Disney World Epcot
Are you planning a trip to Disney World and wondering what Epcot theme park is really like? If you are making your first visit to Disney World then Epcot is probably the park that you read about but really can’t decide what it is all about. You may have read that Epcot doesn’t have the much for kids to do. I hear this a lot but have to say that I just don’t agree with that. In recent years in particular Disney has done so much to make sure that every member of the family has a lot to keep them happy in Epcot. From Test Track to Epcot Soarin, Spaceship Earth to The Seas With Nemo and Friends there is something for everyone.
So why did Epcot get the reputation of being the ‘grown up’ Disney park? Possibly because of the World Showcase. Epcot is divided into 2 parts. Future World and World Showcase. Epcot is huge and you really do need 2 days to have any chance of seeing it all. Some people say that Epcot should stand for ‘Every Person Comes out Tired’!
Future World is the part of Epcot where you will find the headliner rides such as Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, Test Track,Soarin,and The Seas With Nemo and Friends. The idea behind Future World is to educate. Now I know this may sound like this is not much fun – an educational theme park? But the reality is that this is Disney at it’s best. Yes you will learn something but at the same time you are going to have a lot of fun.
World Showcase is probably the part of Epcot that it’s critics see as the most ‘grown up’ So just what is World Showcase? It is a representation of 11 countries – with replica architecture, shopping, shows and attractions. Each country in World Showcase is a representation of what that country has to offer and all the Cast Members and products sold are from that nation. So if you want a troll from Norway, chocolate from the United Kingdom,a kimono from Japan or silk slippers from China then this is the place to be.
Each country in World Showcase has a restaurant. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in the whole of Disney World. Try authentic Moroccan favorites,fish and chips from Harry Ramsden’s in the United Kingdom or the finest French cuisine in Chefs de Paris. There really is something for everyone in the restaurants and counter service dining locations in Epcot.
And to end your day at Epcot on a perfect note you cannot miss Illuminations Reflections of Earth. One of the most amazing fireworks displays ever created for Disney World this features lasers and pyrotechnics which have to be seen to be believed.
So is Epcot just for grown ups? I really don’t think so. It is probably my favorite Disney park in the world and also my kids all say the same. There is plenty for the children to do. Disney has made great progress in the last few years in trying to get away from the idea that kids just don’t enjoy Epcot as much as the other parks. World Showcase seemed to be their sticking point, but a lot of children really enjoy going around the different countries. Particularly when they have the Kidcot stops. It is amazing how much children enjoy collecting the stamps and symbols from each country in World Showcase to put on their Epcot masks. This activity is free for all kids at Epcot and it really is a big hit. I have lost count of how many masks my kids have made!
So do you want to see a complete guide to Epcot. I have a free guide which has some great photos and tips for how to make the most of your visit:
. This is the most comprehensive guide book available. There is a good reason why it has sold so well. It is well written, well researched, and has a lot of reader input.
. I like this book as it has a lot of information (not as much as the Unofficial Guide) but it really does have a lot of the basic things that you need to know about Disney World. Also I love the pictures. You really can’t fail but to get excited about your Disney vacation as soon as you open this book.