HiYa Pals!
It’s no secret, Disney World is huge! Much larger than your local theme park. At Walt Disney World there are four parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Additionally, there are 2 water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Don’t forget the massive shopping and dining area called Disney Springs. On top of that there are countless resorts and a few other spots to stop and enjoy.
It was Walts dream to create a second home where magic is created! And he did just that with the opening of Disney World. However, Walt had another dream and vision, to make a place and celebrate the world and the ever-changing future. He wanted to make EPCOT a reality. Let’s look inside this amazing park!
A little History
Epcot opened October 1st of 1982. It was the second Disney Park to open in Florida! EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt had a dream to make EPCOT into an actual functioning city.
However, after his passing the Disney Company felt it to be too much of an undertaking. But many knew Walt’s passion and enthusiasm for creating such a place.
So, after many meetings the Walt Disney Company created what is known as todays EPCOT. A place to celebrate the world, its people, bring them all together in harmony and peace.
Along with a passion for binging the world together, Walt also had a fascination with space, time and technology. And those interests are present in Epcot as well.
What’s Where?
At this time EPCOT is undergoing a large renovation. Slowly the park is starting to pull together. Epcot is broken down into 4 areas, World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.
Each location is fun, educational and exciting! Without further ado let’s talk areas of the park!
Inside World Celebration
In the front of the park, you cannot miss the iconic Epcot ball better known as Spaceship Earth. Inside this giant ball is a wonderfully slow-paced family friendly ride. Everyone of all ages can ride. On Spaceship Earth you are taken back in time to learn how the world progressed and changed throughout time.
Outside of the giant Epcot ball there is guest relations, a shop, lockers and restrooms.
Behind Spaceship Earth, Disney has announced they will be building a large three-story building. It is to become the home of some of the festivals held at Epcot.
Additionally, included in World Celebration is Club Cool. Here you can try different flavors of Coke for free. It’s a lot of fun! Highly recommend giving it a try if you can.
Beside Club Cool is the brand-new gift shop, Creations and the brand-new quick service eatery called Connections.
Inside of Creations you will find a massive store with merchandise for every person in your life. Consequently, you can find home goods, clothes, and toys plus more. It is a great spot to shop! Inside of Connections you will find a menu offering a wide variety of things to eat. In addition, this is the spot for Starbucks!
World Nature
Behind Spaceship Earth to the right is the area now known as World Nature. This area of the park focuses on nature, why it’s important and what we can do to help preserve it.
Currently Disney is in the process of building and creating the new addition “Journey of Water” inspired by Moana! It is set to open in spring 2024. I am very excited to see this new interactive area and what it’s all about.
In World Nature you can find the ever tried and true The Seas, The Land Pavillion, and Figment.
The Seas
In The Seas pavilion you will find an adorable ride taking you through the movie Finding Nemo. As you journey to help Marlin and Dory find Nemo you will experience bright beautiful colors, fun songs and ride the EAC with Crush and Squirt.
Alongside the ride you get to experience a large aquarium. You can stand and watch dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and more swim by. Then take the stairs to the second floor and maybe watch some manatees munch on some dinner!
You and your littles can catch the show Turtle Talk with Crush! This interactive show is fun for kids and adults alike! Outside of the building you can find the sit-down restaurant Coral Reef. Here you dine on a variety of sea food while taking in the ambiance of the aquarium.
The Land
Next to The Seas you will find the large, and probably my favorite pavilion, The Land. Inside this massive building are the rides Soarin and Living with the Land. Two restaurants, a sit-down character meal at Garden Grill and the quick service location named Sunshine Seasons. Moreover, both delicious, so you can’t go wrong with either one.
Figment
Continuing past The Land is a building where you can find the ride A Journey into Imagination with Figment. On this ride you will join Figment the purple dragon and discover different ways to stir up your imagination. Again, another family friendly ride everyone will enjoy.
After the ride be sure to play in the interactive play spaces and take some pictures with some recognizable characters! Your little ones will enjoy this area!
World Discovery
Located behind spaceship earth to the left is the area now known as World Discovery! In this area of the park, you will find rides Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track and Mission Space. Lest, if dining in space is something you have dreamed about you can find the restaurant Space 220 here!
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is Epcots newest attraction. This is a backwards launching rollercoaster! I desperately want to ride this. Again, it’s a rollercoaster so little ones will not be able to ride. Many of the rides in World Discovery are not for your little ones.
Mission Space
Mission Space takes you on a launch into space. You can pick an intense side and a calmer side. I have made the mistake of trying the more intense side and it was not good. Try if you feel daring! Next to Mission Space is the new restaurant Space 220!
Test Track
Next up, Test Track. I love this ride. Here you and 5 other people are seated in a car, whisked through different driving scenarios and end testing your speed! If your little ones are up for a fast at times ride this may be a good one to check out. Test Track is the final building in this area so it’s time to move on!
World Showcase
The entire second half of Epcot is World Showcase! Here you get to experience 11 countries and enjoy some of that they offer! It is a wonderful part of the park. The culture, the food, the rides, the ambiance, it’s amazing.
In World Showcase you can explore and enjoy Canada, The United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Japan, The United States, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico.
Each country is beautiful and is uniquely decorated. As you stroll through the different areas you feel as though you are immersed in the different cultures. In most countries you can find a restaurant of some sort with offerings from that specific country. Check out our experience dining at Rose and Crown in United Kingdom. Generally, if you are not an adventurous eater that’s ok, there are plenty of other options.
Rides in World Showcase
Undeniably, this is where Epcot can become a little boring for the little ones who are looking to be on rides all day. In World showcase there are only 3 rides. Inside Mexico there is the Three Caballeros boat ride. Norway offers the Frozen Ever After Ride and in France you will find Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Shows and Festivals
Aside from rides some countries have different shows, movies and shops to check out.
Epcot, in reality, is known for its festivals! One of the many things to love about Epcot! Sprinkled around the park there are food booths of some sort offering food for your snacking pleasure!
Epcot offers so much for everyone to enjoy! The rides are fun, the food is great, and the experience is wonderful! If you ever get the opportunity to visit EPCOT let us know what you think! What is your favorite part of the park?
Booking your trip
Lastly do you need some assistance planning your trip to Epcot or making some dining reservations? Our friend Erica is a wonderful travel agent who can help you for free! Obviously we think she is amazing!
