We visited Epcot Theme Park at Disney World with our 8-year-old Kidsetter. The park is divided into 4 areas; World Celebrations, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.
A showcase of 11 countries pavilions surround the lake. The World Showcase includes; Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada and America.
We ventured though some of the pavillions absorbing the various architecture reflective of their countries.
In particular, our Kidsetter loved the Moroccan pavillion.
Arriving at Epcot our Kidsetter was given a Ziploc bag titled ‘Kidcot at Epcot’.
He was able to participate in a fun discovery experience collecting activity cards at each country throughout World Showcase.
Our Kidsetter enjoyed the individual cards featuring the culture and traditions of each country.
As we meandered through the various worlds we came upon Alice in the United Kingdom. Our Kidsetter enjoyed listening to Alice shares stories of her curious adventures in Wonderland.
We then joined Father Christmas as he shared the traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer.
Next, we embarked on an American Adventure. We entered a stately Colonial Theatre and met our guides Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain.
A dramatic and inspiring production retelling of America’s nation’s history.
We headed over to World Discovery to ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which we had researched prior to arriving. Unfortunately, the ride was closed for maintenance and staff handed us a pass to Mission: Space as an alternative. We had not researched this ride, however we thought that is should be fine. How wrong I was.
Prior to boarding we had to select between the Orange or Green Mission. Without any knowledge we selected the Orange Mission. It was extreme. The Orange Mission uses a centrifuge that spins and tilts to simulate the speed and G-forces of a spacecraft launch and reentry. Our Kidsetter and I were beyond terrified. It felt like it would never end. Be warned.
Thankfully we had researched our next ride and it was thoroughly enjoyable – Test Track.
First, we designed a virtual concept car in the Chevrolet Design Centre.
We then had to buckle up in a 6-passenger “SIM Car” take it for an exhilarating spin on the test track.
After the test, we checked the scoreboard to see how our vehicle performed.
Next, we visited World Nature for the Soarin’ Around the World ride. Soaring over some of the world’s most unique landscapes and man-made wonders aboard a free-flying hang glide. Simply stunning !
We then attended the infamous Turtle Talk with Crush. An engaging improvised Q&A session.
Our Kidsetter was enthralled that Crush can communicate directly with land-based dudes and dudettes about almost anything that’s on their minds. Very fun !
It was dinner time at last. We had made reservations at the Beirgarten Restaurant serving authentic German cuisine.
Instantly we were transported to a Bavarian village as we feasted on German fare to the oompah beat of a lively Polka band.
Unbeknownst to us, whilst we were feasting on scrumptious German cuisine it had been bucketing down with torrential rain. We were scheduled to attend the Candlelight Processional as part of our dinner package. However, the seats were exposed in the heavy rain and we decided we didn’t want to risk becoming ill and potentially miss out on other days at DisneyWorld.
Although Epcot wasn’t our favourite Park we still enjoyed the cheerful celebration of winter with special holiday decor around each corner.
