Epcot at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney dreamed of a world where people could work where they lived and play where they worked. When he wasn’t making movies and creating characters that have continued to entertain us 40, 50, even 80 years after they made their debut, he was working on designs for alternative transportation, energy efficient public transit and robotic technology that would make life easier and more enjoyable. Part of his dream was a world where the cultures of the past were celebrated, even as people moved further into the future. Epcot, the second theme park built at Walt Disney World Orlando, gives visitors a chance to see the world in a day as well as travel to outer space and beyond. Epcot’s unique the combination of interaction exhibits and mild but wild thrill rides makes this theme park the perfect Walt Disney World Resort destination for the entire family.

Future World.

Epcot is divided into two lands, Future World and the World Showcase. Future World is marked by the park’s signature icon, Spaceship Earth. Resembling a large golf ball soaring high into the Florida sky, Spaceship Earth is an interactive experience where guests travel 40,000 years into the past aboard omnimover transports that move throughout time until guests arrive at present day and then into the future.

Future World is divided into pavilions, which thrills for every member of the family in each of the themed areas. Unlock the power of your imagination at the Kodak “What If” Lab or take a trip back in time to witness the Big Bang in Ellen’s Energy Adventure. Mission Space is a highly interactive motion sensor ride for big kids that re-creates what astronauts experience while blasting off into space. The Test Track gives brave drivers a chance to tackle tough terrain while whipping around corners at speeds up to 60 mph. For real thrill seekers, this is Disney’s fastest ride. Little ones will want to take to the Seas with Nemo and Friends, while the big kids can glide high across the State of California in Soarin’, a hang-glide simulator that has visitors cresting the Sierras one minute and dipping their toes into the Pacific Ocean the next.

World Showcase.

The World Showcase features 11 different countries, including restaurants, shops and architecture that represents the best the world has to offer. Created to resemble the World’s Fair exhibitions of the last century, the World Showcase highlights the following countries:

• Canada Pavilion - including rushing rivers and soaring mountains reminiscent of the Canadian Rockies.
• China Pavilion - highlighting the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in a 360 degree Circle Vision film.
• France Pavilion - complete with a replica Eiffel Tower.
• Germany Pavilion - enter through a 16 century German castle.
• Italy Pavilion - experience a true Italian palazzo and an 83 foot replica of the bell from St. Marks Square.
• Japan Pavilion - home to Teppan Edo, one of the best Teppan-style restaurants outside of Tokyo.
• Mexico Pavilion - don’t miss the steaming volcano and Mayan pyramid.
• Morocco Pavilion - catch a glimpse of Princess Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie.
• Norway Pavilion - home to Maelstrom, the exciting Viking Ship thrill ride.
• United Kingdom Pavilion - the perfect place to catch a pint of ale at a classic English pub.
• American Adventure Pavilion - hear the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps as you experience Colonial America up close.

Dining at Epcot.

There are restaurants, cafes and street vendors in every Pavilion and throughout Future World, representing the exquisite cuisine and dining delicacies from around the world. Visit the Biergarten for a traditional schnitzel and beer in Germany or dine beneath the castle at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canadian Pavilion. Whether you prefer quick, on the go food or sit down elegance, the restaurants at Epcot have it all.

Getting to Epcot.

For visitors staying within Walt Disney World Resort, take any of the complimentary buses, boats or trams that travel between the hotels and the parks throughout the day. For visitors arriving by car, Epcot is located off Interstate 4, south of Orlando and the Florida Turnpike. Head south on I-4 and watch for the Walt Disney World exits. Convenient self parking is available and once inside the resort, you can easily get from one attraction to another via monorail, tramway, bus or water taxi.