Day 5: The Magic in the Kingdom

 We have been experiencing other visitors these past few days.  A family of ducks have made it a point to stop and say hello as we have a light breakfast snack before heading into the parks.  Juan Pablo is one name and Jake and Jill have name the others too. Wednesday arrived and it was Joe Joe's departure day. I am sure, he didn't want to leave but was ready nonetheless.  Papa took Joe out to the airport and Dorothy relaxed back at the hotel.  In the meantime, the "adventure teams" headed into the Magic Kingdom.  Crowds were lighter and with Fast Passes ready to go, we enjoyed a quick tour of Small World and raced the cars around the Speedway.  While the group chose to hit the Tea Cups I got my chance to visit the Hall of Presidents.  Personally....one of the best attractions.

We enjoyed a great lunch at Cosmic Rays in Tomorowland and and then headed to give Space Mountain another run.  We occupied 9 seats and rocketed around one of Disney's Mountain Ranges one final time.  Truly one of the best ride experiences ever.  Today was also was one of first days in a string of days where temperatures were starting to creep up.  So the best solution is a Dole Whip.  We all made our way over to Adventureland and grabbed a cool spot to enjoy a classic Dole Whip, a float, or even a twist with orange.  Since some of the kids never ventured up on Swiss Family Tree House, we thought that would be a quick experience.  Jillian led us up the winding steps and down.  It is funny how you cannot see this tree from anywhere else in the park considering how big it is!

At that point we decided a pool trip was in order.  So Jill and Jake headed back with Steve and his gang to enjoy some pool time.  Jen, Jordan and I headed back to our Polynesian room.  For the ladies it was a bit of rest.  At that point I toured around the resort noting all the changes coming as wall after wall have begun to spring up.   I feel bad for anyone planning a stay in the coming months.  For those of us who have enjoyed the Polynesian, it is going to be a change.  I am sure for the better but it is still hard to let it go.

That night we headed back into EPCOT for dinner at the Rose and the Crown.  Menus did change but I think it was still an excellent meal!! We then took a walk (quickly....again!) through the World Showcase trying to get to a Test Track Fast Pass.  Jill and I slowed it down just a little bit and we explored the Morocco Pavilion shops as they wind around alleys.  Then we did the same at the Japanese pavilion.


Ultimately we made it to our destination, Test Track!!  This was a great renovation that makes great use of the Magic Bands which keeps preferences of the car you model and then test out on the track.  Very cool.

At the end of the night we made our way onto the monorail and headed home to our room.  Since it wasn't too late, Jake and I took a quick swim where I somehow managed to drive my forehead into a side wall.  Ouch.  That definitely left a mark!