No Really, Springtime in the World! - April 2013 - Coronado Springs

So I got a little ahead of myself with the title of my last trip report from February, calling it Springtime in the World. But this trip really was springtime, so finally the title is apt. I just got back from another long weekend in the World, and of course had a great time. Lots of good stuff, a few mis-steps, but overall an excellent trip. I should provide a disclaimer that this report will probably sound a lot like my other trip reports. When I find a routine I like I tend to stick to it. But I'm writing this as much for me as for you all, just to document what all went on. So here goes!

Thursday, 4/25 -

Flight was at 9:30am out of DFW Airport on American. Nothing special, just a good clean flight. Got my rental car from Dollar (at a GREAT rate!), and it's off to check in at the Coronado Springs Hotel, my favorite of the moderates.





Check in was smooth, and I went right to my room in the Casitas. I like to be a bit closer to the front building, but they said that buildings 1 2 & 3 are now a different category. Still, nice room with a great view of the lagoon. A quick change of clothes, and it was off to Epcot.



I did my traditional first ride on Spaceship Earth. As I was walking towards it I heard one of the funniest things the whole trip. Right behind me was a young couple and their two teenage kids. The wife says to the husband "What's up with the big ball?" Now, I don't expect people to be uber-freaks like all of us and know all the details, but wouldn't you want to know at least SOMETHING about your vacation destination? Oh, by the way, they still don't have the green steam engine fixed - broken for how long now? And another thing about that same scene - the guy holding the newspaper is looking at the front page, below the fold, UPSIDE DOWN! Kinda odd.

Anyway, I headed over to the west side of Futureworld, as I knew I wouldn't have much time for it later in the trip. I spent some time in the Living Seas -





...and then headed up to the World Showcase -



... for a show from the Voices of Liberty. As good as they are, this just wasn't one of their better shows. They did all the tunes that I'm not fond of (especially Oh Susannah and the banjos!). Ah well, they can't all be winners. After their set it was upstairs for The American Adventure, which I never seem to get tired of.

Now it was time for my one and only dinner at the new food booths for the Flower & Garden Festival. As most folks have read by now, the crowds just aren't there like they are for the Food & Wine. My theory is that they released the info about these booths so late that most folks already had dinner reservations, and just didn't have time to plan for them. I had to cancel a reservation at the Hacienda de San Angel to dine at the booths, but it was worth it. Great food, but not enough wine (I'm not a beer drinker).







This last item was the Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro, from the Florida Fresh pavilion. I was standing there, enjoying this morsel, when a lady came up to stand by me eating the same dish. She then proceeded to go on and on about how she was from Louisiana and the shrimp is better in her own kitchen and how bland this was, etc. Well, I was sure glad she was there to set me straight - otherwise I might have actually enjoyed those tasty shrimp and grits! I was very happy when she wandered away!!!

From there it was a normal evening for me at Epcot - martinis at the Rose & Crown, IllumiNations, and a great walk around the World Showcase Lagoon with a martini to go in one hand and a fine cigar in the other. A great evening, and a great way to start a trip!