Walt Disney World is often called the happiest place on Earth. If you enjoy rides, attractions, entertaining shows, learning and eating...well it just might be.
Epcot (Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow) Theme Park is a real favorite for both my boy and myself. It really has some great rides like Soarin (a truly amazing ride over California), Test Track (the fastest ride at Walt Disney World), Mission Space and Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball that has a ride inside that is like a history of humans on Earth).
The front half of Epcot is built with rides and attractions...the back half is a representation of the countries of the world surrounding a big lake...this is like a Worlds Fair that is staffed by mostly college aged students from each of the countries represented. The food on the back half of Epcot is some of the best in Disney World with some really nice representations from the individual countries to show of their culture and their cuisine.
Disney uses something called fast pass...it is designed to get you on rides that are ALWAYS busy as quickly as possible...you cannot just stick your fast pass in and take rides...it gives you a time to come back...and only one fast pass at a time can be used. The system works, but I do recommend you follow a certain path to get the best use of the park...and to ride those rides you really like a couple of times each.
You can attack Disney in many different ways...if you are coming for just one day (day trip)...here is my recommendation for getting the most out of your trip to Epcot:
First...as soon as you buy tickets make dinner reservations...my recommendation is to eat in Germany at the Biergarten...it is awesome with a great band...cold beer...and dancing. The food is good and reasonably authentic.
Eat breakfast early then arrive about half hour before the park opens...have your tickets purchased ahead (if you are a resident of Brevard County you can often get Florida resident rates online...buy the tickets!!!). When you get through the doors RUN straight to Soarin and Fast Pass it...now get online and ride Sournin (this will allow you to ride twice...which you will want to do)...after riding go to Test Track and ride it. Ride Mission Space. It should now be time to go back and ride Soarin on fast pass. After your ride go back and fast pass Test Track (you will want to ride it at least twice). Get online for Spaceship Earth and ride it...now it should be time for lunch...eat at one of the small places in the front half of the park. Go on all the smaller rides you can fit in until it is time for you to head back to Test track again. Ride Mission Earth again if you want seconds (some love it...some hate it). It should now be time to head over to the back half of the park.
When you get to the back half head to the left...do the countries and rides...make sure to see Norway and do the ride. Each Country has its own flavor. Work your way around (keep in mind you need to be on time for your dinner reservation in Germany which is about halfway around. After dinner make sure to see the show at the American experience.
This is very important...DO NOT LEAVE EARLY...the fireworks display at the end...IlluminaNations: Reflections of Earth...is the single most amazing display I have ever seen. From the incredible light show to the non-stop fireworks...do not miss it. Head over to the area just in front of Canada about an hour before the park closes (get a cold beer from England to help the time pass). Relax and wait for the show. If you follow the guide you will see everything in the park and leave with some wonderful memories.
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