Epcot

Grandma Terry and I decided to make the trip to Orlando today to pick up the latest Annual Passholder magnet and the new Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket. We got a late start, as Great-Grandma had a doctor appointment in the morning, but we still made the trip over, joined by Uncle Steve as well.

After arriving at Epcot, our first stop (following the restrooms, of course) was the Creations Shop, where we did a little browsing after picking up our new Annual Passholder magnet, this one featuring Ray from "The Princess and the Frog". We made one additional stop, at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey to pick up the latest Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket.

After these two stops, Grandma Terry decided that we should take the monorail over to Disney's Magic Kingdom, so that is what we did!

Epcot
		The sign for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts at the entrance of the park.
		Steve sporting his winter hat in mohawk fashion!
		A look back at Spaceship Earth from the monorail station.

After completing our monorail ride from Epcot, we headed in to the Emporium to do some shopping. I couldn't pass the Spring Roll Snack Cart without enjoying my favorite, pizza spring rolls! We continued shopping, heading back to the Frontier Trading Post, as we were told that they had a large selection of MagicBands (new flash - they did not) and then across to Space Mountain gift shop, for the same reason (again, they did not have much of a selection).

Since we were close, and the wait wasn't too long, we decided to get in line for TRON Lightcycle / Run. Despite the cold, damp chill in the air, it was still a blast to experience this ride. Although I've never seen the movie, the ride is definitely one of my favorites!

Our next stop was back at the monorail station to head back to Epcot...

Disney's Magic Kingdom
		A look at a TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster on the outside loop.
		Interesting outfit choice...
		A couple shots of Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A...

After we returned to Epcot, we debated whether or not to leave or to head inside the park. We were getting a slight mist at this point, but I ultimately convince Grandma Terry that it would pass as it had in the morning. Unfortunately, by the time we reached the restrooms to the left of Spaceship Earth, the mist had turned into a light rain. We continued on anyway, making our way to the Germany pavilion to try the Black Forest Cake (chocolate mousse with Morello cherries and chantilly cream) from the Pastoral Palate food studio. Grandma Terry wanted to try this one, and to my surprise it was very good (I skipped the cherries, of course). After finishing our cake, we continued our trek to the Italy pavilion, where I bought a Mozzarella Fritta (a flash-fried breaded fresh mozzarella piece with artist palette condiments) from the L'Arte di Mangiare food studio. This was very good, but I really wasn't a fan of the supplied condiments, and for the price I could have had more mozzarella sticks. It was definitely enjoy it again, but it wouldn't be my #1 priority.

By this point we were tired of the rain, so we decided to head out. I did take a bunch of photos of Spaceship Earth on our way out. Despite the weather, it was an enjoyable day at the parks, and I am already looking forward to going back!

Epcot
		I ordered this mozzarella fritta from L'Arte di Mangiare at the Italy pavilion.
		Before leaving, I took a bunch of shots of Spaceship Earth, including a few from near the restrooms near the main entrance to the park...


		...and this one from under Spaceship Earth itself...
		...and these from the the fountain area at the park entrance...






		...and, finally, this one from the parking lot!

The sign for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts at the entrance of the park.

Steve sporting his winter hat in mohawk fashion!

A look back at Spaceship Earth from the monorail station.

Disney's Magic Kingdom

A look at a TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster on the outside loop.

Interesting outfit choice...

A couple shots of Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A...

Epcot

I ordered this mozzarella fritta from L'Arte di Mangiare at the Italy pavilion.

Before leaving, I took a bunch of shots of Spaceship Earth, including a few from near the restrooms near the main entrance to the park...

...and this one from under Spaceship Earth itself...

...and these from the the fountain area at the park entrance...

...and, finally, this one from the parking lot!