Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Welcome back for another edition of Muting and the Mouse. I hope you enjoyed my favorites from the Magic Kingdom last week. This week we are going to head over to Epcot. Now in Epcot, there is my personal favorite and my must do’s. They do not line up, so I am going to give you some insight into one of my favorites and then walk through the park and give you my must do’s. One ride and one food or drink from different parts around the park. Epcot is not broken up into as many different lands, but we can differentiate the lands enough to help you guys follow the path. Now, Epcot is under a little bit of a rebrand and a lot of construction, this will change the lands a little bit, but you can still follow which part of the park we are in. For this post we are going to refer to the old lands and not the new themed lands which we will cover in a later post. So let’s head over to Epcot and explore what the imagination might find.  Speaking of imagination, that brings me to one of my favorites. Now this is my favorite for nostalgia reasons as the ride has had much criticism for its renovations or lack there of over the years. Taking all of that into account, it is still an all time favorite for me, and usually does not have a long wait. That ride being the Journey into Imagination with Figment! This ride always was fun for little Joey. I mean who does not like a catchy song sung by a purple dragon. Since this ride does not have a super long wait and is an escape from the heat, I would suggest doing it, especially with the little ones. It is a fun way to enter into one’s imagination and offers a type of innocent fun for all. Okay, now that I got that out of my system, onto the entrance as we start or day at Epcot!

Future World East

The entrance usually has some classic instrumental music playing as you pass through the gates and you see the giant “golf ball” in the center of view. But this “golf ball” is not just for photos, it is my first must do and a good start to any day when at Epcot. Better known as Spaceship Earth, this ride is one that is good for the entire family. A dark cool escape from the heat while showing us our journey on the planet Earth. It adds an interactive activity at the start and end of the ride to show us the ever changing world around us, which is particularly fun for all ages. This is a slow, dark ride so if your little ones do not like the dark, be mindful of that. The ride is an educational way to learn about how we have evolved over many, many, many years on this planet all with a Disney touch. Once we are back on our feet after traveling to the top of the ball, we are presented to go over to the left or the right. For the sake of this flow, we are going to go to the left for our next must do. We walk up to the fastest ride at Walt Disney World, Test Track (Presented by Chevrolet). Coming in as a thrill, our next must do has a height requirement. If your kids meet the requirement, this is a fun one for the whole family. As you make your way through the renovated line, you eventually come to a design lab. The design lab is where you can create your own car design and then enter the sim track to see how it performs. Getting up to a high speed of 64.9 miles per hour, make sure you hang onto your hats! As you walk out of the ride, you might wonder about where to get a bite to eat and I say, wait until we get over to another part of Future World, as there are not many food options on this side of the park. So, we make our way back through the hub and now will be headed for Future World West for our next must do attractions. 

Future World West

Arriving in Future World West, our first stop will be to walk directly into “The Land” Pavilion. This is where our two must do rides are located. First, we will stay upstairs to go to our first food option. Our food option is a character meal at The Garden Grill. This is hosted by Chip n’ Dale and is known as the Chip n’ Dale Harvest Feast. This is going to have many food options with food grown right there at Epcot! From fresh veggies to a good hearty feast, this has your meal covered for the whole family. The best part about this meal is it comes with a meet and greet with your favorite characters. They are all decked out in their garden clothing and are there to help your meal have some extra magic. The kids will be thankful for the characters, and adults will like the fresh foods for their kids, which makes this a win for all. After this meal, head downstairs to Living With the Land. This will take you through a history of how our environment aids in the growth of our foods. After that, it will take you through the greenhouses where some of the food you just ate is grown! A fun, educational and very real sight of how Epcot helps in growing healthy and natural foods to be served around Disney’s resort. This for me is a must do- how cool it is to see the foods growing with some hidden fun through the greenhouses. Make sure you keep an eye out throughout for your favorite foods and favorite character images. Next, we will head across the bottom floor of the pavilion to one of the best rides in all of Disney (in my opinion). That will be Soarin’. In this ride you enter into a theater and take flight in a hang glider through iconic places throughout the world. As you enter the sky, the music plays, and you enter your first stunning scene gliding through the air as you can take in the sights, sounds, and smells. Yes, I said smells! This is the closest I will get to hang gliding, but I have to say, it does feel very real. After touching down again to land, head out of The Land and back outside. Next, is a hidden gem for a light snack. As you make your way towards the Imagination Pavilion, there is a little cart off to the side that has popcorn. The stand has normal popcorn as well as fun flavors. Now I am not telling you to go here for normal popcorn, you could get that anywhere in the park. Head here for the flavored popcorn. My favorite popcorn here is going to be the buffalo blue, a good spicy popcorn that hits your snacky needs on any day walking around Epcot. With that in hand, we come to an end in Future World and head to the World Showcase where we will mention one to two things in each country to make sure you do on your trip around the world. There is something for all, so keep up! But first, which way do you go? Well, there are two types of people in the world. Those who start in Mexico and those who start in Canada. Which way do you go? For me, I start in Mexico!

Mexico

Once in Mexico, there is a lot to do. From food, to drinks, to even a ride- it is all there. Make sure you go on the Grand Fiesta Tour. This features the Three Caballeros as they take you on a nice relaxing boat ride through Mexico to find the one and only Donald Duck. The ride typically does not have a long wait and you have to walk into the pavilion to enter the ride. This gives you the chance to look around the street shops inside and take in the atmosphere it offers. Once back outside the pavilion, adults can head to the margarita stand. Here you will find a variety of margaritas that are mixed close to perfection. Photoed above, is myself and my wife with a group of friends. We were able to try them all, and we can confirm, they are delicious. The stand is called Choza de Margarita and offers a variety of flavors or a twist of flavors to give you exactly the combo you are looking for. So, you rode Grand Fiesta Tour, grabbed a margarita, now what? On to the next country of course!

Norway

Continuing our trek around the world, we come to the Norway Pavilion. As you enter the land, take in the architecture. Keep an eye up and see the authentic roofs with grass on them, just as you could find in Norway itself. Walking further into the land, the first stop is the bakery. Once inside, the options are endless, but we are here for the highly recommended School Bread. In the picture above, you can see the School Bread as I awkwardly stand in Norway for a photo op. The School Bread is filled with a custard and topped with toasted coconut. The bread is not overly sweet for a nice change of pace on this sweet, but not too sweet treat. After taking a trip to the bakery head deeper into the pavilion and let it go. No, I do not mean let go of the School Bread, you will want to finish that. I mean sing Let It Go. Next up on our must do list is Frozen Ever After. Walking through the Norwegian village in the line, you come up to everyone’s favorite trading post for a “big summer blowout”. This will have the kids living the dream of going to find Elsa in her ice castle. The dark boat ride will have all their favorite characters and favorite songs throughout and offers a photo op (seen above) for lifetime memories. As you exit the ride and pavilion, we walk on over to the next country.

China

Next up is the China pavilion. This one is visually stunning. While here, take in the beauty of the architecture as you head into the back of the pavilion where you enter the large gift shop. The gift shop has a ton to offer. From pandas, to teas, to the beautiful fans and clothing, this gift shop is one of my favorites. Once in the back of the pavilion, you can enter a small exhibit where there are some artifacts from Shanghai Disney. It shows how they built some of the attractions and buildings, as well as shows you cast member costumes. It is cool to see how different cultures experience Disney at the new park. Once again, the visual aspect here is everything. Take time to really walk through and take it in. A quick eat here is the cart at the front of the entrance to the pavilion. Make sure you get the pork and vegetable egg roll as this was my favorite.  Always a crowd pleaser; it is a quick snack on the run.

Germany

This is always one of my favorite pavilions and that is because I took German in school. I always had fun trying to communicate in German when at the pavilion (it never went well). All jokes aside, this pavilion has a lot to offer. First and foremost, hit up the Karamell-Kuche. From this shop, you have to get some of the great caramel options they offer. The smell hits your nose and you just feel some warmth as you sit in the caramel shop. We have tried many things from this little place and have enjoyed them all. Photoed above is a caramel covered rice krispy treat that I still dream about. From there, if you have the time, the next must do is a dinner reservation at Biergarten Restaurant. This restaurant takes you right into a germanfest hall. The buffett and the songs have you feeling like you are right in the middle of a fest. Singing and dancing fills the room and the atmosphere is so relaxing, as you lose yourself in the party. After your dinner, take a stroll outside and take a look up into the clock tower and take it in. If you catch it at the right time, you can see the wonderful German cuckoo clock in action as a stunning scene comes to life. Lastly, make sure you take a look at the miniature village on your way to the next country. It is the perfect, little town with an extensive train system. 

Italy

All of a sudden you find yourself walking into the beauty that is Italy (no bias there at all, HAHA). You enter into the Venice scene and you are drawn to all of the statues and bridges. Honestly, it feels like you are there. My must do items here are photos and food. Walk around the entire pavilion and take pictures by the fountain, take pictures on the bridge, and take pictures in the square. They are all beautiful and I find myself doing them often (like in the photo above). Next, walk into the back and make sure you dine at Via Napoli. Also photographed above, this is some of the best pizza you will ever eat. I swear each time, it seems to be better than the last. The pizzas are wood fired and cooked to perfection so you can taste the fresh ingredients. Every time we are in Epcot, you hear me saying “so we are going to Via Napoli, right?” Make sure to get the salad and any of their pizzas, you will not be disappointed. Finally, I will suggest, Italy is one of the best places to watch the fireworks, so be sure to post up early in Italy if you want the perfect view. Next, we will find the host nation, in the center of the World Showcase. 

American Adventure

Entering the American Adventure Pavilion, you are now half way through the countries. There is an overhang theater with a lot of seating that hosts many concerts or performances. These performances can depend on the season or the fests that they have going on, but they are well worth listening to. The music from that shell fills the American Pavilion and you find yourself dancing along, so enjoy it. Next, make sure you stop and get a funnel cake, the smell fills the air around you and makes you crave them. Just give in, they are good and you will not regret it. I must admit, when I am in the American Adventure, I tend to move past it, but I urge you to take in the surroundings because there are some things you will miss and maybe regret if you hear about it later.  Finally, walk around the land, head on inside and give the Voices of Liberty a listen. These vocalists are so talented and it will be something you remember for a long, long time. 

Japan

Our next country we visit is Japan. Once again, the architecture here is amazing and beautiful. When in this country make sure you go into the gift shop. There is so much in the shop and is once again, very cool to see the different culture while walking through the store. The store seems to be the length of the pavilion and make sure, if you have a significant other or a little girl, to stop half way through the store at the pearl station. Here they can pick out their own oyster, watch as the Cast Member removes the pearl, and then take the pearl home as a souvenir. Though this experience does have a cost, to me it was well worth it. Seeing the families around the station and the joy in their faces is always a heartfelt moment. Also, doing it for my very own wife was a really cool experience and the pearl is something she will cherish forever. The other must do here is the restaurant Teppan Edo. This is a hibachi style restaurant. The food here is cooked on the table in front of you with a show. Some of the most fun I have had at a dining experience was at Teppan Edo. The food is amazing and the memories made are for a lifetime. Photographed above is our chef from years ago. 

Morocco

Next, we go to the pavilion that was actually aided by the Moroccon government. The country in the World Showcase is absolutely eye catching. Make sure you take photos of all of the architecture. Everytime I walk through, I find myself in awe of the pavilion. There is a fun photo opportunity with a beautiful background, that I highly recommend taking with your family or significant other or friends (photographed above). After exploring the land a bit, you can always hop on the boat ride to head back to the entrance of the World Showcase. That is a nice feature of Morocco. If you are feeling tired or want to take a shortcut, this is a great option that I have taken advantage of many times. The views of the water are always stunning from the restaurant Spice Road Table. The food was very good and the views are very aesthetic as you look over the water and directly at Spaceship Earth.

France

The next stop for your Epcot Passport is going to be France. France is going through some construction, but we will talk about that later on. France offers some fun entertainment and that is the first thing you have to do. The street performers come out throughout the day and you can find them to be quite entertaining. They do a lot of tricks and get the crowd involved with clapping and cheering as the performers perform the impossible. It is hard to miss them as they have the bells and whistles to let everyone know what is coming next. After that, head deep into the pavilion to the bakery for some snacks. Grab a mimosa, a ham and cheese croissant, or even a chocolate croissant to fit all of your foodie needs. Some of the best pastries are found here, so be sure not to skip this one. On the way out of the pavilion, make sure you pose with a picture with the Eiffel Tower as it is in the backdrop of the French scene. 

United Kingdom

As you cross over the International Gateway Bridge into the UK, the first thing you will see is a little shop. The Yorkshire County Fish Shop has some of the best fish and chips you can find. Nothing says the United Kingdom like walking around and eating fish and chips while grabbing a beer over at the Rose N’ Crown Pub. The combination cannot be beat while walking around the garden and making a call in the phone booth for the perfect photo. After that, as you walk into the back of the pavilion, you can enter Christopher Robin’s room and meet Winnie-The-Pooh.  For a while, this was a passholder exclusive; but towards the end it was offered for all. Covid has meet and greets shut down, but this was an experience that should not be missed if given the opportunity. 

Canada

Continuing on our journey we’ve finally made it to the last country in the World Showcase (hope you made it this far). While walking through the pavilion, make it to the theater and enter into circle vision. This is a one of a kind video that enters you into the beauty of Canada in a full 360 degree screen. This has recently gone under renovations and is new, but let’s be honest, anything in circle vision has to be cool. Circling around and following the scene is always so much fun, but don’t spin too fast and make yourself dizzy. Now, I have not eaten much yet in the pavilion, but there is a little stand that always has some nice adult cocktails to end your day with. From mixed drinks to a good old Moosehead, it is the perfect way to end our trip around the world. 

As we head out of the park, take it all in. There is cool lighting and amazing photo opportunities at night. That is our day, a fun filled full day at Epcot. Now Epcot might be looked at as a theme park with less attractions than others, but the cultural experience and journey is one that cannot be overlooked. You enter the world of imagination, innovation, and culture all while having fun. I hope you have enjoyed my must do’s for Epcot. Let me know some of your can’t miss attractions, food, or meet and greets in the comments below. I love hearing what others cannot miss and maybe things that I may not know of. That is the beauty of Disney, so much to do at the resort- there is always something new. Epcot is moving forward and I cannot wait to try some of the new things to come. But for now our next stop will be Hollywood Studios as we dive into our Must Do’s for next week. Make sure to tune in and find out what lies in store!