A Day at Epcot

If you are like me, you might have this thought in your head that Disney’s Magic Kingdom is where it’s at. I have news for you. You are wrong. I was wrong. Sure, Magic Kingdom is probably the most Disney-esque park out of the four, but don’t count Epcot out. There were so many attractions and sights that we couldn’t cram it all in even though we opened and closed the park (9am – 9pm). It didn’t necessarily feel like we were in Disney world, but it was an epic day full of adventures around the world. 

Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is divided into 2 sections. World Showcase and Future World. World Showcase is better-known part of Epcot and divided into 11 countries. Each country is represented by Disney employees from that country and presents architecture, food, drinks, activities, and entertainment that truly represents that land. As cool as that sounds, I recommend starting the day in Future World. Even though Epcot doesn’t have many rides, there are some must-dos which are located in Future World.

A word of caution. Most people will tell you that Fast Passes are a must for the rides. I beg to differ. They might be nice, but we didn’t need them even on a day where the crowd level was 8/10 (VERY crowded). Let me explain. First of all, we didn’t realize that you could book Fast Passes in advance (30 days in advance, in fact). By 9am when the park opened, they were already gone for Soarin’ and Frozen, the 2 most popular rides. We still got to go on every ride we wanted with less than a 20-minute wait. Except for Frozen. It was just unfortunate that Frozen kept breaking down every 2 hours, so the line was ridiculous. We didn’t even try to get in the 170 minute wait line. Even with a fast pass, we might not have gotten on that ride with how often it was breaking down the day we went. So how did we do it without fast passes you ask? We got to Epcot when it opened and went on the Future World rides first. It’s that simple. Really.

Future World

Soarin’

When Epcot opened at 9am, we made a mad dash to Soarin’ knowing it was one of the most popular rides in the park. By the time we got to the ride, there was a 20-minute wait. Not bad at all (as far as theme parks go). Soarin’ is an amazing ride that gives you a sense of para-gliding over some of the most popular destinations in the world. You sit in rows of eight and are elevated 50 feet in the air when the ride starts. Pretty soon, you get a sensation of flying over oceans, mountains, animals, and many famous attractions. One second you will be flying over the Golden Gate bridge and the next minute you’re transported to the Sydney harbor. When you fly over the Taj Mahal in India, the fan blowing air on your face suddenly injects smell of roses so feel that you’re truly in India. If we had time, I would have gone twice on this ride but we had to kept moving on and explore the rest of Epcot.

Living with the Land

Epcot is all about discovering the people and plants that make our world what it is. Living with the land is a gentle water ride that takes you on a slow journey focussed on agriculture. You start in the dark passing through a rainforest while the narrator tells you about the important role that forests play. Then you transition to a desert scene where a couple of bisons are seen hanging out. Soon you’re in the middle of an American farm life complete with chickens and cows. Then the ride emerges inside a bright greenhouse filled with all kinds of fruit and vegetables plants. You come across dragonfruit tree, gourds, pumpkins, and a myriad of lesser known vegetables. The ride then continues through a fish farm where you learn about sustainable fish farming. The last portion of the ride focuses on flowers and the technique of growing vegetables upside down to save space. If you have kids then they’ll be intrigued by this educational ride and if you’re an adult then even you might learn a thing or two.

 

Spaceship Earth

Located inside the iconic giant white ball, this dark ride takes its passengers on time travel. You go back in time and learn how the prehistoric humans communicated via cave drawings. Then you get forwarded into the future where you get to witness some of the most important communication breakthroughs occurring. At the end of the ride, you get to design your own future using touch screens in front of you. 

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a gentle ride where you sit in a clamshell on an underwater journey of the ocean. Nemo is lost again and the whole gang of undersea creatures are on a mission to find him. Amongst many of Nemo’s friends, we get to see Marlin, Dory, Crush, Squirt, and of course Nemo himself. The whole ride is fun and a relaxing way to take a break and relive the magic of Finding Nemo. The ride ends with a view of a real-live aquarium that you get to walk around and explore on your own.

Butterfly House

If you want to take a break and escape for all the fun madness for a little bit, the butterfly house is a great option. It features several species of butterflies and flowers during a walkthrough tour.

World Showcase

The heart of Epcot lies in a realistic recreation of 11 countries that Disney likes to call the World Showcase. The countries represented here include: France, Morocco, Japan, United States, Italy, Germany, China, Norway, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Canada

The Canada pavilion focuses on the great outdoors of Canada. There are totem poles, waterfalls, and canyons. The main attraction here is the 360° Circle-a-Vision movie featuring Martin Short. The movie is a must do and will inspire you to explore all corners of Canada.

What to get in Canada: Labatt Blue on draft

What to see in Canada: Martin Short’s 360° Circle-a-Vision movie

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom World Showcase is made to look like an English village and features brick buildings and thatched roofs. You might even get lucky and spot Alice hanging out in this area.

What to get in United Kingdom: Sample some of the fine British beers at the Rose and Crown. 

What to see in United Kingdom: Shop for Twinings tea at the Tea Caddy.

France

The France pavilion is one of the most authentic looking World Showcase countries. You’ll feel like you have entered a Parisian neighborhood complete with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The many shops here sell very high quality (read: expensive) perfumes and hand creams. It’s fun to just walk around and sample some of the fine lotions.

What to get in France: Pastries, quiche, and mimosas from the Boulangerie Pastisserie

What to see in France: Impressions de France (Impressions of France) movie, Serveur Amusant chair climbing and balance show

Morocco 

Morocco was one of our favorite pavilions. Disney has done such an amazing job with this country that if one were to blind-fold you at your home and drop you off here, you’ll feel that you were actually in Morocco once you opened your eyes! From all the intricate stone mosaics to gently bubbling fountains to the intoxicating smell of rose incense in the air, you are bound to be impressed by the authenticity of this pavilion. This is the only country in the World Showcase where the actual government of Morocco helped create the most realistic representation of the country. Be sure to check out the bazaar area selling Moroccan leather shoes, clothing, and all kinds of neat knick-knacks.

What to get in Morocco: Shawarma chicken platter at the Tangierine Cafe

What to see in Morocco: Explore the courtyards, fountains, and the bazaar area

Japan

Japan was also one of our favorites. As we walked into the area, we were greeted with energetic drummers. We watched them for a bit, and then headed deeper into Japan. There was so much to see including a garden complete with a Koi pond, a Kawaii (love of cuteness) museum, and the gigantic Mitsukoshi store selling everything Japanese. You could buy chopsticks, fans, teapots, snacks, wind-chimes, comics, pearls, Kimonos… you name it, they have it. 

What to get in Japan: Tokyo Sunrise cocktail, wind chimes at the Mitsukoshi Department Store

What to see in Japan: Drummers, Bijutsu-kan Gallery (Kawaii Culture), Pick-a-Pearl ceremony at the Mitsukoshi Department Store

Italy

The Italian plaza consists of buildings resembling architecture of Venice and Rome. The biggest buildings here feature replicas of St Mark’s Campanile (bell tower) and Doge’s Palace. The Neptune Fountain gives a nice shaded area to just sit, relax, eat a slice of pizza, and people watch. 

What to get in Italy: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza at Via Napoli 

What to see in Italy: Il Bel Cristallo shop selling genuine Italian perfumes, leather goods, and $400 hand-made plaster masks.

Germany

Aaah…Germany. The smell of pretzels, beer, and Werther’s caramel surround you as you enter Germany. The architecture here features different regions of Germany. It almost feels like you have been transported to the center of a quaint  little village town outside of Frankfurt. 

What to get in Germany: Caramel Popcorn from Werther’s Original, German beer

What to see in Germany: The wall of beer steins, hand-made glass carvings, $37,000 replica of the Cinderella castle

China

The chinese pavilion is massive featuring a large Chinese gate, a replica of Temple of Heaven, and several restaurants and shops. There is also a Circle-a-vision 360° movie that showcases various regions and attractions within China. It’s fun to just walk around the different ponds and bridges that are within this pavilion.

What to get in China: Dumplings from Lotus Blossom Cafe, Tipsy Duck from Joy of Tea

What to see in China: Reflections of China (short movie), Chinese acrobats

Norway

The Norway pavilion resembles a Norwegian village complete with statues of trolls and a courtyard containing topiary statues of Elsa and Ana. The shops here sell genuine (and very expensive) goods made in Norway such as wool sweaters and hats. You can’t help but notice the huge variety of merchandise from the hit movie Frozen being sold everywhere in this pavilion. 

What to get in Norway: School Bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

What to do/see in Norway: Frozen ride (iff there is less than a 30 minute)

Mexico

The Mexico pavilion is one of the most recognizable one from far away as it resembles a huge Mesoamerican pyramid. Inside, there is a small gallery of Mexican art leading up to a big marketplace area selling all types of Mexican goods. 

What to get in Mexico: Margarita from La Cava del Tequila, sample Vanuato Kakaw chocolate

What to do/see in Mexico: Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

IlluMinations: Reflections of Earth

This is the climax of a day at Epcot and what a great one it is. In the background with lasers, neons, music, and a giant LED globe this was truly a Disney worthy fireworks display. One of the best places to watch it is the bridge that connects United Kingdom and France. Grab a drink and enjoy this truly unique experience.

We were mesmerized by all the World Showcase countries and thrilled by Soarin’. We can’t wait to go back and explore more of Epcot.