Grateful, Thankful, Blessed: our 25th Anniversary SeaWorld Celebration (Spring ’18 TR)
- Thread starter Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
- Start date
Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
Life is short. Live it well.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2008
Saturday, May 5th: EPCOT, continued
Once we had wrapped up our cruise through The Land, we decided to spend some more time touring the World Showcase. The sunny skies of the morning had been overtaken by clouds, but so far it was just overcast and only a few dribbles of rain had fallen from the sky. I popped open my umbrella upon leaving the land, but ended up putting it away with the five minutes that followed.
As we walked and talked (and talked and talked!!
) and strolled along, we stopped to admire the floral displays that we passed along the way. The creativity was as awesome as the beauty in many of the ornate gardens. This one was one of my favorites!
I would give my right arm to re-create this particular garden in my new backyard!
Knowing my lack of a green thumb, I'm guessing that's not ever gonna happen 
.
Moving right along....
While my memory of the sequence of our World Showcase tour is a bit fuzzy, judging from the order of my photos, it appeared we visited Canada first.
I’ll be honest here: while I don’t dislike the Canadian pavilion, it doesn’t really scream Canada to me. When I think “Canada”, neither totem poles nor bears are among the first things that come to mind [ditto to the lumberjack-style plaid that the CM’s wear]. But, its still fun….especially when we no longer live there…..to make a stop and poke around a bit. Cue the cheesy photo ops in front of the totem poles.
We browsed for a bit in the store, too: and @Ruthie5671 , we found those awesome soaps!!
I was tempted to buy a box of the Dare Maple Leaf cookies that they sold in the gift shop, because they hold such fond memories for me: they were my dad’s absolute favorite when he was alive, and my parent’s cupboards were never without a fresh box on hand. I haven’t had them in years (probably not since he passed away in 2010) and when I saw them on the shelf, I was soooo tempted. I ended up taking a pass, and now I wish I hadn’t
. It's one of two Epcot souvenir regrets.
After Canada, we kept strolling along. The sky would cloud over, and then the sky would clear. It would look like it was getting to rain, and then a few minutes later the sun came streaming back through. The topiary displays continued throughout the World Showcase, so whimsical and pretty.
Meandering into England, we admired the tea garden:
…..the Midsummer Night’s Dream garden:
….and, my favorite of the England displays, the Tinkerbell garden
:
Steve and T both decided they were ready for another beverage, so we popped into Rose & Crown for another round of refreshments. It was hot, and we had to keep hydrated….right?
I was still feeling the effects of my margarita (and feared that any more alcohol for the next while might render me unable to walk in a straight line 
) so I opted to take a pass. The heat and the tequila and the sun were making me feel a tad light-headed…….best not to add to that just yet!
I can’t for the life of me remember what T chose for a drink (@chiamarie , you’ll have to help me with that!!) but once again, it was green. Are you seeing a theme here?
I do remember that Steve’s drink was "Pimm’s Cup" (Pimm’s #1 and Sprite, with a cucumber, strawberry and mint tossed in for good measure). I sampled a sip or two as we continued on our World Showcase tour, and I quite liked it…..though the mint got stronger as time went on, and I could have done without that particular add-in. But, I’m weird like that. Not picky, just……particular 
.
As we poked around England, we continued to remark on how light and manageable the crowds were for a Flower & Garden weekend. Perhaps those pesky clouds that continued to taunt us were keeping folks from committing to a day in the parks?
With drinks in hand, onward we trundled. We stopped and checked out some of the special offers at the various Flower & Garden Festival booths that were scattered around the World Showcase. We chatted about our favorite aspects of the various pavilions as we passed by, and T enjoyed teasing me about the fact that there was nothing I would eat in several of the restaurants (Morocco, I’m looking at you LOL
). Being far more knowledgeable about all things Epcot than we are, T was also able to point out some fun facts about many of the different pavilions, including the bonzai trees in China: I think she said that one of the trees is something like 80 years old. How cool!
We stopped to take a good look (and several photos) of the stunning topiary display that depicted Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.
It was simply incredible!!
And quite unintentionally (but very appropriately) a large lizard calmly adorned Snow White’s arm…..look closely.
About this time, a few large drops of rain started dropping rhythmically from that thick, grey sky. It had clouded in sufficiently that we suspected we were in for a bit of a shower…..hopefully nothing too long lasting, but definitely a bit of a dampening down (at least for a short while). We made a split-second decision [Oh, who am I kidding?? This was on my list all along and the rain was just a better excuse than my gluttony!!
] and opted to head indoors to escape the drizzle……
Karamell-Kuche is coming up. Kostlich! (“Delicious!”)
Once we had wrapped up our cruise through The Land, we decided to spend some more time touring the World Showcase. The sunny skies of the morning had been overtaken by clouds, but so far it was just overcast and only a few dribbles of rain had fallen from the sky. I popped open my umbrella upon leaving the land, but ended up putting it away with the five minutes that followed.
As we walked and talked (and talked and talked!!
) and strolled along, we stopped to admire the floral displays that we passed along the way. The creativity was as awesome as the beauty in many of the ornate gardens. This one was one of my favorites!
I would give my right arm to re-create this particular garden in my new backyard!
Knowing my lack of a green thumb, I'm guessing that's not ever gonna happen .Moving right along....
While my memory of the sequence of our World Showcase tour is a bit fuzzy, judging from the order of my photos, it appeared we visited Canada first.
I’ll be honest here: while I don’t dislike the Canadian pavilion, it doesn’t really scream Canada to me. When I think “Canada”, neither totem poles nor bears are among the first things that come to mind [ditto to the lumberjack-style plaid that the CM’s wear]. But, its still fun….especially when we no longer live there…..to make a stop and poke around a bit. Cue the cheesy photo ops in front of the totem poles.
We browsed for a bit in the store, too: and @Ruthie5671 , we found those awesome soaps!!
I was tempted to buy a box of the Dare Maple Leaf cookies that they sold in the gift shop, because they hold such fond memories for me: they were my dad’s absolute favorite when he was alive, and my parent’s cupboards were never without a fresh box on hand. I haven’t had them in years (probably not since he passed away in 2010) and when I saw them on the shelf, I was soooo tempted. I ended up taking a pass, and now I wish I hadn’t
. It's one of two Epcot souvenir regrets. After Canada, we kept strolling along. The sky would cloud over, and then the sky would clear. It would look like it was getting to rain, and then a few minutes later the sun came streaming back through. The topiary displays continued throughout the World Showcase, so whimsical and pretty.
Meandering into England, we admired the tea garden:
…..the Midsummer Night’s Dream garden:
….and, my favorite of the England displays, the Tinkerbell garden
:
Steve and T both decided they were ready for another beverage, so we popped into Rose & Crown for another round of refreshments. It was hot, and we had to keep hydrated….right?
I was still feeling the effects of my margarita (and feared that any more alcohol for the next while might render me unable to walk in a straight line ) so I opted to take a pass. The heat and the tequila and the sun were making me feel a tad light-headed…….best not to add to that just yet!
I can’t for the life of me remember what T chose for a drink (@chiamarie , you’ll have to help me with that!!) but once again, it was green. Are you seeing a theme here?
I do remember that Steve’s drink was "Pimm’s Cup" (Pimm’s #1 and Sprite, with a cucumber, strawberry and mint tossed in for good measure). I sampled a sip or two as we continued on our World Showcase tour, and I quite liked it…..though the mint got stronger as time went on, and I could have done without that particular add-in. But, I’m weird like that. Not picky, just……particular .As we poked around England, we continued to remark on how light and manageable the crowds were for a Flower & Garden weekend. Perhaps those pesky clouds that continued to taunt us were keeping folks from committing to a day in the parks?
With drinks in hand, onward we trundled. We stopped and checked out some of the special offers at the various Flower & Garden Festival booths that were scattered around the World Showcase. We chatted about our favorite aspects of the various pavilions as we passed by, and T enjoyed teasing me about the fact that there was nothing I would eat in several of the restaurants (Morocco, I’m looking at you LOL
). Being far more knowledgeable about all things Epcot than we are, T was also able to point out some fun facts about many of the different pavilions, including the bonzai trees in China: I think she said that one of the trees is something like 80 years old. How cool!
We stopped to take a good look (and several photos) of the stunning topiary display that depicted Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.
It was simply incredible!!
And quite unintentionally (but very appropriately) a large lizard calmly adorned Snow White’s arm…..look closely.
About this time, a few large drops of rain started dropping rhythmically from that thick, grey sky. It had clouded in sufficiently that we suspected we were in for a bit of a shower…..hopefully nothing too long lasting, but definitely a bit of a dampening down (at least for a short while). We made a split-second decision [Oh, who am I kidding?? This was on my list all along and the rain was just a better excuse than my gluttony!!
] and opted to head indoors to escape the drizzle……
Karamell-Kuche is coming up. Kostlich! (“Delicious!”)
Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
Life is short. Live it well.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2008
Our rental car rate for October is abysmal right now, too
. We are at about $370 for our 8-day stay for a full size car. In comparison, May was $205 for the same amount of days and in a full size SUV. I can't help but think that the rates simply HAVE TO decline between now and then. Oh my word, those flight prices are insane!! We paid $600 for our Frontier flights for the fall, but that's for BOTH of us (so $300 per person, return) and that also includes upgraded stretch seating for both of us (both ways), a checked bag and a carry-on bag each (both ways), priority boarding, and refundability. Your price out of Minneapolis is much more palatable, but what a bummer to have such a long commute to the airport. Especially on the way home......our drive back from Buffalo always felt so L-O-N-G and it was only 4 hours. I can understand going with that option, though, because the savings add up for families. And those savings can be used to make your trip extra special in so many other ways!
Ugh, the Jays recent performance
. Don't even get me started 
. Between their inconsistent play and so many players on the DL, we didn't have high hopes for them pulling off a win against the Tigers in the first place......and then, they had this against them:
Darn that Rally Goose!!
I'm like the Disboards gopher. You never know where I'm going to pop up next!
Glad you finally discovered where I have been hiding out! It wasn't the same without ya
. And lucky for you, I've been moving slowly for the last few days, so you should be able to come up to speed pretty darn quick 
.Wasn't it spectacular??? Lady's ears are incredibly done!!
Picking which of those delectable options to try was a real challenge. So many mouth-watering options!! I may have drooled a little on those glass display cases
.
afan
Honorary Bus Driver
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
I always love seeing pictures of Lady and her ears. The pic I have from when we were at F&G in 2014 is similar.
I think the totem poles are more for the west coast of Canada because there's more erm Indians. I realized they are Native Americans in Canada but I'm not sure what you call them, indigenous? Anyway, there are totem poles on Vancouver Island and in parts of BC. We have them around our part of Washington as well and there are several reservations around here and between me and the BC line. I would imagine the bear falls into that or goes into the rockies. You eastern Canadians need to remember there's more to your large country, just like those on the east coast of the US need to remember there's people over here on the other (better) coast
I think the totem poles are more for the west coast of Canada because there's more erm Indians. I realized they are Native Americans in Canada but I'm not sure what you call them, indigenous? Anyway, there are totem poles on Vancouver Island and in parts of BC. We have them around our part of Washington as well and there are several reservations around here and between me and the BC line. I would imagine the bear falls into that or goes into the rockies. You eastern Canadians need to remember there's more to your large country, just like those on the east coast of the US need to remember there's people over here on the other (better) coast
bobbie68
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2009
Hi so glad that you had an awesome visit with your son. I don't know if I could live so far away from my daughter one day.
I love the pictures of the flowers and garden. It looks so pretty I have never been there that time of year. When we move down in two years I will get the chance to see it at that time.
I don't drink much at all but I love frozen Margaritas. I do enjoy them once in awhile!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day
. I don't know if I could live so far away from my daughter one day.I love the pictures of the flowers and garden. It looks so pretty I have never been there that time of year. When we move down in two years I will get the chance to see it at that time.
I don't drink much at all but I love frozen Margaritas. I do enjoy them once in awhile!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day
dalmatian7
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2008
loving this so far. I just wish I had the time to try to have a garden like that! I went to flower and garden in 2009, it was lovely. But I had to return to snow when I came home from it, that stunk. I believe they removed the narrators when they refurbished "Living with the Land" in 2006. It was closed on our Sept honeymoon but we did the "Behind the Seeds" tour (very interesting). They were testing the new narration with dummies in the boats while we were on the tour. They told us that part of the refurb had them removing much of the landscape in the large glass room. They had contracted some kind of blight and just had to start over with a lot of the things growing there. See even pros make mistakes or have trouble.
Jake looks great. Growing his hair a little longer??? He is so Steve's match. You are a very blessed Mama. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.
I saw your reply about SeaWorld. I have been before but not in a long time. I should have time this weekend to sit down and really get planning (at least on paper). I am sure I will come up with better details to run by you. I need to get DH on board with adding an extra day and get my deadlines for cruise stuff on my calendar. I feel like summer is flying by and it hasn't even begun. My poor DD is in school until June 22nd. They started late for a building project and had way to many snow days. Argh. They go back the 29th of August. Such a short summer for her that I am not pushing to plan too many activities. Her 4-h projects and a couple of day events are enough.
Jake looks great. Growing his hair a little longer??? He is so Steve's match. You are a very blessed Mama. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.
I saw your reply about SeaWorld. I have been before but not in a long time. I should have time this weekend to sit down and really get planning (at least on paper). I am sure I will come up with better details to run by you. I need to get DH on board with adding an extra day and get my deadlines for cruise stuff on my calendar. I feel like summer is flying by and it hasn't even begun. My poor DD is in school until June 22nd. They started late for a building project and had way to many snow days. Argh. They go back the 29th of August. Such a short summer for her that I am not pushing to plan too many activities. Her 4-h projects and a couple of day events are enough.
Monykalyn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2014
Flower and Garden was so pretty! They still have a few topiaries up but all the extra flowers and displays and booths are now gone of course. Epcot seems weird to me this trip as the last 5 times I've been there has been for a festival of some kind .
Have never gotten a treat from that shop if you can believe that! We did have dinner -waterside for Illuminations- at Spice Road table Monday. Thought the food was good! Kids ate a ton too but they have rather adventurous tastes (both snubbed the "boring" kids offerings). Their sparkling sangria is light and refreshing- that pitcher went quickly between two of us.
Saw your pics from the weekend with Jake- so nice you got to spend some time with him. My DD is off for next two days - even though we just dropped her off two weeks ago I'm so glad to have the time with her again! They may be grown and flown but they are never gone!
.Have never gotten a treat from that shop if you can believe that! We did have dinner -waterside for Illuminations- at Spice Road table Monday. Thought the food was good! Kids ate a ton too but they have rather adventurous tastes (both snubbed the "boring" kids offerings). Their sparkling sangria is light and refreshing- that pitcher went quickly between two of us
.Saw your pics from the weekend with Jake- so nice you got to spend some time with him. My DD is off for next two days - even though we just dropped her off two weeks ago I'm so glad to have the time with her again! They may be grown and flown but they are never gone!
Joanna71985
<marquee><font color=green>Characters are my frien
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2005
I love the topiaries at F&G! They are so pretty
Mrs Doubtfire
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
Wonderful pictures of the F&G festival, it looks like a great time to visit Epcot.
Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
Life is short. Live it well.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2008
Please tell me you also seek out fresh butter tarts when you cross the border, too [imagine a drool emoji here]. I still can't believe they are a Canada-only thing! Aside from my favorite cereal (Shreddies), butter tarts are the food from home that I miss most.
I always love seeing pictures of Lady and her ears. The pic I have from when we were at F&G in 2014 is similar.
I think the totem poles are more for the west coast of Canada because there's more erm Indians. I realized they are Native Americans in Canada but I'm not sure what you call them, indigenous? Anyway, there are totem poles on Vancouver Island and in parts of BC. We have them around our part of Washington as well and there are several reservations around here and between me and the BC line. I would imagine the bear falls into that or goes into the rockies. You eastern Canadians need to remember there's more to your large country, just like those on the east coast of the US need to remember there's people over here on the other (better) coast
Oh, I have no doubt that there are totem poles throughout Canada (and definitely on the west coast), but I'm doubtful that they are what comes to most Canadians' minds when they think about things that are representative of this great nation. There are so many things that are consistently meaningful to citizens across the whole country.....like hockey!....that I think would have been a MUCH better fit. And it always pains me that they don't have a Tim Horton's coffee kiosk either. Nothing smacks of Canadiana more than a double double and fresh timbits from "Timmies".
Hi so glad that you had an awesome visit with your son
I love the pictures of the flowers and garden. It looks so pretty I have never been there that time of year. When we move down in two years I will get the chance to see it at that time.
I don't drink much at all but I love frozen Margaritas. I do enjoy them once in awhile!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of your day
Trust me, I feel an enormous amount of guilt being this far away from my boy......so much so, it literally it makes my heart ache most days
. It never gets easier, either. It is my biggest wish (and his, too) that he can join us here in the USA at some point. As soon as we have permanent residency, we will be moving heaven and earth to obtain the legal approval for him to move to MI.The Flower & Garden Festival really is a sight to behold. It runs for quite a long spell (February to late May, I think?), so hopefully one of your trips will occur while its on
.Ha ha, you noticed Jake's longer hair!
The first thing I told him when he pulled in our driveway on Thursday night, after he hopped out of the truck and I wrapped him in a big, ol' momma hug, was "You need a haircut" . He promptly informs me that like his curls. Mr. Independence no longer needs his mother's approval on his appearance .Ontario kids are usually in class until the end of June as well. I *SO* miss the days of summer fun with kids! lt was always my favorite time of the year. 4-h is so awesome!! What program area(s) does your DD participate in?
Flower and Garden was so pretty! They still have a few topiaries up but all the extra flowers and displays and booths are now gone of course. Epcot seems weird to me this trip as the last 5 times I've been there has been for a festival of some kind
Have never gotten a treat from that shop if you can believe that! We did have dinner -waterside for Illuminations- at Spice Road table Monday. Thought the food was good! Kids ate a ton too but they have rather adventurous tastes (both snubbed the "boring" kids offerings). Their sparkling sangria is light and refreshing- that pitcher went quickly between two of us
Saw your pics from the weekend with Jake- so nice you got to spend some time with him. My DD is off for next two days - even though we just dropped her off two weeks ago I'm so glad to have the time with her again! They may be grown and flown but they are never gone!
Ah, you had me at "sparkling sangria"
. Now THAT is my drink of choice! Red or white, you can't go wrong 
.Hey, you might know the answer to this question (you're awfully knowledgeable where Disney is concerned
). What happens to all the topiaries after the Festival concludes? Please tell me they don't get thrown into the compost pile! And to think it all starts in February!!!! When we in the north are buried under feet of snow!
Spring in Florida is simply divine. It really is our favorite time of year to visit.
afan
Honorary Bus Driver
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
I agree that hockey is more, but I don't know how they would have fit it in. I'm pretty sure it's in the movie. I'm not sure everyone would think of the Buchart Gardens either but I think that's what the garden area is based off. Maybe they only went to the west? I would think Niagra Falls would have been good too, or maybe there's a waterfall of some sort in there that I can't remember. We didn't go through all the pavilions last trip.
I've bought Timmies hot chocolate there in the canister to bring back for my mom. I think they had coffee too. This was back in 2016 so they may not have it any more. I didn't need to look last trip because I knew I'd be going to Canada a few months after the last trip and could just get it then.
pattyw
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2008
No- I haven't had those- but we're due for a dinner at Happy Jack's and will stop at a store to look for those!
It's pure Buffalo too!! It's funny- we have a Tim's at the airport and I hear so many people that comment as we exit to baggage claim how much they missed Tim's in Florida!! I think we have one every mile on the road! What do you think, Gina? You, me, Steve, and Joe open a Tim's in Orlando?? Near the Vistana of course! We would have a gold mine between the Canadians and WNYers on vacation!!
scottishgirl1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2010
Ruthie5671
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2009
I plan on buying some when we have our trip next month (did I say that loud enough - next month!!). I'm thinking my staff would like them for Christmas gifts!
Mrs Doubtfire
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
You may have mentioned it once or twice......
verleniahall
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2013
Its the Welsh Dragon - its yummy!!
bankr63
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2010
Which strikes me as funny, coming from the queen of Good Buys and all...
Glad you had some good family time.
Can you tell I'm almost caught up... Just one more page to go.
ETA: Phew! And done. Finally caught up. Okay, full steam ahead!
BTW, did you let @orangecats2 know you were back at it? Don't think I've seen her chime in yet either.
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