Disney World Epcot

If you are planning your Disney World holiday, or if you're just interested in Disney, then check out my other Disney lenses.

Disney World Magic Kingdom Ride Guide
Disney World Animal Kingdom Ride Guide
Disney World Hollywood Studios Ride Guide
Disney World Typhoon Lagoon Ride Guide
Disney World Blizzard Beach Ride Guide

More to come!

Image by Flickr Member jon122480

A "holiday inspired" finale will be added to the end of the IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth display for the 4th July. The American Adventure Pavillion will also feature extra entertainment throughout the day including visits from historical characters and performances from Voices of Liberty.

Image by Flickr Member OneofThem

This concert series held at the Epcot America Gardens Theatre features tribute acts (dates and acts are subject to change).

June 30th - July 10th: Bjorn Again (Abba Tribute)
July 11th - July 20th: Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi Tribute)
July 21st - July 27th: 52nd Street (Billy Joel Tribute)
July 28th - August 3rd: Captain Fantastic (Elton John Tribute)
August 4th - August 10th: The Sounds of the Supremes (The Supremes Tribute)

The concerts are included in the standard Epcot admission prices.

Image by Flickr Member lemoncat1

Future World celebrates new technologies and consists of a number of pavilions, each focused on an innovative aspect of technology. Some of the pavilions are sponsored by particular companies, such as Imagination! which is presented by Kodak. This park of the park is all relatively close together, and it contains most of the more well-known rides.

There are loads of great rides in Future World but my favourite is Test Track - it's great fun and it's pretty cool to sit through some of the tests they do when they design new cars! Plus, that lap is pretty quick...

Spaceship Earth

This ride is pretty difficult to miss - it's the gigantic ball straight in front of you when you arrive at the park. It is basically a guide to the history of mankind - from Ug and his caveman buddies to today and beyond. You ride in a time travel vehicle and it is slow and continuous-loading. The ride has recently been re-vamped and is now narrated by Dame Judy Dench - pretty cool! Some of it is dark, and you do go backwards for a portion of the ride. Children should be fine on this ride, it isn't scary but if they don't like the dark then keep an eye on them.

One thing to definitely remember is that a lot of people go straight for this ride when they arrive. It is sensible to leave it until later, when the biggest queues have died down, but you shouldn't really have to wait for too long at any time. This is a ride NOT to be missed - it's one of Epcot's most iconic rides.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Ellen's Energy Adventure

This is a 45 minute long show which takes you through the history of the universe and tells you all about energy. It is displayed on a bunch of huge screens. The theatre splits into 6 vehicles part of the way through as Ellen is taken on a journey through pre-historic lands. At the end it comes back together for a look at how we use and need energy today. The story is based around Ellen DeGeneres, who wants to win Jeopardy but comes up against contestants like Dr. Albert Einstein and all her questions are about energy - something she knows nothing about.

There is a standing pre-show which shouldn't be missed - it gives a lot of background information for the show. This attraction is great is you're getting a bit hot and need a rest - I wouldn't rate it that highly as it's pretty long - but that's just my opinion (I like to pack a lot into my days).

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair
45 minute shows (starting every 17 minutes)

Mission: SPACE

This ride is AWESOME! It is a mission to Mars, including full briefing beforehand and a rocket ride in a simulator to get there. The pre-show activities or course involve getting back to Earth again! The ride itself is pretty intense, and you have to be in good health to ride - there are several warning signs letting you know who should not ride. Expect motion sickness from the spinning! There is now a milder version of the ride, without the spinning - so if you want to ride this version then be sure to get a green ticket rather than an orange one when you are asked.

Although the ride itself is pretty short, you should allow probably about an hour for the experience, there's a lot to do in the post-show. Make sure you definitely want to ride - there are many opportunities to drop out - right up until you give the thumbs up to the cast member once you're strapped in. This ride is definitely NOT suitable for young children. If your child is tall enough to ride, make sure they know exactly what it entails before letting them ride. Just because they are a space enthusiast does not mean they will like this ride - they can always do the milder version though.

Fastpasses are available
Minimum height - 112cm (rider switch available)
Expectant mothers should not ride
Video captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Advanced Training Lab

This is the post-show for Mission: SPACE and has some pretty cool stuff to do - even if you don't ride it. There's Space Base, which is a play area for young children with an awesome space theme. Also, there's Expedition: Mars, a video game where you, as an astronaut, have to find other astronauts. Postcards from Space is cool too, you can email a video of yourself on a space background. The best bit though is the Space Race - two teams compete to get their rocket back to Earth. It's a bit like Tetris and each team member has to fix problems. If you get a good teamwork score at the end you win. Pretty fun I think.

Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Test Track

Test Track is my favourite Epcot ride - I love everything about it! The queue line is themed to look like a laboratory testing area, so even when there's a long queue it's pretty cool to look around. It can be loud in places - but what do you expect in a lab testing cars?! As for the actual ride itself, you get strapped into a car and taken round a series of tests. There's a hill climb test, a suspension test, a brake test, an environmental chamber test, a ride handling text, a barrier test and finally that infamous high speed test! It's one of the longest rides and definitely one of the best.

I'd definitely skip the General Motors exhibit as you leave - it's not worth the time it takes. Test Track has a Kidcot station for the little ones who can't ride, the queues can get ridiculously long so I'd definitely advise fastpassing or using the single riders queue.

Fastpasses are available
Single Riders queue
Minimum height - 102cm (rider switch available)
Video captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Innoventions

Formerly known as Communicore, this area is designed to be like travelling on a highway - with each exhibit having its own road sign. There are a whole bunch of exhibits, all geared towards learning something different about some form of technology. It is very popular with teenagers, and is a great place to check out if it's really hot! It also looks pretty cool at night, with loads of fiber optics.

There are 2 Kidcot stations, one each side of the highway - it's easy to miss them as they're not in the World Showcase! Be sure to check out the fountains too - they're cool!

Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

It's easy to get carried away at Disney and spend ridiculous amounts of money on your perfect holiday. However, with a few helpful hints you can save some serious cash so here's a few of mine:

• Take water in with you - the stuff in the park is pretty expensive


• Buy a cheap fan before you arrive - the heat will tempt you to buy one of those overpriced spray fans which aren't worth the money and you won't fit in your suitcase to take home!


• Check out the local Disney outlet stores and even Wal-Mart for merchandise as it's generally cheaper than in the parks - they're especially good for t-shirts.


• Hunt around for the best deals on park entrance tickets - you can even get them in Wal-Mart! If you're travelling form the UK then check out the new Ultimate tickets - they give you unlimited access for 2 or 3 weeks and are only available to UK guests.


• Don't link your credit card to your room key - you'll end up spending way more money!


• Think carefully about purchases, that huge plush toy of Buzz Lightyear may seem perfect for your youngest's bedroom but have you got the space (or the baggage allowance) to get it home?


• Generally, food in the parks is quite expensive so have a big breakfast, perhaps at one of the many all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets then you won't need so much for lunch.


• Epcot has some expensive, fine food restaurants and although they're great for couples if you want a romantic meal - you can get good quality food like that from a local restaurant outside the parks and it will be much cheaper. It sounds silly but it also takes a long time to eat in a fine dining restaurant!


• Unless you want to end up buying a pair of over-priced crocs in the park to soothe your aching feet I would suggest wearing sensible shoes at Epcot.

Also, one thing I would definitely recommend for hundreds of money-saving tips is Beth Haworth's Ultimate Disney world Savings Guide. She's a former cast member and she gives some great money saving advice. Just some of the things you can expect to find in her guide are:

• Get a 10 night stay at a 5* Disney Resort Hotel for $1,100 (RRP $3,100)


• Save up to $500 just on entrance tickets and tips on where and when to buy them


• Ideas for rainy days


• How to beat the queues


• Hidden entrances


• Comparing hotels to see which one suits you best


• Where to shop for souvenirs


• The best Downtown Disney attraction


• The best places to eat

There's much, much more than that (it's over 100 pages) and you also get a lifetime of updates - it's updated regularly and you are entitled to receive those updates forever. I would definitely recommend this guide - it makes that Disney dream a little more possible - especially if you're strapped for cash!

Click the image below for more information.

Show Name

Description

Suitability for Children

Important Information

Turtle Talk with Crush

An animated show in which Crush interacts with the audience answering questions and calling people by name (10 mins)!

The kids love this, especially if they get to talk to Crush - not to be missed!

Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Ellen's Energy Adventure

Learn about energy today and throughout history with Ellen DeGeneres in this show (45 mins). The vehicles do move during part of the show.

Children should be fine in this show.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair. 45 minute shows (starting every 17 minutes).

The Circle of Life

A movie about the environment hosted by characters from The Lion King. This has some great animation and some even better photography.

Good fun and educational for all the family.

Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Reflections of China

A 360 degree movie presentation - if you get dizzy then stand at the back (14 mins). It is shown on the half hour.

It's a standing attraction which is suitable for the whole family, although children may get a little bored.

Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

The American Adventure

Audio-animatronics show which highlights important people and events in American history (30 mins).

Suitable for all the family -it's a great way to get out of the heat and have a rest.

Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Impressions de France

A film featuring classical music and scenes from around France (18 mins).

Children will probably get bored during this film - there are better things for them to do.

Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

O Canada!

360 degree film showing off the landscape of Canada (22 mins). It is a standing show.

Children will probably get bored during this film.

Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Image by Flickr Member happysteve

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

In this slow-moving ride (in clam shells) technology makes it look as though the characters of Finding Nemo are swimming with real marine life in one of the world's largest aquariums. It's pretty cool and the kids absolutely love it - it's a little dark but just because it's all underwater - it's not scary. The children we were with were amazed when the computer-animated Nemo swam alongside a real dolphin. Once you've finished the ride, there's a huge submerged aquarium to look at - so make sure you stick around (plus it's cool in there too).

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair

Turtle Talk with Crush

This is an animated show where Crush "talks" with the audience. The kids absolutely love it! He looks at the person he's talking to and call them by name (the host asks for it first) - and he'll take questions from the audience. It lasts about 10 minutes and is definitely well worth it if you're travelling with kids!

Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Soarin'

This is a free-flying ride over the landscape of California. Riders are lifted into the air and a huge iMAX screen displays scenery from California. The experience is heightened by feeling the air going past you and smelling scents of orange trees etc. It's really cool, but if you suffer from motion sickness then you may find it a little uncomfortable as there is movement in the seating and you are pretty close to the screen.

The kids generally like it too, and as it's a fastpass attraction you shouldn't have to wait too long - it is popular though so DO use those Fastpasses!

Fastpasses are available
Minimum height - 102cm (rider switch available)
Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Living with the Land

This is a boat ride through indoor planting areas - you have a guide to explain what everything is. It lasts 14 minutes and is pretty interesting if you're into that sort of thing (and also if you're not I guess). You travel through several different greenhouses and at the end get to take a look at innovative ways to grow crops - it's pretty cool.

Fastpasses are available
Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair

The Circle of Life

This is a movie about the environment, hosted by characters from the Lion King. The photography is world class and this attraction should not be missed. It's easy to walk on by as it's essentially just a film, but I would definitely recommend taking the time to give it a go.

Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Journey into Imagination with Figment

In this ride you take a look at the senses. Figment plays havoc, and invites you to his own personal open house - the upside down house. It's pretty fun, and figment appears much more now - there are a few surprises along the way too! It rarely has a long queue, so give it a go - it's quick and easy.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

This is a great 3D movie - one of the best in my view. Professor Wayne Szalinski is having some problems with his hoverpod and is charging round the Institute. You get shrunk by his Incredible Shrinking Machine and there are some impressive special effects - including wind from the hoverpod. Generally I've found that kids are fine, but some may be scared by the gigantic stuff that appears on screen when you're shrunk. It is very realistic, and if you're afraid of snakes or mice you might want to avoid it. It's also very loud in places so think before letting your children ride.

Fastpasses are available
May be frightening for children
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Image by Flickr Member MPR529

The World Showcase involves a lot of walking but it is well worth it. It surrounds the World Showcase Lagoon (where IllumiNations is shown) and feature many countries from around the world. There are rides at some of the countries but not all. The best part of the World Showcase for me is the food! Each country has its own places to each with traditional cuisine - it's much fun!

If you've got kids make sure you start at Mexico or Canada to start off the Kidcot fun. Kids can create their own piece of art - adding to it at each station (there's one in each country and some in future World). Each station has a unique piece to add to the artwork and it can help to keep the kids entertained if they are finding some of the countries less than exciting. For the adults (or the kids), you can get an Epcot passport and get stamps in each country. Also, the Kidcot stations in the World Showcase are manned by natives of that country - it's nice for the children to interact with them.

Each country displays some of the typical architecture and it's great even just to walk around the lagoon and take it all in - great photographs! There are also particular characters that can be found at each country throughout the day - check your guide for times and locations.

Mexico: Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

I love the replica of an Aztec Temple in Mexico and inside there's a colourful market place. The attraction is pretty fun; you go on a boat ride featuring Donald Duck and other characters. It's nice and relaxed - great for all the family. There's a chance to sample Mexican life today as well as an insight into the history of the country.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair

Norway: Maelstrom

The scenery in Norway is designed to represent Norwegian towns like Oslo and Bergen. There's Princess dining and a replica of Gol Stave church which contains an exhibit on the Vikings with many replica weapons etc. The attraction, Maelstrom is another boat ride but it is slightly more thrill-filled than in Mexico (although still suitable for the whole family). You travel back to a Viking village with a forest populated by trolls. A creature casts a spell on your boat and sends you through some rapids - not wishing to spoil any surprises I'll say no more - but it's good fun. At the end you can watch a video about Norway today. I wouldn't miss this one - it's one of the better attractions in the World Showcase.

Fastpasses are available
Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Reflective Captioning
Assisting Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

China: Reflections of China

This section of the World Showcase is great to just walk around, the architecture is great and there's some cool stuff in the shops. The attraction is a 360 degree movie presentation (14 minutes in length) - if you get a little dizzy then stand near the back - it is a standing attraction. Do check out the Land of Many Faces gallery, it's well worth a look.

Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Germany

The Germany area of World Showcase is constantly in full flow of Oktoberfest! Check out the shops - there is often someone working on figurines - it's pretty awesome. Also, try to get there on the hour so you can see the clock tower. There's also a special Oktoberfest celebration each year in October if you'll be there then. The kids will love the miniature train and model village and Snow White sometimes comes out here.

Italy

This represents St. Mark's Square and the architecture is a replica of the Doges Palace in Venice. The restaurant serves brilliant food, traditional Italian cuisine and comes highly recommended from me (you've got to try the meatballs)! There's also a great kitchen shop - loads of Italian products (including wine).

The American Adventure

The American Adventure includes an audio-animatronics show which highlights important people and events in American history. Hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, it lasts for 30 minutes and is pretty good. It's a great way to get out of the heat and have a rest for a while! The rest of this area is very patriotic and you can get some cool stuff in the shop. Try to catch Voices of Liberty - an a cappella vocal group who sing at various times through the day - they're well worth the time.

Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Japan

You can't miss Japan, with its bright red torii gate and stunning pagoda inspired by a shrine built in 700AD. The Bijutsu-kan gallery is a constantly changing exhibit which reflects Japanese culture (I think it is tin toys at the moment). Try to check out the Japanese drums - although they're difficult to miss, you can hear them from pretty far away! Also, check out the Mitsukoshi Department store - there's some awesome stuff there to buy from Pokémon to fresh water pearls!

Morocco

This area recreates the atmosphere of Morocco, representing Fez, Marrakesh and Casablanca. There is a 45 minute educational tour called 'Treasures of Morocco' run throughout the day - it's very informative and well worth the time if you are interested in Moroccan culture and history. The Fez House depicts a traditional Moroccan home and it pretty interesting. For the kids, Aladdin and Jasmine sometimes appear here.

France: Impressions de France

This showcase represents France form 1870-1910 (La Belle Epoque - a beautiful time). There is a celebration of the arts, with a book shop, a theatre, art and a perfume shop. There is an 18 minute film called Impressions de France, featuring classical music and scenes from various regions in France. There is a very expensive, but beautiful, restaurant called Bistro de Paris for those looking for the luxury experience. Not to be forgotten is the patisserie - yum!

Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

United Kingdom

The UK is represented by a mixture of architecture ranging from the 15th century to the 19th century (including a Shakespearian cottage and a tradition English pub!). The traditional maze is good fun for all the family, and the fish and chips at the Rose and Crown is pretty damn good. Alice and the characters from Winnie the Pooh are often here, as well as Peter Pan and sometimes Mary Poppins - it's the best country for character greeting.

Canada: O Canada!

This showcases the Rockies, Furriers, Trappers and Indians and is worth the visit. The architecture is very good and there are opportunities to interact with a wide variety of Canadian cultures. The O Canada attraction is a 360 degree film showing off the scenery of Canada, from the snow of the Rockies to the night life of Toronto! It is a standing show (22 minutes).

Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Polaroid Image by Flickr Member Revo_2059