We chose well.
We had our first Livvy visit to Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground in January. We decided then that we would like to come back and spend more time here, including time to go to the parks. That is an investment and requires significant coordination, as any of you who have been here know. You have also read that we are not big fans of the large crowds that are normally what Disney is known for. So Rick set out to find us the best time to come that would offer lighter crowds as well as lower cost. The differential is significant!!! And so this trip centered around those dates. After our first day in the parks, I can say we chose well. Crowds were manageable, even for us!
Of course, Disney has ways to entice those who don’t want to wait, and we took advantage of the lightning lane options. ($, but less than Disneyland!). The app was wonderful and I was quickly adept at maneuvering our schedule around availability so we could get as much in as possible. We did everything we had prioritized for day 1, and then some, as we zig zagged back and forth across the park. Today’s primary location was Hollywood Studios, which I had never been to before.
I won’t turn this into a play by play review of the rides/experiences because I have plenty else to share. But I will say that I challenged myself to a couple of thrill rides. One worked out well
And the other was just too much for me
Overall, I loved the shows and rides. It was our second time on Rise of the Resistance (also in CA) and I can’t say enough good things about it. The investment they make in these rides is significant and it shows. At least you can see where all of your Disney dollars are being spent when you look around!!
From there we got a much needed rest on the charming boat ride to Epcot. We decided to go to the German Biergarten for dinner. Rick has always wanted to go and it did not disappoint our hungry, weary souls. Normally I would say no to a buffet but it is Disney, and they do it well. Plus it was not at all crowded at 5pm, which helped. We overate, enjoyed the entertainment and then had time to walk it off before what we knew would be the highlight of our day…
It always starts with an idea, doesn’t it? And just as importantly, someone to follow through to make it happen. Well we have our dear friend Jerry to thank for an amazing evening last night. He called at 7am every day for weeks in a row to get us a coveted pontoon boat reservation for Epcot’s new evening fireworks show, The Symphony of Us.
We had our own pontoon for our group and it was the most spectacular way to see this beautiful show. We first enjoyed a ride around the waterways after dusk, and then docked with the four other pontoons in a prime spot for the show.
You won’t see many pictures here because we both agreed we just wanted to take it all in. It had all of the feels, and is highly recommended. (We may share some later since our friends did take some, I believe…)
I am so grateful for an amazing day. Rick and Jer deserve credit for bringing it all together, and watching them coordinate it all over the past six months has been entertainment in itself.
The Symphony of Us. It really describes the best parts of life, doesn’t it? The people we share and experience it with is what it is all about!!! I (we) chose well.
Up next, our full Epcot experience…
(And for those of you wondering “what about the pets” because I am sure some of you are… Peeta enjoyed a nice quiet day/evening in the air conditioned RV. Daisy is safely at a pet hotel for a few days while we visit the parks. More on that when I get her back!)
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