Disney's Epcot
Center is a utopian city of the future
About the park
Epcot takes its name from Walt Disney's vision of an "Experimental
Prototype Community of Tomorrow". The Park opened in October,
1982, and was Disney's first theme park not modeled after Disneyland
in California.
Built to resemble a permanent World's Fair, Epcot is divided into
two main sections: Discoveryland, featuring modern
attractions focused on nature and science, and World Showcase,
featuring pavilions from several countries.
The Park is located one mile southwest of the Disney World main entrance,
approximately 30 miles south of Orlando, FL. You can visit Disney-Epcot
by car, water taxi (from Disney resorts and theme parks) or use Disney
bus transportation. The monorail system does connect this theme park.
Epcot 1-day Ticket - $67 (Ages
10+) - $56 (Ages 3-9). See multi-day
ticket prices. Hours: Depending on the time of year, Epcot park
hours can range between 8am and 1am. Call Guest Services at (407)
824-4321 for park hours and showtimes during your visit. Size: 135 acres Parking: $7, Free for Disney Resort Guests Address:1200 Epcot Resort
Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Park tips
•
Sunscreen and walking shoes are a must. •
Be sure to check the weather before you go
to the park. •
You must pass through a security checkpoint before
entering. •
ATM's are located at the Park entrance and the German
pavilion. • Measure
your child's height so you know which rides they can enjoy. • Use
FastPass strategically.
•
Ride the most popular attractions early in
the day. • You can
send email from Mission: SPACE and Imagination Pavilion. • Behind
the scenes tours are
available. • Bring your
autograph book to Mickey Avenue. • Many Disney
Cast Members speak more than one language. The flags on their nametags
indicate which languages they speak.
Park layout
As you enter the Park be sure to take a park map. This will let you
know the location of the attractions, park hours and what times certain
attractions/shows are presented.
Discoveryland
Spaceship Earth - Entering the park you can't miss
Spaceship Earth. This 180-foot-tall geosphere serves as an Epcot landmark
and a premier attraction. The 16-minute ride takes you on a journey
through time learning how humans have advanced in the area of communications.
NOTE: If the line wait is over 25 minutes, bypass this ride and try
back later. Lines tend to be longer earlier in the day, as people
enter the park and gravitate to the first ride they see.
The Living Seas – this attraction focuses on
marine life, boasting one of the largest man-made ocean environments
in the world. Your journey begins as you descend to Sea Base Alpha,
where you can explore exhibits at your own pace. You can find tanks
filled with fish, dolphins, and manatee . Throughout the exhibit,
there are computer terminals that detail information about costal
and marine life.
If you are a certified scuba diver, you can participate in the DiveQuest
program and dive into the Living Seas! Call (407) 939-8687 for information.
The Land – this pavilion focuses on the land
that we live on and how important it is to our lives. You will find
a few attractions, and several dining options in this area.
Living with the Land – this 12 minute ride takes you
on a tour of a tropical rain forest, the African desert and the American
plains to learn about man’s relationship with the land. You
will float by an experimental greenhouses and see an aqua environment
with alligators. Fastpass is accepted.
Circle of Life Theater – this 12 minute film
presentation features characters from the "Lion King". Here
you will see the impact man has on the land and how he must protect
it for future generations.
Soarin’ – This new attraction, popular
at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park, is now open
at Disney World Orlando . The ride gives you bird’s-eye view
of California as you glide over a towering redwood forest, snow-capped
mountains, deserts and the Pacific Ocean.
Journey into your Imagination with Figment –
this six minute attraction takes you on a tour of the Imagination
Labs. You board the vehicle in groups of two, as your host, Eric Idle,
offers you a look at how your imagination is used everyday.
Honey I Shrunk the Audience – this 17 minute
3D film provides special effects that enhance the multi-sensory experience.
Small children may find the experience frightening. The attraction
does feature time in complete darkness with special effects including
snakes and mice. Fastpass is accepted.
Test Track – on this attraction riders can
run a test car through it's paces, driving through different terrains
and temperatures. Your vehicle will be also be tested on hairpin turns
and anti-lock brakes. The last part of the ride involves your car
going outside, racing around a track at 60 mph. Fastpass
is accepted. You must be at least 40 inches ride. NOTE: No matter
what time you visit, lines for Test Track tend to be long. Either
go early in the morning or do Fastpass. Another way is to
consider riding as a single rider. You can usually board quite quickly,
however you will not be loaded with anyone in your group.
Body Wars – this simulator ride uses a film
and moving seats to simulate a trip into a human body. You must be
at least 40 inches ride.NOTE: this attraction is known to cause motion
sickness.
Cranium Command – in this attraction you will
become a 12 year old boy and watch him try to get through a typical
day. This show runs every 18 minutes.
The Making of Me – this is a sensitive film
that covers the process of conception and birth.
Mission Space – This attraction simulates a
space flight. You travel in groups of four as you blast into orbit
for a space mission. Each member of your group is assigned a job (pilot,
navigator, engineer or commander). This ride is known to cause motion
sickness. Fastpass is accepted. You must be at least 44 inches ride.
Universe of Energy – Ellen’s Energy Adventure
– this 45 minute attraction is hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and
Bill Nye (the science guy). Join them as they explain all about energy.
NOTE: Do not be scared by the long lines – this attraction can
move large groups of people through the ride quickly. A new show starts
every 17 minutes.
Refreshment Port – this giant igloo is found
as you leave Discoveryland and enter World Showcase Plaza. You can
sample free Coca Cola products from around the world. World Showcase
The countries described below are covered in the order they are seen
as you cross over the bridge from Discoveryland and follow a clockwise
rotation around the lagoon.
Mexico - The main area of this ’s exhibit is
the pre-Columbian pyramid, which is home to the ride attraction: El
Rio Del Tiempo – The River of Time. This 6 minute boat
trip highlights life in Mexico. You can also find authentic arts and
crafts in Plaza de los Amigos and Mexican cuisine at the
romantic La Cantina De San Angel.
Norway - explore a Norwegian castle, a 10th century
Viking village and a premier attraction, known as the Maelstrom,
a boat voyage on a 16 passenger Viking ship. After the ride, you can
watch a short film on Norway’s long connection to the sea. Fastpass
is accepted.
China - As you enter this pavilion, you will see
the Temple of Heaven, representing the famous Buddhist temple
in Beijing. Here, you can also watch a 360 degree film on China, visit
shops with authentic Chinese goods and eat at Nine Dragons Restaurant
or the Lotus Blossom Café.
Germany – the fairy-tale inspired German village
has several shops, cobblestone paved streets, a restaurant and an
bakery shop. No major attraction is located here, but it can be fun
to browse the shops, purchase a pastry or buy a german pretzel and
beer.
Italy - The Italy pavilion features Venetian architecture,
a fountain of the sea god Neptune, a restaurant, and many shops. Keep
your eyes open for the moving statues that can be found in the pavilion
area.
America - This area is considered the centerpiece
of World Showcase. The main building is a Colonial-style mansion,
where the show, "The American Adventure" is featured. The
30-minute presentation begins with the arrival of the Pilgrims and
takes you on a tour of the highlights throughout American history.
Japan – This pavilion includes Japanese architecture
and landscape. The landscaping was designed to keep with traditional
Japanese symbols and serenity. The focal point is the five story pagoda.
The area also includes a large department store, and a sushi restaurant.
Morocco – This pavilion recreates the buildings
and architecture of Morocco including the famous prayer tower in Marrakesh.
You will also find shops and a god restaurant to enjoy for dinner.
France – View the Eiffel Tower as you walk
past shops and French bakery. The pavilion also has a sit down French
restaurant, and artists selling their works. "The Impressions
De France" film is a 20-minute journey through France. Shown
in a sit-down theater, you will be transported to the French countryside
and the French Alps.
Canada – Here you will find a waterfall, gardens,
a sit down restaurant, shops and a film presentation. The film "O
Canada" is a 17-minute presentation shown in Circle-Vision, 360
degrees. This standing room only movie highlights the different providences
or Canada, with a focus on its great outdoors.
Special attractions
Character Meetings – You will not find many
individual characters in World Showcase. Occasionally you might stumble
upon Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in Germany or Pooh & Tigger
in the United Kingdom. The best way to meet the characters is to watch
for a double decker bus that travels around World Showcase throughout
the day.
Illuminations – This spectacular feature is
presented nightly at Epcot, usually at the park’s closing time.
You will see guests lining up for this show starting two hours before
it starts. Any area around the lagoon can offer a good viewing location.
Arrive an hour in advance to secure a comfortable seat. A favorite
spot is in front of the Italy pavilion - go over the little bridge
and stand at the rail. Behind
the scenes tours
Around the World
at Epcot–
Roll into the future of personal transportation when you hop aboard
a Segway Human
Transporter
on this outdoor tour.
Cost: $80. Duration: 2 hours.
Behind The Seeds
at Epcot–
unearth secrets of the green thumbs responsible for the famous Disney
greenhouses at The Land. Cost: $12. Duration: 1 hour.
Dolphins in Depth–
Meet the smartest residents of The Living Seas up close and personal
as you wade in amongst them. Cost: $150. Duration: 3 hours.
Epcot DiveQuest–
Dive into the SCUBA adventure of a lifetime in an underwater wonderland
so captivating, it could only come from Disney. Cost:
$140. Duration: 3 hours.
Gardens of the World–
Nurture your earthy side as you learn the secrets behind the lush
landscapes and gorgeous gardens of World Showcase. Cost: $59. Duration:
3-hours.
Hidden Treasures of World Showcase –
enjoy an in-depth exploration of the peoples, places and cultures
of World Showcase. Cost: $65. Duration: 3 hours.
The UnDISOVERed
Future World–
Walk behind the scenes and learn the amazing story of The Park's design
and creation. Cost: $49. Duration: 4 ½ hours.
Seas Aqua Tour–
Immerse yourself in an awesome "behind-the-seas" adventure
exploring The Living Seas aquarium. Bring your swimsuit. Cost: $100.
Duration: 2 1/2 hours.
To schedule Disney tours call: 407-WDW-TOUR.
Restaurants and dining
Signature
Dining - Bistro
de Paris, Biergarten
Restaurant, Coral Reef , Le Lellier, Les Chefs de France, Nine Dragins,
Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Dining Room, San Angel Inn,
Teppanyaki Dining Room
Call (407) WDW-DINE 90 days in advance
to make dining reservations.
Fast Food - Boulangerie
Patisserie, Electric
Umbrella , Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Liberty Inn, La Cantina , Lotus
Blossom Cafe, Tempura Kiku, Sommerfest, Sunshine Season Food Fair,
Tangerine, Yakatori House
Orlando weather
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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º C
16
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Wheelchairs
and Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) - Rentals are available
for a fee of $10 for a wheelchair (multiple day rentals are $8/day)
and $35 for the ECV.
Strollers - Strollers
are available for rent at the front of the park for a charge of $10/day
for a single and $18 for a double.
Disney vacations
The least crowded time to visit is from Labor Day to Thanksgiving
and from the week after President's Day (mid-February) to the start
of Spring Break (mid-March).
You
can definitely make the most of your vacation by staying at one of
the Disney World hotels. If
you do, you will enjoy special benefits such as Magic Hours, discounts
at six Disney
World golf courses, and the special Walt Disney World quality
and service.
But if you choose to stay at one of the many hotels
near Disney World, you can still visit all of the Disney properties
to enjoy the atmosphere, have a meal, or shop. You may be charged
for parking, but you can get validated for up to one hour of parking
for each $10 you spend while you're there.
Disney sells Epcot Center tickets on their website, but you can not
print the tickets, meaning you must order early and have the tickets
mailed to you. You can also buy tickets
through your local auto club, Disney Store or through a school or
work activities office. Many offsite hotels also sell Disney passports
at the front desk.
I
suggest researching Disney ticket prices
in advance, and buy your pass before you get to the park. No sense
wasting the first hour waiting in line at the ticket booth.
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Company info:
Disney-Epcot Center Theme Park
1200 Epcot Resort Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407)
560-7299 Web:www.disneyworld.disney.go.com Construction cost: $1.4 billion
Grand Opening: October 1, 1982
Employees: 3,200 cast members
Size: 300 acres (1.2 km²)
