Bricker Family Disney World Trip Report — Pt 2
Day 2 of our family vacation to Walt Disney World (click here to read part 1 of the trip report) was our best day at Epcot in recent memory.
I heaped praise upon the Epcot International Festival of the Arts in our review of that, saying it reminded me of ‘old school’ EPCOT Center. That, coupled with being at Epcot with my parents, made me feel the way it felt when visiting this park as a child.
My first stop was to see the Figment topiary behind Spaceship Earth. For the last several years in our Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Guide, my review contained a ‘wish-list’ (really, a plea) for Disney to add topiaries of Figment and Dreamfinder.
I’m not suggesting this addition was because of me (I’d hope those making decisions at Disney have better things to do than read the rantings of some fan), it’s to point out how excited about this I am.
With that said, my new plea is to restore the Universe of Energy dinosaur topiaries, so if those return next year, I’m totally taking 100% of the credit. 😉
Following that, we stopped at a couple of PhotoPass spots, which were featuring Festival of the Arts displays. I haven’t always been the biggest fan of PhotoPass over the years, but having it included in our Annual Passes is nice.
The photography can still be inconsistent, but it’s usually fine. The other upside for me is that if I take a poor photo of Sarah, I’m to blame. If PhotoPass does, they are. I prefer the latter scenario.
After stopping for those photos, we went to Guest Relations so my dad could get a Disability Access Service card. This was our first experience with the card, and how it worked was a bit of a mixed bag.
Just like some attractions had to be oddly retrofit for FastPass, so too are there some “interesting” setups for the Disability Access Service lines. I might write about this more in a future installment or post, if there’s interest.
Following that, we started wandering towards World Showcase, where Pluto was doing a meet & greet with virtually no line. My dad, who is not known among his friends as a character hunter, really wanted to do this.
Our plan for lunch was to graze from some of the Festival of the Arts booths. We tried several options from the booths located around the entrance to World Showcase, most of which we enjoyed.
It’s hard to say whether these were overpriced or if the presentation and ingredients made them worth it. I’m inclined to say they were slightly overpriced. As I said in our Festival of the Arts review, I found the food to be the least significant element of Festival of the Arts, which was nice–and surprising.
It was fairly hot for January, so we decided to do Gran Fiesta Tour next. Those Audio Animatronics at the end are such a nice addition. There have been vague rumors recently that this ride might get another overlay if Coco performs well, but I hope that doesn’t happen.
Then it was time for Frozen Ever After. I was curious how my parents would feel about this, but I’m not sure they thought much of anything beyond “it was cute.” Maelstrom wasn’t exactly on the must-do list when I was a kid, so I’m guessing they don’t have much of a memory of that. Of course, we got the obligatory, “awkwardly indifferent expressions” on-ride photo.
My dad was really hyped on this troll for some reason.
We continued around World Showcase, stopping in Germany for a bit to watch the train. It’s fascinating to me to experience the parks with others who are not regulars. It’s pretty easy to surmise what’s popular, but experiences like this give you some insight into the little things others appreciate.
What connects with one person won’t for another–it’s different for everyone. Often, it’s things we regularly pass by that resonate with others. This is probably why Disney has done so well including details 95% of guests will miss. You never know which 5% of the design and details will connect with any given guest, but the ones that do leave a lasting impression.
My parents were getting a bit hungry again and we had just missed a showing of American Adventure, so my mom and I walked over to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie to grab a few snacks while Sarah and my dad waited at a table in Morocco.
As always, Les Halles delivered with some delicious treats, including one that was ‘special’ for Festival of the Arts.
I still think the Napoleon isn’t as good as it used to be, but by this point, I’m guessing most guests don’t even remember the “old” one.
American Adventure was next, with the full experience including the Voices of Liberty. Taking a few minutes to look at the American Heritage Gallery, see the Voices of Liberty perform, followed by American Adventure is about as perfect of an Epcot experience as you can get.
The only thing that’d make it better is if you could reflect upon the beautiful display of patriotism by enjoying a New York strip steak at an American table service restaurant afterwards.
Here are a few photos from the show:
Audio Animatronics Frederick Douglass has done an amazing job paddling here day in and day out. It’s nice to see him being recognized more and more for his hard work.
It’s surprising to me that the American Adventure doesn’t receive more hype. Discounting both personal preference and patriotism, I consider this one of the top 5 attractions at Walt Disney World. One of the objectively-best experiences Imagineering has ever created.
That people consider this ‘boring’ while Toy Story Mania and Rock N Roller Coaster receive some of the highest guest satisfaction scores at Walt Disney World confounds me. Those are fine rides, but I don’t think anyone can make a remotely compelling argument that they’re the pinnacle of Imagineering.
My parents really wanted to do Via Napoli, so that was next on the agenda. I feel like there was a lot of hype for this when it first opened, but that has significantly died down in the last few years.
I’m not entirely sure why as this is still some of the best food–and can be among the best values–in World Showcase.
Whenever I mention this, it’s invariably met with responses from people in Chicago or New York who preface their dismissal of it with, “I’m from Chicago/New York, so…” as if being from these two locations give you a monopoly on pizza opinions or a realistic expectation that all pizza anywhere conform with a single, region-specific style. (I also find it really odd that so much emphasis is placed on pizza given that both Chicago and NYC are amazing food towns.)
That tangent aside, I did make my own near-fatal mistake at this meal: sharing. Kids, one of the greatest lies your parents will ever tell you is when they extol the virtues of sharing. Here’s some real talk: sharing is one of those things that’s great in the abstract, and there are certainly interpersonal and societal benefits to doing it.
The reality is that no one likes to share. The next time your parents go on some diatribe about sharing, explain to them that you understand its merits on a conceptual level, and that’s good enough. (If that doesn’t work, ask if they’d enjoy paying more in taxes.)
Parents, this is why you don’t let your kids read this blog. 😉
Seriously, though, for as much as I talk up how Via Napoli can be a great value if you split a Mezzo Metro pizza, in practice, I never want to share this with more than 2 people.
Actually, I’m pretty sure I could eat an entire Mezzo Metro on my own, and even if I got sick afterwards, it’d be worth it.
We had gone into Impressions de France because it was an air-conditioned place to sit down to recover from the meal (and because Sarah and I love it) where we could kill time until American Adventure.
I wasn’t really expecting anything in the way of a reaction from my parents, but to my surprise, after the show my dad had a decent amount to say.
I told him how we had visited some of those places, and he told me how the castles reminded him of some he saw while deployed in Germany. He was excited to hear that we’d gone to Neuschwanstein Castle; he had also been there, among other places in Germany and Europe. On Page 2 we’ll cover the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and our favorite World Showcase experience so many people miss…
That picture of your dad’s service dog was so sweet. I may have teared up a little bit at my desk. Count me in as one who would like to hear more about your dad’s experience with the disability services. My dad has MS and uses a scooter to get around. He can be a little nervous about going places like theme parks given his disability. We went to Canada’s Wonderland a couple of summers ago and had a very positive experience with their disability services. I am curious to hear how Disney stacks up. I understand that they have to be careful because people take advantage of the system, but I would think they would also want to be very careful about treating their guests right and making sure those guests with disabilities get the help they need to enjoy the parks.
Also, that Frederick Douglas comment made me laugh. Well done.
I am interested in the disability access service lines.
Thank you
Between the photo of Pluto with your dad’s dog and your comments on Frederick Douglass, this might be my favorite Disney post ever.
I was a little concerned with how that Frederick Douglass quip might be received, but I just couldn’t resist…
I would also be interested in your review of the disability access card. I have MD and have a hard time walking. My wife and I will be going in a few weeks for our 25th anniversary and I was thinking of using the card but from what I have read, it does not sound very convenient.
Love the blog!
Bill G
“It’s nice to see him being recognized more and more for his hard work.” Brilliant. Truly brilliant. Also, what a great shot of your dad’s service dog with Pluto–very sweet! (I may be partial, since our dog happens to look just like your dad’s…)
Can I ask a really dumb question? Does a service dog get to ride the attractions? (Didn’t see the dog in the Frozen ride photo, but since your dad was in the boat assuming he was there too). Again, sorry if this is a dumb question, just curious. And I loved the photo with Pluto!
I was wondering the same thing! Also, where does the service dog go when you eat in a restaurant, shop, wait in line, etc?
Michelle
The dog goes everywhere he goes, shops, restaurants, the hotel and most rides. There are a few rides that he, Tom’s dad and Anna, his service dog can not go on such as roller coasters, Soarin, The Land boat ride just to name a few. She is trained to lay down at his feet or under a table. The Disability pass is different and works like a fast pass. You go with the disabled person to the attraction, the cast member scans his wristband and then we were told when to come back. When signing up for the initial pass the first day they take a photo of the person who is using the disability pass and attached all bands related to his party to his band.
Thanks for another great read!
I agree strongly with you about the American Adventure. I am not a very emotional person but I always tear up at the end especially when Dick and Rick Hoyt are shown. They are the dad who has recently retired from pushing his son in a wheelchair for hundreds of marathons. The Voices of Liberty only get better and better every time I go. I loved the Festival of the Arts and was there the following weekend. After having eaten at Via Napoli at least a dozen times I’ve decided that I don’t like it anymore and it’s primarily because we always have terrible service there.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! After reading so many rave reviews about Via Napoli, I was super excited to book it for my birthday dinner last year. It was SO disappointing! The food was fine, but the service and atmosphere were AWFUL! Thankfully, I had had a great birthday lunch earlier that day and everything else about the day was great.
The service at Via Napoli strikes me as typical European service, which is generally apathetic (in my experience). It’s often the same way at the restaurants in the France pavilion. Think of it as getting a more authentic experience. 😉 It’s something I’ll tolerate for that delicious pizza.
I loved Festival of the Arts this year as well! I thought the photo pass opportunities were great and I loved painting the mural. When we went (early Feb) they were already on the second mural because the first was so popular (or maybe they intentionally spaced out multiple murals?). Funny how making people feel part of something went such a long way with guests. I am so glad they brought back another to let more people contribute.
Well done:
“It’s nice to see him being recognized more and more for his hard work.”
I completely agree with you on American Adventure. My family makes sure to do it at least every trip if not every day we’re in Epcot. It’s well worth the length and makes me cry during the Golden Dream montage every time. It does such a good job of objectively providing the good and the bad of the American Adventure. It makes you proud to be American while at the same time leaves you with a sense that we still have hurdles to pass as a country. I adore this attraction.
First… this made me actually laugh out loud: “Audio Animatronics Frederick Douglass has done an amazing job paddling here day in and day out. It’s nice to see him being recognized more and more for his hard work.”
Second… would love to read more about the DAS process.
I would definitely like a review of your experiences with the Disability Access Card. I have an autistic son and we are attempting our first trip in a few weeks and would like to learn more.
Gregg
I have an autistic son and would love to get your review on what Disney does for the cognitively challenged. In my opinion, it simply is not enough.
Having a disabled child is bad enough, but having a child who is unable to process “having to wait” for a ride they see right in front of them is heartbreaking.
I don’t think Disney realizes how an entire day in the park can literally be destroyed in the blink of an eye. Just because my son doesn’t look distraught when a cast member looks at him, does not mean that seconds to moments after that he can’t meltdown because he doesn’t have the cognitive ability to understand having to wait…I am by no means taking away from any others disability. I am trying to point out that at least they may be able to understand the meaning of having to “wait” a bit longer.
I find it troubling that Disney has not found a better system to deal with this type of disability and (in my opinion) their cast members are not educated enough in recognizing the difference.
My 3 year old son (at that time) summer 2016 is autistic and we got a das pass, was absolutely wonderful went up to counter and either given immediate boarding or a paper pass for a short time later to return for immediate boarding, another couple we know got a das pass because she has a scooter and theirs was different and really didn’t do anything, when getting the pass the can’t ask you what your disability is but if explain the effects of it, they tailor what it does
Great installment and I agree 100% about Via Napoli, it is a must do for my family every trip usually for lunch. I am from Boston and the pizza is every bit as good as I have had from here, NYC, or from Frank Pepe’s in New Haven CT which is rated the best in the USA. Looks like we need to add the Festival of the Arts to our to do list!
We tried Via Napoli for the first time a few weeks ago on our Spring Break trip. My son claimed it was the best pizza he’s ever had… and we’re from Chicago! (but he’s only nine, so there’s that). We all agreed it was really good, though. So much so that we decided to eat lunch there the next day and try a different pizza. Best value for sit down restaurant!!
First off, you lie – there can’t be such thing as a “bad” photo of Sarah!
Secondly, Via Napoli is pretty much always on our must-do list. The pizza is yummy, it’s not crazy expensive, the environment is fun, and the Italian waiters are cute!
Another fun trip report with great photos – thanks Tom!
That Frederick Douglas comment cracked me up! Everything I read about the Festival of Arts this year was overwhelmingly positive. Would love to see it some time. Your Dad’s dog is so pretty. Great pictures with Pluto. I’m curious, where does the dog stay when you go on attractions? Obviously he couldn’t ride Frozen, but was he allowed in the AA theater?
Last time I was at Epcot, I watched Illuminations from the bridge by the International Gateway. As encouraged, I decided to take my time leaving Epcot as I was in no hurry due to an early morning flight and lack of a hotel. My justification for no hotel was that I was extending a business trip by myself and I didn’t want to waste points on a hotel for ~3 hours. Pro (cheapskate?) tip, MCO’s waiting area is awesome for killing time overnight (free WiFi, bathrooms, well lit). Back to the point, my favorite part about the Illuminations stroll was watching the globe leave the lagoon through the drawbridge. You can really see all the detail and engineering that went into it up close.
Your dad’s service dog is gorgeous! And what great pics of him with Pluto.
I’d also put the American Adventure in the Top 5 experiences on property. It’s actually in my top 3. Even after two years living here, I still cry when the “Two Brothers” montage begins.
Also, both of the Broadway singers pictured (Kevin Massey and Kerry Butler) are still performing on Broadway/national tours. Kevin is currently on the A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder tour and Kerry is teaching master classes (she just finished a run in Disaster late last year). I, like you, expected Disney to find more “washed up” (that sounds mean…) Broadway singers. The fact that each weekend had performers who are in current gigs as well impressed me.
I am a high school social studies teacher, and I was so pleased to read of your appreciation for the public’s renewed interest in the work of Frederick Douglas that I nearly spit out my coffee this morning. 😉
On another note, I would also love to hear more about your experience with your family’s use of the Disability Access Card. My father is living with Parkinson’s Disease and also recently beat cancer, so we now bring along a wheelchair for him to use when his energy and/or balance levels are getting too low to keep up with our children. We have never bothered to get a DAC, and I wonder how much (if at all) it might improve his experience in the parks.
Yes, please give a post soon-ish on your experience with the Disability Access Card! My husband and kids and I are taking my in-laws, and my brother-in-law is permanently wheelchair bound, and it’s the one thing I really want a better vibe for before we go!