Girls’ Getaway Weekend: Day 2 – Epcot

Since Soarin’ was under renovations during our trip, we selected Test Track as our Tier 1 attraction FastPass. I hadn’t ridden Test Track since it had been renovated a few years ago (due to always seeming to go to Epcot on rainy days), so I was excited to check it out. We had a lot of fun picking our car’s features and actually did pretty well on the different ratings from our “test drive.” I must say I preferred the crash test dummy feel of the previous edition of the ride, but the new updates were a lot of fun!

Before splitting off into our smaller groups, we got a picture of the ladies with our favorite lady, Minnie! We visited Nemo and friends in the living Seas and got our picture with Baymax and joined a few of our new Girls’ Weekend friends for a journey around the World Showcase. One of the optional add-ons for the weekend was a “Drinking Around the World” passport. Our group decided to share beverages to enjoy each country, but still remain able to stand upright.  Our first stop was to get a Dole Whip with coconut rum! While not technically on the list of stops, it was on my must-try list for the Flower & Garden festival – and it did not disappoint. With drink in hand, we turned right to begin our cultural adventure.

So, you know how I mentioned it rains when I go to Epcot… well, right as we hit Canada, the skies darkened quickly. We made it to ‘O Canada just in time for the downpour to begin. The previous show had just started so we had a decent wait time, but by the time we came out of the show, the storm was over and the sun was shinning again! On the second level of the pavilion, we purchased our first official passport drink – Inniskillin vidal ice wine. Everyone noted a different flavor, from honey to oak, which made for interesting drink conversation!  In the UK, we visited the Cider House kiosk and shared the cider flight (mixed reviews) and the corned beef entree that was very tasty. By the time we reached France, the group decided we were no longer committed to trying a drink in every country as it was getting rather warm out. Instead, we opted for treats from Boulangerie et Patisserie Les Halles. 

It amazes me how much is still new to me after all these years of visiting Walt Disney World.   One of the ladies in our group really enjoys the live shows in each country so we made a point to stop for a few of them. We listened to Voices of Liberty, something I had never done before, and then continued her family tradition of taking a picture in front of a plaque with a quote from Walt himself – “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” I love how each family has their own special traditions!

At this point, it was time for dinner. The group had a reservation for dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel. A few of us who aren’t huge fans of Mexican food opted to try something else. None of us had eaten at Tutto Italia before, so we were excited to try it. I enjoyed my short ribs, but one of my dining companions said that her ravioli was cold.  Our food came out within 5 minutes of ordering, so I expect at least some of it was pre-made. For dessert, my tiramisu was phenomenal.  I personally really enjoyed my meal and felt the service was phenomenal. My friend did not want to complain about her ravioli, but I am confident our server would have addressed it appropriately, if it was brought to her attention. Overall, it was a decent meal with great service, but I didn’t feel it was over and above the Italian cuisine available in my home town, so I am not sure I’ll be in a hurry to visit again soon. 

When asked what I was most excited for during Girls’ Weekend, my answer was hands-down our private IllumiNations dessert party! My husband is not big on fireworks so we don’t typically stay to watch them very often, unless it’s a special event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with HalloWishes! Pair that with the fact that I love me some dessert and this was a match made in heaven! 

Upon arrival at our private terrace next to Rose & Crown, we were checked-in and given a wrist band. We had about an hour before the fireworks started to relax and partake in the desserts. Options included blue velvet Olaf cupcakes, chocolate tarts, apple turnovers, and blondies, along with an assortment of fresh fruit. We also had a beverage table with coffee, tea, water, and lemonade. Everything was so delicious! 

Right at 9:00pm, the show started! I didn’t get any pictures because I was actually live-streaming a video of the event to my facebook page, but you can watch the video and see how amazing they were!

Read All About Girls’ Getaway Weekend: Arrival Day — Epcot — Animal Kingdom — Magic Kingdom — Hollywood Studios

Never Grow Up!
Miranda