Monday, September 8, 2014

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10 Cool Experiences at EPCOT ~ Walt Disney World, FL


Each time we visit Walt Disney World, we always walk away with a new-found love of one of the four parks.  Once it was Animal Kingdom because we had an amazing day filled learning about animals. Another time, we really loved Magic Kingdom because the kids were young and were absolutely star-struck by all the character interactions they had.

This trip was all about EPCOT.

I have always liked EPCOT but never really gave it much time other than to ride Soarin’ and Test Track.  And while those rides are incredible and worth the wait to ride them, there is SO MUCH more to see and do when you are at EPCOT.  We discovered some fun things that do not get as much attention on our trip in May.

10 Cool Experiences at EPCOT


Save the World with Agent P ‘s World Showcase Adventure: This is a MUST DO for kids ages 7-12. We took the time to do the experience in United Kingdom and had a ton of fun with it.  You are given a “phone” that transmits clues that takes you to certain places within UK.  Within the scavenger hunt, things “come to life” which really makes it worth the time.


Have lunch in the World Showcase: It was about 2 pm and we were just entering the World Showcase.  So instead of waiting in a very long line in the bakery in France, we opted to try Chefs de France.  We were sat immediately as it wasn’t prime mealtime.  We ended up having the best time learning all about France from our waiter, trying new foods and getting a lesson in French dessert making.  Our experience was so much more than just a meal – it was one of the most memorable of our trip!


Take advantage of KidCot:  Each country within the World Showcase features a Kidcot booth. Designed to provide an activity for your child,  it gives parents an opportunity to rest in a shaded area.  I encourage you to take the time to talk to the cast members & ask them questions about their country. We tried to get our name written in each language we encountered one year! Kidcot is so much more than just getting a stamp!


See the Trains in Germany: There is a charming miniature train within Germany in the World Showcase.  Kids love to watch them go round and round.

Make your own roller coaster ride at Sum of All Thrills: Located in Innovations, you can design your own roller coaster ride, then sit in a simulator (this cool arm) and experience it.  My kids LOVED each designing one and getting to try each of them.


Catch a World Showcase Street Performance: Try to catch a few street performances within the different countries while in the World Showcase.  We have never been disappointed in the free entertainment.  This visit, we were fascinated with this chair-balancing acrobatics in France!


Try Beverly at Club Cool: For a cool treat, head to Club Cool to taste various Coca-Cola products that are popular around the world.  We always love the pineapple fanta but definitely NOT the Beverly!


Watch the Water Show:  You don;t have to wait for IllumiNations each evening to see a great show! The big fountain outside of Innovations East & West puts on an incredible water show.  We grabbed a snack from the kiosk within the plaza and took a break while watching the show.

Listen to some Great Music in the World Showcase: Each country within the World Showcase has great bands – look at the schedule, grab a snack from that country and enjoy! Our favorites are Off Kilter in Canada and the British Invasion in UK.


Dine with the Princesses in Norway: One year, we couldn’t get into a Princess meal at Cinderella’s Castle, so we opted for the dining experience at Askershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway.  It ended up being such a great experience for both my kids.  We had ample time with all the princesses and were able to sample Norwegian food.

There is so much to do at EPCOT, I haven’t even scratched the surface with these 10 experiences.  I really encourage you to take your time, and enjoy what you can get to.  If you have the time for it, you could go for more than one day and not see the same things.  In doing a bit of research for this article, I even found more things we haven’t seen yet.  Guess it’s time for another trip!

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1 comment:

Shannan said...

We fell in love with Epcot this spring as well! We stayed at Beach Club and loved being so close. The food and cocktails for the Flower and Garden show were delicious. Would love to know what other experiences your research turned up :)