Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Good Morning! Today's post is a repeat of an article I wrote a while back for another blog, but it's an important one so I thought I would revive for you to read here! Enjoy!

A lot of people have the misconception that EPCOT is a boring place and that their kids won't enjoy it. It's the park I most often hear people leave off their "wish list" of parks to visit. I'd love to share with you today reasons that I think that is just NOT true!! While I think the history behind EPCOT is fascinating I think it would just fuel the fire the EPCOT is boring and not a place for kids.


I'm here to tell you, that is WRONG! I can't tell you how many clients I've tried to encourage to just give EPCOT a chance! I promise you it is NOT the EPCOT of the 80's that your parents dragged you to. This is EPCOT of the FUTURE!

As a Mom to a very curious little one, I love the EPCOT has so much to offer! Let's start at the beginning ok?

After entering through the turnstiles, keep you eyes peeled for characters, such as Daisy and Stitch! Often there are very little waits for these characters and it's a great opportunity to do a quick meet and greet (don't worry, there will be more later!!)

If you are at all familiar with Disney or EPCOT, you know of Spaceship Earth (often referred to as the Giant Golf Ball).

I want to stop here for a second. While there are MANY unique learning opportunities at EPCOT, I wouldn't necessarily describe it as such to your kids (or friends...or family). I think this is part of why EPCOT gets a bum wrap as being a boring park.

For instance, Spaceship Earth is a pretty cool, albeit slow moving ride, that takes you through the history of communication...

SNORE!!

But did you know that once you exit Spaceship Earth, Semens AG has sponsored Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future...a really cool and unique interactive area (READ VIDEO GAMES). EPCOT has a little but of something for everyone!

I don't want to go into to much detail but let's go through the rest of the attractions and what they have to offer your family!

The Land Pavilion
If you've ready any guidebooks you'll know this pavilion houses Soarin', one of Disney's most popular attractions. This is a hand glider "simulation". It's a pretty tame, but amazingly awesome experience. Remember, your little ones must be 40" to ride! Also in this pavilion you'll find Living With the Land, a slow moving boat ride through EPCOT's greenhouses and The Circle of Live, a film hosted by Timon and Pumba. This pavilion also has some amazing food at Sunshine Seasons, not your typical counter service offerings!



Imagination Pavilion
While this pavilion offers some unique things, it's not a stop you MUST make (I would leave it for last). Journey into Imagination is a silly, slow moving ride that honestly has no point. Mom and Dad you may want to stop here though to check out Captain EO. This 3D movie is Michael Jackson in all his 80's glory!! My favorite part of this pavilion though is the What If Labs. This hands on experience combines sight, sound and much more! There are lots of things for the little ones to do and play with!



The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Did you know that EPCOT was home to the World's Second Largest Aquarium? The Seas is home to a 5.7 MILLION gallon aquarium filled with fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles and more! This place is full of fun! This pavilion can take up quite a bit of time walking around and checking out all the sea life!

Plus this is home to Turtle Talk with Crush....you can't miss this one of a kind experience...trust me!



Universe of Energy
Ok let's go back to our Golden EPCOT rule....do not describe attractions as educational (no matter how true) I LOVE this ride! It's funny, witty, has DINOSAURS, is air conditioned and you get to sit down! Keep in mind that it is quite long (45 minutes!) but it's well worth it! It is hosted by Ellen and Bill Nye the Science Guy!



Mission Space
I think I may be on my own here, but I love this attraction. Want to know a secret? I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little! I even considered joining the air force at one point (don't laugh) so this is right up my alley. Plus for the Mom's, this ride is narrated by Gary Sinise (dreamy)!! This is a space shuttle simulator where you will fly to Mars! I love how interactive and realistic this ride is. For those with a weak stomach, be sure to choose the Green, not so intense side! This is for the big kids though! You must be 44" tall to ride!



Test Track
While I'm writing this, Test Track is currently closed. While I'll pretend to be sad, it really has had it's share of problems over the years and it needs a good updating! It's slated to be open in the Fall and sponsored by Chevrolet. I'm going to leave this for now and we'll revisit once the new Test Track opens but I have very high hopes!!



Innoventions East and West
If all else fails and you really aren't enjoying yourself (ya, right) head to Innoventions! There are two buildings, East and West. My favorite thing about these pavilions is how hands on they are! There is SO much for the kiddos to do and they are allowed to touch and play with everything...they might even LEARN something! GASP!! There is a variety of things to do including:

-The Great Piggy Bank Adventure where kids "learn" about saving in a fun and innovative way (we loved this!)



-Rockin Robots-You get to control robotic arms!
-The Sum of All Thrills where you design your own roller coaster!
-Storm Struck where you can experience the SEVERE force of Mother Nature

And much more! These two buildings could take you quite a while to experience!

What I've just described above are most of the attractions you'll find just in Future World! There is still all of World Showcase to explore (which we'll do in another post). The main point I wanted to share is EPCOT is NOT boring! There is more than enough to do here for an entire day and there is more than enough that both kids and parents alike will LOVE. Just give it a try!