We spent 12 days in Disney World but only went into the parks every other day. We visited Epcot twice and on our first day we rode the Test Track Ride and Josie bruised her hand so badly holding on we had to go to first aid to get ice for her to bring down the swelling. We attended a lot of the other shows and attractions, but on our second day visiting Epcot we ate our way around the World Showcase, with the 15th annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival. When we were here 15 years ago this was just a small event but now there are over 40 kiosk's selling small plates, wines and beers from all over the world.
Josie and I used our fitbits every day and we figure we walked around 25 miles while we were here in the park.
One evening we attended " Savor Sip and Sparkle" on the top of the Contemporary Hotel. We were treated to Champagne and other libations as we ate small plates ranging from California Rolls to Buffalo meat Flatbreads. We then were able to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks display from the top of the hotel. Afterwards we finished the evening with decadent desserts. On the ride back to the Campground by boat we passed the Electrical Boat Show, the oldest running show in Disney World, that started on the first day the park opened in 1971
A few nights later we attended the longest running dinner show in the park, The Hoop De Doo Review. We have gone to this show every time we have visited Disney World. It was even better this time than we remember it from years past. Somehow, we were seated right in the front row. Your meal is served family style and it's all you can eat and drink. We were thankful we could walk home from this one and work off the calories.
Another evening we attended "The Rivers of Light We Are One Dessert Party" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We were treated to a smorgasbord of not only tasty desserts but absolutely beautiful creations. One of the cupcakes had a scene from the Lion King in the icing. Again we were glad it was a mile walk back to the bus stop so we could burn off a few of the calories.
On our final day at the resort we took the "Keys To the Kingdom Tour" Our guide Natalie, took us around the park and shared many of the little known facts about the building of the park. But the highlight was being able to go behind the scenes and see what goes on in the " Off Stage" areas of the park, including the miles of tunnels below the Magic Kingdom. We were not allowed to take any pictures in these areas. Disney has 74,000 employees, making it the largest employer at one location in the US.