Monday, December 16th, 2013
EPCOT
My main goals for this day were to ride Soarin' at least once, preferably twice, and get as many character photos as possible. Also, I had a reservation at 4 PM for dinner at the Biergarten in Germany, with the Candlelight Processional package.
I got to EPCOT at 8:05 and had a peaceful walk to the entrance, I was parked in the first row, after handicapped parking.
I was the first person in my line:
While I was waiting for the rope drop, I saw several monorails arrive:
The park opened at 8:55, and I was at the forefront of the mad "dash" (actually a power walk, as running is forbidden) to Soarin'.
The first thing I did was get a fastpass, before I got in the standby line. This resulted in my being the seventh person in line for Soarin', rather than the first; however, I was still in row 1 for the first boarding. I enjoyed my flight over California, then went to Sunshine Seasons and got a breakfast panini sandwich on the recommendation of a fellow Soarin' rider (OK, but a little dry), then went and rode Soarin' a second time using my fastpass.
I then meandered over to the Imagination pavilion, and took several pictures of the pavilion and the fountain.
Keeping with the fountain theme, I then decided to take some pictures of the dancing water fountain between Communicore East and Communicore West.
I noticed that the Fountainview Cafe now serves Starbucks:
I wasn't in the mood for coffee, but I could do with an alternate source of caffeine, and noticed that Club Cool had just opened. I followed the masses into it (the only time I've ever seen crowds this huge at Club Cool) and noticed that the flavors had changed since the last time I was here, in July 2013. The only flavor they had kept was Beverly, from Italy, probably because of the "Punked" factor. Also, I am not positive, but I think that Inca Kola may be a holdback.
The fountain stage was set up for the Christmas "Joyful!" celebration. I didn't get a chance to see this show, but I did get a few pictures of the stage setup.
I then took a few pictures of Mickey and Minnie holiday topiaries, as well as Pluto with his doghouse.
This caused me to ponder on why Pluto and Goofy are both dogs, but Goofy can talk and wear clothes, while Pluto cannot.
I didn't ponder long, however, as I was on a mission!
Next:
A secret mission, and a surprise character meet!