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Epcot in Disney World
Disney's Epcot Center is a utopian city of the future

Getting there from Miami

Epcot is located approximately 286 miles north of Miami Beach, FL. If you need transportation from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach, Miami Beach 411 can arrange a 1-Day Tour or Multi-Day trip.

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 - $89 (Ages 10+) - $83 (Ages 3-9)
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: $14, 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 name tags 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

Fer.
Cel.
January
62
17
March
67
19
April
72
22
May
77
25
June
81
27
July
82
28
August
82
28
September
81
27
October
75
24
November
68
20
December
62
17

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.

Some of the more popular deluxe priced resorts include Walt Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand Floridian Resort hotels.


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.

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.


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)

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