It was kind of a late morning. We arrived at about 11:00 at Epcot. We took the bus to the Studios, and the boat to Epcot. This is a nice way to travel. It probably took longer, but was more fun that taking the bus all the way to Ecpot. Besides, it was closer to where we were going today (World Showcase).
The lunch at Tutta Italia was very good. But, it is definitely not Alfredo's. This venue was changed since our last trip. It is interesting that Fettucine Alfredo is missing from the menu. I and Debbie had gnocchi, and it was really very good. Nick had lasagna, which he liked, but admitted it was not like Alfredo's. We ordered the Antipasto platter to split. This was good, but I don't know If I would call it great. But, the Canoli (sweet ricotta, powdered sugar) was wonderful. Best desert of the trip, no doubt. That was good. Debbie had tiara ma su, Nick chocolate torta. They both enjoyed these.
The dinner at The Land counter service, and was the best counter service of the trip, though Nick would disagree. I had the pork chop (a bit dry, but really tasty), Debbie the roasted chicken (she said it was great), and Nick a foccata sandwich, which he did not enjoy. the Key lime torta was also good (Nick had chocolate cake). The glazed carrots and mashed potatoes were really amazing. super fresh and well prepared.
We all like SE less than the old one. The ride really ends in 1976 now (when Jobs and Waz were working in the garage). At least the old ending, if dated, was dated from the 90s. This ends in the 70s, than gives you some cheesy little animation that looks like it is from the 60s. Most of the dioramas are still there, but do not have the same impact they did when the story was communication. I understand the change of sponsorship brought a change of theme, but this ride is just not as powerful, it lacks the impact of the old message. Its still a good ride, but follows the chant that the old one was better.
We did like fooling around in the after ride again. This is, as stated, a welcome addition.
It took about an hour to get on Test Track. It is really still a fun and fast ride. The queue is slightly redone. Nick and I went, but not Debbie . I enjoyed it. Nick said it felt a bit more intense than he remembered.
I got Nick to do Running Space this time, I did it by myself last time. It is kind of a cool, if simple idea. You are digitized in some simple motions, than added to a computer game. IBM used to have a big presence here, but I think it is kind of a hard thing to maintain. I was glad to see they had kept something fun.
The Land ride is changed somewhat, I think. There used to be a live guide, but I think that was gone last time we were here. It is sorely missed, they used to tell us interesting things. There is no john Denver song. is that a new deletion since last time? The ride is kind of missing its punch now.
The American Adventure is still great. I think Nick still enjoys it, though maybe not quite as much (he was a serious history buff for a while). I really liked it. It is a little PC, but not too bad. I didn't recall the 9/11 and some of the other things in the ending film clip. I still find this to be an uplifting experience.
They vastly improved the Mexican boat ride with the addition of Donald Duck and the three Cabeleros. it is not true to the original spirit of the ride, but it desperately needed something. All they did was to insert Donald and the other two in front of some film clips (that is, digitally composited) that they already had. But, it is something to laugh at. It makes the ride kind of worth doing.
We saw both the films in France and China. They are both good films. France is on a very wide screen, while China is the full 360 degree circle vision. There is good photography and some interesting perspectives. We also saw the tomb guardians exhibit in China, which I found rather interesting.
It was kind of a hot and muggy day, with moderate crowds. We had sun, and no rain.
It was a great Disney day, because, as we all know, there is no place like Epcot.
