Disney - Epcot

Avatar · February 12, 2007

A family trip report from our recent trip to Disney’s Epcot Theme Park

Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow (EPCOT)

EPCOT Theme Park is such a different theme parks in contrast to what we the general public thinks of what a traditional theme park should be. I think maybe they should make another classification besides Amusement/Theme Park to accommodate Epcot.

EPCOT is like having two major Amusement/Theme Park in one. In this trip report I will try to accomplish two things; one to share my families experience at Epcot and secondly try to give you the reader a better understanding as too what all Epcot has to offer visiting guests. I think it would be best to give a fun factual summery about Epcot and then divide the trip report into two sections the first being Future World and the second is World Showcase. The Table of Contents for this trip report is as follows;

Epcot; fun factual facts summery about Epcot.

Introduction and the start of the trip report

Future World

World Showcase

After Dark Second Time Around

Illuminations Reflections of Earth

Conclusion

Epcot; fun factual facts summery about Epcot.

Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, began as Walt’s idea of creating a better city. He best explains it by his own words, Qoute; “A utopian environment enriched in education, and in expanding technology. A perfect city with dependable public transportation, a soaring civic center covered by an all-weather dome, and model factories concealed in green belts that were readily accessible to workers housed in idyllic suburban subdivisions nearby“.

I have included a picture of Walt Disney with a drawing that shows one of these Communities behind him.

Walt Disney also envisioned the World Showcase section in Epcot to be a real live interactive showcase. He wanted to have all the cultures from around the world have their own section surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon, the lagoon Magic Kingdom is located on. He though that each world culture section would have a full service themed hotel complete with shops, restaurant’s, cultural displays and that culture’s entertainment would be preformed there too. So Basically Guest coming to Magic Kingdom would also want to stay longer to visit the other world showcases around the lagoon. I have included a early map of what Walt had originally had in mind.

Due to the Walt’s death and intervention from accountants, Walt’s vision was put on hold and then later incorporated into another idea of incorporating both toned down ideas with each other to form one huge theme park. Epcot opened on October 1, 1982 and is a thriving unique one of a kind theme park still to this day.

Other Epcot Fu Facts;

Epcot Total Cost: US$1.4 Billion

Epcot Construction Time: 3 years (at the time the largest construction project on earth)

Official Groundbreaking: October 1, 1979

Card Walker (President of Walt Disney Productions) reveals plans for the theme park on October 1, 1978

Park Size: 300+ acres

The pavement at EPCOT was engineered by Disney and Kodak photography to be painted a specific custom color of pink that makes the grass look greener and pictures look brighter.

Current map of Epcot when we visited.

Introduction and The Start of Our Trip Report

On October 2, 2006 my family and I decided to be guests at Epcot for their annual Food & Wine Festival. The Food and Wine Festival allows the sponsoring countries in the World Showcase to put up a themed display that offers food and alcohol samplings from that country , as well as information about that country.

As I always do I insist that we start any day at a theme park right at rope drop. So upon opening we were greeted by the wonderfully friendly Disney cast members and was really awing the size of Epcots signature icon named Spaceship Earth.

To give you a good perspective to the size of Epcot I am going to include a short video that loops around Spaceship Earth (the big ball) and looks out into Future World while ridding in the Disnry monoral as it goes around.

Click videos twice to play.

Future World

Future World is the only section of the park that is opened at 9 am because of the size of Epcot, guest are not able to go to World Showcase until 11 am allowing the guest to enjoy Future World first. Future World offers extremely large indoor pavilions that are usually sponsored by a corporate business. They usually are showcasing the latest technology that relate to our way of life, by displays, hands on activities or incorporating these ideas by showcasing them by a medium thrill ride attractions.

Test Track

Test Track; Was the first attraction to start our day at Epcot.

It was a basic walk on, but with most attractions at Epcot they group you into large groups to watch a pre show, so it does add time to ridding their thrill attractions. The pre shows are usually somewhat entertaining so we did not mind them, but if you decide to ride a second time the pre shows are a bore.

When we got to the attraction we got in what looks like a car that is designed to go through car tests as the preshow had shown earlier.

At first we went through various indoor test while sitting in the car such as; braking, sharp turns and various hot/cold tests and an acid test.

The last couple thrills, is an announcement made that they have decided to test crash our vehicle into a wall and subsequently launched the car at a high rate of speed straight at a test wall. Fortunately at the last second the test wall opens before crashing into it. From there we found ourselves on the outside of the pavilion and now fully engaged in a speed test around the pavilion.

The ride then slows down and the ends. After exiting we were invited to insert our PhotoPass Card to download an on ride photo as a ride souvenir.

Since General Motors sponsors this pavilion we had to navigate through a maze of new showroom cars that they have sitting out for guests to sit in and to look over.

Mission Space

This is a very intense attraction and somehow we convinced Miss Rae to go with us even though they offered a milder less intense ride. The inside line queue had some fantastic space displays such as this spinning astronaut space capsule.

I haft to admit the seriousness in the way they move you around as a group and the warning that they give at the pre shows it did get me concerned. We finally made it through all the build-up warning and shows and got to our capsule. They had instructed each of us that we were to perform a set of task to complete as to our predetermined title and that dictated our seating arrangement in our capsule. Once inside they close the capsule and proceed with a countdown. When it hits 0 a loud rumbling blast can be heard as well be felt. About 20 seconds into it, Miss Rea says “father I’m too heavy , something is happening to me, I can’t lift my legs”.

I believe the ride spins around a track like a flight simulator does to test pilots for G forces, to give us that heavy crushing feeling. When the capsule screen simulates to us that we have entered Earth’s outer space the capsule slows down and we feel very light compared to all the G forces from earlier. After working as a team and completing all of or tasks the capsule opens up and congratulates us for a successful mission. At the exit they have several kids activities and some fun space mission control activities for the guest to try out.

Avatar · February 12, 2007

The Land Pavilion

Houses several attractions, 1 full service restaurant, with food served from their own garden grown inside the pavilion itself and a great food court. One attraction is called Living with the Land, which is a boat ride through state of the art greenhouses.

The Lands new signature attraction is called Soarin.

Soarin over California is an exclusive attraction to Disney. It took us on a ride that gave us riders the feeling that we were in fact gliding above various California landscapes. As usual the line queue was nicely themed.

They again divided us up into groups, then when the doors open we were instructed to sit in a predetermined row and seat.

When the attraction is started the top of our seats folded flat down above the us. Then all three rows were raised up into the air with the first row to be directly above the second row and so forth. As we were fully immersed into fling over all the different landscapes such as the orange groove, a small fan blew orange air scents. This air blowing made us feel like we were really in motion plus it allows for the different scents to be smelt at the proper times.

Imagination!

Is another large pavilion that offers three fun attractions that tries to excite the guest to use their imagination in their own lives. First attraction was a ride though attraction.

We watch a character named Figment explain what and how to use our imagination.

When exiting this ride we entered a hands on attraction that maked Chuckie Cheese look like a primitive fun house.

We only spent a few minutes here but could have easily spent 1 hour + there. We rushed to catch the “Honey I Shrunk The Audience” 3-D show which is the other attraction at the Imagination pavilion. The theater entrance is on the outside of the pavilion and the line can get rather long. Not only does this 3-D show have great 3-D graphics but the Disney imaginteers included several Awe factors during the show. At one point the entire theater shakes and moves and they also shoot a blast of air to simulate that something was running under our legs.

I must mention that as we exited the theater we were faced with two wonderful water attractions that drew us to stop and take a moment to enjoy while the crowd leaving the theater thinned out. The first one is a jumping water fountain that jumped over our heads from one spot over to another spot and some just jump up and down in various places, Miss Rae just loved these.

The other Water feature is what looks like a waterfall but when we took a closer look and realize that we were still in the Imagination area, we could see that the waterfall was going backwards, making it a water-up.

Living Seas

They had two attractions open at the time of our visit, but was working on a ride that would have guest take a ride through the aquarium with him. So the first one is basically taking a tour of their very large aquarium with various hands on exhibits. The other attraction was called Turtle Crush, Which is a huge kids favorite.

We had a reservation to eat at The Coral Reef, which is a full service restaurant located inside the Living Seas pavilion.

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is Epcot’s signature icon that can be seen from several miles away. Spaceship Earth is a ride attraction. that took us up an escalator and continued up inside the sphere. Then the we were loaded into a contentious conveyor car. From there we wound our way up, down and all around the sphere listening basically to Earths evolution in time and projected Earths future. The ride seems outdated and could use some updating.

Video for Spaceship Eath

WORLD SHOWCASE

Epcot World Showcase is a collection of 11 countries arranged around a large lake. The best way to describe the area is to think of it as a living museum showcasing the different cultures of Earth. Each country in the Epcot area is sponsored by that particular country and works closely with Disney as to the design and features that their country will offer to showcase at Epcot. Most countries offer cultural entertainment, restaurants, merchandise and in some ride attractions. Each country tries to being in workers from their country to work at Disney to give them an opportunity to education and internships, additionally it gives that country a more true cultural feel to its showcase.

In this Trip report I will go around the lake clockwise and give a brief description of that country as well as offer a 45-60 second picture slide show to some select countries. Also the music played in the video is actual audio from those areas. They offer boat shuttles to cut across the lake for those who find themselves on the other side and would rather head back to the front gates. At the time of our visit they had a lot of extra free headliner entertainment offered to celebrate the Food & Wine Festival.

To start video’s please click twice to start.

Avatar · February 12, 2007

Mexico

Is a large Pavilion that provides guest with authentic Mexico merchandise a fun El Rio Del Tiempo boat ride and a full service restaurant. Mexico offered a Mariachi Cobre group that played some wonderful sounds close by the outside counter service restaurant.

Video of Mexico

This was our first stop in the World showcase but already I was being asked numerous times, by my family “can you buy me buy this”. So I told everybody that they have a park allowance, so we decided to make a list as we went around the World and then that evening everybody could check their list and double back to purchase their favorite souvenir. (worked great)

Norway

Is set to an Norwegian small town complete with a authentic bakery, shops and restaurant.

An inside Viking ship boat ride.

It explains the Norwegians history and resources is offered to guest followed by a 5 minute movie.

Travis decided that after a couple beers that he had enough courage to show his true Viking allegiance.

We all enjoyed the live folk music played in the common area

China

As the Chinese symbol says above “Awesome” the one word that can sum up China’s showcase at Epcot. The whole showcase is brilliantly laid out, the shops were exceptionally large.

They offered a restaurant, traditional Chinese street shows. I truly liked the size of this showcase, because it let us enjoy the beautiful landscapes and buildings, without the crowded feeling.

On top of all the other activities at China’s showcase they proudly entice the guests to view either a 360 degree show or marvel at a live show performed by the Dragon Legend Acrobats.

Video of China

Germany

Germanys showcase had us enter a small German town complete with a authentic German toy shop.

This was a finger puppet show toy that Miss Rae wanted to spend her park allowance on, it’s from a German toy maker called Kathe Kruse.

The small town feeling is dwarfed by a large castle in the background, that houses the indoor Beirgarten.

Every couple of hours they offer live authentic German entertainment, for those who choose to dine or to partake in the true German beers in the large indoor Beirgarten.

Avatar · February 12, 2007

Italy

Italy has a large showcase and also incorporates the large lake as part of their showcase, this gives guest plenty of room to stop and relax from a long journey thus far.

They offer true authentic Italian cuisine from a famous restaurant in Italy called L’Original Alfredo di Roma Ristorante.

They lay claim to being the founder of the famous pasta dish Fettuccini Alfredo and for desert the best Connolly you have ever tasted.

Video of Italy

The American Adventure

The American Adventure is set in a turn of the century colonial town with lots of patriotic entertainment outside.

Inside also offers patriotic singing groups and a 30 minute American inspiration show.

Japan

Japan is another large scenic plaza that uses both sides of the walking path. Natural landscaping is used in breathtaking detail.

Japan also has a wonderful drum ceremony held several times a day and can be heard several countries away. We were lucky enough to catch two shows on our visit.

I decided to spend my $70 park allowance on a Japanese made surf shirt.

Video of Japan

Morocco

Morocco is set as an street market place that has lots of twists and turns throughout the showcase.

We truly enjoyed doing some shopping at the street markets in this village, as almost all items used as decorations are for sale.

They offer a couple very nice restaurants.

Miss Rae finally gave out here and took a long nap till we got to United Kingdom.

Video of Morocco

Avatar · February 12, 2007

France

Since Miss Rae was still asleep and because of my personnel feelings about France at the time we just passed by and enjoyed the beauty of the showcase as we walked by.

United Kingdom

We had a great time walking through the United Kingdom showcase as they designed it to have us walk all the way around the street houses with many shop’s that offered Fish n Chips to trinket souvenirs.

My daughter finally woke up here, while we were listening to a rock group called “British Invasion” (a Beatles parity group) in the outside courtyard.

When we went into one of the shops Mary Poppins had one of the dignitaries make her a knight through a formal ceremony, afterwards the phone rings and they tell Miss Rae that the Queen of England would like to talk with the newest knight.

Canada

Canada was our last country to see in the showcase.

We were hopping for a small showcase because we where really wearing out. That was not the case, Canada was very massive and offers wonderful garden walks

They even have a mountain walk trough.

A movie showcasing their countries features and if you are a steak lover then they have a restaurant called Le Cellier Steakhouse, that is a must!

After Dark Second Time Around

We took a break from all the walking and enjoyed some snacks by the musical fountain in front of Spaceship Earth and other various activities, until it got dark. Epcot after dark is exceptionally beautiful and almost seems like a whole new park. We checked over our souvenir list and made our final decision, so we decided on a meeting place, then split up so that we could cover more ground and see all the countries special evening lights at our own pace.

My favorite video of this trip report

Illuminations; Reflections of Earth

Reflections of Earth is a nightly firework show that is shown at 9 pm every single night of the year. The show takes place in the middle of the lake and can be viewed from any location around the lake too.. The Firework show is synchronized to a sound track and also includes lasers, colored spot lights, huge water fountains, a huge World Globe, fire torches around the lake and also includes the lighting up of the different countries at certain time of the show. I was going to put some firework pictures to music to be shown, but thought better of it as I seen and got permission to share the videos below as it really captures the atmosphere so much better. They all run about 30 to 60 seconds, the first one basically shows the start of the show and sets the atmosphere of what the excitement the guest feels at the beginning of the show.

<embed src="http://www.veoh.com/videodetails.swf?permalinkId=e81964q9eqgY8M&id=1&player=videodetails" width="425" height="340" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>

The second one shows some midshow highlights and allows us to get a good look at all the special effects going on at the same time including the fountains, the World Globe, colored spotlights and lasers.

<embed src="http://www.veoh.com/videodetails.swf?permalinkId=e83654MGxXqCYC&id=1&player=videodetails" width="425" height="340" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>

This last one is a must see and leaves the guest saying either WOW or multiple WOO’S after the grand finale!

<embed src="http://www.veoh.com/videodetails.swf?permalinkId=e83658Er35RpWh&id=1&player=videodetails" width="425" height="340" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>

Conclusion

I will start the conclusion by addressing the comments made by some who have gone to Epcot and reported back that there is not enough thrill rides there. Travis was worried about going to Epcot, as some of his friends told him they were disappointed. So I told Travis don’t go to Epcot assuming it’s like other Theme parks but to think of Epcot as a Amusement Park for your mind., that is the best way to describe Epcot that I know. There is so much to do, see, hear and taste that it is just mind boggling. I have went now a total of three times and each time I have went away in awe and disappointed that I did not plan to include another day to spend at Epcot during our stay. So I do highly recommend to everyone that if you want to try to experience most of what Epcot has to offer, then plan a minimum of two days. That way you can take the time to see all the shows and to experience all the exhibits without the need to rush around the park wearing yourself out in the process. A sit down dinner at one of the many full service restaurants is a must as it is part of the Epcot experience. I really enjoyed the evening stroll around the world with all the lights on and every time I see Illuminations, I tell myself “why don’t more places take the time to do it right like they do here”. Leaving Epcot has always left my mind thinking back to all the memories of the day and I leave amazed at how much that there was to do. Older teenagers and adults will love this park if they like atmosphere as much as they do rides. Small children seem to get bored about half way through the day, as I think this park will overload their mind senses and that subsequently wears them out.

I Hope You Enjoyed This Trip Report Of Epcot………….Jesse

Special Note;
All the music heard in this trip report is actual audio and recorded at Epcot, except for the Epcot After Dark video. I have received permission from a few sites to use some of the videos and photos used in this trip report. I did not include Universe of Energy in this trip report because we simply ran out of time to do so.

westcoasterman · February 12, 2007

Great trip report. When I used to work at Disney I would go to EPCOT and just enjoy the feel of other countries. Also EPCOT stands for one other thing (Every Person Comes Out Tired). Great to hear people enjoying the wonders that Disney has to offer.

Cory Butcher · February 12, 2007

I always love the American animatronics show in the American Pavillion! We go to WDW about twice a year for as long as I can remember, I love the place!

Dane · February 12, 2007

Always setting the bar alittle higher for trip reports Jesse.

Wow.

PhantomTheater · February 12, 2007

EPCOT is my favorite park at WDW, I have alwas loved that park, it is truley an experience that cant be reproduced. The science and technology of Future World to the culture of World Showcase its amazing. EPCOT takes alot of jabs and is disliked by many, but its a great park and very educational. Only if Walt's original dream came alive, that would be an awsome place. Finnaly, Avatar you are the master at trip reports.

The Interpreter · February 13, 2007

Thanks for the great report! I always stop at Epcot, but must admit my favorite Florida Disney park is Disney's MGM Studios!

CoastersRZ · February 13, 2007

Excellent trip report! Just goes to show you how well Disney does their theming! I went in 2004 to Disney World and had a blast. I was amazed at the attention they pay to the tiniest of details! It truely is an immersive environment quite unlike the regional amusement parks.

tubaman · February 13, 2007

Ya 'know, My sister and I once ran from Morroco to China just for an umberella. My last trip to WDW, Dec-Jan 04-05 I beleive, we did a lot. We also spent a lot of time in Norway for whatever reason. I have to say, that is an AMAZING trip report. Thanks for making me angry at you...

pkitrumpet08 · February 13, 2007

Ya 'know, My sister and I once ran from Morroco to China just for an umberella. My last trip to WDW, Dec-Jan 04-05 I beleive, we did a lot. We also spent a lot of time in Norway for whatever reason. I have to say, that is an AMAZING trip report. Thanks for making me angry at you...

when you said you ran from morroco to china I had to read that a few times I understand what the hell you meant.

tubaman · February 13, 2007

^Yea, my sister and I like to share that story to make people wonder...gets 'em every time.

KIfan73 · February 15, 2007

An amazing report. Now its not IF I go to WDW, its WHEN!! Thanks for much a thorough report.

BTW, that thing about the pink concrete I found really brilliant. KI could use some of that around the park.

DeLorean Rider · February 15, 2007

Great trip report. When I used to work at Disney I would go to EPCOT and just enjoy the feel of other countries. Also EPCOT stands for one other thing (Every Person Comes Out Tired). Great to hear people enjoying the wonders that Disney has to offer.

dont forget "Every Pay Check On Thursday"

Originally Walt Disney's idea for EPCOT was for people to live there, mostlikely workers.

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