Howdy! Today was a gloomy and rainy day in EPCOT. I still had a lot of fun in EPCOT today. I received a manatee update from the Seas, failed you for Pin Tuesday, and then noticed that the Morocco dock is sinking into the Showcase lagoon.
EPCOT Bus Stop Expansion Progresses
When I arrived at EPCOT, the first thing I noticed, other than the less-than-ideal weather, was the progress on the bus stop expansion. It looks like the crews are working on the electrical components for the time being.
Good Morning from My Bunny Buddy
It was just one of those mornings where you embrace being damp, as the humidity and actual misting rain make it impossible to win. I will gladly take the break from the blistering sun, though. When I was waiting for the park to open, I made a friend from a distance.
This small furball was having breakfast and people-watching.
The Seas – Fish Training
When the park opened, I made my way to the Seas, where I got to see the fish do a little bit of training. The Cast Member told me they do this to help easily move the fish from the tanks when they need to. Teaching them to enter the tube is a lot less traumatizing than that net of doom.
I was also told that the new manatee, Tanimura, has been staying close to Cider and Mermaid. She’s so small in comparison, and it was sweet to hear that this orphan has found a temporary family that makes her feel safe.
Cider, the third manatee, is currently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom visiting with the veterinarians to remove an abscess on her neck.
Did you know you could train fish? Let me know in the comments below. I didn’t know you could train them like this.
EPCOT Lights Continue to Struggle
The floor lights in EPCOT Celebration Garden are still in disappointing shape. Some of the panels are cracked or chipped. They aren’t flush anymore. There are different colored screws in acrylic. It’s all just a strange mess.
Messy Pin Tuesday
Pin Tuesday was an absolute train wreck today. I don’t know what happened. I have a few theories, mostly related to resellers. If you have seen any of the content from Disney Springs, you have a better idea of how crazy this has become. After a 45-minute wait at park opening, not only had some of the limited-edition pins sold out in EPCOT, but they had also sold out parkwide.
When I got to the front, there were only these three pins left, but even these were going quickly. My favorite was the Donald Duck 25th Anniversary Pin Trading pin. Let me know in the comments below how long you’d wait for the limited edition pins.
The Rain + The Odyssey = Gloomy Vibes
I stand by my original comment when the Odyssey opened with this setup. It gives funeral vibes. Mix it with the rainy weather, and it just feels like a deep nap waiting to happen.
Cute Duck Tote in House of Good Fortune – $18.95
I had to get out of the Odyssey before I fell asleep. When I arrived at the China pavilion, I was welcomed by Fa Mulan. She always has the best posture. More exciting than seeing Mulan was seeing this little duck tote. In another life, this would be mine.
Germany Pavilion Cuckoo Clock and Keychains
In the Germany pavilion, there was a total restock of the iconic cuckoo clocks. I like the largest one because it has a tiny Biergarten just like the pavilion. That is one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. I think it is rude that you have to walk from the back of the World Showcase to the front of the park after gluttonously indulging on that perfect buffet.
Can you tell I’m hungry?
Tiny Village Infested with Dragons
The tiny village is again being overrun by dinosaurs. What may seem like a common lizard to us Floridians is an infestation of dinosaurs. Rest assured, our tiny friend remains safe on the tower.
It is worth noting that none of the trains were running in the tiny village today. Likely for the flood watch.
STINK. TRASH. Ew.
In the Italy pavilion, the flowers from the Flower and Garden Festival have been removed from this space for a few weeks now. The gondola has still not been replaced. Because of the lack of movement, the gooey algae have collected, as well as some trash, and it STINKS. It smells like a swamp in front of the Italy pavilion.
Mickey and Minnie Mulch Art in America Pavilion
The Custodial Cast created some mulch art of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in the America pavilion this morning. I always love it when they do this, mostly to see how the other guests react to this small act of Disney magic.
Have you ever caught mulch art or water art in the parks? Let me know what you saw in the comments below.
Morocco Dock Slipping Away
The Friendship Boats are still operating between Canada and Germany. It would appear the Morocco dock needs some serious refurbishment. The back of the dock is supposed to float and move, but sink, not so much. The cleat should not be in the water.
Luckily, Disney has closed this dock to guest use, so there’s no need for panic. Hopefully, they can fix up the Morocco dock quickly and maybe even the defunct Mexico dock too. Did you know that there used to be two Friendship boats operating in the World Showcase at the same time? There was the one we typically know between Canada and Morocco, but there was another one between Mexico and Germany.
France Pavilion Birds
Sometimes, when it’s rainy like this, the birds live their best lives. Please enjoy this quiet moment from the France pavilion. I enjoy the simple things in the parks more and more the older I get.
Pet Potty Spot Reopens in the United Kingdom Pavilion
In the United Kingdom pavilion, the pet relief area has reopened with fresh turf. I like that this bathroom is tucked near the human restroom. Seems more practical. I don’t have a service animal, but I would think that it would make more sense to be on the same schedule as your animal. You go when they go and vice versa, but what do I know?
Canada Pavilion Bench Rant
Stick with me, and I promise to end this on track. There are SO MANY BENCHES in the Canada pavilion, and not one of these pictured above is protected from the elements. Who is sitting in this spot? In the sunshine, you’ll lose skin; in the rain, you’ll get soaked. No winning.
Sony Cameras Rolling Out for Crisper Images
The most excitement from my adventure in EPCOT was seeing Photopass using their new Sony cameras. Cast members are already reporting much crisper and better quality images using the new Sony cameras. For more details on this story, please visit our website.
I hope you enjoyed our rainy day around EPCOT. I most enjoyed having some cooler weather and a light breeze. The slight mist, although annoying, is certainly more pleasant than the blistering heat.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite activity is in the parks on a rainy day.
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