DISTherapy’s 30 Days to 30 Years | Epcot 2010

My friends at DISTherapy have been celebrating 30 Days to 30 Years this month to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Epcot. This post was originally publishing on DISTherapy as my submission for the series.

Our family’s visit to Walt Disney World Resort in May 201o was full of many firsts. This was the first trip to WDW that my sister-in-law, Katie, had been on with us. In fact, it was her very first visit to WDW ever. It was our oldest (and only child at the time) son’s first visit to Epcot. His first visit to WDW was in October 2009. It was also everyone’s first time attending Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Robert waiting for the gates to open
Epcot | May 2010

We decided to visit Epcot on our second day in WDW. After a full day at Magic Kingdom Park, we were not sure how our son, Robert, would do. This was his first visit to Epcot and we knew it would be another busy day. Robert was 2 1/2 at the time and had already visited WDW the previous October for his First Visit. He was excited to see “the big ball” that he had seen when we approached Epcot. We decided that Spaceship Earth would be the perfect first ride for Robert and my sister-in-law, Katie.

Waiting to go in Spaceship Earth
Epcot | May 2010

Our family has been visiting WDW since 2007 as Disney Vacation Club members, but it was not until 2010 that we had ever been down when Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival was going on. We were very excited to see the fantastic  topiary displays and flower and garden displays.

Robert and Scar
Epcot | May 2010

Stitch! One of my wife’s favorite characters.
Epcot | May 2010

With a 2 1/2-year-old, we spent a lot of time at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion during our visit.  We didn’t mind though.  It was cool inside the Pavilion and there was enough to keep him occupied and entertained.

Hanging out with Bruce
Epcot | May 2010

We made our way over to World Showcase right around lunchtime.  My wife and I love eating in the Germany Pavilion, so we all headed there for a quick bite of schnitzel and brats.

The Bavarian Village in the Germany Pavilion feels like home
Epcot | May 2010

Biergarten restaurant is our favorite!
Epcot | May 2010

Katie enjoying a German beer
Epcot | May 2010

My sister, Ashley, enjoying a bratwurst and German beer
Epcot | May 2010

After lunch, we made our way around World Showcase. It was nice to take our time in each of the international pavilions around the World Showcase Lagoon. Robert fell asleep, so we casually strolled along enjoying more magical topiary displays.

Nap time for Robert
Epcot | May 2010

Beauty and the Beast
Epcot | May 2010

Lumiere and Chip
Epcot | May 2010

We headed to the Imagination! Pavilion when we finished touring World Showcase. I have fond memories of this Pavilion as a child, with it being home to one of my favorite attractions, Journey into Imagination. I still miss Dreamfinder and do not enjoy Journey Into Imagination With Figment nearly as much as the original. Robert seemed to enjoy it, however, and even wanted his own Figment plush. His Papa happily bought it for him. Nothing like spoiling your grandchildren in WDW!

Robert buckled Figment in his stroller and pushed him around
Epcot | May 2010

Since Robert was being so good (and was well rested from his nap), we took him over to Epcot Character Spot to see his favorite characters.  The Character Spot is a GREAT way to see the “fab five” while waiting in a cool, air-conditioned building.

Luckily, Robert has never been shy around the characters
Epcot | May 2010

“Hi, Donald!”
Epcot | May 2010

Robert was very excited to see Mickey!
Epcot | May 2010

After visiting with our friends, we let my parents,  sister and brother-in-law take Robert to Innoventions. I had made dinner reservations at Les Chefs de France for myself, my wife and my sister-in-law. We were celebrating their birthdays and thought Les Chefs de France would be the perfect place to celebrate. My family isn’t big on French cuisine, so they did not mind taking Robert to explore more of the park. 

Sisters
Epcot | May 2010

My Belle & I
Epcot | May 2010

Following dinner, the three of us meandered around being tourists and enjoying our time in the France Pavilion.

Tourists in love
Epcot | May 2010

Feeling oh so French
Epcot | May 2010

They say Paris is the city of love….
Epcot | May 2010

We met back up with my parents, sister and brother-in-law and went to find a spot to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. This is by far my favorite fireworks show in WDW.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Epcot | May 2010

With so much excitement and firsts, this visit to Epcot is full of many magical memories for me and my family.

Back in our room at Caribbean Beach. That was one tired boy!
Epcot | May 2010

For more 30 Days to 30 Years posts, visit DISTherapy

Our 4-night Bahamian cruise aboard the Disney Wonder!

Jen and I just got back from our 4-night cruise to the Bahamas and boy did we have an amazing time! Once again, I am so grateful that we are Disney Vacation Club members so that we can travel and take magical vacations like this. I’m glad Ashley and Wes were able to come with us, too because they had a great time as well. It was fun going as a group and for all of us to experience our first cruise together. 🙂

I want to post a trip report as soon as I can, but I’ve gotta catch up on work and life after being away. In the mean time, I finally got all of our photos uploaded, so be sure to check them out here.

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun…”

Bob & Jen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

Now that my wife has a blog for a graduate class she’s taking this summer I’ve decided it’s time for me to jump on the blog wagon and see how I like it. I’ve had blogs in the past, but like many things I’ve started I got bored and/or didn’t have enough time to do much about them. So, we’ll see how long this blog lasts and where it takes me…

I can at least use this blog to keep my family informed on what’s going on in our lives. As Disney Vacation Club Members, we like traveling so I’ll also be able to use this blog as a way to document our family vacations and trips.