Epcot

Epcot I would have to say is one of the most 'tame' out of the Disney World parks. This is a great choice for families with baby's and very small children who will not be able to attend many rides. It is a very scenic park with many great sites to see. Because of this factor, it enables families with children of all ages to have an enjoyable time! The older members can take part in rides Epcot has to offer, while the parent and young child(ren) view the spectacular sites available.

The foliage throughout Epcot is beautiful with sculpted characters from bushes to vibrant and colorful flowers. No matter what section you are walking through, you're sure to see some amazing decor.

Epcot consists of two (large) sections. (Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes and expect quite a bit of walking! - Wheelchairs are available for rental if needed.) I will break these sections down so you can be sure to have the best information on what to expect on your adventure to Epcot!

Future World:



This is the ultimate section for tech lovers and those who like to take a peek into futuristic gadgets. However, it doesn't stop with that as you can also expect to find some great rides here too!



Spaceship Earth - This is one ride you won't pass by without notice. Many guests actually come to Epcot without even knowing it's really a ride! You know that big golf ball looking thing you see in almost all Epcot promotional photos? (You can even see it at the top photo of this article!). That's right - it's an actual ride! Ok, so it isn't the most thrilling of rides; but it's pretty cool to check out if it's your first visit to the park. It's also a great "cool-down" ride for the end of the day when you'd like to kick back and relax a bit. The premesis for the ride is that you are entering a time machine (this is your vehicle you will ride in and seats two people per row.) This 13 minute ride will take you through a timeline of events starting with prehistoric times and cruising up into the 21st century.

Innoventions - This area has been split into two sections: Innoventions East and Innoventions West. Both of these areas are a walk-through - it is not a ride. Innoventions East features many informative areas teaching your and your children about modern advancments, and topics revolving around keeping the world clean. There is also a very cool section called House of Innoventions. This is set up to look like a house, complete with bedrooms and all! Inside you will see amazing technology. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy things such as that. Innoventions West is my favorite section due to one very cool attraction - Club Cool! This is a very great place to score free drinks. That's right, I said FREE! (Before you get carried away, I'll let you know in advance that you aren't able to use your own water bottles. You must use their small plastic cup, however you can refill them.) One of the neatest things about it is that the soda is from all around the world. Here is a list of the flavors and their origin country -

Smart Watermelon - China
Diet Tai Guarana - Brazil
Mezzo Mix - Germany
Kinley Lemon - Israel
Lift Apple - Mexico
Krest Ginger Ale - Mozambique
Vegitabeta - Japan
Beverly - Italy







Universe of Energy (Ellen's Energy Adventure)- This is a show and ride all in one which stars Ellen Degeneres, Bill Nye, Alex Trebek, and Jamie Lee Curtis. (I hate to dissapoint, however the show is pre-recorded. It is not a live stage show with these celebrities.) The attraction begins with a video presentation which eventually breaks away and takes you on a ride through prehistoric times with animatronic dinosaurs. The main premesis for this attraction is learning about energy resources. This is one of the longer attractions with a duration of 40 minutes.



Mission Space - I must begin this briefing by warning anyone planning to ride this attraction to do so BEFORE eating lunch. If you do decide to go on this ride after eating, I would highly advise to wait awhile before doing so. This attraction is a motion simulation intended to make you truly feel as though you are taking part in a shuttle launch to Mars. It is a very cool experience intended to simulate astronaut training - definitely worth checking out. I would not recommend riding on this if you get motion sickness easily. You must be at least 44" to ride.

Test Track - This is a very fun ride, especially for the speed fanatics. (I highly recommend if possible to get a free fast pass for this attraction as the wait time can become a bit long. These are located nearby the ride.) You will be placed into a "test vehicle" where you will go through a series of safety tests. (The most exciting being the part where you speed around the track, feeling the wind blow through your hair at swift speeds.) You must be 40" to go on this ride.


The Seas with Nemo & Friends - This attraction has two featured which are excellent for kids . . . and adults! You can check out Turtle Talk with Crush - this is a very interactive show where kids can talk personally to Crush from Finding Nemo. During the presentation Crush will actually ask questions directly to the children and respond. It is not pre-recorded, but a live vocal performance. (How it is done still baffles me, but none the less it is very very neat!) The other part of this attraction is the actual Nemo ride. You will ride in a clam as you travel into the sea and help find Nemo! (Each clam seats up to 3 people.)



The Land - This is an informative and educational area which teaches how we can benefit and and also destroy our land. Inside of this area you will find other attractions as well:
Living with the Land - This is a slow log boat ride which takes you through nature themed areas where you will see the destruction and benefits both humans and nature itself can have on the environment. After you will float along into a greenhouse where you will view plants and vegetation.
Soarin - This is a very fun simulation where you will be lifted gently into the air on a "glider". The positioning is in front of a large movie screen so it appears during the ride that you are truly flying. You will glide over beautiful sites in California. One of the coolest interactions during this ride is that you will actually smell the areas you "fly" over. For example; there is a point where you will glide over an orange grove and can smell the oranges. It is truly a very neat experience! Riders must be at least 40" to participate.
Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable - This is a cute little show which features Timon and Pumba from The Lion King. It is an educational and informative short film about preserving nature. It teaches viewers that some actions may be harmful to our environment.
Dining - In this area you will also find a variety of dining options from Asian foods to a bakery. A great choice for variety.


Imagination! - This area is a pavilion which includes a few fun attractions:
Journey Into Imagination With Figment - This is a cute ride which features the lovable purple dragon - Figment. It's aimed at children to promote using their imagination.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Were you a fan of the movie Honey, I shrunk the kids? If so, you may really enjoy this attraction. Wayne Szalinski (the father in Honey, I shrunk the kids.) goofs things up and winds up shrinking the entire audience! You will be wearing special glasses as you experience being "shrunk". This is a 3-D attraction where you will be seated, watching a short film.
ImageWorks - This is a fun area for kids and adults to play around with interactive games. It's a great place to hang out after lunch, or if you just want a little hassle-free play time.


And now - onto the other section of Epcot (Yeah, this place is pretty big!)

World Showcase: This very cool - a must see! The loop is pretty large, so prepare for a lot of walk time. You will travel through themed places around the world as you journey around the loop centered by a large lake.


Mexico -
In this mexican themed area you can enjoy live music from Mariachi Cobre. There is also an attraction you may be interested in checking out: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.
In this section you can expect to find great mexican food!



Norway - This area is designed to look like an authentic Norwegian village. There is an attraction here in theme of the Vikings. Maelstrom will take you afloat on viking ships through scenic areas with animatronics.
Take a break after and stop by the Viking exhibit for your viewing pleasures. You can even dine on authentic Norwegian cuisine in this area.


China - This Chinese courtyard is towered over by a large Temple. It is a beautiful section where you can take a scenic walk along bridges and ponds. Be sure to check out the Dragon Legend Acrobats if they are out performing. There is also some delicious Chinese cuisine in this area.





Germany - Themed as a German village, this is a beautiful and authentic feeling area. You can expect to find stores here which retail German items and books. You can also dine on authentic German dishes in this section.



Italy - Styled as an Italian plaza, you are sure to get an authentic feeling while touring this section. There is also great live entertainment by World Showcase Players. Characters from the Disney movie Pinocchio can be seen roaming this area throughout the day. You can also find yummy Italian foods here.



The American Adventure - What a concept. . . an American themed section - in America. I assume those from outside countries can appreciate this area moreso than those who see similar things on a daily basis. This section revolves around a show which takes you through American history. This is done by animatronics of important individuals throughout the history of our country.


Japan - This is one of my favorite sections. It is both beautiful and a cool experience. You can watch Matsuriza drummers and Japanese story-tellers in this area. There is also authentic Japanese snacks and drinks inside of the store. One of the things I find coolest is the dining experience here. It is a Habachi grill Teppanyaki styled restaraunt. (This is where your food is prepared in an entertaining manner right infront of you.) This was one of the most delicious eating choices I've had inside of an amusement park - although I will admit, they do feed you quite a bit of white rice to fill you up.


Morocco - This section is designed to look and feel like a Moroccan city. Throughout the day you can spot characters from Disney's Aladdin roaming around in this area. While you're there, be sure to stop in for a showing of Mo'Rockin (Rock & Roll music styled around Arabian beats.) You will also find authentic Moroccan cuisine there.


France - This area is themed to look like a French neighborhood. (You can even spot the "Eiffel Tower" in the background!) During your visit to this section you may catch Serveur Amusant - a juggling performance which goes on throughout during the day. If you're hungry you can take advantage of some authentic French dishes.


United Kingdom - This section is styled to look like a U.K. village. You can view beautiful British gardens. (There is even a hedge maze!) There isn't many dull moments in this area as you will be able to watch The British Invasion performing routinely throughout the day (This is a Beatles tribute band. There is also a comedy routine show that you can watch as well. If you are hungry, or just need some time to relax you can check out the British Pub.


Canada - This unique area is designed to give you the feel of being in the beautiful outdoors of Canada. You'll be able to view a "canyon", waterfalls, and gardens in this section. Don't forget to pick up some authentic Canadian pastries during your time there!

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SPECIAL EVENTS:

Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival
(An event where you can view amazing and gorgeous gardens and flowers. There will also be many "toon" shaped topiaries.)
March 19, 2008 - June 01, 2008


Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival
(An event where you will have the opportunity to sample delicious food and wine from around the world!)
September 28, 2007 - November 09, 2008

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Current 1-day ticket price: Adult $71.00 Child (3-9) $60.00

Please call (407) 939-6244 for more information and to confirm price rates have not changed.


All photo rights reserved to © Disney

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the nature themed amusement park filled with animals, dinosaurs, and dragons!

"Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn."
—Michael Eisner

During your adventure at Animal Kingdom you will explore through seven differently themed "lands".

Oasis:
This is the first area you will visit once arriving at Animal Kingdom. It is the beginning of your journey into fun and adventure. You will choose from a few different paths which will all lead you into Discovery Island. The paths will walk you through scenic areas where you can view different wildlife.



Discovery Island:
This "island" is the center of the entire park which features the icon of Animal Kingdom - The Tree of Life. This is the area of choice as you will find many different paths leading to all of the other sections of the park.
The Tree of Life is a very cool artificial tree structure - a great photo opportunity! After walking through winding naturistic paths, you will go inside of the Tree of Life where you can find a 3-D attraction:

It's Tough to be a Bug! - This is a seated 3-D attraction where you will get to watch a short film featuring characters from Pixar's A Bug's Life. It is a cute and comical show which gives insight to what it's like being a bug! The film is 9 minutes long.



Camp Minnie-Mickey:
This area is dedicated to two entertaining shows. It is also a great spot for kids to meet and greet with their favorite Disney characters as they will be wondering around this area throughout the day. If they have autograph booklets, be sure to have them out and ready with a camera!

Festival of the Lion King - This is a great show in an encloded theater in this area. Performers are dressed in traditional African attire and sing to song from The Lion King, and more! There is also some acrobatics throughout the performance.

Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends - This is a neat outdoor stage performance which features Pocahontas and her live animal friends. The songs in the show are sung live and children are able to sit towards the front of the stage so they can get a close view of the animals.






Africa:
This is the place to be to see a variety of wildlife! It's a beautiful area where you will have the opportunity to view animals freely roaming in their habitat.

Kilimanjaro Safaris - This attraction is a favorite in the Africa area in Animal Kingdom. You will embark on an adventure across an 800 mile square foot natural habitat. You will be riding in a tour vehicle with a live tour guide who will point out animals throughout your journey. The premesis for this ride is that you are on a 2-week safari in East Africa. Everything seems to be going great until the tour guide gets a phone call alerting him/her that there have been poachers spotted in the area. It's now up to you to catch them and save the animals! During this ride you will see many Afican animals such as elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and much more!



Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - Get your walking shoes ready! This is a walkthrough section where you can view African wildlife (Don't worry they aren't roaming out in the open!) Along the path you will find many "researchers" ready to fill you in on great information about the animals and will answer questions you may have about them. (This is a great opportunity to educate kids, while still having fun!) Try to spot out gorillas, hippos, and more!




Rafiki's Planet Watch:
This is a neat area which you can only get to via train. It's a fun and educational section where you will have the opportunity to come in contact with animals.
Wildlife Express Train - This is the train that you will ride on to come and go from Rafiki's Planet Watch area. The ride is about 7 minutes long and you will pass by a brief area where you can view some of the animals holding buildings (This is where animals such as the elephants will go when there is need for them to be removed from the open terrain. Or possibly when they first arrive to the park from other locations.)

Habitat Habit! -
At this attraction you will walk along a path surrounded with beautiful plantlife. During the trek along this area you will find Cottontop Tamarin primates up close in habitats. These are an endangered species - and very cute to watch! Along your journey you will have opportunities to learn about ways you can help animals.


Affection Section - This attraction is a favorite for the kids! It's a petting zoo! You will be able to enter and pet many different goats and cattle. It's a fun and interactive place to stop in.

Conservation Station - This is a center you can visit in this area where you will find educational and informative topics. It is filled with ways to promote wildlife conservation. You will be able to play interactive games in here themed around wildlife.


Asia -
This is the area to be if you desire some thrill throughout your day. On this land you will have the chance to ride up the tallest mountain in the world! (No, not really. . . but it's still a fun ride themed to look like Mt. Everest!) It's also a great place to cool off and get wet!



Kali River Rapids -
Zoom down the wild rapids on this attraction themed to look like the Indian rain forest. The foliage is lush and looks very authentic. At first things seem nice and scenic, a relaxing journey through the forest - this doesn't last long. Very quickly after you set afloat you'll find that illegal loggers have destroyed a part of the forest and now there is debris all along the river. You'll be sent into fierce waters before plummeting down a "waterfall" (which may get you very wet!). Riders must be 38" or above.


Maharajah Jungle Trek - This is a walkthrough where you can view many cool animals along your walk on this 2000ft path. You will see wildlife such as:
Komodo dragon
Blood python
Indonesian bantang cattle
and many others! There is also a storyline which goes along with this attraction which you can find information about once there.

Expedition Everest - This is a very fun roller coaster. It does not go upside down or in any type of barrel roll or loop. However, it does have a time during the ride where you will travel backwards! You will climb "the forbidden mountain" in your sled styled coaster train. Beware though . . . this mountain is guarded by a vicious abominable snowman who is on the prowl to get you away! The highlight of the ride is an 80 foot drop sending you swooping down to the foot of "Mt. Everest".




DinoLand U.S.A.:

The name says it all - this area is themed around dinosaurs!



The Boneyard - This is a fun area where kids and adults can play around through mazes revolving around dino bones.

Dinosaur - On this ride you'll board a vehicle called the "Time Rover" as you embark on a journey to prehistoric times. This ride is visually cool but pretty bumpy and will cause a bit of turbulance. Riders must be 40" tall.


Finding Nemo - The Musical - This is a very cute musical worth seeing. It features a variety of musical songs with an interesting stage performance. The duration is roughly 30 minutes long.



Dino-Sue - You can find this towering dino exclusively here at Animal Kingdom. It is a very...very large replica of the largest T-rex ever discovered. This baby is the length of a 4-story building! It makes for a great photo opportunity, so be sure to have those cameras out!

Primeval Whirl - On this roller coaster the premesis is that you are traveling through time. Sounds like the ride Dinosaur...deja vu. The thing that makes this coaster quite unique is that while you are zooming up and down the track, you'll also be spinning in circles. The cart you ride in spins around as you move. (Would not recommend this to those who get motion sickness easily.) However, if you think your tummy can handle the rotations, I'd definitely recommend checking it out! Must be 48" to ride.



TriceraTop Spin - This is a ride where you ride in a dinosaur styled vehicle and will control the movements (up/down etc.) as you spin around a stationary centerpiece.


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Current 1-day ticket price: Adult $71.00 Child (3-9) $60.00
Please call (407) 939-6244 for more information and to confirm price rates have not changed.

MGM Studios

Coming Soon.

Magic Kingdom

Coming Soon.

SeaWorld

Coming Soon.

Aquatica

Aquatica is a newer addition to Busch Entertainment Corporation. Located conveniently next to Sea World and Discovery Cove - this is a great addition to your vacation excitement. Aquatica is a unique water park where fun awaits everyone of all ages. Unlike many other water attraction parks, Aquatica incorporates real marine life into it all. It is a great experience to remember for a lifetime!

Some travelers may be hesitant to visit Aquatica due to weather that isn't so hot. Although I would not recommend going to the park while it's very cool out - you can expect the water to feel nice as it is heated up to 84 degrees F.

You are not allowed to carry any personal food into the park, so please keep this in mind prior to packing your bag for the day. They will not allow you into the park with any food or drink which has not been purchased inside of Aquatica and it will be thrown away. However, they do offer three restaurants - one including an all-you-can-eat buffet. (This buffet includes Vegetarian Burgers as well.)

Travel Tip to Aquatica: Be sure to carry cash on hand to pay for parking. The current fee is $10.00 for cars and motorcycles and $12.00 for recreational vehicles.

You will also want to bring your own towels as there is a fee to rent them from the park.

Aquatica attractions:

Dolphin Plunge - This is a very unique slide which sets this water park aside from others. You will set off in a pitch black tunnel, sliding quickly along; when suddenly you see light! At this point on the slide you are now submerged under the water (While still in the tube of the slide of course!) as you pass by Commerson's Dolphins. (You will have a much easier time viewing these dolphins afterwards. You are sliding so quickly through the submerged section that it is difficult to see the marine life.) - You must be 48" tall to go on this slide.

Cutback Cove & Big Surf Shores - These are your typical wave pools. One neat thing however is that they are split into two sections and styled to look as though you are in the ocean. The water gradually gets deeper and you're next to an actual beach setting (with real beach sand!). It gives a much more authentic feel. The water also feels very nice on cooler days as this section is heated during certain times of the year.

Loggerhead Lane - This is a unique version of the lazy river. You can choose from either single or double tubes to ride in (great for couples!) - and the best part is, they're free! The river has very nice foliage along the way which will give you the feeling of being in a true tropical oasis. A feature along this river that sets it apart from others is that on your relaxing journey around the loop you will enter a small "tunnel" (there are two separate ones) where you can view a tank filled with many tropical fish and dolphins. Those under 48" are required to wear a life vest at all times while in the river. *Note: Be sure to stay in the tube at all times or a lifeguard may call out to you and have you do so. On this specific river you need to be in a tube.*

Tassie's Twisters - During your time floating along Loggerhead Lane, you can make a pit stop to this slide. (The only way to get to this slide is through Loggerhead Lane! A unique concept!) This ride is very cool, and you can choose to go solo or with a partner. Be sure to hold onto your raft from Loggerhead Lane as you will need a raft to go on this slide. You will take off into darkness as you speed downward and into a large "bowl". After spiraling around the bowl a couple of times you will take one last plunge right back into Loggerhead Lane! In order to go on this slide all riders must be able to firmly grip each of the raft handles without assistance.

Roa's Rapids - This is another river - however; unlike it's sister Loggerhead Lane, this river is a no-raft zone. You will begin by putting on a complimentary life vest (Don't be embarrassed, everyone else is wearing them too!) You'll then make your way deeper into the zooming rapids. It is a fast flowing water "ride" the whole family can enjoy. It's surprisingly relaxing after a long day in the park. You can 'bob' along the river to take a load off of your feet. Anyone under 51" must have a life vest on or you can not enter the rapids. I would recommend guests of all sizes to use them as it makes this attraction must more entertaining.



Kata's Kookaburra Cove - A great beginners area for the future water park fanatics - your kids! This area has great slides and attractions just for children! No one above the height of 48" is permitted on any slides.



Taumata Racer - Oooh, this may be one of the most intimidating slides in the park - and yet, one of the most fun too! You slide down this face paced ride on long mats . . . head first! You will be sent zooming into darkness before being quickly sent shooting back into the light as you only have milliseconds before getting sent downward in this 8 person race! (The ride is not truly a "race", although it does make it much more interesting to see who can make it down the fastest and farthest.) Riders must be at least 42" to enjoy this slide. Anyone under 48" must wear a life vest. (I'm not arguing with safety here, please keep to mandatory instructions..although I must admit I was slightly confused when reading that as there is no swimming involved with this slide.)



Walhalla Wave & HooRoo Run - These slides are both on the same tower. It will split off as you climb the stairs. Walhalla Wave is a 6-story raft ride that sends you down 'rapids' of twists and turns. HooRoo Run is more intense than Walhalla Wave. From the start it sends you on numerous steep drops all of the way to the bottom. Riders must be at least 42". Anyone under 48" is required to wear a life vest.

Walkabout Waters - This is the ultimate water play land for children! They can have a blast in this 60 foot tall colorful fortress! There is water splashing and spurting from all directions.



Whanau Way - This slide is a blast! There are 4 separate slides (two different styles.). Each slide has it's moments where you will be in darkness appearing in the end as you swiftly plunge down into the pool. The end "drop" is steep, but not too steep to where it is too scary for children. I would say this is a great slide for the family. You use a one or two person tube raft on this ride. All riders must be able to firmly grip the handles of their raft without assistance.

Please click on the map below to enlarge it. This is a map of the entire park.


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Current prices are as follows:

Florida Residents: $38.95 Adult $32.95 Child (Age 3-9)

Regular Admission: $38.95 Adult $32.95 Child (Age 3-9)

Please call 1-888-800-5447 or 407-351-3600 to verify pricing has not changed since the time of this article.


All photo rights reserved to Craig D. and 2008 Busch Entertainment Corporation