Disney Parks > EPCOT
EPCOT is an acronym that stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. Yeah, get ready to see the future!
EPCOT is all about what is going to happen, not what is, and
experience that with masterful rides like Mission Space and Test Track,
the future is very exhilirating.
EPCOT is split into 2 parts: Future World and World Showcase.
Future World is a section for educational fun and the World Showcase
allows you to travel the world without even leaving Orlando!
Future World Attractions
Leave a Legacy
In front of Spaceship Earth and in Future World you can find
information about leaving your mark at Epcot. You can purchase a
metal tile and have your picture taken on it. It will be placed
at the entrance of Epcot so you can see it every time you visit
Disney's Epcot. This can be great if you visit later with kids!
Spaceship Earth
Inside Epcot's signature monument is a ride that takes you through a
timeline based on the history of communication. It is very
informative and interesting. Tip: Don't ride it at the end of the
day when you are tired. The ride is dark, slow, and relaxing you
may fall asleep.
Universe of Energy
This show allows you to travel with Ellen DeGeneres through prehistoric
times for you to learn more about energy. You'll get to
experience dinosaurs, volcanoes, and many other interesting features.
Mission: Space
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel in
space? Well, Disney World is giving you a chance to become an
astronaut. This ride gives you a hands-on experience of what it
would be like to travel to Mars. Be warned, the ride could get a
little bumpy.
Test Track
Take the opportunity to become a crash-test dummy, without the crash
part though. This ride allows you to test your car through
vigorous road conditions and extreme weather temperatures.
Innoventions
In the heart of Future World is a pavilion which is divided into two
sections: East and West. If you're into science and technology
this is a place not to miss. There is so much to do depending on
your interests.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
This is a 3-D attraction which accidentally shrinks the audience.
Don't worry you'll be back to normal size once they figure out how.
Journey into Imagination
Take a ride in a car with Figment and experience three of your senses:
visual, auditory, and smell. Usually, the lines are small and the
wait is extremely short.
Imageworks
This is the Kodak "What If" lab where there are many hands on activities that allows you to explore your creative side.
Soarin
A fairly new attraction is one that is not to be missed. Fly high
into the sky and experience the world vividly through the theater
screen. You can visit sceneries from various climates to
different geographical locations.
Circle of Life
You can take a break and relax while learning about the environment from Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa from the Lion King.
Living with the Land Boat Ride
This boat ride will educate you on agricultural. From the rough
times to how things are grown. The ride itself is pretty relaxing
and very informative.
Behind the Seeds Tour
For a small admission price you can take a tour and learn about how
different types of vegetation are grown at Disney. The
information comes directly from the Scientists and the tour goes
through a few live greenhouses. This tour is great for those
interested in agriculture and gardening.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends (The Living Seas)
Recently renovated and renamed this is the newest attraction at
Epcot. You can go under the sea and take a ride in the
"clammobile" while experiencing the latest technology that Disney has
ever come up with. Animation is projected inside the massive
aquarium making you feel as if Nemo and his friends are actually in the
water. This is a MUST SEE new attraction!
EPCOT - World Showcase Attractions
The World Showcase Lagoon
The world is united around this breathtaking lagoon (also where
Illuminations takes place). You can take a boat tour which
travels around the outskirts of the lagoon allowing visitors to enjoy
the World Showcase in a relaxing setting. Loading docks are
located next to Mexico, Germany, Morocco, and Canada.
Illuminations
The final presentation of Epcot is Illuminations. The action
takes place in the heart of the World Showcase Lagoon and is a
magnificent fireworks show that is not to be missed.
Mexico
Attraction
The main architecture is the pre-Colombian pyramid. Once you enter you
feel like you are in an in-door Mexico with vendors selling all sorts
of Mexican souvenirs. Inside, you will also find an elegant
Mexican restaurant and a dark, but relaxing boat ride exploring the
history of Mexico in a romantic setting.
Shops
Outside of the pyramid you can find several market-like shops selling
various souvenirs of the Mexican culture. These artistic crafts
include home decorations, sombreros, pinatas, jewelry, clothing, and
much more.
Restaurants
San Angel Inn Restaurant - This is located in the pyramid and has a more romantic type setting.
Cantina de San Angel - This place is located just across
from the pyramid and is a little less expensive. They have seats
where you can view the World Showcase Lagoon.
Norway
Attractions
Maelstrom - The main attraction of Norway is a boat ride
that takes you through the history of Norway through its folklore
tails. At some point the ride is forced to move backwards, but
you'll make it back safe.
You can find a playground in a Viking-styled ship. It is a great place for kids to play around and have fun.
Shops
Souvenir shops can be found throughout Norway, selling all kinds of
Norwegian souvenirs including: carved wood figures, sweaters, and
trolls.
Restaurants
Akershus - This restaurant is set in the medieval times and has an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch and dinner.
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe - This cafe is located under a shade and serves sandwiches and pastries.
China
Attractions
"
Land of Beauty, Land of Time" - You can experience the
beauty of China in a 360° Circle-Vision theater located in the Hall
of Prayer for Good Harvest. The film shows scenery from all parts of
China. The theater has no seats, but has railings that you can
lean against.
The architecture of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is very
detailed and intricate. If you're into architecture you may like
to take a few minutes to look around.
In the courtyard, you'll always find acrobatic performers doing amazing
routines. These performers and incredibly talented and it's hard
to turn away when you're watching them.
Shops
Yong Feng Shangdian Shop - You can find all sorts of souvenirs of the
Chinese culture, from furniture to kites and so much more.
Restaurants
The Nine Dragons Restaurant - This is a formal Chinese dining area with a wide variety of Chinese cuisine.
The Lotus Blossom Cafe - Serves various Chinese dishes over the counter.
Germany
Attractions
The German Plaza, the medieval styled castle, and the architecture are
the attractions itself. However, many visitors love to examine
the miniature replica of a small German village with miniature trains
traveling through.
Shops
Several shops are located in this pavilion selling toys, beer steins, as well as many other German novelties.
Die Weihnachts Ecke - You can find all types of Christmas decoration here year round.
Kunstarbeit In Kristal - This is a crystal and glass shop. Here, you'll find jewelry and several other glass and crystal souvenirs.
Restaurants/Foods
Biergarten - You can experience an Oktoberfest environment
while you eat traditional German cuisine. It is an
all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch and dinner.
Sommerfest - For faster, over the counter service you can German sandwiches and other German dishes.
Weinkeller - For wine lovers, you can purchase fine wines.
Sussigkeiten - The German candy shop.
Italy
Attractions
There are no specific attractions in Italy. However, for those
who like to be romantic can walk through Italy on the Venetian bridges,
view the bell tower, a replica of the one in St. Mark's Basilica, and a
replica of an Italian palace.
Among other things to view: the fountain, the gardens, and the live performance of singers in the center of the plaza.
Shops
La Bottega Italiana - You can find clothing and accessories here.
La Gemma Elegante - This is a jewelry shop.
Il Bel Cristallo - You can find a wide range of crystals, glassware, and porcelain souvenirs here.
Restaurants/Foods
L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - This is an
indoor Italian restaurant serving several Italian dishes. This
restaurant is also a good place for a romantic date.
La Cucina Italiana - This shop serves a variety of sweet pastries and desserts.
Delizie Italiane - You can find Italian chocolates and more sweets at this shop.
The American Adventure
Attractions
The American Adventure Theater is a 30-minute show that focuses on the
discovery and history of America located in the colonial themed
mansion. Inside the pavilion you can also find quotes from famous
Americans of the past as well as several American flags hanging
overhead.
Across the pavilion is the American Gardens Theatre which is an outside stage/amphitheater.
Restaurants
Liberty Inn - Enjoy some great American food like hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and much more at this over-the-counter restaurant.
Japan
Attractions
The "White Heron Castle" is a museum exhibiting traditional and modern
art of the Japanese culture. The gardens surrounding the pavilion
portray the culture of Japan.
Shops
You can find shops all around the pavilion selling all types of Japanese souvenirs and gifts.
Restaurants
Teppanyaki Dining Room - Enjoy Japanese food while sitting around grill as you watch the chef prepare your food.
Mitsukoshi Tempura Kiku - Watch the chef deep-fry and prepare your Japanese meal at this restaurant.
Yakitori House - Enjoy a few Japanese specialties at this over-the-counter service.
Matsu No Ma Lounge - Stop here if you would like to enjoy some sushi and sashimi.
Morocco
Attractions
You will know you're in Morocco when you see the historical replica of
a mosque. Notice the details that make it look as if it is
actually from several centuries ago.
Visit the Royal Gallery and the Moroccan National Tourist Office where
you can learn more about the culture in a slide show presentation.
The Medina is the marketplace where you can find all sorts of Moroccan
souvenirs including costumes, accessories, and instruments.
The courtyard features musician and exotic belly dancers with an acrobatic touch.
The Gallery of Arts and History has several displays of the Moroccan culture and tradition.
The Fez House focuses on Moroccan architecture.
"The Treasures of Morocco" is a tour through Morocco given daily.
Shops
The marketplace has several different shops to choose from. You
can find different and unique souvenirs at each shop.
Restaurants
Restaurant Marrakesh - Have a taste of Moroccan specialties while experiencing a Moroccan atmosphere.
Moorish Cafe and Pastry Sho - Here you can find Moroccan pastries, coffees, and teas.
France
Attractions
Sit in the theater of "Impressions de France" and learn about the
French and their land while viewing 5 enormous screens.
Take a walk through the pavilion and you'll feel as if you are really
in France; from the miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower to the bridge
over the water with French artists painting away.
In the courtyard you'll find an entertaining mime as well as "Living
Statues". You can check the park guide for times.
Shops
You can find shops through the French pavilion selling a variety of souvenirs from perfumes to wines.
Restaurants
Chefs de France - Enjoy the French cuisine prepared by French chefs.
Boulangerie Patisserie - You can have some French pastries for dessert.
United Kingdom
Attractions
From the detailed architecture to the bright red phone booths and the
smell of the infamous fish and chips, there's no doubt that you're in
England.
You can relax or take a break in the back of the pavilion in the
English garden while you have your kids explore and figure out Tigger's
Maze.
If your wanting some laughs and giggles you can watch an improve group perform in the pavilion.
Shops
There are several shops to choose from depending on your
interests. There are toy shops, collectors' items shops, and
clothing shops at this pavilion.
Restaurants
Yorkshire County Fish Shop - You can enjoy your lunch or dinner with a beautiful view of the Lagoon.
Rose and Crown Dining Room - This is England's version of
a bar where you can relax, have fun, and have a drink the British
way. The pub also serves a variety of English specialties.
Canada
Attractions
The Maple Leaf Mine has a 360° theater that shows a presentation of the Canadian culture and land.
At the center of the pavilion you can watch performances of Celtic and
traditional music. You can refer to the park guide for
show/performance times.
Notice the detailed landscaping that brings out the beauty of Canada's pavilion.
Shops
La Boutique des Provinces - This shop sells dolls, pottery, and several other Canadian souvenirs.
Restaurants
Le Cellier - This is a dine-in restaurant with a cellar feel. You can enjoy a Canadian meal with Canadian beer!
International Gateway
This is the back entrance to Epcot leading you directly into the World
Showcase. You can purchase park tickets from here as well.
Entrance through here is by the ferry from Hollywood Studios or some of
the Disney resorts including the Dolphin, Swan, Yacht and Beach Club,
and Boardwalk.