Epcot - Where worlds collide
Epcot Center (as it was originally called) was designed to be an educational haven full of exhibits that would show the wonders of the world. It did start out that way, and to some extent still is that way. But along the way, Disney found a way to make the education a little more fun.
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There are two "Worlds" in Epcot. Future World and the World Showcase. The two "Worlds" don't seem to have a lot in common, but together, they make a great theme park.
The Big Silver Ball
Photo by Jeff_B.
Future World
Future World looks at the future of the world. (Tell us something not so obvious. OK.) Each of the pavilions in Future World showcase a different technology that is prevalent in our world today. From The Seas, all the way around to Test Track, technology and innovation are on display.
Future World has evolved over the years from the slightly boring exhibits that Epcot Center started with. Now, with the addition of Soarin', Mission Space and Nemo, this park is not nearly as boring as it used to be.
The Seas, with Nemo and Friends
The Seas is a fascinating look at what is happening in the two-thirds of our planet that we take for granted. See divers going into the world largest aquarium and hundreds of fish doing what it is that fish do.
Attractions -
- Sea Base Alpha
- Turtle Talk - Starring Crush
- Mr. Ray's Lagoon
- Bruce's Sub House
- The Manatee Exhibit
Shopping - Jewelry and other water type gifts
Dining - Coral Reef Restaurant
Since this pavilion changed from the Living Seas, to The Seas with Nemo and Friends crowds have certainly gotten bigger. Turtle Talk is really neat.
Dad's The Seas, with Nemo and Friends page
The Land
The Land pavilion may be the place in Epcot where you will spend the most time (standing in line). The Land shows the best that our planet has to offer and talks about how we get our food and how we should take care of what nature has given us.
Attractions
- Soarin'
- Living with the Land
- Circle of Life: An environmental fable
Shopping - Soarin' stuff
Dining - Sunshine Seasons Food Court
The Land lost one of Dad's favorite attractions when Soarin' was built. Soarin' is great, but I still miss Food Rocks. (Dad's Ode to Food Rocks)
Imagination!
This pavilion is due for a major overhaul. Nothing has been announced, but it's just a matter of time.
Attractions -
- Honey I Shrunk the Audience ... Oops, I mean Captain EO
- Journey to Imagination with Figment
- ImageWorks
Shopping - Figment gear
Bringing Michael back was a temporary fix to a dying attraction. It's time to redo this one although the purple dragon is still cute.
Innoventions
Innoventions is divided into two buildings, the east and the west which works if you aren't all messed up on your directions.
Attractions
- East
- Environmentally Corner
- Test the Limits Lab
- Kim Possible Showcase Lab
- StormStruck
- Don't Waste it
- Sum of All Thrills
- West
- Smarter Planet
- SlapStick Studios
- Rockin' Robots
- Video game Playground
- Segway Central
- Where's The Fire?
- Kim Possible Showcase Lab
- The Great Piggy Bank Adventure
Dining - Electric Umbrella
Shopping - Mouse Gear, Club Cool
Innoventions has undergone some major changes through the years. From its start as the Communicore to its modern day iteration starring gadgets for the home. You and the kids can spend some serious time playing around in this one.
Dad's Innoventions page
Universe of Energy
The Universe of Energy is the home of Ellen's Energy Adventure. See how fossil fuels are made. Starring Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye, The Science Guy.
Attractions
- Universe of Energy
The ending movie is one of the most inspiring at Epcot and that's saying something.
Dad's Universe of Energy page
Wonders of Life
This seldom open pavilion is home to Body Wars and Cranium Command. Classic Disney attractions. Lately Disney has been using this area for group activities but not opening the rides. It's a real shame. The attractions were something special.
Mission Space
Take a ride to Mars. This ride is the total package. A centrifuge creates up to 4 g's of pressure. It's very intense and not for the faint of heart.
Attractions -
- Mission Space
- Advanced Training Lab
This may be the most intense rides anywhere. The Green Line is Perfect for those of us who suffer from any kind of motion problems. (Dad now goes in the Green Line.)
Dad's Mission Space page
Test Track
GM shows how cars are tested through fire, ice, shaking, braking and more. Take a ride, almost everyone comes back.
Attractions
- Test Track
- See GM concept cars
Shopping - Gift shop with GM and auto themed merchandise
Dad's Test Track page
Spaceship Earth
The big silver ball in the middle of the entrance. See how our communications has changed through the years.
Attractions
- Spaceship Earth
- Leave a Legacy
Shopping - Gateway Gifts, Camera Center
Spaceship Earth is one of the busiest rides at Epcot. Why? Because everyone has to walk right by it.
Dad's Spaceship Earth page
Future World Entertainment
Some of the best entertainment at Disney World happens in Epcot and a lot of it goes on in Future World. Here's a list of what you can see in Future World.
- Jammitors
- Innoventions Fountain Show
There may only be two of them, but they are not to be missed. The fountains are amazing and you'll hear the Jammitors before you see them.
World Showcase
Epcot's World Showcase is Disney's tribute to the concept of a World's Fair. It has offerings from a number of different countries and cultures. Each of the countries is staffed by cast members from the country, which brings a real authenticity to the experience.
Here are the countries represented working the way around the lagoon from left to right ...
Mexico
Walk into a Mayan Temple and find treasures at every turn including great shopping and some authentic (for America) Mexican food and drink.
Attractions -
Entertainment - Mariachi Cobre
Dining - San Angel Inn, La Cava del Tequila, La Hacienda y La Cantina (outside)
Shopping - Artesanias Mexicanas, La Familia Fashions, El Ranchito del Norte, Vendors Carts
Dad's Mexico page
Norway
Norway is an old country with lots of history and tradition. But it's the newest country in Epcot (which doesn't mean much since it opened in 1988).
Attractions -
Entertainment - Spelmanns Gledje
Dining - Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Kringla Bakeri og Kafe
Shopping - Puffin's Roost
Dad's Norway page
China
The wonders and beauty of China are on display in every corner of this pavilion. There are even some hidden treasures.
Attractions -
- Reflections of China
- The Temple of Heaven
- Tomb Warriors
- Kidcot
- Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure
Dining - Nine Dragons, Lotus Blossom Cafe
Entertainment - Dragon Legend Acrobats, Si Xian
Shopping - Yong Feng Shangdain Department Store, kiosks
Dad's China Pavilion page
Germany
Germany is the home of many things and Disney highlights some of the best. There is a Biergarten and lots of shopping. The only thing missing is the Mercedes.
Attractions -
Entertainment - Oktoberfest Musikaten
Dining - Biergarten
Shopping - Der Teddy Bear, Bolkskunst, Weinkeller, Sussigkeiten, Die Weihnachts Ecke, Kunstarbeit In Kristal, Glaskunst, Karmell-Kuche
Dad's Germany page
Italy
Italy may be the best looking (and the best smelling) Epcot Pavilion. The statues and restaurants make for a wonderful combination.
Attractions -
- Kidcot
Dining - Via Napoli, Tutto Italia
Entertainment - Sergio the Juggler, World Showcase Players
Shopping - La Botttega, Delizie Italiane, Il Bel Cristallo, La Cucina Italina
Dad's Italy page
America
The American Adventure. The host country of this World Showcase sits right in the middle of the countries. This pavilion tells the story of America. From the crummy fast food to the technological marvel that is the centerpiece of the World Showcase, it's truly America.
Attractions -
- The American Adventure
- American Heritage Gallery
- American Gardens Theater (home of the Candlelight Processional)
- Kidcot
Dining - Liberty Inn
Entertainment - Voices of Liberty, Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps
Shopping - Heritage Manor Gifts, Kodak Kiosk, Pin Cart
Dad's America Pavilion page
Japan
The Japan Pavilion in Epcot is the perfect balance of beauty, order and good food (plus a little noise thrown in). The gardens (which are well hidden) are beautiful.
Attractions -
- Tin Toys
- Kidcot
- Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure
Entertainment - Matsuriza, Miyuki
Dining - Teppan Edo, Katsura Grill, Tokyo Dining
Shopping - Mitsukoshi Department Store
Dad's Japan Pavilion page
Morocco
Morocco is one of the least visited pavilions in Epcot. There is a lot here to see, buy and eat. You can even learn to belly dance. Come on, Mrs. Mom, let's go.
Attractions -
- Treasures of Morocco
- Gallery of Arts and History
- The Art of Personal Adornment
- Fez House
- Kidcot
Entertainment - MoRockin, Aladdin characters
Dining - Restaurant Marrakesh, Tangerine Cafe
Shopping - Tangier Traders, Medina Arts, Berber Oasis, The Brass Bazaar, Casablanca Carpets, Marketplace in Medina
Dad's Morocco page
France
Belle and the Beast, Luminere and Mrs. Potts, Be our Guest and more. This is France. (There's even an Eiffel Tower.) Food, food and more food.
Attractions -
Entertainment - Serveur Amusant
Dining - Chefs de France, Bistro de Paris, Boulangerie Paitisserie
Shopping - La Casserole, La Signature, Art Fest, Galerie Des Halles, Les Vins de France, Plume Et Palette
Dad's France page
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another of the skippable pavilions that has some beautiful things to see, some good food to eat and even some good music.
Attractions -
Entertainment - The British Invasion, World Showcase Players, Pam Brody
Dining - Rose and Crown, Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Shopping - Queens Table, The Tea Caddy, Magic of Wales, Crown & Crest, Sportsman Shoppe, The Toy Soldier
Dad's United Kingdom page
Canada
The last (or first if you start on the right side of the lagoon) pavilion in the World Showcase is Canada. O Canada! Wow, this place is incredible. The best steak at Disney World can be found here along's with a great movie.
Attractions -
- O Canada!
- Kidcot
Entertainment - Off Kilter
Dining - Le Cellier
Shopping- Trading Post and Northwest Mercantile, La Boutiques Des Provinces
Dad's Canada page
The Details
Every successful park visit come down to The Details. No one is better than Dad about The Details. Here are some things you need to know about Epcot.
Crowds
This is the second busiest theme park in the world, so it's natural that there are crowds at times. Dad is an expert on Disney World Crowds. There are some thing you need to know about how to deal with the natural (and sometimes unnatural) throngs that sometimes overwhelm the park.
Dad's Epcot Crowds page
Hours
Unlike the other parks, Epcot hours are the same all most all year. Future World opens at 9:00am. The World Showcase opens at 11:00am. The park closes at 9:00pm. Boring. Extra Magic Hours will change that a bit for Disney Hotel guests, but all in all for most of the year, boring.
Dad's Hours page
Events
More than any other park, Epcot host events. Almost year around there is something big going on at and it's usually something big. Here is the semi-complete list.
Illuminations
Photo by Don Sullivan
- International Flower and Garden Festival
- Sounds Like Summer
- Food and Wine Festival
- Holidays Around the World
These events are some of the best things that happen during the year. Make sure to check you schedules for times and dates.
Illuminations
Uncle Walt was always looking for the Perfect way to end the day. Every night on the World Showcase Lagoon a very special closing show happens. It's called Illuminations. It involves music, fireworks, lasers, a barge that spews fire and a magical globe that dances and brings images to the show.
Dad's Illuminations page
The Little Things
Make sure you take time to see some of the little things. The Rose Garden in the United Kingdom pavilion is spectacular. Uncle Walt loved toy trains, and you can see a really interesting toy train exhibit between Germany and Italy. There are wonderful artists in Japan and Mexico and lots, lots more.
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Dad's Bottom Line
Epcot is a great place to see things you can't see anywhere else. From new technology to wonderful culture from around the world it's a great experience.
