So I arrived at Pop around noon. Was a bit tired and hoped my room was ready. Check in was only a short wait and the CM let me know it was ready. YES! Assigned in the 70’s section. Got the map and off I go.
Haven’t stayed at Pop for a while and it took me forever to find the room. Many wrong turns later I open the door and here I am. Normally I get lost driving around Disney, this time it was walking.
Room number 7218
The Turbo Toilet
The room was clean and everything worked. The bed looked inviting so I plopped down on it. Nothing to do this afternoon with the exception of the Touring Plans meet at 4:00. The idea now was to grab a few winks and then head to Epcot. So I closed my eyes and...... nothing. The mind wouldn’t turn off so propped the pillows up and turned on the Must Sees.
Left the room a little after 1:00 with the thought of touring the World Showcase until the meet started at 4:00. Travel time wasn’t bad and soon began the Bataan Death March to Epcot’s entrance. With the one entrance area through security it is a hike to get from the buses to the entrance. Had my camera checked for illicit items and headed over to Guest Services.
Why Guest Services you ask? When I was in New York to check out colleges with the Princess, my wallet was stolen. As an aside, try getting on a plane without any ID. Not recommended. Guess what was in the wallet. Yep, my AP.
While standing in line Anthony, a Guest Services CM came over to ask what I needed. Explained the situation and handed over my Passport (hadn’t replaced the Diver’s License yet) and gave him my address. He asked me to have a seat and went in the back. Came out after a few minutes and explained they found the pass in the computer but he said it expired in February. Considering I could barely get around last February let alone go to a park, I thought that was odd. Told him so and he went to check again and voila it does not expire until December.
Armed with my newly minted AP, I entered Epcot. Was coming back here later in the trip so glanced at the pretty flowers of the Flower and Garden Festival and made my way to the UK pavilion.
It was ridiculously hot and wanted to go to the Rose and Crown for a libation. Still had problems walking long distances (it is getting better) so a couple of breaks later I pushed my way in the R&C. Sardines had more room than we did in there. Two deep at the bar and not a chair at a table to be found. Finally got the Barmaids attention and ordered a Vodka tonic and a glass of ice water. Wasn’t any cooler in here than outside so took my drinks out to the garden area of the UK pavilion.
Spent a good deal of time sitting there people gazing while sipping my drinks (Sorry, no pics). Decided to stroll over to the Mexico side to wait for the meet. Walked by the new outdoor Cantina. I liked to old version and this was the first time seeing the new incarnation.
The new menu looked interesting
The place was packed
I can imagine with the expanded seating this would be a prime viewing location for Illuminations
Did I mention it was hot? My main quest right then and there was to seek out air conditioning. Went over to Norway look into the shops (And no not to check out the Norwegian female CMs). Stumbled onto the Stave Church. Never went in ther before but with the promise of cool air decided to check it out.
It was smaller than I imagined but interesting nonetheless.
An earlier times version of Fed (Dis Dad forum joke)
He is actually this guy. Don’t ask me to type it here. Can I buy a vowel?
Some interesting artifacts
And add your own caption for who this is here (Barry, Tim, Norm?)
About time to head to Cava de Tequila. Good way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Cava is an interesting place. Take out bar with a few tables set up. Guess what, the place was even more crowded than Rose and Crown. Tequila and Cinco popular? Who would have thought that? Saw someone with a Touring Plans shirt looking at a list. Turned out to be Scarlet one of the Touring Plans contributors. Gave her my name and she introduced me to a few of the people hanging out.
Went to get a cocktail and the line was well out the door. Saw Len Testa way ahead of me. Scarlet told me he was buying shots for the group but I needed something with Ice. On the way to the bar, they had a menu outside with a long list of drinks and different tequila shots. Finally got inside and ordered a classic margarita. Found out this was the biggest day of the year for them. They even opened up an hour earlier today.
So went back to the group that was huddled in one corner outside the bar. First real meet with a larger group of Disney Geeks. There were many kindred soles there and it was fun getting to know some of them. Len must had bought 20-30 shots for the group. Needless to say, many of us were feeling little pain as time wore on. Even though I only finished half of my margarita.
Unfortunately, the batteries on the camera died out and this is the only shot I was able to grab.
Feeling good it was time to get something to eat. Was going to stop at Sunshine Seasons but instead stumbled back to the bus to Pop. Was a bit hungry so got a roast beef and blue cheese sandwich to take back to the room. Also got a couple of batteries.
It was close to the Kentucky Derby’s start so I stopped at the poolside bar for one last V&T and to see the race. Nice little bar and the pool was hopping.
Should have known that “I’ll have Another” would win the Derby.
Dropped the food at the room (this time I only made a couple of wrong turns) and decided to take a walk around the water. The sun was setting behind the Art of Animation resort so I snapped a few pictures.
Back to the room to eat dinner and crash. The sandwich was very good and a nice sized portion. The only thing it was missing was a horseradish sauce. Reasonably Disney priced at $9 something. The macaroni salad it came with was just OK.
So travel day and the first night at the World was in the books. A good day all around. Upgraded to first, the room was ready at check in, and the meet was fun.
Up next: Checking in at AKV. AKA Kidani or Jambo? Did I guess right? I bet you can already answer that.
Yes sarcasm. It's in my passport. I don't know how it snuck into yours. Maybe your ancestors were traitors. 
And he knows it. 
