Lake Buena Vista, FL

Summary of Epcot Center

photo by Alicia

Epcot Center

Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-824-4321

disneyworld.disney.go.com

It seems probable that Disney built Epcot next to Disney World as a nod to the family cynic who would undoubtedly become nauseated by the saccharine-sweetness of the “happiest place on earth.” Epcot is Disneyworld’s foil, focusing on science and knowledge rather than magic and fantasy. It’s hard to compete with Mickey Mouse by offering rides through the history of communication, so Epcot has gotten cooler since it opened in 1982. There are a few “thrill rides,” including a simulated space launch and a test drive track, and there’s an aquarium so big it holds manatees. The nighttime laser and fireworks show over the lagoon is excellent. Epcot’s longtime draw, however, is the World Showcase, which is a cluster of “countries,” where you drink beer in a German Biergarten, eat tacos in Mexico, taunt mimes in the Italian piazza. This is Disney’s idyllic version of travel – no slums or pickpockets – and it enthralls adults. Employees at the World Showcase counter the postcard quality with a nice touch of authenticity – most are natives of the countries they represent, so your belly dancer may actually be from Morocco. Ultimately, the bottom line is that if you’re trying to spoil your 7-year-old nephew with a fun day, stick to Disney World. Once he’s back with his parents, head to Epcot.

Reviews

Disney world

Reviewed by aznvincent09 on June 25, 2008

aznvincent09's rating:

"Disney world epcot center is a great place for family and friends.Even if ur an adult, you will have a great time."

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Epcot

Reviewed by folashade on January 11, 2007

folashade's rating:

"Epcot is the learning component of Disney. This is one of the places that should be on every elementary schools trip list. The innovations going on in Disney are fascinating in the extreme. In the Land, you get to see all of the new growing techniques such as growing plants in the air without soil and pest resistant fruits and vegetables while using little if any pesticides. Imagination is suitable for very small children. You can see different types of fish in the Living Seas and see a special presentation of Finding Nemo. The only ride I would not recommend is the new Mission Space. It is simulation ride similar to what astronauts go through to prepare for a space mission. I came out feeling disoriented and sick to my stomach a feeling that was shared with many of the people that left the ride. The ride also comes with barf bags. After you spend a couple of hours exploring the rides, you can walk through the different countries. In England, you can get the fish and chips or eat at the pub; in Japan, you can view bonsai plants and eat sushi and noodles; Italy will transport you to Venice and you can snack on Italian delights; in Germany, you can drink beer and eat bratwurst. There is something to do in the 11 countries represented."

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Soarin' at EPCOT

Reviewed by dahunter1129 on January 02, 2007

dahunter1129's rating:

"I guess the above reviewer didn’t ride Soarin’, which is one of my favorite rides, overall, at Disney. This ride is worth the wait, (which, by 11 am each day was at least an hour) although we would sneak into EPCOT early, get our FastPass and do other stuff. There is also a new Finding Nemo ride for the kids, and the Living Seas aquarium is really cool. Try to catch a feeding time if you can, it is really facsinating to see the fish fed. There are lots of interactive stations for little ones through out the park, but, sadly, many of the World Showcase restaurants are not child friendly. We ate at Ackerhaus, where we dined with the Princesses, and the food was not all that great. The Nine Dragons food was the best Chinese food I have ever eaten, but not a kid friendly place. Same for L’orginale Alfredo, very good food but not kid friendly. My son’s favorite ride, besides Soarin’, was The Figment of Imagination. Very cute, and there is a great interactive play area after the ride to let the kids blow off steam. EPCOT is lots of fun, you just have to look for the fun a little harder then at the other parks."

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Lamest of Disney's parks

Reviewed by Anonymous on June 27, 2006

Anonymous' rating:

"I have to admit this was my least favorite of the Disney World parks. The “futuristic” exhibits just look hokey, and the different “countries” are utterly unconvincing. Still, the setting on the lagoon is pretty, and the German beer garden is a fun spot for a brew."

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