Blog Entry Five - EPCOT

“The most exciting and by far the most important part of our Florida Project - in fact the heart of everything we’ll be doing in Disney World - will be out Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow! We call it EPCOT” 

- Walt Disney 

       EPCOT was opened on October 1st 1982. It was the second park to open on the Walt Disney Property (after Magic Kingdom),  in Bay Lake FL. The park spans over 300 acres and has only two “lands”, Future World and the World Showcase. However, the World Showcase is split up into 11 sub lands known as the countries. EPCOT is widely recognized for it’s 18 story geodesic sphere, also known as the giant golf ball in the middle of the park. It is the first thing guests see as they enter the park, it is also a ride called Spaceship Earth that takes the guests back through time and into the future. 

Future world is split into two different spaces, Future World East and West. The eastern area is home to Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Mission Space, and Test Track (some of the parks most popular attractions).  Mission Space is a simulated adventure to Mars. Guest’s are put into a chamber that holds 4 people (a navigator, pilot, engineer, and commander). In the chamber space explores feel around 2.5G forces (two times the force of gravity you feel just walking around). There is a Green Team and an Orange Team, it is with the orange team that you can feel the G forces aka the full experience. Future World East is also home to the fastest ride on property, Test Track (sponsored by GM (General Motors)). Not many people know this, but if you are an employee of General Motors you can check in at the desk and an attendant will take you up to a lounge that overlooks the park. 

Future World West holds a large building named “The Land”. The Land is home to a food court, The Circle of Life, and Soarin’. One of the Walt Disney Company’s most famous ride since opening is Soarin, which simulates the guest in a hang glider soaring over California (now changed to the world). Outside of “The Land” there is The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle talk with Crush and one of my person favorites Journey into imagination with Figment. 

Coming around to talk about World Showcase, which is one of the most interesting places in Walt Disney World. There are eleven “pavilions” in the World Showcase: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Each country has its own attraction or shops and restaurants. Mexico has the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros along with 2 restaurants. Norway recently opened a Frozen attraction, a boat ride that takes you through the kingdom of Arendelle, along with Princess Fairytale dining. China has two restaurants, an exhibit about its history and a show called “Reflections of China”. Italy has two eateries (pizza and pasta…of course!). America has a thirty minute show called “The American Adventure” it is also where you can see the Voices of Liberty perform (I would tell you all about them, but I don't want to spoil the magic!!).

The Mexican Pavilion at EPCOT

The German Pavilion at EPCOT

Moving into Japan you can go to 4 different dining areas and enjoy the Japanese culture through an interactive shop. Morocco is one of the most under appreciated pavilions in the World Showcase, you can get henna, explore the twists and turns of the country and even meet Jasmine and Aladdin! Once you get to Germany I have one piece of advice, have a pretzel or try the caramel. You will not regret it!!! The United Kingdom is where you can meet Mary Poppins and Alice, all the way from Wonderland. In France you can dine at the Monsieur Paul (expensive but some of the best food I have ever had) I will include a picture at the bottom!! In Canada you can enjoy the show perfectly named, O Canada! along with a nice steak and seafood meal at Le Cellier Steakhouse. One thing many people don’t know about working in the countries pavilion you have to be from the country. For example I couldn’t work in the Canadian pavilion only someone from Canada is permitted to work there!

Tune in next week for a look into Hollywood Studios!