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Epcot Illuminations:Reflections of Earth

January 30, 2013 by 1 Comment

Epcot Illuminations Reflections of Earth celebrates it’s 25th year anniversary today. The spectacular fireworks, laser and pyrotechnics show debuted on 30th January 1988. Illuminations:Reflections of Earth is one of those ‘must see’ experiences at Walt Disney World. Weather permitting the show runs nightly at the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon.

Photo by armadillo444

What is Illuminations:Reflections of Earth? IT is a little difficult to describe as it will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. More than just fireworks the 12 minute long show combines lot of different effects and an inspiring sound track to produce this amazing show.

Where is the Best Spot to View Epcot Illuminations:Reflections of Earth?

Photo by expressmonorail

Where is the best place to watch Illuminations? There are many good spots and only a few bad ones (make sure that a tree is not blocking your view). One of my favorite places is in the Rose and Crown restaurant. There you are very close to the side of the lagoon – it is noisy and can even get quite warm when the pyrotechnics really start! The timing of your reservation is important here. Try and snag a reservation at the Rose and Crown for around an hour before the start of the show. That should mean that you are just about starting the desserts when the show starts. Be aware though that you are not guaranteed a view. Even if you have a reservation you have to ask for a lagoon side table and these are of course the most popular.

Viewing is also possible from La Hacienda the restaurant in the Mexican Pavilion. There are some tables with a great view of the lagoon – but also many with not much of a view at all.

If you aren’t able to get a restaurant reservation then another fine spot is on the bridge between the United Kingdom and France. This also has the advantage of being close to the World Showcase exit if you are leaving to go to an Epcot or Disney Boardwalk location.

Another one of my personal favorites is on the platform of the Japan Pavilion. This has a good central location and of course also has the different perspective that height will give.

How far ahead do you need to stake out your viewing spot? At busy times this can be 2 hours before the show for a prime spot.

Another important thing to think about when picking a viewing spot is how important to you is it that you exit quickly out of the park when the show is over? This may seem like a strange point but remember that tens of thousands of people will be leaving the park at the same time as you are, and there are bottle necks created at certain points, and it is a long way back to the main entrance and parking lot! This can be a lot to deal with, particularly if you have young children with you. At very crowded times it can be better to wait just 5 or 10 minutes to let some of the crowds leave first.

If you want to plan a quick getaway then the viewing areas between Mexico and Canada are the best from this point of view. The bridge between the UK and France is a great choice too, particularly if you are leaving via the World Showcase Exit.

Epcot Illuminations Cruise

There is also a very special way to see Illuminations – on a boat! $325 plus tax for up to 10 guests.
You can hire a pontoon boat for up to 10 people for an Illuminations cruise and costs from $325 plus tax. Price includes pontoon boat, driver, water, soda and bagged snack. You can order private dining too for an additional charge.

.Getting a reservation for an Illuminations cruise does need planning well ahead. As you can imagine demand exceeds supply. To reserve call 407-WDW-PLAY, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m EST up to 90 days in advance. You have to give a credit card guarantee and your card will be charged unless you cancel 24 hours in advance. You get an amazing view of the fireworks underneath the International Gateway Bridge and you will get an amazing view of Illuminations. If you want a unique special experience then this is one that most say is well worth it.

For more pictures and discussion go to Epcot Illuminations

Where is your favorite viewing place for Epcot Illuminations:Reflections of Earth? Leave me a Comment!

Filed Under: Disney Parks, EPCOT, Restaurants, Rides and Attractions, World Showcase Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Epcot Candlelight Processional 2012

October 22, 2012 by 1 Comment

The Epcot Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved and popular of all the Walt Disney World Holiday traditions. Every year this musical Holiday celebration is staged in the America Gardens Theater in Epcot World Showcase.

Every night a different guest celebrity narrator is featured and the music of a huge choir and 50 piece live orchestra is played. In 2012 the dates are Nov. 23 – Dec. 30, 2012 with three performances nightly: 5:00, 6:45 & 8:15 p.m.

The Epcot Candlelight Processional 2012 narrators are:

Nov. 23 – 25; Geena Davis
Nov. 26 – 29; Neil Patrick Harris
Nov. 30 – Dec. 1; Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 2 – 4; Andy Garcia
Dec. 5 – 7; Blair Underwood
Dec. 8 & 9; James Denton
Dec. 10 – 13; Jodi Benson
Dec. 17 – 19; TBA
Dec. 20 – 22; Trace Adkins
Dec. 23 – 25; Gary Sinise
Dec. 26 – 28; Amy Grant
Dec. 29 – 30; Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason

All schedules are of course subject to change. We have seen many of the narrators at the Epcot Candlelight Processional before and they are all fabulous.

The event is free for all Epcot guests. It can be very difficult to get a seat as it is such a very popular event. It is standard for the lines to start forming 2 hours before the Candlelight Processional starts, particularly for the busy dates and popular speakers.

You can ensure that you get a seat if you purchase an Epcot Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.

The later shows are my favorite as they have a little more atmosphere simply because they are in the dark and it seems easier to get into the Christmas spirit!

Even if you are not interested in seeing the Epcot Candlelight Processional it is good to be aware when they are scheduled. The one down side of the event is that it gets incredibly, and sometimes scarily crowded around the World Showcase Theater. Plan your visit to World Showcase accordingly and be aware that there may be a big crowd in from of the United States of American Pavilion which is difficult to get past!

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Filed Under: EPCOT, Restaurants, Rides and Attractions, World Showcase Tagged With:

Epcot Thrill Rides

October 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

Are there really any Epcot thrill rides? Epcot does have a couple of rides for thrill seekers out there! Whilst Disney’s Epcot does not have any traditional roller coasters, what it does have is some very innovative rides which will entertain all the family – and may even get the adrenaline seekers out there interested.

Epcot Test Track

Epcot Test Track is a very popular Disney World ride – and rightly so! The idea is that guests board a ‘Test’ Car to be put through it’s paces on a track. It goes through various tests including, heat, braking and of course the most fun one, speed.

Of course what everyone is really waiting for is the outdoor High Speed Test at speeds reaching 65 miles per hour around a 50 degree banked curve. This is a ride which is suitable for all ages – although it does have a 40 inch height requirement.

If you want to cut down time spent waiting in line make sure that you get a Fast Pass for Test Track.

For more details go to Epcot Test Track

Epcot Mission Space

It may put you off a little to know that Epcot Mission Space was the first ride, and is the only Disney ride anywhere in the World to offer vomit bags as a convenience for it’s riders! But this really shouldn’t put you off from trying this very unique experience.

Mission Space is a very sophisticated motion simulator ride which shows Epcot guests what an astronaut may experience on a journey to Mars.

There are 4 riders in each vehicle and everyone is assigned their own role (i.e potential buttons to press when instructed) either Commander, Navigator, Pilot or Engineer. The MIssion Space ride vehicle is very small. If you are prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia this is a ride where you really should observe the warnings. Riders experience up to 2.5 G Force. But of course that is the fun of it for most of us!

Mission Space is a highly intense and very unique ride. It is certainly one of the most thrilling Epcot rides and indeed one of the most adrenaline inducing of all Disney World rides. But be warned. For many it is a little too much. So Disney opened a second non motion version of the ride. This is also a lot of fun and does not have the G Force of the main attraction so is suitable for more people. But it is still in an enclosed space so be aware!

Soarin’

Soarin’ is an identical version of it’s west coast Disneyland cousin Soarin’ Over California. Again this is a very innovative Epcot ride. White knuckle it most certainly is not, but it can be described as a ‘thrill ride’.

This 4 minute 40 second simulated flight ride takes guests over the amazing sights of California including Yosemite, The Wine Country, Monterey, San Francisco, San Diego and of course Disneyland.

You would be forgiven for thinking that the ride structure looks like a giant Erector set – for that is exactly what it is modeled after. The Imagineers had to find some way of getting people safely in front of a giant movie screen in some kind of ride vehicle which could move in a way that made them feel like flying. They certainly did a great job with Soarin’.

You are safely strapped into your seat and then you ‘fly’ upwards into the air in front of a giant IMAX screen. There are 3 rows of seats and as your feet dangle in the air, the best view is on row 1 as your line of vision doesn’t have someone else’s feet in it! But this row is also the highest so if you are at all wary on your first ride on Soarin’ then ask for row 3.

Whilst there are no thrill rides at Epcot in the traditional sense of the phrase there are definitely some amazing rides in the park. Rides that thrill seekers and the more cautious amongst us will enjoy. Epcot has something for everyone!

Filed Under: Disney Tips, EPCOT, Rides and Attractions

Epcot Eat to the Beat Concerts 2012

August 19, 2012 by 1 Comment

Every year during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival there is a great line up of performers for the Eat to the Beat concert series.

All the Eat to the Beat concerts are free with your Epcot admission ticket. They are held at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot World Showcase every night during the International Food and Wine Festival. There are 3 performances each night at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m.

Photo by insidethemagic

Here is the 2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule:

September 28-30: Night Ranger
– October 1-3: Sugar Ray
– October 4-7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
– October 8-10: Boyz II Men
– October 11-12: Smash Mouth
– October 13-14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”
– October 15-17: Air Supply
– October 18-19: Gin Blossoms
– October 20-21: Survivor
– October 22-23: Hanson
– October 24-25: The Pointer Sisters
– October 26-28: Sister Hazel
– October 29-31: Billy Ocean
– November 1-2: .38 Special
– November 3-4: Howard Jones LIVE
– November 5-6: Blues Traveler
– November 7-8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX
– November 9-12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Ellen’s Energy Adventure

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Ellen’s Energy Adventure

August 8, 2012 by 2 Comments

Ellen’s Energy Adventure is one of the attractions in Epcot Future World. Of course we know that many may disagree with us but really it is not one of the ‘must see’ attractions. But if you do have some extra time whilst visiting Epcot park then this attraction which features Ellen Degeneres is worth a look. This show has been running since 1996 and in our opinion should be high on the list of attractions in need of an update at Walt Disney World, but if you have time, and a taste for nostalgia then gee it a go.

Photos by lorenjavier

Ellen’s Energy Adventure is located in the Universe of Energy Pavilion in Epcot. It is rather hidden out of the way as it is not on a walk way to any of the other attractions. If you walk towards Test Track (with all the other crowds of people heading there) but turn left and head towards the futurist looking silver building then you will see that his houses the attraction.

The first thing that you really need to know is that you do have to commit quite a lot of time to this attraction. It is a total of 45 minutes long and after the 7 minute pre show there really is no turning back!

The show starts every 17 minutes and there is rarely a line which goes outside. If you can see that the line has just gone in and the doors are shut then you probably don’t need to commit to staying in the line for the whole 17 minutes. This is very much a minor attraction and as such the lines don’t usually get that long.

You will enter a large pre show area. It is pretty dark in there. In front of you is a huge screen which will soon start to play the pre show. This is a parody of the show Jeopardy which has Ellen pitted against Jamie Lee Curtis and Einstein. An interesting combination of course.

Ellen doesn’t know much about energy. So she needs to travel back to prehistoric times to find out just how energy was created in the first place.

The doors will open at the end of the pre show and you will walk into a room filled with a huge vehicle (and yes we mean huge as it holds 600 people). Guests sit in long rows in the vehicle which moves very slowly through the attraction.

It is dark inside. Very dark. Our middle son was terrified when he first went on the ride aged around 2, and it seems most times we ride this there is a toddler who is not appreciating the combination of the dark, and the huge animatronic dinosaurs.

The whole ride does seem quite dated. When we first rode many years ago the technology was impressive. Things have moved on so much now that the animatronic dinosaurs really aren’t so impressive any more. Ellen Degeneres is great as always but once you have heard the script once there really isn’t a compelling reason to hear it again!

Our advice. Skip it unless this is at least your second visit, or you really need to sit down in the shade for a long period of time. Oh and we have used it to take a nap sometimes too – although the seating is not that comfortable!

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Disney World Fast Pass Rides and Attractions

March 18, 2012 by 3 Comments

When you visit Walt Disney World one of the best ways of saving time standing in line is to use the Fast Pass system. The Disney Fast Pass system is very simple, and it is completely free. How it works is that for certain popular attractions in each of the parks, Disney Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot all guests can get a Fast Pass to return to the ride at a particular time. They will then use their Fast Pass to join the Fast Pass line, which is almost always much shorter than the regular stand by line.

All photos by expressmonorail

There is a lot of confusion about the Fast Pass system but really it is very simple. If you do take some time to plan using the system then you will save yourself hours of standing in line. Some other theme parks do charge for their priority line system (like Universal Orlando Express Pass) but the Disney system is completely free.

When you arrive at any park then a priority should be to get a Fast Pass for a popular attraction. The Fast Pass attractions are marked on each Walt Disney World map that you will pick up when you arrive at the park. Also so that you can plan before you go, here is a list of all the Fast Pass attractions in Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

Splash Mountain
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan’s Flight
Jungle Cruise

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safari
DINOSAUR
Kali River Rapids
Primeval Whirl
Expedition Everest

Disney Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Star Tours

Epcot

Test Track
Soarin’
Maelstrom
Captain EO

Each of these attractions will have a Fast Pass ticket kiosk station somewhere close to the entrance to the ride. The current Fast Pass return time will be displayed above the ticket kiosks. You simply insert your Key to the World or Disney ticket into the machine and it will give you a paper slip with a return time on it. Each ticket will have a return time with a window of an hour. So for example you go to the Soarin’ Fast Pass ticket machine and you are given a return time of 1.00 to 2.00pm.

There are certain rules. The system doesn’t allow you to just go around and get lots of Fast Passes. You can usually only have one at any one time. So if you have your Fast Pass for Test Track it will also show on that Pass the exact time that any machine will give you another Fast Pass.

All members of your party have to have a Fast Pass. An exception to this is for a child under the age of 3 who does not have an entrance ticket.

When the time posted on your Fast Pass arrives then go back to the attraction and show your pass to the Cast Member at the front of the attraction. They will then allow you to join the Fast Pass line.

The Fast Pass line does not mean ‘front of line’. Most likely there will be other guests there with you and often there will still be a wait. This wait is usually short but can be up to 20 minutes. It will definitely be shorter than the stand by line though! As an example the line for Soarin’ can reach 120 minutes. Yes that is 2 hours. But if you have a Fast Pass the wait will likely only be around 15 to 20 minutes.

The Not So Good Recent Changes to the Fast Pass System

It used to be that even though you had a Fast Pass for 1.15 to 2.15 if you missed that window you could go to the attraction and still use it when it had expired. The Cast Member would most likely not even bat and eyelid and would wave you on with a cheery smile. You could even go with Fast Passes from weeks or months ago and still have them honored.

Now a Cast Member will politely tell you that your time has passed. Will they stop you entering the Fast Pass line late? That is for you to try and I would love to hear of your experience of this in the Comments below.

Are Some Fast Passes Better Than Others?

The very simple answer to this is yes. Some attractions have formidable wait times (Soarin’ comes to mind). So when you arrive at Epcot my advice is always to go to get either a Test Track or a Soarin’ Fast Pass first and then ride the other attraction. Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are the equivalent in Magic Kingdom, as are Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom. In Hollywood Studios it is Tower of Terror and Rock and Roller Coaster.

Use the Fast Pass system and you definitely will spend less time in line. Is it a good system? Well that is another question and I would love to hear your views in the comments below.

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Epcot Countries

February 5, 2012 by 2 Comments

There are 11 Epcot countries in the World Showcase part of the park. Each has very unique architecture, dining and shopping. All of the Epcot countries are located around the World Showcase Lagoon. The saying goes that what Epcot really stands for is Everyone Comes Out Tired and it is true that it can certainly be a challenge to take in everything that Epcot has to offer in just one day! Most of the countries have been there since Epcot opened on 1st October 1982 but some have been added since that time, and of course there is always speculation that one day there will be additional countries added to the existing eleven nations which are represented in World Showcase.

So let us take a tour around the World Showcase Lagoon to get a flavor of the Epcot Countries.

Photo by stuckincustoms

Epcot Canada

This is the first country you will encounter if you take an anti clockwise tour around the lagoon and enter from Future World. The architecture is certainly imposing and is designed to make the guest think of the great Canadian outdoors. Beautiful gardens, cascading waterfalls and magnificent totem poles great you in the Epcot Canada Pavilion.

There is an excellent attraction here. O’ Canada is a circle vision movie presentation which takes you on a journey around the diverse landscape of this huge country. Yes the narration by Martin Short can be a little cheesy, and you do have to stand for the whole performance but this is one of those not to be misses World Showcase experiences.

The one disappointing feature of the Canadian Pavilion in Epcot is the shopping. There is now just one store since the upper level shopping venue closed a few years ago due to low revenue. The remaining store just doesn’t seem as interesting as most of the others in World Showcase.

It is here that you will find one of the most popular restaurants in the whole of Walt Disney World, Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse. This traditional steakhouse is one of the most difficult to get Advance Dining Reservations for.

Epcot United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Pavilion displays a very varied selection of British architectural styles. From Tudor to Georgian and Regency style to Victorian England this is certainly a mix but it all works really well together. Sadly the United Kingdom does not have an attraction or ride, but the shopping and dining opportunities are well worth a look.

The shops offer a wide selection of British goods. Want some tea, fine china, soccer shirts, Beatles themed items of even your own family heraldic crest? This is the destination for you!

The full service dining Rose and Crown offers traditional British pub food fare including the famous dish of Fish and chips. The Rose and Crown is one of the best places to view the Epcot Illuminations fireworks which are staged every evening at the World Showcase Lagoon.

Epcot France

Photo by Wyscan

The first thing that you will notice of course is the one tenth scale replica of the Eiffel Tower which dominates the Parisian style architecture of Epcot France. This is a very stylish place to be with excellent shopping and high quality dining. It is also a great place to find Disney Princesses Belle and Aurora.

The shops sell great selections of wine, household goods and of course perfume. Epcot France also has the only stand alone Givenchy store in the US.

The Impressions de France is one of my favorite Epcot attractions. This 18 minute movie, although very dated, has beautiful music and shows the diverse and beautiful scenery of France.

Dining in France is of course of excellent quality. If you want fine dining head to the Bistro de Paris and if you want something also of very good quality but rather less formal then choose the Chefs de Paris. If you just want a quick snack then the Boulangerie Patisserie is a great place to stop for a French cake or pastry. No they don’t quite taste like the real thing but they are good quality and the cafe tables offer a great place to rest for a while before you head off again around World Showcase.

Look out for the excellent street entertainment in France. Serveur Amusant is well worth waiting for and draws a large crowd.

Here is our complete guide to the Pavilion:

Epcot France

Epcot Morocco

This is one of the most recent additions to the World Showcase part of Epcot (it was added in 1984). It is designed to look like an authentic Moroccan city and The King of Morocco even sent some of his own artisans to work on the project to ensure the highest degree of attention to detail.

Restaurant Marakkesh is one of those hidden Epcot gems. It is located at the back of the Pavilion and many people either don’t realize that it is there or are deterred by it’s unfamiliar menu. Take a chance and see if you like it and you will likely be rewarded with one of the best Epcot restaurant experiences. The food is good and reasonably priced for an Epcot restaurant. Everyone will love the belly dancing entertainment and you can even join in if you are brave enough.

The shopping is also a lot of fun in Epcot Morocco. Here you will find authentic jewelry, clothes and Moroccan ceramics. The Cast Members here are amongst the friendliest in the whole of Epcot.

Morocco also has one of my favorite quick service dining destinations in the park. Tangier has great authentic food at reasonable prices. It is particularly good if you are vegetarian. Just don’t drink the wine!

Epcot Japan

The architecture here is stunning, the food is excellent and the shopping is amongst the best in the whole of World Showcase. The huge red torri gate is one of the most imposing and memorable features of the World Showcase Lagoon. The very tall pagoda also dominates the skyline. You will find that this is one of the most tranquil places in World Showcase. Make sure that you spend some time in the large courtyard and just look at the attention to detail and the beautiful spaces in this wonderful Epcot Pavilion.

There are 2 excellent restaurants here. Tokyo Dining has all the traditional times you would expect such as sushi and bento boxes on the menu. It is also one of the best restaurants for exceptional service in the whole of Epcot. Teppan Edo is also a lot of fun with excellent food. This traditional teppanyaki dining room offers entertainment as well as excellent food. The Yakatori House which is slightly hidden away is also a great place for quick service dining.

Miyuki is one of the best of the street entertainers. She practices the ancient and rare art of making animal shapes out of candy. Her show is very entertaining and you can see this in the courtyard at scheduled times on most days.

The shopping here is amongst the best in Epcot. The Mitsukoshi Department store is huge and has everything from traditional Japanese clothes, Japanese dining items including some very fancy chopsticks, jewelry, and lot of toys.

As you can probably tell the Japanese Pavilion is one of my very favorites. Definitely plan to spend some time here so that you can experience the very special ambience of this Pavilion.

Epcot United States

Photo by Brian and Kathy Mickle

The United States Pavilion in Epcot is the largest space and has the most imposing building – a huge colonial style mansion which houses the American Adventure attraction. This is one of the most technologically advanced attractions in the whole of Walt Disney World and it tells the story of American history using a mix of movie footage and animatronics. All of the US Presidents are represented on stage – it is a very memorable and thought provoking attraction.

It is also home to the large American Gardens Theatre which is an outdoor theater which stages many live events such as the Eat to the Beat concerts and the Holiday Candlelight Processional features.

Sadly the American Pavilion lacks a full service dining venue. The only food available here is in the quick service location. If you want traditional American burger and fries this is the place to be. For funnel cakes there is also an outside small kiosk. The shopping is also strangely limited here. There is a small store selling books, clothes and other items but really most guests will be expecting something more. The focus here is on the American Adventure attraction – and whilst this is spectacular I really do wish there was a little more offered here.

Epcot Italy

Photo by Brian and Kathy Mickle

Of course Epcot Italy is one of the most relaxing and stylish of the World Showcase Pavilions. Great dining and shopping and people watching. Just pick a spot on one of the tables in the square and watch the world go by for a moment.

The architecture takes it’s inspiration from Venice, Rome and Florence. Epcot Italy has 2 restaurants. Via Napoli is a traditional pizza restaurant with a huge wood fired pizza oven dominating the space, and Tutto Italiana has a good (if pricey) selection of pasta and traditional Italian entrees.

As you would expect, the shopping is also great in Italy. Everything from excellent wines and high quality kitchen items, to perfume, jewelry and clothes.

Epcot Germany

Photo by Jalsoli

This Pavilion seems to be particularly beautiful at night. All of the lights and music just seem to work even better after dark. The theme here is Oktoberfest. The architecture is exactly what you would expect to see in a traditional medieval German town.

Germany is home to one of the most fun of all of the Epcot dining experiences. The Biergarten offers traditional German food in an all you can eat buffet. The real attraction here is the entertainment. Guests are seated at huge tables and are entertained by a traditional German ‘oompah’ band wearing the national costume of lederhosen! Certainly an experience not to be missed (although the food is not the best in Epcot).

The shops offer lots of interesting items. It is Christmas year round here and they store sells some great Holiday decorations including the traditional Pickle. The wine cellar offers some excellent German wines. There is a large selection of glassware, traditional toys including the Stein bear, and a large selection of cuckoo clocks.

Epcot China

Another visually stunning and imposing Pavilion, Epcot China offers great shopping and a very watchable movie attraction. Unfortunately the dining is the most disappointing in the whole of the Epcot park.

Reflections of China is a very entertaining movie showing the diverse culture and history of China. Like O’ Canada this is Circle Vision 360 but it is a continuous image projected all around the room (the Canadian movie is repeated images around the room not one continuous one). Whatever the technical details this is a movie to to be missed. Be aware though that guests to have to stand for the duration of the movie.

There are excellent shows throughout the day in the courtyard which showcase the talents of young Chinese acrobats. Check your daily schedule for details. Also see the schedule for appearances by Disney Princess Mulan.

The Yong Feng Shangdian store is one of the largest in World Showcase and has an excellent choice of clothes, home goods, jewelry and toys. Particularly popular are the parasols and the puppets which are sold in one of the kiosks in the courtyard.

The quick service dining venue is the Lotus Blossom Cafe which serves good Chinese favorites. Unfortunately the Nine Dragons restaurant is one of the most disappointing in the World Showcase. Average food and average service.

Epcot Norway

This is home to one of the most popular dining venues and one of only 2 rides in Epcot World Showcase. Epcot Norway is the place where the Disney Princesses are found in Restaurant Akershus. If you are looking for a great character dining location where you get quality time with the Princesses then Disney Princess Storybook Dining is the place for you. The food may take second place to the character greetings but this is still a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Maelstrom water ride is a lot of fun for all ages (but beware it is a dark ride so may scare the younger ones). Take a boat ride through Viking Norway to the present day on this water ride. There is one small drop and the ride seems really short but it is worth a visit if the lines are not too long. A Fast Pass is also available if the wait times seem to much to deal with. There is a short, and very outdated movie at the end of the ride. Most people skip this but if this is your first visit then take some time to watch it. Norway is an amazing country with beautiful scenery and I wish that more people would take the time to watch the movie – incredibly outdated though I know it is!

The store is rather disappointing. A large part of it is devoted to traditional Norwegian clothes which although high quality (and high priced) somehow seem out of place in the Florida sun. The store also offers some toys (think Viking helmets, swords) and a lot of trolls! There is jewelry and perfume too but nothing particularly exciting here.

Epcot Mexico

Photo by spreadthemagic

As you would expect Epcot Mexico is vibrant and lively. The Pavilion is the only Pavilion to be mostly housed inside a building (a replica of a Mayan Temple). Step inside and you will be captivated by the sights and sounds of a traditional Mexican market place. It truly is beautiful.

The Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Cabelleros is a fun, but slightly strange boat ride though Mexican historical sights with Donald Duck as your companion. Sounds strange? It is slightly but is nonetheless worth a visit.

The dining here is very good with 2 choices of restaurant. The San Angel Inn is a candle light dining venue at the side of the ‘river’ of the water ride. The food here is good (but pricey) Mexican fare. There is also a very popular outside restaurant at the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon – Hacienda de San Angel. Again the food is good but one of the main attractions here is the view. If you can snag a lagoon side table later in the evening you will get one of the very best views available of the nightly Epcot Illuminations fireworks show.

The shopping in Mexico is also very good. Here you will find traditional Mexican crafts, pottery, and clothing is good value.

Another very popular spot in Epcot Mexico is the La Cava de Tequila bar. Go here for speciality tequilas and of course very good margaritas!

There are so many Epcot countries to explore you do need to make sure that you devote at least a day to touring both Future World and World Showcase. If you can spare 2 days then you really will get the most out of your visit to Epcot.

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Top 10 Walt Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

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Top 10 Walt Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

January 26, 2012 by 14 Comments

What are the must see Walt Disney World rides and attractions? This is of course a very difficult question to answer. There are so many things to see and do at Walt Disney World that to choose just a few that you absolutely must do is rather a challenge. But of course I am never one to walk away from a difficult task so here is my own personal Top 10 Walt Disney World must see rides and attractions. They are in no particular order – choosing a Top 10 is difficult enough, putting them in order would have been impossible!

All of the amazing photos are by expressmonorail

Disney Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Fireworks

No visit to Walt Disney World is complete without seeing the Wishes Fireworks at Magic Kingdom. This spectacular fireworks show debuted in 2003 and has been enchanting guests ever since. The show is hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy and is a classic tale of good against evil. It is a magical mix of fireworks, music and lighting effects. Watch out for Tinkerbell flying across the skies!

Which is the best viewing spot for Disney Wishes fireworks? There are many to choose from but some of my favorites include on the platform of the train station at the end of Main Street, sitting at one of the tables outside at the Plaza Restaurant, various spots in Fantasyland (which is less crowded but you can’t see Tinkerbell) and of course California Grill restaurant in the Contemporary Resort.

Be careful to check the schedule for times and dates of showings for Wishes as these do vary.

Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The thing about Disney attractions is that they are just so amazingly themed – and Disney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the best examples of this anywhere in Walt Disney World. Want to drop 13 stories in an elevator? This is the Disney attraction for you!

Disney is the master of theme park story telling and every great ride has a back story. The Hollywood Tower Hotel has a history. It opened in 1919 and soon established itself as one of the places to be for the movie crowd. But on October 31st 1939 five guests enter the elevator of the hotel just as lightning strikes. The child star, her nanny, two young starlets and the bell hop vanish . All the other hotel guests run from the building leaving their belongings behind.

The attention to detail in the line is exceptional. It looks just as though you would imagine it would if it had been abandoned in 1939. The Cast Members play their part brilliantly, all adding to the anticipation of the ride.

The Tower of Terror is not for the feint of heart. It is a thrill ride and has a height requirement of 40″. It is very popular so make sure that you use a Fast Pass or arrive very early in the morning.

For more on this amazing attraction visit

Disney Twilight Zone of Terror

Star Tours The Adventure Continues

If you are a fan of Star Wars (and even if you aren’t) this motion simulator ride is one of the best Disney World attractions. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this classic ride has a complete overhaul in 2011. You will see all your Star Wars favorites including your accidental pilot C3PO who will take you on a journey which has 54 variations. This new technology means that you never know quite which direction your journey will take.

Kilimanjaro Safari

Not many of us will get to experience a real safari in Africa but The Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is a great substitute for the real thing. Walt Disney himself always wanted to have a theme park which allowed guests to see real live animals and Animal Kingdom was the realization of his dream.

Guests board an authentic safari type vehicle as they are taken on a tour of the 100 acre African savanna. The ride is also authentically bumpy so take note of those warnings! The very best time to take the safari is in the early morning. This is not just because the lines are likely to be shorter but also because this is the time when the animals are at their most active.

There is a great commentary by the tour guide who will help you to see as many of the animals as possible. Some of the most popular sitings are of elephants, zebra, giraffe, rhino, hippopotamus and of course the lions (don’t worry they are kept out of your reach by some very clever discreet Disney landscaping). You may even be lucky enough to see the Cheetah (they are often quite difficult to see). Also on the savanna are warthogs, gazelle, flamingo, ostrich, okapis and wildebeest.

As with all popular Disney attractions make sure that you get a Fast Pass or ride early in the morning. It will cut your time waiting in line.

It’s A Small World

This classic Disney ride is one of the original attractions which was over seen by Walt Disney himself. Disney World has seen many changes over the years but this cheerful musical boat ride remains true to the original ideals of Walt himself. The theme is quite simply world peace through global understanding. Hundreds of animatronic dolls representing many countries around the world sing the unforgettable It’s A Small World theme song. Guests board a slow moving boat and sail around watching the brightly colored moving dolls sing their happy message. You know you will never get that song out of your head, but somehow it is worth it!

Epcot Test Track

Another very original Disney World ride, Epcot Test Track is a theme park ride unlike any other. The story is that guests are needed to test the cars just like the crash test dummies do! Guests board a 6 passenger vehicle which will take them on a journey through various tests. These tests include braking, heat and cold tests, hair pin bends and of course the final speed test. Your test Track vehicle will reach speeds of up to 65 mph before bringing you back to the testing facility.

This one is a lot of fun and is a truly unique ride. It is thrilling without being scary so a lot of guests who don’t usually enjoy thrill rides like roller coasters will enjoy Test Track. It is of course very popular so use the Fast Pass or if you don’t mind riding without the other members of your party the Single Rider line will save you a lot of time.

For more details visit

Epcot Test Track

Epcot Illuminations Reflections of Earth

This is another must see fireworks event at Walt Disney World. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a unique fireworks, lights, pyrotechnics and music spectacular which is shown every night (weather permitting) around Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon.

Most places around the World Showcase Lagoon give a good view of the show but do be aware that trees can block your view so choose your viewing spot carefully. At busy times you do need to reserve a place at least an hour ahead of the show. Some of the best places to view are the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, on the platform just outside the Japanese restaurants, and if you can get a reservation, the outside viewing area in the restaurant at the Rose and Crown Restaurant.

For more information about this amazing fireworks show:

Epcot Illuminations

Soarin

Located in Disney’s Epcot Future World, Soarin’ is a must see attraction. It is a ride which simulates flight, rather than a flight simulator! Another very unique experience only available in Disneyland, where it originally debuted, and Disney’s Epcot.

Guests board a huge structure which has rows of seats in front of an extremely large screen. The seats are then lifted up into the air and have gentle motion which feels like flying. The movie Soarin Over California is then projected onto the huge screen so guests feel as though they are flying over the state. The movie is beautifully filmed and seems to fly you over many destinations including Yosemite, The Wine Country, San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego and of course Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

This is another classic Disney ride which originally debuted in Disneyland in 1967. This was the last attraction which Walt Disney personally supervised and participated in it’s design. Guests board a slow moving boat which will plunge down a (very small) waterfall and then take them through a series of dark scenes with animatronics, pyrotechnics, and explosions all to the tune of Yo Ho It’s a Pirates Life For Me!

Most guests these days will be very familiar with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and they will be pleased to see that Jack Sparrow appears in the ride more than once.

Fantasmic!

Make sure that you arrive early for this Disney Hollywood Studios night time spectacular. Even though the auditorium has seats for 6,900 guests and standing room for 3,000 more it does reach capacity. To get the best seats you do have to be there 60 to 90 minutes before the show starts.

Once again the theme is good against evil, with Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice battling the Disney villains. The show is spectacular. Expect pyrotechnics, a huge dragon, images projected onto water, fire which seems to be right in front of you, fireworks and an epic musical score. This show seems to have every special effect known to Disney World thrown in! Of course all ends well for Mickey and at the end of this 25 minute show many of your favorite characters sail past you on the water in front of the set.

Never under estimate how popular this show is – arrive as early as you possibly can to get a good seat. This can be a long wait if you have young children or if it is cold out at night. The only way to beat the crowds is to book a Fantasmic Dining Package which you can reserve ahead by calling 407 WDW DINE. You then reserve a meal at one of the Disney Hollywood Studios restaurants and get a place is the reserved seating area for Fantasmic. This is a reserved area, not a reserved seat so you do still have to be there around 30 minutes before the show.

It is very difficult to pick a Top 10 Walt Disney World must see rides and attractions but here are my personal favorites. Which ones have I left out? Which have I included that you really don’t enjoy? Leave me a Comment below!

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Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney Top 10, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Rides, Rides, Rides and Attractions, World Showcase Tagged With: , , , ,

Where to Find Sleeping Beauty in Disney World

December 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Where can you find Sleeping Beauty in Disney World? Sleeping Beauty or Princess Aurora is a very popular Disney Princess and many guests hope to meet her in person when they visit Disney World. So where are the best places to find her?

Photo by lorenjavier

Sleeping Beauty in Disney Magic Kingdom

Sleeping Beauty is easiest to find in Magic Kingdom where she can be in one of a number of places. As with all Disney characters remember that you should check schedules the day that you arrive in the park and that character appearances are subject to change without notice.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is the incredibly ocular restaurant inside Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Getting a reservation here is the most difficult of all the Disney restaurants. The combination of the attraction of dining inside the Castle and the chance to meet some of the Disney Princesses makes this the most difficult of all of the restaurants to get a reservation for in the whole of Walt Disney World. It isn’t just Cinderella who you will find here. Sleeping Beauty sometimes makes an appearance here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Photo by armadillo444

Disney Dreams Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom

This is one of the most popular parades in Disney World and it is held most days (usually around 3pm) in Magic Kingdom. Princess Aurora and her Princess friends make an appearance in each parade. This is one of the best chances to see the Disney Princesses but of course this is a parade so you can only watch them from afar. The Main Street Electrical Parade is another chance to see Aurora. This is not held every day so check your schedule for appearances.

Dream Along With Mickey

This is a must see show which takes place in the forecourt at the front of Disney’s Cinderella Castle each day. Usually there are 3 performances each day but as always check your schedule. Mickey and Minnie also appear in this song and dance show which includes Snow White, Cinderella and Princess Aurora.

Disney’s Storybook Princesses Town Square Theater

There is a good chance that you will be able to meet and greet Princess Aurora in the Town Square Theater. Even if Sleeping Beauty is not there then you will certainly be able to see one of her Disney Princess friends. Check your schedule for times. This is one of the best places for meeting the Disney Princesses without having to book a character dining meal.

Princess Aurora in Epcot

Over the years the Disney Princesses have made more and more appearances inside Disney’s Epcot and now it is one of the best places to go for a chance to see your favorite.

Disney Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus

Disney Princess Storybook Dining is one of the very best places to spend some quality time with the Disney Princesses. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Akershus restaurant in the Epcot Norway Pavilion there is a good chance that Sleeping Beauty will be there. Usually 4 or 5 Disney Princesses are there at any one time and can include Princess Jasmine, Snow White, Belle and Sleeping Beauty. There is no guarantee that a specific Princess will be there but there is sure to be at least one Princess on your favorites list.

Princess Aurora is also regularly seen outside the Epcot France Pavilion. This is an excellent place to meet both Belle and Sleeping Beauty as generally the lines are shorter than for meet and greet in Magic Kingdom. Look on your daily schedule for times.

Princess Aurora Outside the Disney Parks

There are few chances to see the Disney Princesses outside the Disney parks as they usually keep to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t see Princesses inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party

This regal tea party is held each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30am until Noon in the Grand Floridian Hotel Garden View Lounge. Hosted by Miss Rose Petal who is a rose from Sleeping Beauty’s garden this is a very special, and at $250 for one adult and one child, very expensive tea party. Any of the Disney Princesses can be there with Rose Petal but often it is Sleeping Beauty herself. This is a very popular event and the reviews are usually positive. It is recommended for girls aged 3 to 11 and is promoted as a mother daughter event. As well as being served tea, cake and sandwiches, girls receive a lot of extra goodies including a doll which is dressed just like Princess Aurora.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess? Have you had the chance to meet her yet? Leave me a Comment below.

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Epcot Test Track Video

November 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered what it is like to experience Epcot Test Track? This great video shows you exactly what to expect from this thrilling Epcot ride. Of course nothing can compare to actually experiencing it but this gives you a great idea of what Test Track is actually like. This is a video which shows the complete Test Track ride so if you want anything to remain as a surprise don’t look! But if you want to know exactly what the ride entails this is one of the best videos of the ride.

Test Track is one of the most popular rides in Epcot. On most days the lines will reach 60 minutes. So how do you minimize the amount of time that you spend in line. You do have to do a little forward planning. There are two very popular rides in Epcot. Soarin’ and Test Track. The lines for Soarin’ tend to be even longer with waits between 60 to 120 minutes on most days. The way to make sure that you can experience both rides without standing for hours in line is to make sure that you arrive as close to park opening time as possible. Remember that the parks generally open 30 to 45 minutes before published opening times so make sure that you arrive early. As soon as Epcot opens walk quickly to either Soarin’ or Test Track and get a Fast Pass. Then go to the other ride and get in line.

The Fast Passes for Test Track do tend to run out in the afternoon on busy days so make sure that you get to the Fast Pass machine or get in line for the ride as soon as you arrive in the park.

Remember too that Test Track has a Single Rider line which is usually a short wait. You will not be seated with your party but if you don’t mind this then the Single Rider Line is a great option.

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