After visiting The Magic Kingdom, we were super excited to discover the Epcot theme park.
We unfortunately only had one day to visit and although we didn’t get to all the attractions, those we did have time for was unforgettable!
What to know before you go
- Epcot consist of 2 themed areas – Future World (attractions that focus on energy, communication, the land and our environment, the ocean, imagination, transportation and space exploration) and the World Showcase (A collection of international pavilions).
- You can stay inside the resort with a Walt Disney World vacation package which include park tickets or stay at a hotel in town and purchase day passes.
- Dinner shows and tours must be booked in advance, to ensure availability
- The Disney FASTPASS reservation system reduces time spent in line at popular attractions.
The experience
Our journey started with a visit to Spaceship Earth that takes you through the history of communication.
Your ride is equipped with an interactive touch screen that asks you how you would like to live, work and play in the world of tomorrow.
At the end of the ride you can create your own video of the journey and download it from their website.
Our next adventure was a journey into space that ended with an amazing view of earth. You feel like you are airborne, an astronaut looking at the beauty of the universe, with planet earth right in front of you – breathtaking!
After hanging up our astronaut helmets, we took an educational trip to the Seas with Nemo and Friends, and I saw my first Manatee at the aquarium. Feel free to view the photos online.
We also strolled through a display of Disney collectibles at “The art of Disney” and had some refreshments at Club Cool where you can sample 8 different soft drinks from around the world at the international Coca-Cola tasting station.
By that time our tummies were growling and we decided to have lunch somewhere at the World Showcase Park.
The park includes pavilions of different countries including Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.
Each country showcases some of their architecture, traditions, food and products. They also have fun rides and shows that aim to educate and thrill visitors.
We ended up having some traditional food and beer at the German pavilion, and although I am of the opinion that if you want to try authentic food you have to eat it in the country it originated from, it came very close to authentic German cuisine.
We kissed a frog in Mexico, threw some coins in an Italian fountain, tried belly dancing in Morocco and took a scary cruise in Norway, to mention but a few! The World showcase is huge and you need more than one day to fully appreciate everything.
Rather than having a big lunch somewhere, try out all the different food on offer at the shops in the pavilions.
The day passed too quickly and we had time for only on more ride and decided to try out Soarin “a multi-sensory attraction for big kids, teens and adults that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the Golden State of California. An IMAX projection dome wraps 180 degrees around you, so you’re engulfed by the impressive scenery.”
In my opinion is this THE BEST ride in the world! I yelled and screamed like a kid, lifting my feet up as we “flew” over tree tops.
Before strapping yourself into the seats, you are given typical airline safety instructions and as soon as all passengers are on board, you are lifted 40 feet into the air. If you love flying this is the ride for you!
The awesome stuff
The shows/rides/pavilions are very informative, interactive and made to thrill.
Everything works like clockwork, it’s clean, organised and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Their website is very informative.
The less awesome stuff
The tickets are expensive (around $89 pp per theme park)
Food prices start at around $15 pp for a snack and a drink, and you are not allowed to bring in any food.
The verdict
It is absolutely worth a visit, but you need more than one day.