As noted in Day 198-Winter Park, Florida, it's been 15 years since I visited the theme parks in Orlando and back then my son was only 5 years old. At that time, it was an exhausting
Disney World experience keeping my son entertained in the long lines,
finding food that he would eat, and avoiding an over tired child meltdown. Even with all that, I was still joyous when experiencing my son’s Disney excitement. This empty nest experience was new. I was playing as
an adult and I chose Epcot so that I could travel around the world in a day.
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| Disney 1999, loved my son's joy |
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| Italy, my roots & one of the Epcot World Showcases |
Reflection
You can’t help but “play hard” as recommended by blog
inspiration book, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book, in
Epcot. Without kids we covered 8.5
miles (I know this because I tracked my steps on my Fit Bit)! We
were able ride 8 attractions, saw all the
“big ticket” attraction rides (except Frozen which is impossible without an hour wait), and gallivanted though
all 10 countries in the World Showcases. In the countries, we saw several shows: Mariachi performers in Mexico, Moroccan/Mediterranean fusion
music in Morocco, and British rock music in the
United Kingdom. We hit the boat ride attraction in Mexico and the must see American Adventure in America. Whoosh, I was a planning machine and determined to see it all in one day.
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| "Soarin" ride, flying over countries, my feet in this picture |
Here is my Cindy “Epcot one day tip”- don’t miss the
ride “"Soarin," where you hang glide around the world, over mountains, snow, and the African tundra. I think this ride is worth the $110 admission (boy have prices inflated since 1999 and 2002). Make sure that you also see the attraction, The American Adventure. The famous Disney robots (Audio- Animatronics) make you believe
that Mark Twain and Ben Franklin are
really on stage narrating a film that highlights American perseverance through adversity. It made me want to stand up and clap for America.
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| Restaurant Marraskesh, belly dancer |
We rested in Morocco with a terrific sit down dinner at the Restaurant
Marrakesh. During dinner we enjoyed traditional
Moroccan music and belly dancing. Our day ended at a table near the
World Showcase Lagoon where we enjoyed the 9 pm spectacular firework and earth light show.
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| "Soarin" ride, hang -gliding across the world |
Fifteen years later, Epcot without my 5 year old son, was a new adventure. It was still exhausting but it was filled with my personal excitement not just my vicarious joy experienced through my son's happiness. Both are good but both are very different. My friend and I sure enjoyed playing hard by traveling around
the world in Epcot.
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| Enjoying our dinner and the scene in Morocco :) |
Spiritual Reflection
My child, don’t lose
sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them for they fill you with life
and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet
from stumbling (Proverbs 3:21-23)
Other Sources