Family Reunion Trip Redoux - Day 3

[Paiges]

Me and DH
DD – 15 and 14
DS – 12
And 24 more grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces, and cousins galore!

Today was our first Epcot day. We arrived at the park around 10, which blew my plan of getting a FP for Test Track and riding Soarin’ early. We did use our FP+ for Test Track (enjoyed the new version of the ride where you construct your own car), Spaceship Earth, and Mission: Space. We watched the manatees near the Finding Nemo ride eat lettuce. They are so cute! We had lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I had the salmon, which was good, and for dessert I had a smoothie with strawberries, banana, key lime juice, honey and ice. It was delicious and something I would drink every day. It could also be purchased as a snack on the dining plan.

After lunch, we explored the World Showcase with many stops for pin trading and one long stop at Club Cool on the way. The Les Halles bakery in France, the store in Japan, and the ride in Mexico were our three favorite stops. One DD got a pearl in Japan, along with her aunt. She was a little disappointed, because her pearl was not rare and was the smallest one we saw during the whole time we watched. But it is pretty and will be a fun memory. The rest of the kids loved the Pokemon merchandise in the Japan store.

Dinner was at Biergarten. Several in our group of 22 said this food was not their favorite, but the two 12-year-old boys both said it was their favorite restaurant so far. The roast pork and the apple strudel were especially good. The black forest cake was not as good as I expected, and the German meatloaf was not to my taste. Our 16-month-old cousin danced to the oompah band, and we all enjoyed the entertainment. We never did ride Soarin', as the line never went down to a reasonable wait time.

Once again, we finished off the night with a swim at our small pool.

[brian2000boston]

Another great day

[hauntedmansiongirl]

I think Biergarten is a love it or hate it kind of place. We enjoy the food for a change, but we aren't huge fans of sitting with strangers. Your big group wouldn't have that problem!

My in-laws love it though! It's their favourite place.

Thanks for the heads up on the smoothie at Sunshine Seasons. Great change from bakery treats for dessert!

[faline]

After a late night, it's no wonder you didn't get to Epcot really early. Too bad you missed out on Soarin' though. You're certainly meeting at restaurants geared to larger groups such as your family.