for this and just sat back and watched for a change.
One thing that really surprised me though was the amount of people leaving with about 5 minutes of the show left to go. Why would you want to invest 30 minutes of your time watching something, only to leave before the big 'finale' just so you can get on the first bus or tram out of there. I thought holidays were about relaxing and taking it easy - not rushing and trying to beat everyone to the bus stops
Once the show had finished - and I mean really finished - we headed out and were back at the villa by 9. DW went straight for an early night, where she remains even now. The hope is that she gets up this morning fighting fit - or at least 50% of it - as we have
MNSSHP tonight and we have been looking forward to this for months.
Any pixie dust you can send us would be gratefully received