Epcot was the second of four parks to open that make up Disney World. The park opened in October of 1982. The theme park is part international culture and part technological innovation. For those purposes, the park is divided into two "worlds." Future World focusing on the technology and innovation aspects and World Showcase, giving guest a taste of international culture.
Future World is where guest will find the "thrill" attractions, and where I will start with my picks. Keep in mind that Epcot offers an enormous amount of activities along with their annual events ( Upcoming: International Flower and Garden show March 18-May 31,2009) for guest. I am merely highlighting what I view as have-to-experience attractions.
Topping my list is Soarin'! Soarin' is an approximately 5 minute hand gliding simulator attraction located in THE LAND pavilion of Future World. Soarin' takes guest on a simulated hand gliding tour of the many sights(and smells) of the great state of California. Highlights include, San Fancisco, the Napa Valley and flight over Disneyland! This extremely popular attraction opened in May of 2005. My advice? Get your FAST PASS for this attraction right when you enter Epcot. Lines and wait times can be extremely long otherwise! For those who must endure the wait in the stand by line,Disney has utilized some infrared technology to offer guest an interactive experience to participate in while waiting. I highly recommend this attraction--miss it and you have really missed out on one of the most amazing experiences Disney offers! Side note: look for the hidden Mickey on the golf ball!
After an awesome hand gliding experience, how about getting in the drivers seat at Test Track? My number 2 Epcot pick. Test Track puts guest in a test car that endures a series of test via a mock -up "GM testing facility" The Test Track GM building is full of test crash dummies, cars and car parts. Guest will view an array of testing procedures used on vehicles, as they make their way through the stand-by line to the briefing room of the attraction. After a short briefing, guest are led to their test cars. Your test vehicle will undergo testing of suspension and anti lock brakes along with a series of environmental testing in the areas of corrosion, heat and the cold. The biggest thrill to this attraction is the track that can be seen surrounding the building. To be more accurate, its the final "barrier test" which puts guests test vehicles on the outside track for a lap around the building at speeds over 60 mph. If you thought you were having a bad hair day before you entered the park, take a look at yourself AFTER Test Track! It's definitely a rush!
For a really intense, out of this world experience, I highly recommend Mission Space. Mission Space is Disneys most advanced simulator attraction. So advanced they have to offer two options for guest. Orange team (more intense) and Green Team (less intense.) The attraction simulates a human mission to Mars,beginning with your shuttle lift off, followed by a sling shot around the moon and finally, your landing on Mars. Each guest is assigned a specific task to complete while on their mission ( Navigator, Pilot, commander or engineer). Forget what to do? no problem..auto pilot kicks in to complete the task! Be aware that this attraction generates up to 3g's and can spin at 35 MPH. The spinning is used to create the sensation of speed and G forces. Disney recommends those who are prone to motion sickness consider the alternative "Green Team" experience which does not involve any spinning or simulation of G forces. I always go with the full experience Orange team and recommend you give it a try. I have yet to get sick nor has anyone in my "flight team" get sick. Sickness bags are however, provided in each capsule if needed.
OK, my next pick you saw from the road--you have to go inside it! Spaceship Earth is one of most recognizable attractions throughout all of the Disney parks..yes that's the "Big Ball." The 18 story sphere houses a dark ride which transports guest through time and details the history of communication and how, along with technology, it creates our future. Audio-Animotronics are used to create scenes throughout history to tell this story. As a side note, you may recognize the voice of the narrator for this attraction as actress Judi Dench. The attraction begins in prehistoric times and transports you to the dawn of the 21st century. Additionally, Spaceship Earth allows guest to "create" their own futures in a pretty cool interactive feature.Be sure to check out "Project Tomorrow" when exiting the attraction for other interactive games and displays. You can even email a video to friends from here!
Excitement and the thrill of technology are all great, but for something that moves at a slower pace, head over to World Showcase. World Showcase is a multi-cultural experience. Guest are given the opportunity to discover the beauty and distinctiveness of eleven separate pavilions representing Mexico, Norway,China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morraco, France, The United Kingdom and Canada. Each of the 11 pavilions is staffed by actual citizens of the represented country . You will find authentic cuisine and merchandise at each pavilion as well. For those who enjoy international shopping and dining- this is definitely for you! I recommend checking out each individual pavilion. Take in each countries culture, speak to the native cast members about their country, try the food! How often do you get an opportunity for international "sampling" if you will. Along with the art, food and merchandise both China and Canada also offer circle vision 360 presentations. Boat attractions are also offered at Norway (Maelstrom) and Mexico ( Gran Fiesta Tour/Three Caballeros). All worth a look while strolling through World Showcase.
The finale to your visit to Epcot should include attendance of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" the 13 minute show is a collaboration of lasers, fireworks, water fountains and fire itself. Most notable in IlluniNations is the large rotating globe composed of multiple LCD screens. The screens depict various people and places around the world. The globe serves as the centerpiece for this outstanding night time display. The show takes place right on the World Showcase lagoon. Be sure to scope out a good place to view the show early!
That wraps up my Epcot Picks. Next week: Animal Kingdom!
Posts
