EPCOT is my favorite park at Disney World. That is how I know I am old. Slow rides, good food, the countries and shops.
I took this photo in Spaceship Earth. I love how old school retro that ride still is, and I hope they keep it that way. It was Savanna's favorite ride of the day.
If you are thirsty and want unlimited free soda, elbow some kids out of the way and head for the Cool Zone. Japan and Brazil have great colas, but skip Italy's unless you want to retch a little.
The World Showcase is immersive in a way only Disney can pull off. Each country features foods, drinks, products and architecture unique to its area, as well as employs people from that particular country. I try not to see the dark side of stereotyping any of these countries and choose rather the Pollyanna approach of enjoying the beauty of that country's offerings. (Do I realize that everyone who lives in Canada is not a lumber jack? Of course I do, but if Goofy wants to be a lumber jack while he is Canadian then I will just make sure to stay extra far away while he is sawing down a tree).
Mexico was Adam's favorite country and ride of the day. The hand painted wood sculptures captivate the imagination. Even though it is indoors, it is painted and set as an open air market under a night sky.
Germany showcases the most gorgeous hand blown ornaments. I bought the cutest mushroom ornament clip to put on the tree.
Italy's perfume store rocked my world. So many Acqua di Parmas I could have swam in them.
We ate dinner at Chefs de France. It is probably one of my favorite restaurants in EPCOT.
We also had ice cream in France. Savanna got the chocolate macaron ice cream sandwich and I chose the holiday peppermint one on the left. The best thing I ate all day (and I ate very well).
I went into the Guerlain store fully expecting to come out with a Guerlain exclusive, but after too much awkward and stilted interactions with the salesman there I left empty-handed. He strongly felt I would want Le Petit Robe Noire (which I am not a fan of) and all I wanted to do was spray each and every other one until I found my treasure. But I saved my money and not I am already eyeing the Malle coffret.
Norway was another fast favorite. I love their buildings and grass covered roofs and rustic whimsical touches. The troll ride was down and being replaced with some type of Frozen attraction. I am sure 99% of Disney goers will be pleased, but I loved the old Scandinavian ride. It was cheesy, retro good.
The day was nice. We all kept our spirits up even when our feet and backs were hurting. I am the uber tough mom who makes her kids walk through the parks. It's good exercise.
Have you gone to EPCOT? Which is your favorite Disney theme park? Or are you a Universal person?
I've never been to Disney anything but more and more I'm starting to develop an interest. One of the supervisors at work is obsessed with Disney World (or Land?) and hearing him talk about it these past several days at work, and now to see these pics has me curious.
ReplyDeleteI saw a video of the Small World thing (clueless here) and it was actually rather creepy. I was like, 'This is Disney?'
~Deb
Wellllll I highly suggest if you do Disney, you come down to Florida >cough and let me tag along cough< because Disney World is super cool!
DeleteBut yeah. It's A Small World has major creepy dolls. Actually, a lot if the older rides kind of do but I love it.
Looks like you're having a wonderful time! I've only been to Disneyland in CA a couple times. I love the rides, especially Pirates of the Caribbean and The Matterhorn. I went when I was 9 and again at 17, so it's hard to remember a lot of specifics, but I remember having a delicious virgin mint julep at the Tiki room and the singing parrot show.
ReplyDeletePirates is a great ride!!! One of my favorites! A virgin mint julep sounds like something I could get down on right now! I may need to look up a recipe.
DeleteI've only been to Epcot once as a kid.. I would probably enjoy it now more than I did then. I've always been a huge fan of Disney World. I just love that rush of magic as you step onto Main Street & get to be a kid again! princesses, castles, fireworks, & new Mickey ears (the glittery ones, of course!)
ReplyDeletewe're planning on visiting Tokyo Disney in the spring, since we did Tokyo DisneySea last spring. Disney FL needs to jump on the popcorn bandwagon!!! best. idea. ever!! :-P
I agree! Disney takes me right back to the joy of childhood every time. Glitter ears. Yes. Let me know how Tokyo Disney is! And guess what?! I saw buffalo bleu cheese popcorn at EPCOT! I think they are slowly incorporating the fun flavors!!! Woot!
Deletelike buffalo sauce & bleu cheese?? I'm not a huge fan of the bleu, but I'd give it a whirl!! I hope they bring the fun flavors! are they doing popcorn buckets yet??
DeleteI am not sure! I just did a double take passing a snack stand that had the buffalo bleu cheese, Parmesan and another flavor pop corn and wracked my brain trying to remember why it was significant! Lol! My memory isn't what it used to be.
DeleteI have never been to Florida, but now I'm dying to go to Epcot! I would love explore all those wonderful shops.
ReplyDeleteEpcot is a blast Jackie! I hope you get to come down here and go one day! <3 how have you been?
DeleteI was about 10 when I experienced Epcot which I imagine was the ideal age and time period being the late 80s. I loved the slow boats bringing you through the wildly decorated dark tunnels, a complete immersion in another world. At 10 my mind was blown!! I remember tomorrowland, the It's a Small World ride, and the talking presidents, and the ride through Mexico (dark and colorful).
ReplyDeleteI also remember the sore legs and feet to see the different countries. I went back to Disney 10 years later but can't recall what I saw at Epcot then, I just remember seeing a little but not wanting to overwrite any of my original memories by seeing it again as an adult. I would love to go back to the countries to experience the food, I can't remember anything about that!
I went back to look up the name and see it is Future World. :) Have the rides there been redone since the 80s? I am guessing so by now, in the late 90s it appeared everything was the same as it was when I was there last.
DeleteHow sweet Jean! You have such cool memories of the place! The foooooood. Seriously the food is great. Some of the rides have changed (no more Body Wars and new rides like Soarin') but I swear Spaceship Earth is pretty much the same except for the ending.
Delete