Soaking it in

We leave the Seas – the transition from underwater to land is a bit abrupt without the “hydrolater” gimmick – and start walking towards World Showcase. We enjoy the monorail gliding overhead, the reverse waterfall, the beautiful flowers. It’s so tempting just to stop and look around every few seconds and just, well, soak in the fact that we are here.

This may mark me as odd, but with every visit I become more convinced that just being in the park is worth the cost of admission, even if I never took in an attraction.

As we cross into World Showcase and approach the lagoon, I suggest doing something we’ve not done before – take a “friendship” boat across. They’re not as fast as walking, but it’s something new, and we have the time.

The boat does take a few minutes to arrive, but we spend the time well – just soaking in being here!

I note that the pyro barges for Illuminations are out in the lagoon.

Once the boat docks, we climb onboard and are quickly on our way. As the pilot (captain? driver?) guides us across the lagoon, the other CM gets on the microphone and starts entertaining us with a few jokes, none of which will earn her a spot at the Improv. (Example: “Why does Tigger stay dirty? Because he’s always playing with Pooh.”) (And that was one of the better ones. Seriously.)

We pull alongside the dock at the Morocco pavilion and turn right for France. We arrive at the front entrance of Chefs de France at 2:00 on the nose. Or sur le nez, as we’ll need to say now.