The Mother(s) of All Trips – The End

Light Meter by Lisa K. Berton

Day 5
I forgot to jot down notes so it’s possible that things are out of order.

Four days of being out in the heat and thick humidity can and will affect you. We were tired and worn so this morning we slept in. Breakfast consisted of more cereal, mini-muffins, fruit, juice, and other items we’d picked up at the grocery store.

When we arrived at Epcot I steered us to Universe of Energy where we walked right inside and waited 5 minutes for the pre-show to begin. It was roughly 40% filled giving me the impression that we’d have our own row to stretch out on. Wrong! That’s something I’ll never understand. If there are lots of empty rows, why do people still sit in mine? Anyway, it was a nice cool place to relax and avoid the perils of Mother Nature although escaping dinosaurs can leave you tired as well.

Leisurely we strolled along until reaching Mexico where the sun felt even stronger than it did in the future, odd as that sounds. Inside, my mom and Judi poked around the gift shop and picked up some hard peppermint candies. Panchito and Jose Carioca were having a heck of a time finding Pato Donald so we tried to help. The whole gang was reunited at the end of the boat ride.

Soon after it was time for our reservation at Biergarten in Germany. The timing of our meal allowed for 2 performances by the band. Buffets are difficult for me to select from with my pepper allergry, if you will, along with a long list of dietary restrictions. The chef came out and I found him to be somewhat difficult and giving me a hard time. I’ve been there before and have been taken care of with far more sensitivity from other chefs. Long story short, I was given a piece of fish, whipped potatoes, and some sort of cheese and pasta dish, the latter of which I couldn’t eat. Seems Chef Artur felt how annoyed I was given that I handed him my list of restrictions which he may not have read and the resistence he gave me so he didn’t charge me anything. He did request that in the future I call the restaurant directly.

Prior to the vacation my mom asked me a few times if she could meet my friend Amy so we’d arranged to meet up that afternoon. When we came out of Biergarten, Amy was waiting for us. We sat around and chatted then Judi went shopping and saw a line of beer steins singing. I suspected they were part of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure and I was correct.

With no real plans or a list of things any of us wanted to do we casually wandred through Italy and American Adventure where we sat and waited for the next showing. I never knew there was anything to look at on the far right side of the room where Voices of Liberty perform. Ask me what’s there. I already forgot. A baseball mitt? Had it all been about pop Latin groups I would be able to recall everything. What can I tell ya.

This attraction, American Adventure always makes me want to take a nap. It’s dark, the room temperature is comfortable, and the naration sounds monotone to me. So there I am, pushed back into my chair in “nap position,” closing my eyes, previewing what I look like while sleeping and my good friend slaps my wrist. Fine, fine, I’ll try to stay awake. Meanwhile, to Amy’s left, my mom’s asleep. Not fair I tells ya!

My mom & Judi checked out the shops in Morocco but came back empty-handed. They weren’t too interested in seeing Japan or France so we took a ride on the Friendship Boat over to where the future meets the world. The mothers decided they’d had enough touring and were ready for more shopping on the way out. My mom suggested we go back to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner and invited Amy to join us. We split up with plans to meet up again later.

I’d missed Club Cool the first day we were in Epcot. Before skipping over to MouseGears I took them for some free soda and eagerly waited for one of them to try the infamous Beverly. Judi didn’t have anything to drink and my mom never chose the bitter soda. Drat! Foiled again!

A little shopping in MouseGears, a fun conversation with a CM whose name escapes me, and our time together in the parks was over. They rested at the resort and did some packing before we picked up Amy and went out for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. It was a nice evening.

Day 6
Up early, packed and ready to roll it was back to the airport for the flight home.

lkb-mothers.jpg
Judi & my mom, Sheryl

Notes

Birthday Fun Card – Judi’s goal was to buy herself a Minnie Mouse watch. She checked many stores before finding one with easy-to-read numbers. I can’t recall what else she bought.

Handy Manny – My mom bought presents for her friend’s grandchildren and Handy Manny toys were a suggestion. She wanted me to photograph the character but he was busy with kids so later on in the day I went back and was able to get some photos for her.

Dietary Restrictions – For the most part every chef I’ve talked to has been great and a few have been absolutely superb. In my reservations I always note an allergy to pepper and advise them of dietary restrictions. For a few trips I faxed my list along with my ADRs to a department that deals specifically with this. Half the time I’d arrive at the restaurant and the kitchen never got the message but was able to make something for me on the spot. Next trip I’ll try contacting the restaurants directly if it’s one I think will have trouble accomodating me.

Spritzer Fans – This turned out to be a great purchase. It helped my mom to stay cool and thin out the thick humid air she was breathing. The price is ungawdly however at $16.00. Get one at a local store and bring it with you along with extra batteries.

Birthdays – If you make your reservation by phone or online be sure to let Disney know you or someone with you is celebrating a birthday. I had it marked for every reservation. When you call they’ll ask for the name and birthday of the celebrant and if you want the restaurant to recognize the event. I’m curious if these questions will be asked next year when the promotion is over.

Drinks to go – My mom had a great idea and put it to work every day. Take an empty water bottle with you or hang onto it after finishing it in the park. Before leaving a restaurant, ask your server for a refill and pour it into the bottle along with ice. Trust me when I say bring a small funnel. Attractions don’t allow you to carry drinks in cups but closed bottles are permitted.

Do you have any questions?

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One Reply to “The Mother(s) of All Trips – The End”

  1. My family was at WDW the same time as you. We were having our own Wine and Food tour and stopped in Germany for a Brat. My daughter thought she saw you. Now you just confirmed it!!!! She was right! Next time we will say hello