Epcot is divided into 2 distinct parts - Future World and World Showcase.
“Future World”, built around the distinctive, giant white ball is the first area you will come to. Inside this landmark is “Spaceship Earth”, a gentle ride which continuously carries visitors past tableaux depicting the history of earth and the development of technology. There are no big thrills here but it is an interesting and educative journey.
“Mission:Space” is the newest and, by far, the most popular attraction currently here at Epcot taking explorers into a futuristic world where they must “train” for their mission before being launched into space. There is a minimum height requirement for this ride and anyone who experiences motion sickness may want to volunteer to sit out and hold the baby! This is a fantastic experience but I’d recommend using the Fast Pass system if you want to ride.
“Test Track” is also extremely popular. Visitors are strapped into a protype sports car and propelled, very fast, around a specially designed test track. If you are a nervous passenger then this probably isn’t for you as you’ll experience near crashes, sharp turns and banked curves at high speed. Due to the length of the experience and the time it takes to load passengers on and off, the queues here can get very long, very quickly. I’d recommend that you Fast Pass and make sure you get here early!
“Soarin” is another thrilling ride - fly like a bird over stunning California scenery. There is a minimum height requirement again (this time 102 cm) but most of the family will enjoy the experience.
These are the main big rides which draw the crowds – all of which can be Fast Passed.
“Ellen’s Energy Adventure” is an enjoyable theatre-based show taking you back in time with dialogue from Ellen DeGeneres. The theatre rotates and splits up to move visitors around the ride to discover dinosaurs and float high above earth in an entertaining, yet still educative, experience. The queues can look long due to the length of the ride but it can take about 600 visitors at a time so it may move quicker than you expect. On a hot day, the theatre can provide a cool respite from the sunshine outside.
If you are travelling with younger children you’re bound to enjoy “The Seas with Nemo & Friends”. In your clam-shaped car, you’ll accompany Dorey and Nemo on a journey around the aquarium and dive to the deepest part of the ocean. “Journey into Imagination” is probably one to add to your list too.
“Honey, I shrunk the audience” is also good fun for families – this 3D adventure will shrink you and then bring you face to face with some rather large looking creatures!
The second part of Epcot, “World Showcase”, is probably of most interest to older visitors and, although there are a couple of rides here, youngsters may tire quickly of the “cultural” experience. This part of the park is a series of “lands” around a large lake, depicting different countries around the world. Each country has replica buildings to set the scene, eateries serving authentic cuisine and shops selling typical souvenirs from the country in question. For example, in the “United Kingdom” you will find a real pub, a red telephone box and a shop selling “real” chocolate! At certain times, there will be live cultural performances (such as living statues in Italy and acrobats in China) and there are even a few art galleries dotted around.
Some of the countries have themed rides – the “Maelstrom” boat journey down the fjords proved popular as did the boat trip in Mexico.
The restaurants provide much of the focus here but you’ll probably need to make a reservation for best. France has a couple of good quality eateries to choose from, Germany offers an atmospheric Biergarten or you can sample sushi at the bar in Japan. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate.
Each evening Epcot hosts a spectacular son et lumiere show, culminating in a dramatic firework show over the lake – “Illuminations”. There are plenty of vantage points around the lake – one of the most popular appears to be the terrace of the Rose & Crown pub in England where you can enjoy the show with a pint in your hand – but you will be asked to provide your ID for age verification (no matter how old you are!).
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A Holmes comments on Disney, Florida...
"We visited in August and it was unbearably humid- even the park staff said that because there were no afternoon showers, as is typical at that time of year, it was worse than usual. We were all flagging after less than 3 hours, but these 2 things saved the day: We took our own bottled water, frozen over night. We topped it up as we saw a water fountain and it lasted well. Secondly, we had a can of "magicool" spray that was like heaven on your face. Whenever anyone looked like they were going to drop in the heat or ask to go back to the hotel, I squirted them and it bought us a bit more time. "
Lola comments on Florida theme parks...
"Try to go on all the big rides or those that normally have a "fast pass" during the 12pm - 3pm times (queues are shorter as most are having lunch at these times."
John comments on Florida theme parks...
"If you are planning an odd day or two at Busch Gardens or Universal usually your second day is free this can save you lot of money also buy your tickets yourself online again some great offers that you will not get at the park and you also get a better dollar rate do your home work it will save you a fortune "
Peter Jackson comments on Florida theme parks...
"As an older couple, we weren't sure how long we would want to spend at the theme parks, so didn't want to book a pass in advance. We discovered that if you buy a day pass and take it along next time you visit, you can upgrade it for further days at the discounted rate."
Tony Gurney comments on Florida theme parks...
"It's a good idea to be smart about your visits to the parks.
For example if you have a Disney ticket that allows access to all the parks it's good to start the day early with a visit to a water park when the heat is manageable, leave towards mid-day for a meal outside the park where the food's better and the prices cheaper and then return to one of the attraction parks when the heat, and the number of visitors, has died down. You'll get access to the more popular rides much quicker.
Remember that your parking ticket is valid at all parks all day so it won't cost any more to go to the different parks. "
Lee comments on eating out...
"There are many buffet and cook to order diners to have a large breakfast - outside the parks, which means all you need during the day are drinks and snacks. Stoke up before going and save money too!
Denny's, IHOP and Perkins are the major chains and serve huge choice at breakfast with prices cheaper and portions larger than inside the parks!"
Doreen Davies comments on Florida...
"We visited Disney and Universal for the first time in 18 years. We had just as much fun. The guest services were very helpful. We also went Swamp Buggy racing. You have all got to do this. It is such fun. Florida is not just about things to do. It is also about wildlife which is so abundant. From Aligators to Rosea spoonbills to Ospreys etc. etc. The manattee population is being helped to increase and these creature are a sight to see. Take part in conservation. From the soft coast of the gulf to the wild and windy Atlantic, Fabulous. Florida is not just fun parks"