While frequently passing by on the way to somewhere else, I hadn't been to Epcot in quite awhile. But it didn't take me long to figure out that it was a great destination for grown-ups. While some travel writers find the Worlds of Disney cloying or at least in one writer's case downright "frightening," I still find them delightful. Perhaps because Disney was the first to whisk me away on a magic carpet ride to unfamiliar turf. Whatever, Disney's lands still draw me again and again whether child in hand or as it was this time child in heart.
There was much more to do at Epcot than the time we had alloted to be there permitted. In addition to the World Showcase, our focus the day we visited, there is also Future World. Lines from Mission: Space told the story --- this was something to get a FastPass for next time around. I'm also told that Soarin is a not-to-miss attraction for kids and adults. But I guess that depends on how much exhilaration you are looking for.
The day we were there we breezed through Canada and caught a Celtic Rock Band, with a lead singer who resembled a younger Mel Gibson, that was quite good in Canada. Canada also has a Circle Vision film that we passed on this time.
Past Canada, the Rose & Crown Pub is available to quench your thirst in the United Kingdom. Then it's a short stroll to France for a large circular-screen film that brings you into the French countryside for a peak at castles, small French towns, Churches, vineyards and more. And while you're in France there are several dining opportunities including a tempting Boulangerie Patisserie.
We moved onto for a quick flight through Morocco because we were getting hungry and sushi was on the menu in Japan. There are three dining choices in Japan, one with teppanyaki, one a yakitori house and the other a more formal restaurant, Tokyo Dining, which we chose for lunch. While waiting for our buzzer to go off, we watched a performance of Epcot's Taiko Drummers -- amazing.
Following lunch we stopped at the American Adventure -- a quick tour through American history with the use of film, animation and animatronics -- well worth the time. Then as time was getting short we sped through Italy, quickly checked out Oktoberfest in Germany, which looked worthy of a return visit at a later time, and passed by China with a Circle-Vision film that we had to miss this time.
Two boat rides ended our day. Norway has a short boat voyage that draws crowds and Mexico's Gran Fiesta Tour is an entertaining diversion after the long walk around the world.
Epcot is definitely worth putting on your agenda if you are planning a trip to Florida or live anywhere in the southeast US and are looking for a weekend getaway. Plan to go, as we will next time, during one of Epcot's major events:
Flower and Garden Festival -- March 3 through May 16.
International Food and Wine Festival -- September 25 through November 8.
Holidays Around the World -- November 27 through December 30.
Other tips for adults:
1. Plan ahead -- check out Disney Epcot's website and decide what you would like to do. Find out what shows and special events are available on the day(s) you want to visit.
2. Use Fastpass for popular attraction. You insert your park ticket into the Fastpass kiosk and receive a ticket with a return time, so you can come back with no wait.
3. If you buy items during your walk around, consider having your packages delivered to the Package Pickup at the Gift Shop at the Main Entrance.
4. Taking pup, there is a kennel located near the Main Entrance.
5. If you want to break up your visit, you can go early in the morning and return later in the day as long as you retain your ticket.
6. Some restaurants in the park are worth reserving in advance: Call 407-939-3463.
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