This page is to help you quickly jump through this picture set. Below you will see a listing of the pages and the captions on that page.

• Page Number: 1
  

  Arrived at the Orlando Airport as the sun was coming up. Thanks to the early arrival no lines at the Magical Express.
  We walked right through the maze and onto a bus.
  We were checked into our room at Pop Century and dropping off backs before 8:30am.
  

• Page Number: 2
  

  We were in the 80s this time, a nice close walk to the bus stops.
  Noticed the new bathroom soaps, etc.. since the last time we stayed at Pop Century.
  

• Page Number: 3
  

  Off to a park..
  The waits were not too bad this morning, given it was around 8:50am.
  Noticed this sign when the bus pulled up. There are now cameras on the buses. Several had dashcams pointing outward. A couple one mounting looking inwards.
  

• Page Number: 4
  

  Some work going along the road, looked to be infrastructure.
  Arrived at Epcot. Made a quick stop at guest relations then headed into the park.
  Large signs pointing resort guests and those with RFID annual passes to the new entrances.
  

• Page Number: 5
  

  Here is what the new ones look like. No turnstiles.. we still had our old passes so had to go wait in line to use the old entrance.
  The Flower and Garden festival is celebrating 20 years this year. Here is the entrance display.
  

• Page Number: 6
  

  Passed these two ladies as we were heading in. I missed their names.
  

• Page Number: 7
  

  The Art of Disney still has an Epcot 30th window display.
  The festival center is open daily from 10-5. A couple of topiaries had signs pointing the way. Behind it you can make out a wall on the Fountain View (more pics later), it is becoming a Starbucks..
  Phineas and Ferb in the planter behind Spaceship Earth.
  

• Page Number: 8
  

  A more permanent looking outdoor stand. No signs of life this morning.
  A look into Mouse Gear.
  Our first destination.. Test Track
  

• Page Number: 9
  

  This was not open in October when I last visited so I was ready to give it try.
  Test Track trash cans match the new color scheme.
  

• Page Number: 10
  

  I grabbed a Fastpass for later then moved on.. a look at the gift shop/exit which has been renamed for the new Test Track.
  The pizza truck has been repainted to match too.
  Walking by the large flower beds.
  

• Page Number: 11
  

  A wider shot of the area.
  Our destination the Odyssey Center which has become the Passholder Ticket Exchange location.
  Stepping inside.. several pictures and other displays were up around the room.
  

• Page Number: 12
  

  What almost looks like a small stage set up in the center. On either side of this were computers with guest relations cast members (for some reason I did not take a wide picture).
  For those with Florida only passes you can pick your new design. If you have a Premiere pass you get the same gold one.
  A Kitchen Kabaret figure on display.
  

• Page Number: 13
  

  Across the room was an original Figment.
  spanning the two sets of doors (right when you walk in was a great set of displays. Here is a sign describing it.
  A wide look at the cases.
  

• Page Number: 14
  

  First up a look at the new MagicBands that will be coming soon.
  Then a look back in time at tickets.
  

• Page Number: 15
  

• Page Number: 16
  

• Page Number: 17
  

• Page Number: 18
  

• Page Number: 19
  

• Page Number: 20
  

• Page Number: 21
  

  A look back at the display. I thought this was great and a nice treat for annual passholders to see.
  On the way out there were test stations where you could learn to use your new pass. All you do is tap your pass on the Mickey symbol then put your finder on the scanner. It then turns green and you are good to go.
  

• Page Number: 22
  

  Back out to some Flower and Garden pictures.
  I waited here for over 10 minutes for a monorail.
  Gave up and of course as soon as I got far enough away that I could not make it back for a picture one went by... still think a Monorail tracking app would be very useful for photographers..
  

• Page Number: 23
  

  The Car Wash has Test Track Cone Cups.. look familiar to all you Cars Land fans?
  A kids play area.
  

• Page Number: 24
  

  A Radiator Springs featuring Mater and Lightening.
  

• Page Number: 25
  

  Some chairs to sit in while your kids run around...
  

• Page Number: 26
  

  There was a scavenger hunt if you wanted to play.
  

• Page Number: 27
  

• Page Number: 28
  

  What do you think of the Flower and Garden inspired car displays? Wonder if any will make their way to Cars Land??
  

• Page Number: 29
  

  Time to use our Fastpass for Test Track
  

• Page Number: 30
  

  Plenty of Cast Members to guide you this morning.
  That says 10 minutes for single rider.
  

• Page Number: 31
  

  The entrance doors are very clearly marked.
  The Fastpass distribution area.
  

• Page Number: 32
  

  Kind of disappointed they did not change the tickets to match the new scheme.
  A test car to practice transferring if you need it as well as to double check size.
  

• Page Number: 33
  

  Finally time to head inside.
  A concept Chevy as soon as you enter.
  

• Page Number: 34
  

  In the background you can see the Standby line that wraps and goes off the other direction.
  We walked right through this small design studio, it was offline. Instead we were merged with the standby line down a bit further.
  

• Page Number: 35
  

  Looking down through a window you can see one of the two larger design studios, where we will be heading.
  Waiting to enter. A brief video lets you know about the process.
  

• Page Number: 36
  

  You enter the studio and go to your design station (you were assigned a number in the waiting area) and tap either your RFID ticket/pass or the temporary card they issue you.
  Then you work through the design process for your car.
  

• Page Number: 37
  

  Our car...
  

• Page Number: 38
  

  After time expires you are ushered out and continue on through the queue and up to the load area.
  Looking back.
  Along the way you pass some engines on display.
  

• Page Number: 39
  

  Eventually you reach the load area and are sent to a car.
  Before boarding there is another reader and you tap your card again to link the car you designed to your ride.
  

• Page Number: 40
  

  Then you are off through the simulator which is very much like Tron.. all black with neon/bright lines.
  

• Page Number: 41
  

  Along the way the various cars and their scores are shown. Seems no one else in my car did it correctly.. so I was the only car ranked..
  The track is the same layout.. outside nothing was on display in the parking lot.
  My performance.. go figure ranked 1st, nice having no competition.
  

• Page Number: 42
  

  Back to where we started.
  The areas in the post show..
  

• Page Number: 43
  

  First up.. Whats your score? You tap your card and it pops up. Mine was 195.
  The high for the day was 232 so I was a long way from that.
  Next up Design in Motion where you can make a commercial for your car.
  

• Page Number: 44
  

  Same idea.. you tap your card then select some options.
  It is supposed to email you the commercial then. My email did not work, I never received it.
  But I did record the commercial. Here is a video clip of it.
  

• Page Number: 45
  

  Next you head down the hallway to the Give it a spin areas.
  These are games where you can try your car out on a track.
  

• Page Number: 46
  

  A look at a race in action.
  Moving on to the Chevrolet Showroom. Start off with a couple Vettes
  

• Page Number: 47
  

  Other cars you could tap your card and make a virtual postcard to email out.
  It was not crowded at all when we went through you could just walk right up.
  On the way out a look at the gift shop.
  

• Page Number: 48
  

  Looking toward Radiator Springs from across the pond.
  

• Page Number: 49
  

  The Lion King grouping as you head toward World Showcase.
  

• Page Number: 50
  

  Looking back at the Fountain of Nations and Spaceship Earth
  The Character Spot area is closed for work so a temporary location has been set up in the hallway.
  And inside the room that has been used for everything from Segway training to an Imagineering show are classic Epcot backdrops and characters to meet and greet.
  

• Page Number: 51
  

  Walls up toward the Fountain View Cafe.
  Outside a nice looking new area for the performing arts showcase. Nothing was going on when we walked by.
  

• Page Number: 52
  

  Spotted Chip and Dale out for photos nearby.
  We were heading for the Land.
  

• Page Number: 53
  

  Used a pass we had to go on Soarin.
  Then went for a boat ride on Listen to the Land.
  

• Page Number: 54
  

  A not so hidden Mickey.
  These are a little more hidden.
  

• Page Number: 55
  

  Glanced at Imagination but decided to keep moving vs the frustration of visiting the attraction.
  

• Page Number: 56
  

  An Oz area.
  In the tents were games for the kids.
  

• Page Number: 57
  

  A ring toss game.
  Fun House Mirrors.
  

• Page Number: 58
  

  Bean bag toss.
  A photo op.
  

• Page Number: 59
  

  An ODV cart ready for later.
  The flower beds on this side.
  

• Page Number: 60
  

  A flower bed before another play area.
  In the distance spotted some Monsters..
  

• Page Number: 61
  

  A specialty garden.
  

• Page Number: 62
  

• Page Number: 63
  

  Looking back at the Oz area.
  Moving on.. the Flower and Garden stands.
  

• Page Number: 64
  

  Near the DVC booth for photos.
  No topiaries out front of Canada.
  A look into the gardens.
  

• Page Number: 65
  

  Nice to be able to get a picture with no guests in the way..
  

• Page Number: 66
  

  Construction fences up by Morocco as a new dining location is being built along the lagoon.
  Speaking of dining.. as part of Flower and Garden several booths were up selling food and wine.
  

• Page Number: 67
  

  The menu.
  Onto the United Kingdom.
  

• Page Number: 68
  

• Page Number: 69
  

  Nice and quiet today.
  

• Page Number: 70
  

  The Winnie the Pooh gang near the UK.
  

• Page Number: 71
  

  Converting the International Gateway to the new entrances.
  Plants up blocking the old tram turnaround.
  

• Page Number: 72
  

  Looking around the plants you could see they were replanting the flower beds.
  The Yacht Club
  The Boardwalk Bakery was closed for renovation.
  

• Page Number: 73
  

  Our destination for lunch today.
  Since our order was taking so long (seems something must have gotten goofed up because the place was nearly empty) they gave us some free chips.
  

• Page Number: 74
  

  The pulled pork sandwich (I had a burger picture this but a hamburger on the bun)
  The chicken wings.
  After lunch walked the Boardwalk.
  

• Page Number: 75
  

  The specials
  The menu
  Next door a tent set up as the temporary bakery.
  

• Page Number: 76
  

  Looking back.
  

• Page Number: 77
  

  We walked through the Boardwalk and hopped on a bus to the Animal Kingdom. A sign for the 15th anniversary on the backstage entrance you pass by.
  

• Page Number: 78
  

  They are extending the bus loop so some fences up.
  The flags were at half staff here too (all for Boston).
  

• Page Number: 79
  

  Still plenty of Kodak signs up around the parks even though the sponsorship ended the start of the year.
  The entrances look so different with no turn stiles.. much more open.
  

• Page Number: 80
  

  New park maps.
  A quick look inside
  

• Page Number: 81
  

  More Kodak signs..
  

• Page Number: 82
  

  The Tree of Life.
  The waits were minimal this afternoon.
  

• Page Number: 83
  

  Made my way to the Festival of the Lion King.
  Interesting.. stroller parking was in the old Pocahontas area. Makes sense to ease congestion.
  

• Page Number: 84
  

  Some random show pictures
  

• Page Number: 85
  

• Page Number: 86
  

  Interesting to note at the end of the show we were all to remain seated while they removed the floats and stage. This is a change from previous showings I had attended.
  Walked through Pizzafari. Some specials on the registers.
  

• Page Number: 87
  

  Plain napkins.. just like Disneyland.. guess all Disney Parks are now plain napkins, cost savings.
  The parade blocked my way to Africa so we stopped to watch.
  

• Page Number: 88
  

• Page Number: 89
  

  The maass of guests following the parade and heading right toward the large group stopped where I was..
  As you enter Africa walls up along the left side. The are working in the area behind Tusker house where the Wild Africa Trek used to start. It is where the Lion King theater is heading according to internet speculation, no official announcement from Disney that I know of yet.
  

• Page Number: 90
  

  The Wild Africa Trek now starts to the right of the Safari queue.
  We walked the queue since there was a 10 minute posted wait.. it was really as long as it took you to walk. A turtle along the way.
  

• Page Number: 91
  

  A baby stork.
  A hippo out of the water this afternoon.
  

• Page Number: 92
  

  Random elephant picture.
  The white rhinos hanging out in the mud, the baby is getting quite large now.
  Three cheetahs resting.
  

• Page Number: 93
  

  Speaking of resting.. the African lions.
  

• Page Number: 94
  

• Page Number: 95
  

  Addax were out at the end.. where the Zebras were supposed to go but guess that did not work/last.
  Noted that inside the trucks the net bags are gone.
  

• Page Number: 96
  

  As you exit and look into the back of Pangani, notice quite a few trees had been cut down.
  Walking through Pangani Forest.. some fish.
  

• Page Number: 97
  

• Page Number: 98
  

  Just hanging around.. the young one was fairly active when we walked by.
  He climbed the tree for a better look
  

• Page Number: 99
  

  On the other side the males were taken in for the night and the keepers were out cleaning up already.
  Noticed this pile of stuff near the entrance to the train.. guessing it has been there for years but it did not click in my mind.
  

• Page Number: 100
  

  A selection of cupcakes at Kusafiri
  The menu.
  

• Page Number: 101
  

  The Street Party was underway.
  A video clip of the party.. not a big crowd tonight.
  

• Page Number: 102
  

  Here you can see how the wall wraps around the bar and Tusker house.
  The popcorn buckets.. also notice the new tap to pay device. These are on just about all registers now.
  

• Page Number: 103
  

  A pan around from the bridge to Harambe
  Spotted a rabbit on the trail.
  No guests though..
  

• Page Number: 104
  

  The net structures to protect guests from the tree are still very sad to see..
  

• Page Number: 105
  

  The great view through the nets...
  Luckily you can still see some of the tree net free.
  

• Page Number: 106
  

  Some work across from the Bugs exit.
  More work here.. this is being converted to a Meet and Greet.
  

• Page Number: 107
  

  Everest in the distance.
  Under the bridge you can make out that they have cleared all the land and just left the training equipment for the Trek.
  

• Page Number: 108
  

• Page Number: 109
  

  Some random signs in Asia...
  

• Page Number: 110
  

  A gibbon just hanging around.
  

• Page Number: 111
  

  Did the Jungle Trek.
  Looks like some concrete work.
  

• Page Number: 112
  

  The dance party was still going on.
  Decided to walk toward Everest.
  

• Page Number: 113
  

  More walls... this time where the ice cream truck usually is.
  No wait for Everest
  

• Page Number: 114
  

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• Page Number: 116
  

  More walls near Everest..
  And near the theater.
  These stretched from the entrance to the exit. Guess they are working on the walkway/railings?
  

• Page Number: 117
  

  Dinoland.
  

• Page Number: 118
  

• Page Number: 119
  

• Page Number: 120
  

  Pluto and Goofy arriving for pictures at the Meet and Greet.
  More walls up this time in the Boneyard.
  

• Page Number: 121
  

  Hope no one wanted dinner.. Flame Tree was closed by 7pm.
  The Up Gang out for pictures.
  

• Page Number: 122
  

  Heading out for the evening.. called it quits early.
  Earlier I mentioned the dash cam.. this bus had one, see it looking forward.
  

• Page Number: 123
  

  And an eye in the sky too on this one.
  Took the long way back to Pop.. decided to go to Art of Animation for a walk.
  As I exited the bus noticed one with a new paint scheme pulling away. Spotted only a handful of these all trip.
  

• Page Number: 124
  

  A walk through the gift shop.
  

• Page Number: 125
  

• Page Number: 126
  

  Cast Members conducting a dance lesson in the lobby.
  The Drop Off was not crowded at all this pleasant evening.
  

• Page Number: 127
  

  A walk through the Cars Land wing.
  

• Page Number: 128
  

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• Page Number: 132
  

  Even Sarges Flag was at half staff.
  

• Page Number: 133
  

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• Page Number: 135
  

  Heading back toward Pop Century.. the Nemo wing.
  

• Page Number: 136
  

  The bridge to Pop..
  They were working on the small pool.
  

• Page Number: 137
  

  I mentioned the new guide maps for the parks.. here is a look at the set.
  And Epcots
  

• Page Number: 138
  

  The activities going on at Pop Century
  

• Page Number: 139
  

  The book you get at check in.
  Thought the property map was a little on the simplistic side.
  

• Page Number: 140
  

  A sample park page in the book.
  How to get around... this wraps up Day 1. Hope all the pages did not tire your clicking finger out too much...