A Magical Birthday!
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Naturally when we asked Nonna if she wanted to join us, she said YES!
Our drive to Orlando was great...until it wasn't! After all, we were smack dab in the middle of hurricane season and the typical summer afternoon thunderstorms could really wreak havoc on the roads - as seen by all the vehicles we saw in ditches when we finished surviving the 2-3 minute downpours that affected visibility.
Fortunately it looked like no-one was hurt as we passed, and we were able to make it to our accommodations before more severe thunderstorms attacked the area. We were safe! Phew!
With a reputation for being one of the hottest and most humid months, you'd never know that this August day was one of the best days to visit Epcot. After the crazy weather we had the night before, the sky was blue and the refreshing breeze soon blew away any fear of experiencing bad weather again!
The best part was that attendance at Epcot was not overwhelming. This made it very easy to navigate around the park and to our first ride.
My birthday wish was that I could spend time with my family at Epcot, on every single ride. Epcot did not disappoint! The moment we all were able to hop on the first ride, SpaceShip Earth, I knew we picked the right place for all of us! We all rode together all day long!
Since we got to Epcot as soon as it opened, the rides we rode had virtually no wait time. It was time to have some fun!
The nice and slow ride (16 minutes long) through SpaceShip Earth was the perfect introduction to what the rides were going to be like all day long. Enzo never feared a ride!
After SpaceShip Earth we got to see a fun "Encanto" show where everyone was encouraged to sing and dance along. I couldn't resist singing and dancing while everyone else looked on. 😆.
Since we were in the area we just had to swing by the souvenir shop and had fun trying on different hats. The bright mustard yellow Pluto hat was Eli's favorite (and he wore it ALL DAY!!). Oh and yes, we could spot him easily...that's a win for me!
Oh and then there was Club Cool. Presently there are eight soda flavors from around the world. Our favorite was Bon Bon Anglois from Madagascar — exclusive to Madagascar, offers a unique taste experience with a blend of tropical fruit flavors. YUM! So refreshing!
The one we liked the least was from China. I can't even describe how bad it was. Yikes!
Once we left the World Discovery places, like the Land, we headed left (clockwise) to Mexico! It was time to walk the World Showcase. Note the beautiful blue sky in the background. No threat of rain yet!
Next stop was The SEA where we got to walk through the massive aquarium and then see the manatees close up! There was hardly a crowd so we got right up front!
It's hard to get the good pictures in the dark but I just had to try because in the end, the flying theater of Soarin' was the biggest hit for all of us!
I had forgotten how the ride Soarin' was so realistic. At the beginning when we went through the sites of the continent of Africa, an elephant blew a trunk full of dirt and we all thought we were going to get covered in dirt. 😂.
It really did feel like we were on a hang glider. Enzo was super emotional during the ride, displaying awe, excitement and was surprised to realize the water, dirt or fireworks were not going to fall on him.
It was time to start snacking on some of the foods and drinks from around the world. The empanadas did NOT disappoint!
We were able to make it through Mexico and Norway before the clouds began to roll in during our visit to China. 
And then it came, the downpour. It wasn't too bad and the timing was just right. It was time for some food and beverages from Germany. Germany did not disappoint!
By the time we finished chowing down, the rain stopped and we continued onward to the next country, Italy. We grabbed some drinks while walking around and then headed next door to The American Adventure.
As we goofed off, you couldn't help but get a whiff of the smoker out in front of the courtyard of America so we went in and ate BBQ that could really be one of the best that we have tasted (no joke!).
As the day progressed the sky got clearer and the breeze got cooler. Onward to more countries we went.
The American Adventure was wonderfully dated. Ha ha. I mean that will all the love in my heart. The classic colonial brick building housed an array of pay phones (that still work) and I couldn't resist sharing these antiques with the boys.
We saw The American Adventure show and naturally I got goosebumps and teared up. The history behind our country gets to me all the time.
First Morocco - which was surprisingly in skeletal form. I remember the Bazaar spilling over with so many items, rugs, lanterns, etc. But on this day, there just wasn't much there. It was a little sad since this was one country I have always enjoyed visiting, trying their drinks and foods. 
By the time we got to France, the sun was setting and the beauty of the World Showcase glowed as the lights of the different icons and buildings were lit.
We even went on the Ratatouille ride - where your simulating being the rat running away from dangers and then cooking. The line was an hour wait but we got some special treatment by one really sweet French Castmember who noticed it was my birthday (and we also had the Disability Access Service for Enzo - which doesn't get you to cut the line, just so you know, but the castmember walked us through the Lightning Lane and wished me a Happy Birthday!)
We finally made it out of France and into the UK and Canada which we passed by quickly so that we could find a sweet spot to watch the fireworks show at Epcot which is called Luminous: The Symphony of Us.
Enzo covered his ears, but even after the show was over he was asking for more! 
What a magical day! Can't wait for the next adventure in our lives!
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