Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Orlando-Disney_Magic Kingdom_part I

We went to Magic Kingdom on the second day of our visit. We arrived very early at around 8.00 a.m. and were one of the first to catch the ferry from the main transportation center into Magic Kingdom.

After a short ferry ride, we reached Magic Kingdom! Yay... the disney theme park with most disney characters and most magic. And of course... most kids... hmmm.... so it is really better to reach there earlier before the kids wake up. We were greeted by beautiful shops and streets on main street. And of course we can see Cinderella's castle.
We decided that the most optimal thing to do was to go straight to Frontierland to get a fastpass for Splash Mountain. (as it is a popular attraction and the waiting time can go up to an hour in the afternoon) When we reached Splash Mountain, we realized that we were so early that there wasn't a queue. So we took the fastpass and went immediately to take the ride too. haha.. meaning that we will get two rides. =P

Splash Mountain as its name suggests probably involved water... and getting wet. Hmm.. but why is there a "splash"? It is because the climax of the ride is a slide from five stories down into the river and of course water will splash up and make u wet. This picture was taken in front of splash mountain. If you look carefully you can see a boat starting its slide down.

For the splash mountain ride, we were sitted on a log. The ride presents scene from Disney production, Song of the South, telling the adventures of a Rabbit that leaves his home to look for his laughing place. A fox and a bear, the bad guys, are determined to catch him. Just before the final drop, we could see the Rabbit tied up into a bundle and crying for help. And then.... whew..... we were dropped from the top of the mountain. Wow... I got pretty wet from the ride and bf said that he could feel himself almost coming out from his seat. (dun worry, the ride is safe.)

The ride was not over after the drop. We were led into another hidden tunnel and we saw the Rabbit safely at home, relaxing, telling us that he had learnt his lesson. In the background, a lot of critters were singing the ride's theme song, Zep-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, to celebrate the rabbit's safe return. Bf started singing along too. haha.... and I was glad that I was still in my seat... seriously.. there was no seat belts or any other safety stuff at all.
After Splash mountain, we went to get a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It is a roller coaster with many turns and drops. It made me dizzy after the ride but it was fun. Next, we went to Adventureland and took a Jungle Cruise and visited Captain Sparrow on the Pirates of Carribbean boat ride.

Kids and parents began to fill in at this time of the day and it got pretty crowded. We walked through Liberty Square, trying to feel the history of America and the huge fight for independence. The Haunted Mansion was our next stop. I must say I was quite impressed with the ride. The exhibits were very nicely made and the effects were also very good.
In Fantasyland, we took many kiddish rides like the Golden Carrousel.

For lunch, bf got himself a huge turkey leg. looks yummy...

Next, we went to Tomorrowland to drive a racecar. I was the driver and bf the passenger.. haha..after the ride, he told me that my decision to quit learning driving is correct. hmmm...


After our scary ride on the racecar, it was time to watch Mickey and his friends for the "Dream come true" performance on Cinderalla Castle.
At 3 pm, the parade will start. So Bf and I quickly went around looking for a good spot to catch the parade. And since there was still some time, we started eating the grapefruit that we brought. Haha.. it was quite cool to eat grapefruit in the hot sun. I think people were envious of us. =)

The parade started.... and first came Daisy, followed by many other characters.




Sunday, April 06, 2008

Orlando-Disney_Epcot_World Showcase_Part 5_Japan + Italy + Germany

We went to Japan for lunch. We had curry rice and beef bowl. Tastes like Yoshinoya. But it is still good to have rice after so many days of waffles, burgers and fries.

The shop in Japan sells many Hello Kitties, no Daniels and many Japanese curiosities. They even sell pearls from oysters. The customer will choose the oyster and it will be open in front of them to retrieve the pearl in it. There are also many Japanese snacks but we decided that those at Porter Exchange are much better. Too bad.. no anime to please my bf.

We went to Italy at 7.30 pm which is the magical time to visit. Italy is very beautiful during sunset. And my bf called it the most beautiful country in Epcot. We took some pictures with Poseidon.


















After sunset, we had sauguages at Germany for dinner. They tasted very much like those we get in Shaws. I guess most people were there for the beer.

Orlando-Disney_Epcot_World Showcase_Part 4_France + UK + Canada

France...home to Paris the city of love! We had a Neapolitan dessert at this bakery

After that we went into a perfume shop and tried out the perfume there. I gave a huge squeeze and a lot of perfume was released into my hand. We would have stayed longer but the shopkeepers were looking at us so we ran away, smelling nice.

There was a garden in front of the perfume shop and they plant flowers that were used for extracting perfume.

There was also a show in France. But I think it pales in comparison to the little girls in China.

Next we went to UK. There is really nothing there other than Beckham's autographies, which my bf din even notice. Oh wait... Mary Poppins was also there. I almost wanted to take a photo with her until I noticed that she asked a lot of questions. [1192]

There was also nothing much in Canada, except for a cute little duckling.

Orlando-Disney_Epcot_Test Track

The first thing we did when we reached Epcot is to get a FastPass for TestTrack!! It was very early so the return time was not very long. It was just nice to go to the Space Shuttle ride next door while waiting for the FastPass return time.

TestTrack is my most anticipated ride of Epcot! I rode it twice last time I visited Disney, and even took a video clip of the entire ride. But I'm still a little scared this time..hehe
So we finally bypassed the long lines and got into the rides. It always feels good to go on the FastPass lane and cut the queue. I wonder why people are still willing to wait in line...hmmmm...Here is a picture I took inside the car at the starting line.

We waited nervously for the red lights to turn green. 5 minutes....10minutes. Still red. Then there was a broadcast telling us about a technical fault somewhere in the test track. We have to stay in the car and wait. Luckily we were in the car. Look at all the other people standing in line... so kelian

Finally the car started to move. Yay!
We went through the "Brake Test" and then the car stopped. haih...
Then someone told us over the broadcast that the ride has been terminated and we had to get out. But then they gave us an unlimited FastPass for the ride at any other time of the day.

We got out of the car and walked to the exit. which is quite far away. Meanwhile, we passed by the heat chamber...

the cold chamber...
and the acid chamber. On our way out we overheard people saying that they were trapped in the cold chamber during the breakdown. That must be quite an experience.

So we walked out of the TestTrack, we still haven't got a chance to ride on it yet. We decided to come back later in the afternoon.

When we finally got our ride, it was unremarkable...=( The ride was over so fast, I barely got the thrill. Oh well...maybe I'm more jaded this time....

Orlando-Disney_Epcot_World Showcase_Part 3_Morocco

I went to sit on the Magic Carpet in Morocco. Dun laugh at my weird posture. I am absorbing the essence of the universe. Anyway, can you spot the many hidden mickeys on the picture behind me?

After sitting on the carpet, I must find the genie lamp. I looked through the stalls. There were many carpets, cushions, belly dancing clothing, nice ethnic clothings, tamborine for sale.

Finally I found some lamps. But there were a lot of them.... which one is the magic one....oh well this one did not work.


Water must have some special significance in Morocco culture. There were many Mosaic fountains over all. Maybe they are wishing wells. Let me see if there are coins anywhere. Or mebe Morocco's weather is simply too warm and it is nice to have a fountain at home. Or perhaps it is for religious purposes for cleansing oneself before prayers.




Orlando-Disney_Epcot_World Showcase_Part 2_Norway+China

Norway is situated near to Mexico... wait.. how can this be true??

Hmmm.. i guess it is only true in Epcot.

After a tiring 2 minutes walk, we finally reach Norway from Mexico. yay...

So what is Norway famous for?
The Vikings!! So do I look fierce in the Viking Hat..

Next we took a leisurely stroll over to China. This is the Cao Yang Men, literally translated into the "Gate that faces the Sun".

We went into the restaurant to find out what they are serving. To our huge disappointment, they are serving Vege Lo Mein, which did not look appetizing at all. We also watch a short film titled "Reflections on China". It is a pretty good film featuring the multi-faceted faces of China, the different cities, landscape and minority ethnic groups.

Haha.. this is the first time, my bf's face is shown on my blog. Welcome welcome....

We also watched an acrobatic performance. Xiao Zhu wanted to take a picture during the performance but the kid next to me gave me a look of despise so Xiao Zhu has to go back into hiding.



Orlando-Disney_Epcot_World Showcase_Part I_Mexico

I went to Disney@Orlando over spring break. Other than the huge disappointment when I realize how much fat I have put on over the course of winter, everything is good and fun. (In winter, you wear those huge, bulky winter clothes that basically transform u into a roll... of different diameter i suppose. But the point is you dun get to see how big ur tummy is. Sigh.. back to spring clothes... and.. the truth reveals itself. =( )

We went to Epcot on the last day of our visit. Epcot has half the park dedicated to showcasing cultures from around the world. We reached Mexico at about 2 p.m. and the first thing we headed for is to buy a Margarita. Did you know that Margarita is from Mexico? Neither did I until bf told me. haha..
Anyway, we got a nice Margarita and it really helps us to cool down under the hot sun.

Even Xiao Zhu cannot resist it. haha... although she is seriously underaged for drinking. After the drink, we embarked on our tour of MEXICO!! There are stores selling ponchos and huge Hats from Ugly Betty.

Do I look like Betty?? =P

It feels really nice to be walking around Mexico, looking through the colorful clothing and handicrafts, even Xiao Zhu had a nice time.

Can you find her in the picture?
Cant wait for Ugly Betty to be broadcasted again... will they take down Eli stone then... hmm... oh well.. forever conflicting.