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.


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