Originally envisioned by Walt Disney as an actual "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" 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 centrifuge space flight simulator
- Soarin' motion simula.ÞK0D
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends Ride
- Test Track ride
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3-D film
- China's Land of Beauty, Land of Time 360-degree film
- The American Adventure presentation
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.
The Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Rides and Shows
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 Ice Station Cool where the temperature is so cold, there's actually snow. And the soft drinks are free.
- If you're the least bit queasy on motion simulator rides, you may want to avoid Body Wars for its lurching motion. If you do find yourself getting ill (on this or any simulator attraction), shut your eyes and you should find relief.
Guide to Walt Disney World Hotels
Are you planning a trip to Disney World? Great! Plenty of fun awaits you and your travel mates. Before you get there, however, you'll need to make plans, including hotel reservations. Check out About.com's Guide to Walt Disney World Hotels.
New for 2009:
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure
Using cell phones tricked out as "Kimmunicators," guests will receive video, text messaging, and audio clues to help them solve mysteries. Following the leads, participants will encounter actors, shopkeepers, and specially designed set pieces to uncover evidence hidden throughout the park.
Walt Disney World 2009 Ride Guide- Discover more of what's new at Disney World for the 2009 season.
New for 2010
- Give a Day, Get a Disney Day- Free Disney Park Tickets in 2010
Learn how to get a free Walt Disney World park ticket by offering a day of volunteer service. - Sum of all Thrills
Robotic arm simulator attraction debuted in Oct., 2009.
Sum of all Thrills video
Show and Tell: Share Your Best Disney World Photos.
Show and Tell: See other users' best Disney World photos.
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.
Photo: (C)Disney 2002
