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Published: January 19th 2009January 13th 2009
Epcot Entrance
Jerry is in this picture - that tiny dot on the scooter in the middle of the photo
Where We Are
Well...we've started our trek home to arrive Wednesday (21st) depending on weather. We're currently in some place called Orangeburg, South Carolina. We know we're not doing too well on posting but you'll be glad to know that it's simply because we're having too much fun!! Here's days 8-10 - finally. And by the way, for those waiting for us to catch up on the Route 66 trip...well...looks like that will be in a couple of weeks when we are in Puerto Vallarta with lots of free time.
Day 8 - Sunday, January 11th - EPCOT
We headed to Epcot late morning. We were almost there when we realized we forgot the camera. We both just looked at each other, totally befuddled how neither one of us remembered. Too late to go all the way back, we purchased a disposable camera to capture just a few things. Epcot Highlights:
- Mission: Space - A great ride! We chose the green team to assure Jerry's back would not be impacted by the Orange Team's bouncing. It provides the ambiance of getting into a space ship, being assigned a particular function, and taking off for a mission on
- Innoventions - Two buildings worth of creative, educational fun. We played with robots, learned about past and up-and-coming technologies, and stopped at some of the displays. Some were amusing, others downright hysterical, others simply educational. We had to push ourselves along as you could easily spend a couple of hours just going through these buildings.
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends - We're just kids at heart. We rode a clamobile through this attraction that made you feel like you were under water with Nemo, his dad, friends, and enemies. It was like being in the movie itself. It was great!
- Soarin (TM) - Rita's brother Charlie, our family Disney enthusiast, had tipped us off about this and by far, it was our highlight of the day. As only Disney can, it was a free-flying hang gliding experience through mountains, across oceans, and virtually, around the world. At times, we
Rita with friends
Does it really surprise you that she loves Nemo?
All performed flawlessly so in no time, we returned to earth safe and sound. 
Epcot Illuminations
Firework display.
For anyone who has not been to Disney, Epcot has the World Showcase behind the attractions and other areas from the entrance. Country by country, you walk through and it is like you are in each of the countries. Costume, food, music, etc. are all native to the specific country. We did not have enough time to get through all of the countries but did get through Canada and had fish and chips in the United Kingdom. It was getting close to the time for Illuminations, Epcot's night time extravaganza, so we headed to one of the areas reserved for handicapped and waited. We thoroughly enjoyed it but must admit, we missed the water/light lazer parts so prevalent the last time we were here. There seemed to be more fireworks which were awesome and there was an undescribable display with a giant globe that moved across the lake, highlighting many countries that was extraordinary. We think our experience was not quite as good as others because very unfortunately, the area
Epcot Illuminations
Firework finale. None of the globe pictures turned out. What can you expect from a disposable camera?!
It was a late night and seeing as we are not the youngsters of yesterday, we passed by Pleasure Island where song, dance, food, and drink were plentiful. Age makes getting back "home" for a good night's sleep look much more attractive. Oh, to be young again!!
Day 9 - Monday, January 12th - Unscheduled Down Day
Jerry just could not get going at all. We were sure the inclement weather that had made it's way to Orlando had something to do with his feeling so much worse than normal but even that should not have impacted him to this level. Or, perhaps Rita's being with him all these months/weeks in a row truly was taking a toll on him
. No matter the cause, it was impossible to think about tackling anything on our list and that was fine because Jerry obviously needed rest. It was a rather long, quiet day, not knowing if he was going to be able to re-group 
Down for the count
Yeah, Rita knows it was bad to take the poor guy's picture but...
Day 10 - Tuesday, January 13th - MAGIC KINGDOM
Wow - what a difference a day makes. Jerry was up and ready to go. The weather forecast included rain but as we left, there was no sign of any. In fact, it was sunshine and at least reasonable warmth. We hadn't seen 70 degrees since our arrival day in Florida and hadn't seen the sun for most of two days, so even having the sun shinig brightly was inspiring. We headed for the Magic Kingdom, the heart of DisneyWorld.
We were a bit nervous upon arrival
Mickey Mouse Ears
...with oxygen tubing. Things were looking up - Jerry was obviously starting to feel better!!
Our activities and fun are way too many to cover so here are the highlights:
- Character Greetings - When we first entered, Jerry wouldn't let Rita wait in line to greet and take pictures with Pluto the dog. However, as time and character greetings kept finding us, Jerry got into the spirit and even he posed with Captain Hook (see picture). Rita is certain he will come up with some macho excuse as to why he did it but do not be fooled, he had a great time!
- Pirates of the Caribbean - A DisneyWorld classic. The pictures do not do justice to the extraordinary artistry and imagination pouring from this attraction. We rode a canal through pirate scenes. There is a shoot-out with pirates that even includes our guide! It was quite intriguing and allowed us to get totally lost in the pirate capers so expertly displayed.
- Jungle Cruise - What a hoot! It is a silly safari ride that has a dose of reality and education spattered throughout. The jokes abound throughout. Jerry was his usual playful self and it was downright amusing to watch and listen as everything he dished out was returned two-fold. These kids fired back retorts to his playful jaunts that even silenced Jerry a few times. It was a great ride!
- Disney Magic on Parade - We caught the parade just after it started. We were able to get Jerry in his scooter to a front row seat
Monorail Ride
Jerry wasn't too sure about this!
Unfortunately, the rain had already been coming down for quite awhile. We had jackets on and purchased ponchos and even took a break to have a hearty sit-down lunch but the rain was not easing up at all. There was also a chilly breeze blowing. Jerry was uncomfortably chilled and given the previous day's setback, there was no sense risking his getting ill just to get through a few more attractions. So, we headed for the monorail to get him to the car and back to our warm and dry condo. We did enough to have gotten into the Mickey Mouse spirit and that made for a great, great day. A quiet evening settled us both into a dreamland filled with Disney characters of all kinds, including 'the Mouse." Who needs kids to thoroughly enjoy DisneyWorld?!!
There are more photos below
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Ahh...life does not always follow the plan. We are a happily married couple for 21 years. We had many plans for retirement. But alas, many health issues have crept into Jerry's life. Thanks to Rita's great company with very supportive colleagues, her request for a six month personal leave of absence was granted. We are now retired, albeit 'only' for six months. We will need to continue to deal with Jerry's health issues as we proceed - a new one just added the last two months - but with doctors' blessings for now, we are embarking to fulfill as much of "Jerry's Bucket List"... full info
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The Magic Kingdom
We've arrived.
Main Street
Taking a step back in time to the shops of yesteryear
Fire house
So, of course Jerry needs a picture!
Dancers in the Street
They just showed up and started singing/dancing
Dancers in the Street
Finalie
Princess
They have a place where little girls become princesses. This young princess granted us a picture.
Adventureland
What trouble could we find here?!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jerry said stand over there and I'll take your picture. Rita follows directions really well.
Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction
The detail of the displays as you rode through
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