Magic Kingdom | Epcot | Disney MGM-Studios | Disney's Animal Kingdom Overview :: Attractions :: Dining :: Shopping:: Characters Epcot is set up like a permanent World's Fair, with attractions devoted to new technologies and exhibits from countries all around the world. Epcot is a great park for anytime of the year. There are misting stations located throughout the park for those hot Florida days, and plenty of indoor locations for the cooler weather. Epcot is also home to some incredible attractions and the fantastic fireworks display IlumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot is a different kind of park. It blends an interactive museum feel with the latest ride technology. Those who go looking solely for the big thrills will be disappointed, as Mission: Space is really the only thrill ride in the park. However, if you go with an open mind, plenty of time, and the desire to learn as well as be entertained, you may find that Epcot becomes one of your favorites. The park consists of two areas of exploration: Future World and World Showcase. The former examines ideas in science and technology in ways that allows guests to experience it first hand. The latter celebrates the diversity of the world's peoples, portraying a stunning array of nations, with extraordinary devotion to detail. Listed below is a park map from Epcot. Visitors enter the park through Future World and visit the various countries represented in the World Showcase. The fireworks are displayed in the World Showcase Lagoon. 
Future World:Future World is the front half of Epcot. Rather than the science fiction approach taken by the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, Future World showcases the real-life technology of today and of the near future. Attractions- Spaceship Earth - Inside this symbol of Epcot is a slow moving ride on the history of communication.
- Innoventions - Interactive exhibits showcase new advancements in technology.
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends - This pavilion contains one of the largest aquariums in the world, as well as attractions featuring the characters from Finding Nemo.
- The Land - This pavilion contains a boat ride through innovative greenhouses and a short film about man's role in nature.
- Soarin' - Located inside the Land pavilion, this ride is an exciting hang glide simulator with stunning vistas.
- Journey into Imagination with Figment- A slow moving ride that looks at the five sense with the imaginative dragon, Figment.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Based on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids films, this 3-D film shrinks an audience to a quarter of an inch tall.
- Mission: Space - Guests can experience a realistic simulation of a mission to mars in this thrilling attraction.
- Test Track - You become the test dummy on the high speed ride discussing automotive technology.
- Ellen's Energy Adventure - This attraction on the subject of energy is part theater, part ride and stars Ellen De Generes.
Shopping DiningQuick Service (Fast food)- Electric Umbrella - Dine on hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and other fast food favorites. Near Innoventions
- Sunshine Seasons - Choose from Chinese cuisine, foaccia sandwiches, fresh salads and other delicious options. Inside the Land Pavilion.
- Cool Port - Refresh yourself with slush beverages or a quick snack. Located near Test Track.
- Fountain View Bakery - Delicious coffee beverages such as lattes and cappucinos and a spread of savory pastries. Open seasonally. Located near Fountain of Nations.
Full Service (Sit-down dining with waiter)Entertainment- Jammitors - A trio of wacky janitors show off their percussional talents.
Characters Epcot Character Spot - Located between Club Cool and Innoventions, here you can meet Chip and Dale, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Pluto. Meet Figment at Figment's Place near Honey I Shrunk the Audience - You can sometimes find Nemo near the entrance of The Seas with Nemo and Friends.
Touring Tips - Club Cool is a great way to refresh yourself in the middle of the day. There is no charge for any of the free samples, and while some of the drinks are little unusual some of them are quite tasty. For those too afraid to try the more exciting flavors, try Kinsley lemon from Israel. It's like a sparkling lemonade.
- Around Future World you'll find interactive fountains that guests can play in. This is a great way to cool off on hot days as long as you don't mind your clothes getting soaked.
- Many attractions in Future World close at 7:30, make sure you don't miss on a ride you wanted to see.
- Every 15 minutes the Fountain of Nations comes to life and performs an exciting fountain show.
World Showcase:The theme of the back half of the park is the World’s Fair. It consists of pavilions from eleven countries arranged around the World Showcase Lagoon. Most of the Cast Members (employees) you encounter in each country are residents of that country, working for six months or a year before returning home. They are always happy to discuss their homeland with you. Though they all speak fluent English, if you speak the language of their country, they are pleased to converse in their native tongue. About ChildrenThe World Showcase is often thought of as being boring for kids, due to the low number of rides. While this is sometimes true, some kids really enjoy the live shows performed in the different pavilions and exploring the detailed areas. Disney has also created the Kidcot program to try to make the World Showcase more interesting for kids. Guests can pick up a Passport for their kids at Guest Relations. They can get stamps at certain locations in each pavilion, and the game will keep them busy as you shop and eat. Kidcot activities take place in each country as well, featuring games and activities for the younger set. The Pavilions: Here are the countries in clockwise order: MexicoThe majority of this pavilion is located inside a giant pyramid where the darkened environment creates the illusion of nighttime at an outdoor Mexican market. AttractionsShopping Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit-down dining with waiter)Entertainment - Mariachi Cobre - Mariachi band performs traditional music from Mexico.
- Viva Mexico - Mexican folk songs and dancing.
Characters - Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito are often found near the entrance to the pyramid.
Touring Tips - This pavilion is great to visit during midday because the majority of it is air conditioned.
NorwayThe pavilion of Norway features some beautiful architecture as well as one major ride, Maelstrom. Attractions- Maelstrom - Boat ride through the legends of Norway, including an encounter with some menacing trolls.
- Stave Church - Recreation of a stave church with a small exhibit on the history of Vikings.
Shopping- Fjording - Norwegian snacks, chocolates and perfumes.
- Puffin's Roost - Norwegian sweaters and handmade trolls.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Kringla Bakeri og Kafe - Bakery featuring a delicious spread of Norwegian pastries as well as open faced sandwiches.
Full Service (Sit down dining with waiter) Entertainment - Spelmanns Gledje - Traditional Norweigan folk songs performed by a live quartet.
Characters - The only characters found in Norway are those inside the Akershus restaurant.
Touring Tips - Norway is a great location to watch IlumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
- The bakery in Norway contains some of the most delicious pastries in Walt Disney World.
ChinaGuest enter China through an ornate triple arched ceremonial gate, modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Beyond the beautiful water gardens you'll find a replica of the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest which houses the film Reflections of China.
AttractionsShoppingDining Quick Service (Fast food)Lotus Blossom Cafe - Chinese favorites such as Sweet and Sour Chicken and Stir Fried Beef.
Full Service (Sit down dining with waiter)Entertainment - Si Xian - Ancient Chinese folk songs performed on authentic instruments.
- Dragon Legend Acrobats - Amazing feats from a troupe of talented Chinese acrobats.
Characters - Mulan can often be found in the courtyard near the Lotus Blossom Cafe.
Touring Tips - Reflections of China is a beautiful film and never gets a line. Visit in the middle of the day to get out from the heat.
- Take the time to explore the gift shop in China, there are a lot of interesting items for sale.
GermanyThe German pavilion is a quaint cobblestoned plaza filled with shopping and dining.
AttractionsShopping- Der Teddy bar - Toy shop with dolls, miniature trains, puppets and teddy bears
- Volkskunst - Store selling wood carved items such as cuckoo clocks and musicboxes as well as clocks, watches and a huge selection of beer steins.
- Weinkeller - Fine wines from Germany and other countries in Europe.
- The Sussigkeiten - German candies, chocolate, pretzels and packaged snacks.
- Die Weihnachts Ecke - Christmas decorations including ornaments and figurines.
- Glas Und Porzellan - Hummel figurines and other porcelain items.
- Kunstarbeit In Kristal - Beautiful display pieces made from crystal and glass.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit down dining with waiter)Biergarten - This all-you-can-eat-buffet features German favorites such as sausages, wine kraut, potatoes, chicken and assorted salads and breads. The main feature is the exciting dinner show, Oktoberfest Musikaten which is included in the buffet price.
Entertainment - Guests who dine at the Biergarten can experience Oktoberfest Musikaten, which features lively German music and dance.
Characters - Snow White and some her dwarf friends can be found near Glas Und Porzellan.
Touring Tips- Children love watching the elaborate miniature train display between Germany and Italy
ItalyThe Italian pavilion recreates the romance of Venice and contains a replica of a belltower in St. Mark's Square. Attractions- There are no attractions in Italy
Shopping- La Cucina Italiana - Italian pastries and desserts.
- Delizie Italiane - Decadent chocolates and other sweets.
- La Bottega Italiana - Benetton casual wear and fashion accessories.
- La Gemma Elegante - Gold and silver jewlery and other keepsakes.
- Il Bel Cristallo - Porcelain figures, hand made glassware and ornate crystal sculptures.
Dining Quick service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit down dining with waiter)Entertainment - World Showcase Players - A band of storytellers who use their audience's help to tell a hilarious tale.
- Sergio - Hilarious juggler who entertains audience with his impressive percision.
Characters - Characters from Pinocchio including Pinocchio, Gepetto, Gideon and Foulfellow are found roaming around Italy.
Touring Tips- Make sure to notice the elaborate landscaping in Italy including kumquat trees, cypress and olive trees.
American AdventureThis pavilion is a tribute to American history, complete with a colonial style mansion which houses the American Adventure attraction. Attractions- American Adventure Show - This theater attraction showcases the history of America with a large cast of Audio Animatronic characters.
- National Treasures Exhibit - This exhibit is expected to open in Fall 2007 and will feature rare historical artifacts.
ShoppingDining Quick Service (Fast food)Entertainment - Voices of Liberty - This choral group performs some of America's most loved music a capella style.
- Spirit of Liberty Fife and Drum Corps - A tribute to the men and women in the armed forces.
- American Gardens Theater - Home to the seasonal concert series Flower Power (part of Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival), Sounds Like Summer and Eat to the Beat (Part of Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival). Check a Times Guide for performance times.
Characters - You never know who you'll find at the American Adventure. Quite often you'll find Goofy, Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Suzy and Perla (mice from Cinderella), and the Country Bears.
Touring Tips- Even if you aren't a history buff, the American Adventure is a breathtaking show with some incredibly technology. There is also no line for the attraction so it's a great way to get out of the heat for about a half-hour.
JapanThis lovely pavilion includes a tall blue-roofed pagoda modeled after a 7th century Horyuji Temple, lush gardens with koi ponds, three restaurants and an exhibit showcasing Japanese culture. AttractionsShoppingMistukoshi Department Store - One stop shop for Japanese imports including apparel, fashion accesories, kimonos, paper fans, bonzai trees, anime merchandise, Hello Kitty toys, packaged goods, housewares and more.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit down with water)Entertainment - Miyuki - Watch as this Japanese candy artist molds hot candy into an animal of your choice.
- Matsuriza - Feel the power of Japanese Taiko drumming from this talented percussion group.
Characters - Disney characters are not commonly found in Japan.
Touring Tips- You may want to walk through the Mitsukoshi Department Store just to look at all of the items for sale.
MoroccoThis is one of Epcot's most immersive pavilions. Guests enter into an exciting Moroccan marketplace featuring a vast array of stores selling exotic wares as well as some exciting entertainment. AttractionsShoppingDining Quick Service (Fast food)- Tangerine Cafe - Middle eastern cuisine such as shawarma sandwiches and platters with couscous and tabouleh.
- Moorish Cafe and Pastry Shop - Middle eastern coffee, cocktails and pastries.
Full Service (Sit down with water)Entertainment - MoRockin - Contemporary Arabic rock group.
Characters - Aladdin and Jasmine from Aladdin are often found in Morroco.
Touring Tips- Take the time to explore Morocco as it is incredibly detailed.
FranceStep into the heart of Paris in this romantic pavillion filled with shops, restaurants and a film presentation about France. Attractions- Impressions de France - Relaxing film that showcases the beauty of France, from it's scenery to it's culture.
Shopping- Plume et Palette - French souvenirs including Eiffel Tower figures and Babar and Madeline merchandise.
- La Signature - French bath products and fragrances.
- Gallerie des Halles. - Cookies, chocolates and other packaged goods.
- La mode Francaise - Fashionable mens and womens apparel.
- La Maison du Vin - French wine available for purchase by bottle or glass.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit down with water)Entertainment - Serveur Amusant - Comical show involving a waiter stacking chairs as part of a balancing act.
Characters - Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast can often be found in France.
Touring Tips- Impressions de France starts on the hour and half-hour and never has a line. Visit when you need to escape from the heat.
United KingdomThe bustling streets of London as well as the relaxing English countryside are pictured in this pavilion. Attractions- There are no attractions in the United Kingdom
ShoppingThe Toy Soldier - Imported toys and books from England. Lords and Ladies - Minatures, chess sets and souvenirs. The Queen's Table - Royal Doulton China, Bunnykins and Toby mugs. Magic of Wales - Pottery, hand crafted gifts and carved pieces. The Tea Caddy - A large selection of bagged and loose teas, teapots, biscuits and packaged goods.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)- Yorkshire County Fish Shop - Serving fish and chips and shortbread.
- Espresso Coffee Stand - Pastries and speciality coffees.
Full Service (Sit down with water)- Rose and Crown Pub - English favorites including bangers and mash, cottage pie and beef stew.
Entertainment - World Showcase Players - A band of storytellers who use their audience's help to tell a hilarious tale.
- Pub Pianist - Live pianist performs inside the Rose & Crown Pub
- The British Invasion - A band that perform that performs 60s hits from the Beatles and hits from other British rock groups.
Characters - Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins and Alice are often found near the The Toy Soldier store in the United Kingdom.
Touring Tips- The little park where the British Invasion performs is a very relaxing place to rest for a few minutes and take a break.
CanadaThe bustling streets of London as well as the relaxing English countryside are pictured in this pavilion. Attractions- O, Canada! - A film about the people and beauty of Canada presented in CircleVision 360 in which screens surround the audience completely. The film was just recently updated in 2007.
- Friendship Boats Landing - Boat transportation to Morocco.
Dining Quick Service (Fast food)Full Service (Sit down with water)- Le Cellier Steakhouse - This restaurant serves up fantastic beef dishes as well as an amazing cheddar soup.
Entertainment - Off-Kilter - High energy rock music with a Celtic twist, complete with bagpipes and other ethnic instruments.
- Fiddler's Joy - Canadian folk music performed on the fiddle.
Characters - Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins and Alice are often found near the The Toy Soldier store in the United Kingdom.
Touring Tips- The little park where the British Invasion performs is a very relaxing place to rest for a few minutes and take a break.
It is impossible to see every attraction and show in Epcot in one day. Some guests choose to spend one day touring Future World, and another day to tour World Showcase. If you are dealing with younger kids or teenagers who are more interesting in thrill rides, you can easily see the highlights of Epcot in one day. Must Sees at EpcotHere are the highlight attractions and shows of the park:
Turtle Talk with Crush – This attraction inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion is a must for those with children. Crush from the movie Finding Nemo carries on a one-on-one conversation with guests and lets children ask him questions. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth - A fireworks display like no other, combining pyrotechnics, fountains, lasers and a giant earth covered with LED lights. Spaceship Earth - This ride may be slow and educational, but it features some of the most incredible special effects in Walt Disney World. Plus, you get the experience in riding inside the giantic geosphere. Voices of Liberty - Anyone who enjoys music in its purest form will love the Voices of Liberty. Their a capella arrangements of songs are top notch and the vocalists are phenomenal. Soarin' - The stunning visuals and wonderful score makes this one of the top rated attractions in Walt Disney World. Visit early or use FASTPASS to avoid the lengthy queues.
FASTPASSFASTPASS is a free service that enables guests to avoid waiting in some of the longest lines. To get a FASTPASS, simply go to the entrance of the attraction you wish to visit. You will see a sign labeled "FASTPASS Distribution" and machines that you place your ticket into. The machine gives you a FASTPASS, a ticket with a time labeled on it in which you can visit the attraction and avoid the line. Essentially, what FASTPASS does is save your place in line while you have the opportunity to visit other rides and attractions. You are limited in the amount of FASTPASS tickets you can hold at one time, so check the FASTPASS for the time in which you can obtain your next one. Some FASTPASS attractions get longer lines than others, meaning that some FASTPASS tickets are worth more than others. Here is the order of attractions starting with the most valuable: - Soarin' (120 minute wait on busy days)
- Test Track (120 minute wait on busy days)
- Mission: Space (60 minute wait on busy days)
- Maelstrom (40 minute wait on busy days) Note: Maelstrom only distributes FASTPASS on very busy days
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (30 minute wait on busy days)
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