9/25 Test Track SimCar, Epcot Food & Wine Preview, American Adventure Costumes

Hi everyone!

I haven't yet had an update yet this week, I've been guest blogging for i.seeKissimmee and it's been taking up all of my writing time! Several of the topics I'll also bring to Mousesteps, including our experience with Dine with Shamu and Scream Cam at Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream. But last night, we went to Epcot for a couple of hours, and I have an update to share!

It was turning dark as we arrived, which led to some beautiful sunset photos! But first, I wanted to check out the cranberry bog before the light fully faded. There was a lot of debate as to whether the bog would be back, but it is – and there is also a watermelon patch in a different location.

It's hard to see, but here is a Mickey Head behind Spaceship Earth:

 

 

The cranberry bog includes crates which say "cranberries".

 

 

 

The children's fountain is closed:

 

 

Walking to the watermelon patch:

 

 

More signs of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, including displays:

 

 

Inside the Odyssey Restaurant, there are vases that look like Spaceship Earth:

 

 

 

We were on the way to take a look at the new Test Track SimCar on display at Cool Wash, and I noticed the beautiful sunset! I took some photos of the car before getting a couple of more sunset photos. Test Track is scheduled to reopen later this year.

 

 

 

The American Adventure Cast Members have new costumes. There has been a lot of discussion about this, and I don't think the costumes are themed to the pavilion now – but here is what they look like (thank you to the Cast Members for posting for the photo):

 

 

We didn't have a lot of time at Epcot yesterday before we went to a VIP area for Illuminations. We have friends staying with us for 3 weeks, and they invited us to join them for it! I've never seen Illuminations from this location, which is on the Mexico boat dock. We were actually inside the show, with a few fireworks shooting from behind us! I've had wonderful viewing around the World Showcase lagoon during different dessert parties, but nothing like this. We appreciate the Cast Members who gave us information about Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, many things that I didn't even know about. You can watch our video that includes some commentary from the show manager!

 

 

This was the view behind us:

 

 

 

A look across World Showcase Lagoon:

 

 

 

And as we left, we noticed the moon behind Spaceship Earth! Also, Epcot Food and Wine Festival projections can now be seen in front of the park.

 

 

 

There is so much going on this weekend! From Epcot's 30th Anniversary to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and Frankenweenie weekend at Downtown Disney – it's pretty exciting, but busy! We'll bring you coverage from all of it.