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Walt Disney World Tour Guide

Disney Parks > EPCOT

Disney's EPCOT Park

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!

Disney's EPCOT Map

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.