From Norway, it was a hop, skip, and a jump to Germany. I love this pavilion which I think has the best looking courtyard ever. The colors and architectural design never fails to catch my eye.
Epcot's German Pavillion 01 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Epcot's German Pavillion 02 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
The Faces of EPCOT-Vanessa of Germany by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Karamell-Kuche @ Epcot's Germany Pavillion 01 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
It was off to Japan in the late afternoon for dinner at Tokyo Dining. I had never eaten at this pavilion on my two prior trips just because I can get a great Japanese meal right in my own backyard. However Kelly and Colleen had good things to say about this restaurant, so we chose it for our Candlelight Processional dinner package. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised how good the food tasted. I apologize for the smart phone pictures of food, but my mind (and stomach) seem to shift into automatic 'grind" mode once the entrees arrive. Sue always has to remind me to take some pics of the meals, and wanting to get it out of the way, I default to the ease of my Samsung Galaxy Note! I ordered the steak combo with shrimp tempura while my wife went with steak and sushi. I'm getting hunger pangs just typing this...
Sue & Len @ Epcot's Japan Pavillion 02 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Dinner @ Epcot's Tokyo Dining 01 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Dinner @ Epcot's Tokyo Dining 03 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
After a sumptuous dinner, we had about an hour and a half before the start of the Candlelight Processional. We were told by our server to get there 45 minutes before the start of the show to ensure a good seat. I decided to check it out earlier while the others were having dessert. I saw this massively long line that was already passed Morocco and some guests in line confirmed it was for the show. I had wrongly assumed there was a separate line/entrance for dinner package guests so I didn't jump into that human chain link. By the time the others joined me, I was told the line was indeed for both regular viewers and dinner package guests. It seems the only thing the dining option guarantees is a seat in the auditorium. It could be the a chair out in Timbucktoo, but Disney would still considers its obligation fulfilled. Basically, you're better off eating early and getting in line 2-3 hours prior to showtime. That pretty much threw me off my game as I realized we weren't going to get a prime viewing area. By the time we got in, we were forced to sit at the far right of the stage behind a pillar. Of all the dining packages, and we did a bunch, this was the one major disappointment and a complete bust.
Neil Patrick Harris was the host and he did an excellent job. The choir was outstanding and props goes to the stage lighting and overall presentation. I tried to get some decent shots, but the angle and blocked views made it tough. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the show more if not for that whole dining fiasco, but as it is, I probably wouldn't do Candlelight again.
Candlelight Processional with host Neil Patrick Harris 03 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Candlelight Processional with host Neil Patrick Harris 05 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Candlelight Processional with host Neil Patrick Harris 04 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Candlelight Processional w: host Neil Patrick Harris 01 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
Candlelight Processional w: host Neil Patrick Harris 02 by
Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr