Trip report #4: Epcot

After leaving St. George Island we began working our way toward Orlando. The journey was pleasant but not outstanding. Getting to Orlando was one of two fixed schedule points we had, the other was a meeting with my niece Jennifer and her family near Tampa. Mary and Jeff were expecting us by late evening.

Pam, Mary, and Jeff grew up together and have known each other since early childhood. Mary had flown to Colorado last year as a surprise for Pam’s birthday and our trip was, in part, a way of thanking Mary for that visit.  Jeff and Mary have been busy renovating their Florida “lake house” and this was an opportunity to view the improvements.

The Hayes house has a commanding view of their lake, has a re-done deck, is very attractive and comfortable.

View of the lake from the Hayes house deck

Here are the four of us having breakfast in the sunny dining room:

Hayes and Fields families at breakfast

Jeff’s arm is in a sling due to recent rotator cuff surgery. This has not slowed him down much as he went back to work within a week even though the recovery period will take several months. Mary retired recently but still has an amazingly full schedule. After a nice breakfast we headed out for our day’s destination, Epcot center.

For those not familiar with Epcot, it is something like a World’s Fair. Centered around a lake, various countries have pavilions that showcase foods, beverages, and video presentations that introduce the country to visitors. Food, beverages (lots of beer and wine) and gifts can be purchased at these pavilions. Each features iconic images of the country and we learned the people working at these pavilions had to be native to that country.

In addition, Epcot offers several attractions in the form of simulators and rides. We participated in The First Manned Mission to Mars (space flight simulation), Planet Earth (history of human development) and Universe of Energy (pretty much as it seems…how humans began to discover and use energy.) More on these later.

After parking the car and passing through security where all bags are checked, we stood in our first line to purchase tickets. Once inside we began to walk, and walk, and walk…

We visited several pavilions and had lunch (bratwurst) at the German Pavilion with dessert at the French Pavilion. We watched the Canadian intro movie “My Canada,” projected onto 360 degree screens. That was interesting…look ahead, to the sides, or to the back and see what is going on in those areas, much like driving in a convertible. We did a little shopping, including stopping at the Twinings tea shop in the British area. We saw more types of tea and accessories than we had imagined existed. Some cocoa and tea found its way home with us.

Here are some photos from Epcot.

Epcot Center and fountains

The Planet Earth ride is enclosed in the silver ball that is Epcot’s major icon.

Gardens in the Canadian area

Norsk Pavilion

Posing outside the Space Center

The Space Center holds the First Mission to Mars simulation. (Photo taken by a park employee after my attempts at a selfie proved futile.) The simulator ride included takeoff, the flight, and landing on Mars. Each “crew member” was assigned a task; Pam was Captain and I was Chief Engineer. We were told to push buttons, located on a console in front of us, at various times during the “flight.” The ride gives one an idea of what a flight simulator can do and was fun as well.

We ended the day by sitting on a bench overlooking the lagoon and watching people pass by. (I can’t say I like the way we dress ourselves in this country; some of the clothing on display should have never been created, let alone worn in public.) It was interesting to watch everyone go past.

We were struck by the number of kids, including school-aged kids, at the park on what we had thought should be a school day. We found that Florida schools  have a “fall break” and we happened to hit it. There were some kids on field trips, easily identifiable by their matching t-shirts. Other kids were there with parents or family. We didn’t expect to see so many people at Epcot on a Friday but the place was quite full (lots of lines for everything).

Near dusk we decided to head back to Orlando on the I-4. Although we hadn’t taken the boat trip around the lagoon or stayed for the nightly fireworks, we experienced a full day none the less. We were tired and wanted to spend some more time visiting with Mary and Jeff so off we went, leaving Epcot with many impressions and memories to recall in the future.

Next up: We visit my niece Jennifer and her family.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Two Cents Worth:

Epcot is expensive.  The locals buy season passes and amass Disney dollars to use for the special events, parking and entry fees, etc.  For a one-time tourist, the outflow of money in a short time is staggering.

Now that I’ve been to the “lake house” I can visualize where my friend Mary is sitting when she calls, what part(s) of the house are being renovated next round, just generally her world.  Context is always a plus.

Happy Trails.