“IF THIS IS A DREAM, I DON’T WANT TO WAKE UP!” – POP! Goes The Solo Trip **THE END**

[gracer9977]

Wow I can't believe how hard it was raining. Glad you were able to make the dash to Norway.

People always say the funniest things. I can't ever remember a time where I got a drop of water on me while on Maelstrom either.

I know what you mean about wearing Crocs in the rain. You may as well have on skates. They are so slippery, hard to walk let alone run.

That dragon is so cool. I have never been during F&G so I have never seen that.

Great job on almost completing your mission. Can't wait to see the last picture in Canada.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Totally!!

I'm only really familiar with No Doubt because... Gwen Stefani.

ah, there is a Ska band called "Reel Big Fish" so when you said "Big A** Fish" that is the first thing I thought of. Their biggest song is probably "She Has A Girlfriend Now"

 

[TheMaxRebo]

granted 90% of all inventions and other forms of advancement of our civilization were done with the hopes of meeting chicks

 

[cheekypoppins]

WOOT WOOT I'm so excited I can't wait to meet you we're gonna have a blast btw I'm also going to be at epcot then Mk on Dec 9th, okay going back to catch up now I am more behind then I thought

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow I can't believe how hard it was raining. Glad you were able to make the dash to Norway.

People always say the funniest things. I can't ever remember a time where I got a drop of water on me while on Maelstrom either.

I know what you mean about wearing Crocs in the rain. You may as well have on skates. They are so slippery, hard to walk let alone run.

That dragon is so cool. I have never been during F&G so I have never seen that.

Great job on almost completing your mission. Can't wait to see the last picture in Canada.

OMG it was nutso!! I know Florida rain is "impressive", but yeah, I had enough at that point, lol.

Haha, me neither. I really didn't think it was even possible, but I guess because there is technically water, Disney feels the need to cover themselves. BUT... even if you got dunked, everyone was already soaked from the rain.

Yes, especially mine which have essentially no tread left at all.

It's so weird that I never thought of it as part of Flower and Garden before last October. The Disney characters, yes, but not this. For me, it was like it was always there. It just floored me when it was gone and China just didn't look right. So excited to see it again. Of course, in a couple weeks it'll be gone again.

YAY!!!!

ah, there is a Ska band called "Reel Big Fish" so when you said "Big A** Fish" that is the first thing I thought of. Their biggest song is probably "She Has A Girlfriend Now"

Haha, never heard of them. But then I never heard of Ska at all before No Doubt.

granted 90% of all inventions and other forms of advancement of our civilization were done with the hopes of meeting chicks

Agreed all the way around!!

WOOT WOOT I'm so excited I can't wait to meet you we're gonna have a blast btw I'm also going to be at epcot then Mk on Dec 9th, okay going back to catch up now I am more behind then I thought

Me Tooo!!!! Yup I will definitely be at Epcot to start on the 9th, moving to DHS for the afternoon and evening and then in all likelihood MK for EMH. It's only until 11 now, but I think the hours are going to extend (probably by this Friday). So more MK which is always good!!!

Oh by the way, I can also now see all your FP's and ressies in MyDisneyExperience. So I guess that glitch was fixed.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

SPHERES, FLOWERS, AND GARDENS… AND A CM IN EVERY PORT!
Day 6 – May 2, 2013 Part 6



With my mission in Mexico complete and my overall mission just one CM away,

The weather Gods had other plans as the rain once again hit and hit hard.

People came from seemingly everywhere to take shelter and attempt to get themselves dried off.

I considered starting up an impromptu chorus of Kumbaya to help pass the time, but I ultimately thought better of it.

I really don’t get why Disney doesn’t just engage their “Rain-away system” that I am absolutely convinced they have somewhere.

One push of a button and POOF… Sunny skies.

I know they have the money. What else do they have to spend a billion dollars on?

... Oh wait...

I sat in the Mexican pavilion for what seemed like an eternity waiting out the storm, but it just wouldn't stop.

I was already well past my Soarin’ Fastpass return time, but I just decided to venture on out into the rain anyway to finish my quest.

For the most part, well, I got soaked since there aren't many places to duck for cover.

Thankfully by the time I got to the Plaza, the rain had subsided a bit.

Finally I was back in Canada to finish what I started, but not before first taking a few photos of this gorgeous pavilion.

Then it was into the shop to meet some fellow Canucks.

ELEVEN DOWN… AND… DONE!

Though my shirt had seen better days.

I talked with my new friends for quite a long time since, not surprisingly, they were very friendly.

We actually spent a lot of time playing a game of “guess the scent” of the iconic and world famous soaps sold here.

You know the ones… “Beaver Butt”, “Sasquatch Sweat”, “Dog Team Drool”, etc.

It was actually pretty challenging and pretty darn fun, and you would be correct if you assumed it wasn’t very busy.

Eventually it was time to move on, so I headed back out towards the plaza and was greeted with a bit of clearing sky.

What could be better than that?

Well, the end result of this clearing sky provided one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in Epcot.

I don’t often see a full rainbow and this one was simply breathtaking as it enveloped World Showcase Lagoon.

At the risk of giving Disney even more free ideas, bets are now being taken that this will be the next FP+ option for Epcot... Tier 1.

Not only was it an unbelievably beautiful sight,

But it was also really fascinating to watch the other guests gradually become aware and then stop dead in their tracks to view it.

There was a certain harmony and kinship developing amongst the Epcot guests.

This beautiful spectacle completely and immediately erased the misery created by the torrential downpours earlier.

In that moment I just felt totally at peace as I made my way from the Plaza back towards Canada, taking as many photos as I could.

I also ran inside Northwest Mercantile again to haul my new friends outside to see the beauty of it all, and they were pretty much in awe.

Yeah, it still wasn't very busy.

Despite still being soaked like I had just ridden Maelstrom,

I realized as I walked back towards Future World that sometimes a little rain can be a pretty awesome thing.

After experiencing the wonder that is Mother Nature (and Disney),

I huffed it over to Mousegears to make a purchase of something I had spotted earlier in the day.

I always wanted a Disney jacket, but they never seemed to put anything on the back, which always frustrated me.

Thankfully, this one did not suffer from that problem.

I also took a few more photos of some of the shirts since they’re just funny,

And also some candy for good measure,

Before heading back to the Plaza for Illuminations.

Because of all the rain, Epcot had cleared out a bit, so it was no problem getting a choice spot in Showcase Plaza.

Unfortunately, the rain started in a bit as I waited and then of course a family showed up and decided to stand in front of me.

After the amazing Illuminations, and from that location you could actually feel the heat, I made my way towards the front of the park.

I find the walk out of Epcot to be the most peaceful exit of all the Disney parks.

I drove back to POP for the very last time, stopping off at the Food Court for some beverages and some Earth Day “Worms and Dirt” Limited Time Deserts.

I said my last good night to Stacey before heading to bed.

The next day, I would be going home.



UP NEXT… “THE MUST DO I DON'T WANT TO DO!”​

 

[lovelygirl1975]

Great pics...and a rainbow! Epcot is my favorite park and we definitely need to spend more time exploring in the world show case. I love the CMs around the worlds, I love to meet new people and that just sounds so fun. I know it made the CMs feel good also. You get mad points in my book for that one. I do not look forward to the last night at Disney...I try my best to soak in everything especially that last night. It's so hard to not be grumpy right before bed that night.

 

[khaleesi]

Ahhhh!!!!! That is spectacular!!

Despite still being soaked like I had just ridden Maelstrom,

*giggle*

 

[marDgreen88]

Your pictures are getting me super excited to (possibly, hopefully) see the Flower and Garden Fest in person! So so beautiful.

HAHAHA, those soaps sound... pleasant?

BAHHH the rainbow. Amazing.

Great choice for your jacket! But uh, last night? Really? Boo. Good thing you're going back soon!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[emmysmommy]

I have to say seeing that rainbow was totally worth you getting drenched - for me!! Perhaps Disney DOES have a "Rain Stay" system whereby they drive park guests indoors for periods of time to dump their pocketful of $ on rain ponchos and things to keep the kids occupied and you know a cocktail or two for the adults.... just saying, reality could be different.

Seriously though, that is a spectacular rainbow.

Congrats on successfully completing your CM Around the World (insert trademark) tour. Instead of the KidCot stations they can have DisneyKid4Life's CM around the world stations complete with photo stamp and all. It could happen.

I can almost guarantee that you wont' have someone's kid being shoved in front of you for the Illuminations cruise.

 

[courtneybelle]

A rain-away system, or maybe just a giant dome. With air conditioning. IT'S GENIUS!

Congrats on completing your mission! What's the prize?

WOW what an amazing rainbow.

Noooo can't believe it's almost over. Then again, you have a trip coming up very very soon...

 

[dawnbu40]

How wonderful to see a full rainbow at Disney World! The pictures are just beautiful

 

[__disneygirl]

That's funny that you always go straight to Canada. I go either way depending on what I feel like eating... LOL.

I always want to get photos with WS CMs... especially the attractive ones, but I feel so weird asking! I'm sure they would happily oblige but I'm awkward.

Bravo for continuing on despite the monsoon! Due to your Maelstrom riding you are probably familiar with getting drenched anyway. What a tidal wave that ride is.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Ok, I don't know how I didn't know about the soaps in Canada but now am reeeeeally curious. Yep going to have drag my family over there in January.

Such a magical view of the rainbow over Epcot and the World Showcase.

Oh, and the "Rain-Away System"? You have to reserve a Fastpass+ 60 days in advance to have access to it. I heard they're still working out the glitches as guests have reported not being able to locate their ressie on MDE.

 

[leftaslide]

I have really enjoyed this TR Rob! And I'm glad I could provide some laughter. I don't blame you one bit....I may just do a general "CM's That Happen to be Chicks" photo mission when I'm there in December. Definitely going back and reading again after it's done! Thanks!

 

[IheartDDuck]

We were in WDW in 2009 and had horrific rain similar to what you're talking about, and we were in WS too! It was like there were rivers of water just running down all of WS, it was crazy. We took refuge in Norway. Such a shame that you have to take refuge there and be forced to eat school bread.

Wow, the Canadian CM's were really friendly, huh? That's so shocking!

Nice that the weather cleared up like that. It's my favorite thing after really bad rain, when the skies part and the beautiful sun emerges. And that you were able to see a great rainbow? Nice.

 

[gracer9977]

Ahh What a beautiful rainbow. It's like a reward for dealing with the torrential rain.

Maybe they should put a rainbow at the exit of Maelstrom so after you get drenched on the ride you can walk under a rainbow on the way out.

Hurray for finishing your mission!!!!! Love all the pictures with your CM's around the world. Are you planning for a Christmas edition next month??

I have been in the Canada Store many times and tried on hats and played with stuffed animals, looked at shirts but I have never come across those soaps. Going to have to look for them on my next trip.

Love that jacket that you found. What an amazing picture on the back!

So sad that it is your last day but happy that you will be back next month so we won't have to wait too long for a new TR!

 

[JessM]

I'm glad to see you finished your CM around the world quest! Such a fun idea.

Your rainbow pictures came out beautiful! What a wonderful sight to see after all that rain.

Illuminations can be viewed anywhere but I do like the showcase plaza the best. Sounds like the perfect way to end the trip!

 

[missangelalexis]

Hooray for completing the mission, I knew you would!

Wow those rainbow pics are STUNNING, absolutely beautiful!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Have really been enjoying your TR. Not ready for it to come to an end! The rainbow was beautiful. Epcot most often seems to be where we get caught in a monsoon as well! I found those soaps this past summer!!! Brought some home for gag gifts for the brother and sisters! Then, when DD and I were wandering the Wilderness Lodge gift shop one afternoon, we came across them in there as well! Just a little FYI if anyone is in the market for them and not headed to Epcot.