An Afternoon at Epcot – Oct 2015
We’re currently at Walt Disney World, and I thought it might be fun to share some live updates from the trip via the blog with the nifty WiFi on my Nikon D750. Unfortunately, I’ve had some “issues” with my fancy iPhone 4 that have prevented me from doing that.
I didn’t want to bail on the concept completely, so I thought I’d try posting some “tape delay” updates from our afternoon at Epcot yesterday, during which time we enjoyed a few hours strolling around Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival before heading back to our hotel for dinner. The photos here are not really anything special, just stuff I could quickly get edited.
It’s been a fun trip thus far–although changing hotels nearly every night is a little tiring–with visits to each of the parks, plus both Universal Orlando parks, including Halloween Horror Nights. We are heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tonight, and assuming all goes according to plan, I’ll be able to actually do a post with live-ish updates this evening. If you don’t see it tonight, ASSUME THE WORST…or that I wasn’t able to get my hands on a new iPhone 4 charging cable.
Feel free to ask questions about anything we’re up to in the comments, just realize responding right away is low priority (c’mon, we’re at freakin’ Walt Disney World!). I’ll catch up on all of that next week.
Enjoy!
When I first saw the preview video for the Ratatouille thing at Food & Wine Festival, I thought it was a nice addition to occupy kids while their parents got liquored up. Then I realized–like just about everything Food & Wine Festival–it’s an overpriced add-on, not included in park admission.
Not wanting to spend $478 grazing the booths, we opted for lunch at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Naturally, my meal consisted of two desserts. None of this “sandwich” nonsense for me at a bakery. This isn’t amateur hour.
I’m testing out the Sigma 150-600mm lens (review coming soon) for this trip, and have been having some fun with the reach of this lens. Unfortunately, I think some things are meant to be viewed from a safe distance…
Here I am with my new Lowepro 20L camera bag, contemplating the wonders of Spaceship Earth…or something like that. I got this bag in advance of my trip to the Canadian Rockies, and am loving it thus far. It’s still not my *perfect* camera bag for Walt Disney World–there are some puzzling design elements–but it’s pretty close. I’ll have a full review up soon.
Fact: any outfit with a dragon on it is instantly 1383% better. (Remember, I’m a fashion visionary, so take my word for it.)
Now we’re to the interactive part of the post. Hooray! As some of you probably know, I have a keen eye for fashion. Some might say I am an iconic fashion visionary, far ahead of my time. I’m like the next generation’s Kanye West. I’ll be hosting Project Runway in 2025. That is how far ahead of my time I am.
Well, anyway, I saw this rad tie dyed shirt at MouseGear that I really wanted and…let’s just say Sarah’s response wasn’t exactly favorable. So, good people of the internet, I’m counting on you to “vote” on whether I should get this exquisite piece. Vote yes by leaving a comment to that effect below. Vote no by yelling “no” at your screen. If there are enough ‘yes’ votes, I will be able to get it (seriously!).
Here’s the flan from the Dominican Republic. I thought it was pretty good, and a decent value. Our friend, Adam Burke, had a starkly differing view, saying it “tasted like dissolving rubber.” Umm…okay? We will have more food updates in our Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Guide.
Ugh. Sarah has no sense of style. Okay…I’m actually just bitter because of what she said about the tubular tie dyed shirt that I want. This Figment outfit is actually on-point. She bought the hat, but the $60 price on the sweatshirt was too difficult to swallow.
TOOTHPICK HOLDERS!
This next series should be proof that my photos are 95% luck, 5% talent. The monorail snuck up on me, so I raced to find a last minute shot option as it was starting to pass. I fired off shots as I was adjusting focus, with this little gem being the first result.
Shot #2 wasn’t much better, but would’ve been cool if these flowers weren’t so lame looking.
Finally, shot #3. Nothing impressive (the foreground bokeh is fine), but the 17th Commandment of Disney Photography is “thou shalt not fail to photograph a passing monorail.”
Quick snap of Chef Mickey on the way out. I’d be willing to bet this food made out of random leaves and junk is better than the “food” he serves at his eponymous restaurant.
Flowers at the Beach Club as we waited for an Uber pickup…
Alright, that’s it for yesterday. Hopefully we will have something from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party up later tonight!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? If you’re interested in learning more about hotels, our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page is a good place to start. For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides” are great for determining what to do and when to do it.
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YOUR THOUGHTS…
Should I get the tie dyed shirt?!?!? Have you visited Epcot for Food & Wine Festival yet this year? If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please post them in the comments. We love hearing from readers!
Tom – That shirt has “you” written all over it. It’ll be good for nights when you have to hike back on long trails in the dark. You won’t need a headlamp!
Beautiful shots, as always. Looking forward to seeing more of your shots when you get back. Time to replace that iPhone!
YES YES YES!!! All tye dye is awesome, and Disney tye dye is even better!!!
Of course you NEED the shirt.
I’m only voting “Yes” for the shirt because I know what it’s like to rreeeaaaaalllyyy want something at DIsney and NOT buy it! Of course it’s pretty far out there, man….
P.S. I’m loving the live update thing you got going on! I’m actually headed down next week for my first F&W and MNSSHP!
Get the shirt, just because it is Disney World. Sorry, Sarah! I have been waiting for your post on MNSSHP! Can’t wait to read it!!!!!
Yes.
This reminds me of the time we told our son he could pick out any shirt at Tower of Terror after he rode it for the first time. He picked a tie-dyed shirt and it was hideous. He proudly wore that thing everywhere for the next two years!
YES! You will feel 38% better every time you put it on.
I’m going with Sarah here, and saying no. Because I’ve been there with my husband’s shirts (“I promise to only wear it at home!” – turned into “I only wore it to the store!” Turned into “But they all know me! I can wear it to [insert event with other people here]!”) The offending shirt? A 1980s throwback of Wendy’s ” Where’s the Beef?” Lady. I still have nightmares.
But the non tie dye throwback Epcot shirts are on point. As Zac Posen would say on Project Runway “there’s a lot of stuff going on. You needed to edit.” 😉
Yes to the shirt! We were in Orlando last week. 1st time WDW. Thanks to all your tips and reviews, we had an amazing time! We went to Mickey’s not-so-scary halloween party and Epcot Food & Wine festival. We tried the grilled beef skewer from Patagonia and the filetto di pollo in Italy. Both were really good and the price was ok. We were also very lucky to meet Duffy in Epcot, we heard he left a few days ago. Well, enjoy your time there and I am looking forward to read your next posts!
Yes to the shirt ! Love your blog a read it everyday.
What’s wrong with the shirt, Sarah?? It’s colorful and it’s Disney. What’s not to like? I vote yes!
Love that T-shirts.
Yes! I hope they still have them when we get there in Dec.! Very rad!
In addition to saying “yes” to the shirt I’m thinking I should consider buying one for my husband … it looks like it hides stains well, which is typically the only time I put my foot down! 😉
Yes to the shirt. Tell Sarah : “Babe, you’re so beautiful, you’re the one everyone is looking at anyway. No one will even notice this shirt.” (This is what my husband would tell me, and this is exactly why I let him wear anything he wants!)
Yes get the shirt but get something for Sarah too.
You hit Disney at the right time – The last weeks of September were unbearably hot and with the humidity in the 90s. This is the first touch of fall – Florida fall – mid to low 80’s, and bearable humidity ; around 60%- we’ve had yet.
Keep us posted on any new food kiosks, or food specialties. Thanks and have fun!
It’s like you and that shirt were separated at birth. You clearly belong together! Yes.
Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!
It’s groovy!
Yes!