Disney's gift to me

Disney World made good on their promise to give a one day pass to one of their theme parks on my birthday. I spent 12 hours at Epcot and had a blast! They gave me a pin to wear that said "Happy Birthday Virginia", and because I wore the pin, cast members (employees) wished me a Happy Birthday all day long! It made me feel special and good, especially since I was by myself!

Future World has 9 sections and I spent more than half my time there! I went on most of the rides and attractions. Inside the dome at the entrance is a ride that featured communication from the beginning of man's existence until now. After the ride, I created a thrilling amusement park ride using a machine, then tested to make sure it would work. Then, I went into a covered seat where I simulated being in the ride! Way Cool! I thought I was going to be able to see it again on the web because the card they gave me, but that took me to a place where I could build another ride. It takes a long time to load up, but if you're interested, go to mathmovesu.com.

I also liked the ride where we pretended to be test dummies trying out the brakes and acceleration of a new model car. But the last ride of the morning did me in. It was a simulation of going into space to Mars. As soon as we lifted off and I felt the G forces, I got a bit queasy and didn't like the ride. I sat for a few minutes then ate the lunch I brought and felt better. There were no other thrill rides to be had, thank goodness!

A very popular ride there is called "Soarin" and I had to get a fast pass for this one, as the wait was over 40 minutes. I went back between 6 and 7 PM and it still took about 20 minutes to get on the ride. But it was impressive. I felt like I was hang gliding over some of the most beautiful places in the USA. Like the Golden Gate bridge, Yosemite Falls, the Rocky Mountains, and other places.

I spent $16 to go on a tour called "Behind the Seeds". I and another couple went with a zoologist to learn about how Disney grows fruits, vegetables, herbs, and tilapia and bass and catfish for their restaurants and fish-eating animals. It was interesting to learn about growing things without dirt - water or air! They use certain nutrients in the water but with that, they can grow things off the ground - really neat.

Then, I found out I was there for the last weekend of the International Food and Wine Festival! For 3 months, sponsors had little booths all over the World Showcase selling tastes of cultural food and wine and beer. So I didn't have to worry about finding a restaurant or fast food place to eat supper - I found kiosks with small lines and tried their stuff. I had nicely spiced hamburger pita from Morocco, a piece of chocolate cake from Austria, and an eclair from France. I tried a couple of beers too and liked them, because I asked what they were like before spending the $6 for 12 ounces!

Then, I watched a mini concert by Los Lobos, a band that played some rock 'n roll, blues, and jazz. If I was there on another day of this week, I would have heard country western singers, and I got a lot of that while I was driving this year! So, this was an extra treat for me!

Yes, I stayed for the Illumination show at 9 PM and that was good, as expected. I didn't buy a pin or hat or t-shirt or anything else as a souvenir because I couldn't find what I wanted - something that said Epcot and 2009 on it!! How about that?

Nov 6, 2009

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