It's been about 3 weeks since my last visit, so it's probably time to get it all down. Finances have really dried up in the last month, so this was my last trip for the immediate future. I hope for a springtime visit, but a lot will have to change for it to happen. This was my birthday visit - turned 58 in the World!
Saturday, 9/27 -
I didn't have a lot of time off like I had earlier in the summer, so I flew down instead of driving, scoring a cheap upgrade to 1st class on the way to Orlando (what a great way to fly!). I picked up my rental car from Budget and it was off to WDW. I wasn't sure the Pop would have a room for me this early, but they did, so I checked in without incident. I've had trouble in the past with linking my Premier pass to the Magic Band, so I didn't even try this time. I used my Band to unlock my room and to make purchases, and then used the Premier card for park admission and FP+ access. This all worked like a dream.
I had a lot to do on this first evening in Epcot -
I wanted to do the Maelstrom one last time, and used a FP+ for it with about a 5 minute wait (regular line was well over an hour!). Then up to the American pavilion and a set from the Voices of Liberty -
...followed by a viewing of The American Adventure. Next it was back down to Futureworld and a FP+ run on Test Track. I had a FP+ for Spaceship Earth for a bit later, but that was really gonna cramp the rest of the evening. There was only a 5 minute standby line, so I jumped on for my first SSE ride of the trip. And then it was back up to the American pavilion to see Christopher Cross -
Of the three acts I saw on this trip, CC had by far the best musicians, but unfortunately a lame sound person. Everything was very clear, but just not blended very well. No reverb at all, and it never sounded like a full band. Still a great show, however. Now I had to race back up to Futureworld (lots of walking!) and dinner at the Coral Reef. Being a creature of habit I had my usual Coral Reef Sriracha Shrimp -
...followed by my usual Seared Mahi Mahi with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce -
I had to rush things much more than usual, as my next stop was the final set from Off Kilter. There were probably over 2000 people crammed into the little plaza, and the boys were very touched by the crowd response. I'll miss them greatly, and wish them much success in the future. From here I barely had time to zip into the Rose & Crown for a few tasty martinis. They were incredibly crowded, but by some miracle I was still able to land my favorite spot at the end of the bar nearest the piano. IllumiNations was at 10pm this crowded evening, followed by the standard cigar walk around the World Showcase and back to my room at the Pop. A very busy first evening, but I was able to accomplish everything I wanted to do - an excellent first day!
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