Disney’s Epcot is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. The park opened back in 1982 and was the second of the four Disney theme parks to be built. The original idea behind the park Epcot was an American innovation and urban living themed park. This is idea got scrapped after the death of Walter Disney, in 1966. Instead, the park developed into technological innovation and international culture park. The two sections are divided up by the Future World and the World Showcase.
I visited in December 2008 with my family. Some of the rides and shows I did/saw, may now have been changed. One change I have noticed since I visited, it now the cost to park your car for the day. When I visited back in 2008, car parking was free of charge. Car parking will cost you $25 for the day.
Epcot is a large park, I recommend allowing two days for your visit.
Here are some of the most popular attractions at Epcot, some of which I enjoyed at the park, when I visited, back in 2008:
Future World Attractions
Future World section of the park has attractions that are based on a variety of new, experimental ideas of technology, based into the future.
Advanced Training Lab
Advanced Training Lab is a place where you can train for your next Mars mission on a little computer screen. You can race against other players to send your rocket into space first. It’s a fun, interactive attraction, suitable for the whole family.
Mission: Space
Mission: Space is a motion simulator ride, which takes you to space on a rocket. There is a choice of two different missions to choose from. The Orange Mission if for the people who enjoy a good thrill ride, enjoy been spun around. The Green Mission is a lot gentler and does not spin you around. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to experience either mission.
Fastpasses are available.
Test Track
Design your very own car and take it for a test drive on the track. You will not be taking a slow, leisurely ride out on a track. Instead, you will be accelerating along a track, tackling 50-degree angles, hills that lead up 3 stories high, reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. At the end of the test, you can check the scoreboard to see how well your vehicle has performed. It’s a fun, thrill ride.
Fastpasses are available.
Circle of Life
The circle of Life was my favourite show in the park. A show was full of characters from the Lion King. Unfortunately, the show no longer runs at the park.
Living with the Land
Living with the Land is a lovely, family ride. Cruise along a lovely, calm river, through a greenhouse and a fish farm. Discover a huge range of different fruit and vegetables from all around the world.
Soarin
Soarin is motion simulator ride, where you feel like you are hang gliding. I did not go on this ride however; my sister has been on it a number of times and absolutely loves it. I will definitely be going on it on my next visit to Epcot.
Fastpasses are available.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
A ride perfect for the whole family. The ride takes you through a journey of the 5 senses.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
A great 3D adventure film, which, unfortunately, isn’t at the park anymore. It’s a shame as it was something a thoroughly enjoyed.
ImageWorks
ImageWorks is an interaction area where you can explore your senses. It’s a fan attraction for the whole family.
World Showcase
The World Showcase is a large area containing 11 pavilions, surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon. Each pavilion has a theme related to a specific country. There are attractions at each pavilion and food places related to the country. The United Kingdom has a fish and chips restaurant. A great thing for kids, they can collect a stamp from each pavilion they visit.
The 11 pavilions are:
- United States of America
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
United States of America
Watch the American Adventure, a 30-minute show about America and its people. A very inspirational story that I truly enjoyed. Check on the day of arrival for showtimes.
After the show, take a walk around the American Heritage Gallery: National Treasures exhibit.
If you are feeling hungry, check out Liberty Inn for burgers, chicken, and salads or Fife & Drum for turkey legs, hot dogs and smoothies.
Japan
Get your photo taken next to the Torii of Itsukushima Shrine, enjoy looking around the Japanese gift shop, take a look around the Bijutsu-kan Gallery show, or enjoy eating some Japanese food at a choice of 3 different restaurants: Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining or Yakitori House. For Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining, table reservations in advance are recommended.
Morocco
Morocco pavilion is made to look like a Moroccan city with a realistic Minaret, a type of tower that is built adjacent to mosques. Enjoy the gallery of arts and history or enjoy some Moroccan food at the Restaurant Marrakesh or the Tangierine Cafe. For the Restaurant Marrakesh, table reservations in advance are recommended.
France
Watch an 18-minute film, Impressions de France. A film showcasing the beautiful French countryside. Unfortunately, we did not have time to see it.
If you are feeling peckish, grab a light bite to eat at Boulangerie Patisserie or for something a little fancier, visit Chefs de France or Bistro de Paris. Table reservations in advance are recommended.
Don’t forget to get your picture with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
United Kingdom
My biggest highlight visiting the United Kingdom pavilion was not only is it my home country, I also got cuddles with the Christopher Robin characters; Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore. I’m not sure were Piglet was!
If you are feeling hungry, why not treat yourself to great British food; Harry Ramsden’s fish and chips at the Rose & Crown Pub, or you can have a Bass pie or steak. Table reservations in advance are recommended. If you do not want a sit-down meal then why not try out the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Yorkshire is where I am from and have to admit, they serve some of the best British food!
Canada
Visit the O Canada attraction; a circle-vision 360 film. The 14-minute showing gives you a good insight into America’s neighbouring country, Canada. Please note, you have to stand up while watching this film.
Feeling hungry? Why not try the Le Cellier Steakhouse. They sell steaks, pasta, and seafood. Table reservations in advance are recommended.
Mexico
A fun attraction in the Mexico pavilion is the Gran Fiesta Tour. You take a musical boat trip through some of Mexico’s famous sights and cities with Donald Duck, Panchito, and Jose Carioca. It’s great for all the family. I highly recommend it.
Visit the Mexican Folk Art Gallery, a new attraction since my visit back in 2008. The gallery is about “Remember Me!” – La Celebración del Día de Muertos. An exhibit that captures the beauty and spirit of the Day of the Dead holiday. It is one of the most important events on the Mexican calendar.
If you would like to try some Mexican food, why not sit down at the San Angel Inn Restaurant. Table reservations in advance are recommended. If you fancy some on-the-go snack food, then why not try Cantina de San Angel. They sell very tasty tacos and churros.
Norway
The attraction we did in the Norway pavilion was on a Viking boat, called the Maelstrom. This has now been replaced with Frozen Ever After. The Frozen Ever After is a slow boat ride with little drops, suitable for all the family.
To learn about the Viking history, visit the Stave Church Gallery.
If you want something quick on-the-go food then check out Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. They sell pastries and sandwiches. If you want a sit-down meal, check out Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Here you can dine with Disney princesses and friend’s family-style. Table reservations in advance are recommended.
China
We watched the Reflections of China, a circle-vision 360 film, which takes you through the ancient to modern China. The show lasts for 14 minutes.
A new attraction since our visit to Epcot in 2008, is the House of the Whispering Willows. Here you can discover the wonders of Shanghai Disney Resort at a gallery featuring exclusive artwork from the newest Disney destination.
Feeling hungry for some Chinese food? There is the Lotus Blossom cafe that sells eggrolls and vegetable lo mein. If you would like a Chinese restaurant, there is the Nine Dragons Restaurant. Table reservations in advance are recommended at the restaurant.
Germany
Feeling peckish for some German food? Enjoy a Bratwurst or some pretzels at Sommerfest. If you are after something a bit fancier, why not try out the Biergarten Restaurant. Enjoy the German Oktoberfest with entertainment. Table reservations in advance are recommended for the restaurant.
Italy
Fancy some Italian food? Visit the Tutto Italia Ristorante. Table reservations in advance are recommended.
