*Note: I edited my previous post to include the rest of our pre-lunch day at Epcot.
After our spin on Test Track, we were ready to calm things down a bit. Thank goodness it was time for our lunch reservations at the Coral Reef.
We checked in and barely had time to find a spot to sit and wait when the pager went off. Yay!
We were seated on the front side of the second tier. I prefer being on the front side of any tier to being on the back side, but the restaurant isn't *that* big. There really isn't a bad spot, unless you are on the third tier near the swinging kitchen doors. I've been in that spot once and it was unpleasant.
This was the first time in this restaurant for the boys, so they were fascinated with watching the aquarium windows. Then when the scuba divers came along, it was even more interesting.
I tried to get a picture of the scuba diver, but I don't know if you can make him/her out. The tank is just to the right of the lamp reflection near the middle of the window. It was the best I could do. Neither one of them ever came near the window in front of us.
Looking a little tired while we wait for our lunch. 
I walked down to the end of our tier to take a picture of their Christmas tree. By the time I got back, our food was arriving.
I had the steak. I know, I know. Coral Reef should equal seafood. I was in the mood for steak. Sue me.
Daniel had the macaroni (shells) and cheese, with the sea turtle cupcake for dessert.
I guess I didn't get pictures of anyone else's meal. I said I was tired. But I did get a shot of my Chocolate Wave dessert.
Once we had a Magic Band scanned and left a tip, we headed back out into the sunshine. We rode the clamshells with Nemo and friends...
... and then decided we were ready for the World Showcase.
The boys were looking forward to doing the Agent P adventure, so we stopped for our F.O.N.E. at the kiosk.
I like that they ask you what country you want to start in and then you can decide which country to go to next. We chose Mexico, since that is generally our first stop on the World Showcase anyway.
Daniel receiving instructions from Major Monogram.
The interactive stuff is pretty cool.
I always try to get a picture of the Plaza, but it never looks like it does in person.
Once we completed our mission, we decided to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour while we were there.
When we left, it happened to be the "storytellers time" outside. Each country has costumed characters that tell you how the holidays are celebrated in their culture. Pretty interesting stuff.
Next up was Norway.
We briefly considered meeting Anna and Elsa from Frozen, but there was a 180+ minute wait. Ummm... no. Let's ride the Maelstrom instead.
Have you ever looked closely at the mural on the wall where you board the boats?
See the Viking ship on the far left? Let's zoom in on that.
One of the Vikings is wearing Mickey ears.
After our ride, the boys did the Agent P adventure there.
Should you really trust information from a troll?
The decided to do one more Agent P assignment in China.
This clue came from Agent C, the cricket in the cage.
They decided that they had solved enough of the world's problems for one day, so we turned our F.O.N.E. back in and headed back toward Innoventions. We ducked into Club Cool first.
Joshua tried the Beverly! I didn't get a reaction shot, but he was thoroughly disgusted.
Okay, on to Innoventions.
The main exhibit that they like to visit is the Great Piggy Bank Adventure.
They both enjoy getting the piggy bank and playing the games to grow money in it.
We wandered through some of the other exhibits, but they were ready to leave before long. Joshua mentioned we hadn't been on Spaceship Earth yet, so we rode that next.
Our ride stopped several times (I assume they were loading people that needed the vehicle still), so I was actually able to get a few pictures that weren't blurry.
And I always take pictures of the screen in the car when it has our pictures on it.
I was getting hungry and I didn't want to wait until we got back to the hotel (or, quite honestly, to eat the same hotel food for dinner again), so we discussed our options and setting on the counter service restaurant at Mexico.
Yummy!
The sun was starting to set and we were tired. While we ate, we debated staying for Illuminations and decided it wasn't worth it. Even with the VIP viewing, we would still have to hang out for a few more hours and it just didn't make sense. Instead, we strolled leisurely back toward the entrance, stopping for all the photo ops that I wanted.
We met Duffy the Disney Bear (in his Santa hat).
Stopped by the Christmas tree at the entrance to the World Showcase.
Got the reverse angle with Spaceship Earth in the background.
Why thumbs up? I dunno. The photographer told us to.
And as it got darker, I was able to do some before and after shots. Like the Christmas tree:
And the poinsettia Mickey head:
Plus a parting shot of Spaceship Earth:
We caught a bus and crawled into bed. One of these days it will work out and we'll be able to show the kids Illuminations. I have faith.
