Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened in 1982. It was conceived by Walt Disney to "take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry."
For many years Epcot was considered an 'adult' park. They worked hard to overcome this reputation and most have discovered that kids can have a blast visiting Epcot, including the 'boring' countries.
One of the best things they did was to introduce 'kidcot' stations at every venue. Kids can create a 'free' (yes, you read that right) souvenir to take home with them. The more spots they visit, the more they can add to their one of a kind creation. Additionally, you'll find Disney characters associated with each country hosting meet and greets. Epcot consists of two themed areas, Future World and World Showcase.
Epcot's World Showcase is centered around a reflective lagoon. There are eleven countries represented here. With rare exception, the World Showcase opens at 11:00am. This is one of the more relaxing and scenic areas of Disney World. As far as "attractions" go, you're not going to find thrill rides but there are several movies, boat rides and shows that will give you an overview of the country you're in.
As you stroll around, you'll transition from one country to the next. While each "land" is next to the other, you'll never get the sense that you're in two places at once. To enhance the experience, the Cast Members come from the country you're visiting and are always eager to talk about their homeland.
If you're looking for unique and often inexpensive souvenirs, this is the place to be. Unlike the other theme parks which sells almost identical merchandise, each country in the World Showcase has items that are only found there. From candy to clothing, from CD's to Cuckoo clocks, there's no end to the "treasures" waiting to be found.
Dining at the World Showcase is not to be missed. Most countries have both table and counter serve restaurants. It's a wonderful chance to try a different cuisine. (We strongly recommend making an Advance Dining Reservation for the table serve venues.)
Epcot hosts two special events. The Fall brings the very popular "International Food and Wine Festival" while the Spring welcomes the "International Flower and Garden Festival." The holidays are especially festive with the "Candlelight Processional" a highlight of the Christmas season.
The World Showcase is one of the main reasons Epcot got the reputation of not being "kid friendly." That changed when they added "Kidcot" stations at every land/attraction throughout the park. Your little one can create free crafts at the Kidcot spots (yes, you read that right, something is actually free.)
A new interactive experience has opened at Epcot. Disney's "Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure" will have guests partnering with "Team Possible" in saving the world from villains and their mad inventions.
Guests will be given a "Kimmunicator" found at kiosks in Epcot. These interactive devices will use state-of-the-art technology which will aid them in finding the Kim Possible characters who will give them the clues needed to find the villians and stop their quest for world domination.
There will be top secret devices hidden in the World Showcase pavilions at Mexico, Norway, China, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. At each country, there will be a villain from the Kim Possible TV show and a unque event for the guest "agents" to take part in.
Jim MacPhee, Epcot Vice President stated "Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an example of a next generation attraction that offers fun and excitement for the entire family. We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio."
Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering commented “Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices. As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”
At various times throughout the year, you may find a special celebration going on at these World Showcase countries:
January 26, 2009 - Chinese New Year
May 5 - Children's Day at Japan
May 5 - Cinco de Maya at Mexico
May 17 - Norway Constitution Day
October 3 - German Reunification Day
November 5 - United Kingdom's Guy Fawkes Day
November 18 - Morocco Independence Day
Celebrating its 14th year, the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held from September 25 - November 8th. Your Epcot admission is all that’s needed to participate in this popular venue.
The Festival Welcome Center features a Wine Shop where you can purchase your favorite selection as well as other event souvenirs. There are marketplaces featuring food, wine and beer. The appetizer sized portions usually range in price from $3.00 - $7.00 and provide the perfect opportunity to try the traditional cuisine from around the world.
This year's International Food and Wine Festival will play host to seminars, tasting events and sumptuous dinners overseen by top Disney Chefs as well as renowned guest Chefs.
As with all Disney events, themed entertainment is part of the festivities. Visitors to the Food and Wine Festival can “Eat to the Beat!”
10/01 - 10/03 - Taylor Dayne
10/20 - 10/21 - 38 Special
10/22 - 10/24 - Night Ranger
11/10 - 11/11 - Rick Springfield
2009 Food & Wine Festival Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is located in Future World East from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Features include:
Wine seminars (check the daily schedule - $8/person)
Bottle signings by wine authorities (check the weekly schedule)
Champagne and Wine Bar
Official book signings (check the daily schedule)
Merchandise Shop
Culinary demonstrations (check the daily schedule - $8/person)
Taste Seminars (Friday - Sunday)
Authors without Borders featuring food and wine authors (Friday - Sunday)
The History of Beer in America
Seminars daily at 11:50, 12:35, 2:05, 3:35, 5:00 and 6:05 featuring the history of beer and methods used in its production - at the American Adventure pavilion
Hosted by The Boston Beer Company, brewers of Samuel Adams.
Taste of Puglia, Italy
Seminars daily at the Italy Pavilion. Hosted by Taste of Puglia (Apulia) Italy. Apulian chefs will demonstrate the cooking techniques that this Southern Italian region is noted for, especially olive oil, pasta and gourmet cooking ingredients.
Flavorhood
Rose Walk near Imagination Walkway. Hosted by Edy's Ice Cream. Visitors can purchase ice cream as well as test their "ice cream personalities."
World Showcase Wine Walk
Purchase a Wine Walk Passport for $20 in one of the wine shops in Germany, France or Italy's pavilions. This allows you to sample six hand-selected wines.
The New York State Wine Adventure
Between the Refreshment Port and Canada Pavilion. Hosted by The New York Wine and Grape Foundation. Featuring award-winning wines from New York by the glass or the bottle.
Between France and Morocco Pavilions. Purchase a Beer Passport and sample beers from around the world.
MEXICO
A pre-Colombian pyramid surrounded by lush landscaping fashioned after a Yucatan jungle is your first introduction to the Mexican pavilion. As you enter the Plaza de Los Amigos, you first notice the darkened interior. It's always twilight in Mexico, the perfect backdrop for the smoking volcano and the grand Mayan pyramid in the background. There are colorful carts and shops offering Mexican
jewelry, Kahlua, pottery, clothing and leather goods. There's often a strolling mariachi band making this visit an authentic taste of Mexico.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
This new attraction replaces "El Rio Del Tiempo." It's described as featuring Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito from Disney's 1944 animated film "The Three Caballeros."
The storyline has Donald disappearing enroute to the Three Caballeros performance in Mexico City. His friends Jose and Panchito go off in search of their missing pal. In addition to the new characters, guests will see new backdrops and props while enjoying a new sound system.
Regional Mexican dishes featuring beef, chicken and seafood served in traditional Mexican sauces and spices are served for both lunch and dinner at the San Angel Inn Restaurant. In accordance with the twilight scene of the plaza, the restaurant that overlooks the plaza and the boat ride is very dark and romantic with lanterns on the tables providing the light.
Food/Dining Type:Mexican
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:EPCOT World Showcase/ Mexico
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:12:00pm- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES
For lighter fare, the Cantina de San Angel, outside across the pathway serves such Mexican favorites as tacos, churros, tostados, Mexican beer and margaritas in the outdoor café.
Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:closed for rehab
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service Credit)
Guests may walk through the "Art of Mexico" to view the many authentic artifacts and national treasures of their homeland. The Plaza de Los Amigos offers some authentic Mexican souvenirs and treasures. In the Artesanias La Familia Fashions you'll find casual Mexican styled clothing and jewelry for women and children. Souvenirs and gifts from Northern Mexico are found in El Ranchito del Norte. Vendor's carts offer home décor gifts, silver jewelry and other Mexican souvenirs such as sombreros, piñatas, pottery and worry dolls. All areas of Mexico are wheelchair accessible.
TIPS: Donald Duck, clad in the traditional Mexican sombrero and serape, can often be seen here signing autographs. Donald is not often seen in the parks, and is usually easily accessible when signing autographs in Mexico. To say “hello” in Spanish, say “hola” (OH-lah). Kids love greeting the Cast Members in their native language.
La Cava del Tequila- taste authentic Mexican tequila and learn about its history and traditions.Tastings are held Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 3:00 PM. Cost is $35.00 per person plus tax. Gratuity is included.
NORWAY
The area of Norway resembles a Norwegian town square with its cobble stone courtyard and a replica of a 14th century fortress found in Oslo. A stave church mimics 13th Century medieval craftsmanship. For kids, there's nothing better than being able to work off some energy at the Viking ship playground.
Norway's attraction is Maelstrom. It does have Fast Pass but unless you're visiting during a peak time, there's rarely more than a 10 minute wait.
Maelstrom uses a 16 passenger Viking-style boat that takes you through a 10th century Viking village and a mythical forest where you'll encounter trolls who cast a curse on the boats. From here, the boat starts going backwards before it reaches a waterfall and again changes course. (If you look up at the building, you'll see where the boats stop and head forward.)
Next you pass a grand fjord and continue on through a storm by a North Sea oil rig. You exit in a quaint Norwegian village setting. This is a holding area which opens onto a theater where a film about Norway is shown. (You'll find that most guests make a mad dash straight through to the exit.) It's not that the short movie is awful, it's just not something you need to see again and again.
As with most of Disney's attractions, you exit through a store. Most everyone likes to put on set of Viking horns and pose for a pix by the giant troll found in the shop. Be warned, the Geir fragrances sold here are addictive and are hard to find unless you have a Nordstrom's near where you live.
At Akershus, there's 'Princess Storybook Dining' for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. If you forgot your tiara, there's a limited variety of Disney Princess merchandise for sale nearby. Be sure you make a dining reservation and be prepared to wait. It's rare to walk past this venue and not see a lot of little princesses (and princes) waiting to be seated.
Food/Dining Type:Norwegian
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Character
Location:EPCOT World Showcase / Norway
Reservations:Required
Hours:8:00am- 8:35pm
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES
Restaurant Akershus is patterned after its namesake castle found in Oslo. Soaring ceilings are accented with hand hewn wooden beams. This regal setting is the perfect backdrop for the Princess Storybook Dining experience. While enjoying your meal, Disney Princesses and friends will visit with you.
Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch,
Location:EPCOT World Showcase / Norway
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:11:00am, Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Shopping
The Puffin’s Roost: Curios and Collectibles is the main shop located in the Norway pavilion. You will find a large selection of books on trolls, Vikings, Scandinavian cuisine, Norwegian Proverbs, and Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales. If tasting some of the local snacks is more your style, check out the chocolate, Swedish preserves and Nordic sweets. This shop offers an extensive collection of sterling silver jewelry, including, OpRo Designs, Hilde Fostveit, and Hasla. The Norwegian scents sold here for men and women are Geir: The Power of Norway and Laila: The essence of Norway. They offer Norwegian trolls in all shapes and sizes, Konge Tinn Royal pewter, Linie Aquavit, and Tommeliten Knives. The clothing for men, women, and children are made by Dale of Norway and Helly Hansen.
CHINA
You enter the China Pavilion through a distinct triple arched ceremonial gate patterned after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. China seems to be divided in two. The left side is more commercial, the right is more picturesque.
If you have a craving for Chinese food, there's the Nine Dragons Restaurant, the Lotus Blossom Cafe counter serve and the "Joy of Tea" counter serve spot. The China pavilion deserves a close look. It is quite pretty and the intricacy of the carvings is amazing.
If you're looking for a spot where you can enjoy a few minutes of peace, this is it. There are footbridges, bamboo groves, a small waterfall and ponds which provide the perfect getaway from the crowds.Throughout the day you'll often find Mulan and/or Mushu available for meet and greets.
Food/Dining Type:Chinese
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:12:00- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES
Nine Dragons features cuisine from the four regions of China: Cantonese, Szechuan, Kiangche and Mandarin. The expansive dining room is lavishly decorated in ornate Oriental fashion. Lacquered woods, rich reds and beautiful fabrics create an elegant and serene atmosphere.The Nine Dragons restaurant is one of the few restaurants in the World Showcase where you'll often find availability. (Kind of a hint that it's not a top choice, but it's not totally awful.)
Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:11:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Counter Serve focusing on Asian cuisine. Egg Rolls, Grilled Chicken, Stir Fry, Specialty Drinks.The Dragon Legend acrobats entertain guests throughout the day. When these children perform, it always attracts a good sized crowd. The Lotus Blossom cafe is a counter service restaurant.
The "Wonders of China:
"Land of Beauty, Land of Time" is a 360º Circle-Vision film shown in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This movie features footage of China including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, the Yangtze River and the tropical rain forests of Hainan Island. There is no seating in this theatre, only rails for guests to lean against so that they can fully experience the Circle-Vision effect. Not overly thrilling, but rarely busy so if you're looking for a place to either cool off, dry off or escape crowds, this is an option to keep in mind.
The Yong Feng Shangdian shop is one of the largest shopping destinations in the World Showcase. It has a wide variety of merchandise from silk clothing, lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, Yixing teapots and jade carvings, to stuffed pandas, incense, candles, and paper fans. Beijing Cloisonne Ware is one of the specialty items found here, as well as, Chinese lanterns, Oriental carpets and Jingdezhen Chinaware.
HIDDEN MICKEYS:In the “Dragon, Ruler of the Wind and Waves” exhibit, find Mickey’s head in the clouds of a dragon mural, close to the tail.
GERMANY
A fountain with a statue of St. George slaying a dragon, is the centerpiece of the cobblestoned German platz (plaza) in the World Showcase's Germany. The architecture reflects a diverse cross section of German regions, from the replica of the medieval castle to the fairy tale Bavarian style buildings. The clock tower features a glockenspiel that chimes a special melody on the hour. A miniature German village houses three model trains much to the guests' delight.
Traditional German food served in an Oktoberfest-style atmosphere, is found in the Biergarten Open for lunch and dinner, the all-you-can-eat buffet contains assorted sausages, rotisserie chicken, child's Frankfurters, assorted salads, breads, red cabbage, wine kraut, potatoes and spatzle. Desserts include apple strudel and German-style cheesecake.
The dinner buffet also includes smoked pork loin and sauerbraten, in addition to those items previously mentioned. Guests are seated at long communal tables and as they enjoy the hearty cuisine, are treated to traditional German entertainment. Folk dancing, yodelling and folk music amuse and delight visitors here.
Food/Dining Type:German
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:12:00am- 8:30pm
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES
It's Oktoberfest year round at the Biergarten Restaurant. The authentic Bavarian theme includes long communal tables (you will be seated with other guests) and live entertainment. German musicians and dancers perform throughout the lunch and dinner hours. Both meals are buffet style.The Sommerfest is a counter service restaurant that serves bratwurst and frankfurter sandwiches, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and apple strudel.
Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Bratwurst, frankfurters, soft pretzels, pastries, soft drinks, coffee and imported beers
While there is no ride or attraction in the Germany pavilion, shoppers will enjoy the wide variety of quaint shops. Der Teddy bar is a toy shop with Steiff stuffed animals, Engel Puppen dolls, Medieval themed toys, finger puppet theaters, and of course, teddy bears. In the Volkskunst, you'll find beer steins of all sizes, including an Epcot limited edition stein.
This shop is also where you will find felt hats, cow bells, original Black Forest Cuckoo clocks, and hand painted eggs. Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Berlin Then and Now, and A 400 Year History of the Stein are just a few of the books you will encounter.If you enjoy fine wines and spirits, you must visit the Weinkeller where you will also find German wine guides.
The Sussigkeiten is the place to satisfy that sweet tooth with an assortment of homemade fudge and nut clusters, pretzels, chocolate, cookies and Haribo brand candies. Learn to cook authentic German recipes with one of the many German cookbooks found in this store. It is Christmas year round in die Weihnachtsecke where you'll find Christmas decorations of all kinds, plus the Christmas pickle. Collectors of M.I. Hummel or Goebel figurines will be delighted with the treasures to be found in the Glas Und Porzellan shop.
The Kunstarbeit In Kristall offers crystal jewelry by Swarovski, Princessa Plata, and Brillanti by Crystal World. They also carry fine crystal pieces by Arribas, Arnstadt, Nachtmann, Anna Hutte and Swarovski. Glaskunst is the outdoor shop which sells Arribas glassware and they offer engraving.
HIDDEN MICKEYS: Facing Germany, look at the second floor of the building to the right where there are three suits of armor.The crown of the third one has a Hidden Mickey. Also check out the mini-train area andthe iron work holding the hanging baskets near the teddy bear shop.
The 83 foot belltower in the World Showcase's Italy is an authentic replica of the original campanile in St. Mark's Square. The great attention paid to detail is found on the angel atop the belltower that is covered with real gold leaf even though it is up so high that guests really cannot appreciate it.
The romance of Venice is demonstrated in the Venetian bridges and the gondolas that are moored to a festive striped barber shop-style poles alongside the World Showcase lagoon.A spectacular replica of the 14th century pink and white Doge's Palace is authentic right down to the marble like façade similar to that used in the original.
Dining
There are many quaint little shops offering a broad variety of Italian merchandise. You will discover fine Florentine soaps, Illy espresso coffee, and hand-made paper mache Venetian masks. Creamy Italian chocolates, traditional snacks and Italian wines are also found here. The pavilion has a large selection of cookbooks covering Rome, Tuscany, Naples and Italian Farmhouse cooking.
HIDDEN MICKEYS: Look at the bottom right corner sculpture to see three leaves in the shape of a distinct Mickey.
I was at Arribas Brothers just outside of Team Mickey in Downtown Disney and I saw some Princessa Plata jewelry I liked.
ReplyDeleteNow that I am home, trying to find this jewelry online (yes - I had an after thought about buying it!) is next to IMPOSSIBLE!
Any suggestions?
Thanks!