Originally envisioned by Walt Disney as an actual "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" (EPCOT, get it?) with real residents living and working in a Disneyfied utopia, his successors instead developed a world's fair-like park. Future World focuses on emerging technologies while World Showcase features pavilions devoted to a rainbow of nations. Originally the park took itself far too seriously and even banned Mickey and his pals. Now, the tone is lighter and attractions like Test Track have even given Epcot a bit of an edge.
Highlights
- Illuminations nighttime show
- Mission: SPACE- Ride review.
- Soarin'- Ride review.
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride- Ride review.
- Test Track
- China's Land of Beauty, Land of Time 360-degree film
- The American Adventure
Five Best Rides for Kids at Disney World- Includes two Epcot attractions.
Dining
With Epcot's international flair, there are some interesting choices:- Restaurant Marrakesh- Delicious and exotic Moroccan fare.
- Bistro de Paris- Very good, very expensive.
- Le Cellier Steakhouse- Who knew Canada had such great food? Reasonably priced too.
- Les Chefs de France- Good food, not as pricey as the Bistro.
- Disney World's Best Restaurants- As you might expect, Epcot is well represented on this list.
- Tips for Eating Healthy at Disney World- An exclusive About.com video based at Epcot.
Park Tips
- Miss Illuminations and you miss one of the very best attractions at WDW. Grab a spot at least 45 minutes before it begins. Try to get a good view of the lagoon near the U.K. pavilion.
- Skip Spaceship Earth first thing in the morning; that's where everyone heads. Later in the day, you should be able to walk on.
- The Mission: SPACE, Soarin', and Test Track queues explode as soon as the park opens. Use Fastpass but pick them up before midday as they may be gone after that. Also, consider using the single-rider lines.
- Check Epcot's Fastpass attractions and learn how to make the most of the Fastpass program.
- If you're hot and weary from all the lines, head to Club Cool where the soft drinks are free. (Sponsored by Coca-Cola. And I dare you to try "Beverly.")
Let the Memories Begin
The yearlong campaign will incorporate guests' images into a nightly show. Learn how to share your Disney memories in a big way.
It's a Small Solar System After All
From the start, the Disney theme parks have married technology and storytelling to whisk guests away to fantastic places. Mission: SPACE, the new, groundbreaking, awe-inspiring attraction at Epcot delivers sensations unlike any you have ever felt (unless you're an astronaut) and replicates space travel with an astonishing degree of reality. It figuratively--and literally-- takes your breath away. Read the overview and review.
