Walt Disney's Vision
Exploration of culture and learning is the major theme of Epcot. Attractions are designed to help guests learn something new or experience different cultures through the attractions at Future World and the eleven national pavilions in the World Showcase.
The concept of Epcot was part of Walt Disney's original vision for Walt Disney World. That vision came to life when Epcot opened in 1982. While details have changed, Walt's vision lives on through the cutting-edge attractions in Future World and the international community represented at the World Showcase.
Two Worlds to Explore
Epcot is divided into two major areas: Future World on the north side of the park and the World Showcase on the south.Future World: An interactive view of what's hot and on the horizon. Nearer the main entrance. Usually open at 9:00 daily.
World Showcase: Cultural, dining and shopping experiences from around the world. Usually open at 11:00 AM daily, closing the day with the exciting IllumiNations fireworks and musical display.
Books about Epcot and Disney World
Check out these books to help you plan your trip to Walt Disney World.
EZ Fun Guide to Walt Disney World 2007: Year of a Million Dreams Special Edition
The easy-to-ready, fun-to-use travel guide that uses maps and checklists to help you plan the perfect Disney World vacation. Ideal for families and anyone who's overwhelmed by traditional travel books.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/08/2009) 
Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World, The
Epcot is a delight, especially if you know the inside secrets revealed in this book written by Disney Imagineers.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/08/2009)
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2007
Lots of photographs and color. Great for first-time Disney visitors.
Amazon Price: $4.60 (as of 12/08/2009)
Future World
Future World explores the wonders of the modern (and future) world through interactive adventures and exhibits. The attractions are presented in pavilions that arranged in a circle around the central plaza. Starting at the entrance, then heading left and going clockwise, here are the pavilions of Future World.
- Spaceship Earth: Indoor slow, dark ride through the history of communications. Witness cave paintings, the invention of the printing press and the advent of the Information Age.
- Innoventions East: Interactive displays and games using new technologies. Next door is the Electric Umbrella counter-service restaurant.
- Ellen's Energy Adventure: Multimedia presentation that follows Ellen DeGeneres on her adventures with Bill Nye the Science Guy. Wide-screen film introduction, followed by ride-through dio ramas featuring the sights, sounds and smells of the dinosaur age, concluding with another wide-screen film. 45 minutes, starting every 17 minutes.
- The Wonders of Life: Open only during very busy seasons. Attractions include Body Wars, a simulator ride that takes guests inside the human body to watch the immune system, heart, lungs and brain at work; Cranium Command, a multimedia show that follows a 12-year-old boy through a typical day; and The Making of Me, a tasteful film that explores human development and birth.
- Mission: SPACE An indoor simulator that takes guests on a flight to Mars with amazing G-force and weightlessness effects or a less-intense option. Also available: Advanced Training Lab play area and interactive games.
- Test Track: Simulation of real-world automotive testing facility, where guests experience hill-climbs, suspension tests, high-speed breaking, and hair-raising speed tests.
- Imagination! Attractions include "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," a 3-D movie starring Professor Wayne Szalinski as the hero, with bonus special effects; Journey Into Imagination with Figment, a kid-friendly indoor ride that explores the senses with an imaginary dragon named Figment; and ImageWorks, hands-on activities where guests can explore sound and create magical images and movies.
- The Land: Attractions include Soarin', an adventurous multimedia simulator that "flies" over California's natural wonders; Living with the Land, a slow, relaxing boat ride through the gardens of The Land, showcasing three greenhouses that use environmentally friendly growing methods; Circle of Life, a film that mixes live action and animation in which Simba teaches Timon and Pumbaa about ecology; and Behind the Seeds Tour, an hour-long walking tour through the greenhouses. Dining options include Garden Grill Restaurant, family service home-style meals with Farmer Mickey and friends, in a slowly rotating dining room that overlooks Living with the Land, and Sunshine Seasons in the Land, food court style dining with wide variety of foods.
- The Seas with with Nemo & Friends: Indoor attraction in which guests ride in "clam-mobiles" through an underwater adventure to find Nemo. After the ride, guests can view visit Turtle Talk with Crush, a CG-animated show where Crush interacts with the audience, and view dolphins, manatees, sharks and thousands of tropical fish, and check out hands-on exhibits. Food and Dining: Coral Reef Restaurant, exquisite dining on seafood specialties served alongside the underwater aquarium.
- Innoventions West: More interactive exhibits on technology and applied science. Next door is the Character Connection, where guests can meet and greet Disney characters throughout the day.
Epcot Photo Album
curated content from Flickr
World Showcase
Welcome to a multicultural adventure, hosted by natives from the countries represented. Whether you begin or end your "grand tour" of the World Showcase on the west side of the park, the adventure is the same. All pavilions include shops with international products. Cross the bridge from Future World and go clockwise to the left, these are the pavilions in the World Showcase.
- Mexico: Top Attractions: El Rio del Tiempo indoor boat ride. Indoor market decorated to feel like it's outdoors next to a smoking volcano.
Entertainment: Mariachi Cobre classic Mexican band.
Food and Dining: San Angel Inn, authentic Mexican cuisine, and La Cantina De San Angel, tacos, nachos and other Mexican plates and cocktails. - Norway: Top Attraction: The Maelstrom, indoor boat ride with trolls.
Entertainment: Spelmanns Gledje folk music.
Food and Dining: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall princess dining. Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe pastries and sandwiches. - China: Top Attraction:Reflections of China, Circle-Vision film. Land of Many Faces, exhibit inside the Hall of Prayer. Gardens with waterfalls, lotus ponds and bamboo groves.
Entertainment: Dragon Legend Acrobats. Si Xian, traditional Chinese harps.
Food and Dining: Nine Dragons, traditional Chinese cuisine. Lotus Blossom Café, rice bowls, eggrolls, salads. - African Outpost:
Entertainment: OrisiRisi interactive drum circle and storytelling.
Refreshment Cool Post: Beverages, snacks, fruit and ice cream. Quick bite, outdoor seating. $ - Germany: Top Attractions: Miniature Trains outdoor display with trains, trolleys, villages and farms. Statue of St. George and the dragon.
Entertainment: Oktoberfest Musikanten band.
Food and Dining: Biergarten Restaurant, buffet of bratwurst and other traditional German foods, decorated as a Bavarian village. Sommerfest, bratwurst, franks, desserts and beverages. - Italy: Top Attractions: Bell tower modeled after St. Mark's Square in Venice. Replica of Doge's Palace and gondola docks; classical statue of Neptune.
Entertainment: World Showcase Players comedy improv group.
Food and Dining: L'Original Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, pasta and classic Italian specialties. Alfredo di Roma Cart, desserts and beverages. - USA: Top Attractions: The American Adventure, multimedia story of the United States and its people, told by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain. American Gardens Theater, covered amphitheater that hosts many entertainment events. "Echoes of Africa" historical and contemporary art exhibit.
Entertainment: Voices of Liberty, a cappella chorus in colonial costumes. Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps.
Food and Dining: Liberty Inn, burgers, hot dogs, hot sandwiches, salads, apple pie and ice cream, beverages. - Japan: Top Attractions: Tin Toy Stories, exhibit featuring 350 Japanese-made vintage tin toys. Torii gate, five-story pagoda, exquisite sculptured gardens and koi ponds.
Entertainment: Matsuriza, traditional Taiko drummers that always draw enthusiastic audiences.
Miyuki, Japanese candy artistry.
Food and Dining: Teppanyaki Dining, steak, chicken and shrimp cooked on an open grill. Yakitori House, beef and chicken plates and skewers, rice, beverages. Tempura Kiku, sushi bar. Matsu No Ma Lounge, Specialty drinks, sushi. Kaki-Gori, shaved ice topped with fruit syrup. - Morocco: Top Attractions: Gallery of Art and History. Prayer tower at the pavilion's entrance, authentic architecture and market.
Entertainment: Mo' Rockin, blend of traditional and modern rhythms of Africa, Middle East, Spanish and America.
Food and Dining: Tangerine Café, Mediterranean-influenced sandwiches and salads, coffee bar with cocktails and specialty drinks. Restaurant Marrakesh, traditional North African cuisine, with entertainment by belly dancers. - France: Top Attractions: Impressions de France, wide-screen film. Replica of the Eiffel Tower and charming architecture reflecting La Belle Epoque.
Entertainment: Serveur Amusant, comedic balancing act.
Food and Dining: Les Chefs de France, authentic French cuisine. Bistro de Paris, traditional French dining in an intimate atmosphere. Boulangerie Patisserie, pastries, sandwiches, quiche and beverages. - United Kingdom: Top Attractions: Shopping, hedge-maze garden, and butterfly garden.
Entertainment: British Invasion, Beatles tribute band. World Showcase Players, comedy improv group. Pam Brody, singer and storyteller.
Food and Dining: Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room, traditional foods and brews. Yorkshore County Fish, fish and chips, ales and beverages. - Canada: Top Attractions: O Canada! CircleVision film. Victoria Gardens, Canadian Rockies re-creation with waterfall, native totems and folk art.
Entertainment: Off Kilter, Celtic rock/folk music.
Food & Dining: Le Cellier Steakhouse, classic steaks, seafood, cheese soup and regional specialties.
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
One-of-a-kind nighttime spectacular with rousing music, fireworks and a huge globe wrapped in video images. Performed at 9:00 PM nightly on and around the lagoon. Best viewing from benches and bridges around the World Showcase.
Your Favorite Epcot Memory
What is your favorite memory of Epcot? I love spending the afternoon wandering through all of the shops in the World Showcase, sampling foods at the counter-service restaurants and watching Off Kilter in the Canada Pavilion. Share your favorite memories!
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Jul 11, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
- Great lens with lots of content. EPCOT is my favorite park. Glad to see the Mickey Arm being removed from Spaceship Earth this week!
Epcot Souvenir Pins
I love collecting pins from Walt Disney World. Epcot is one of my favorites because of the many special attractions and countries. Check out these collector pins on eBay.
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