Epcot From A to Z (Part 4)

Epcot From A to Z (Part 4)

In the final part of or Epcot series, we have a few that you’d expect and then a few I think might be new to you. Starting with Turtle Talk, we’ll look at Crush and eventually we’ll loop our way over to Test Track where we’ll zip around a bit.

Turtle Talk with Crush

This attraction makes me want to be 6 again.  I really wish I could talk to Crush (although as a kid I would have been too shy).  I just am amazed by this process.

If you want to know an animated character talks to real humans in real time you can go to the Wikipedia page for Turtle Talk to find out.  I won’t ruin it for you here.  I can tell you that knowing doesn’t make it any less magical!

I think my husband’s favorite part about the show is that even though he has no kids to annoy him with it, he does have a loving wife more than willing to call him Dude for the rest of the day!

Universe of Energy

Universe of Energy.  When I was younger all I remembered were the dinosaurs.  Now a lot of what I remember is Ellen DeGeneres.

As the new narrator she stands out in my head and I’d have to say she’s a good addition as her humor livens things up.  I like the beginning which is a video with Ellen.  The only thing here is that it can get a little long to stand for.

The rest of the ride you are seated.  You move through three films and a diorama section where you still get to see those dinosaurs.  Watch for some hidden cameos during Ellen’s dream sequence!

Victoria Gardens Canada Pavilion

These gardens are so beautiful.  Yet I wonder how many overlook them.  I had never really taken notice until our last trip when we ate at Le Cellier for the first time.  As we slowly walked down to the restaurant (we were early for our reservation) I saw the beauty of the gardens around me.  Everything was perfect.  Everything was beautiful.  The waterfall, stream and even mountains.  If you haven’t taken the time before, check out this hidden treasure.

World Showcase Lagoon and Friendship

The eleven countries in World Showcase circle World Showcase Lagoon which has a perimeter of 1.2 miles.  It is a man-made lake and can be crossed on boats called the Friendship.  There are four landings on the lagoon.  A Mexico boat lets off passengers at Germany while the Canada boat lands at Morocco.  Travel on the boats can be relaxing, but it is not always faster.  At night, World Showcase Lagoon becomes the stage for the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show.

X-ing from Future World into World Showcase

I love the walk from Future World into World Showcase.  The separation is very distinct, and you can clearly tell they are separate parts.  Yet at the same time this walkway joins them and reminds us that the future is connected to the unity of the many different lands.  Next time you’re there take the time to appreciate its significance.

Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store

Yong Feng Shangdian is currently being refurbished and I look forward to seeing the changes.  If you visit Orlando in June and July, you’ve likely been caught in a torrential downpour at least once.  We had the luck of being in the China Pavilion when that happened.  Yong Feng Shangdian has so many things to look at it kept us interested for a long time.  We didn’t mind being trapped by the rain. (This was before we developed the “Who care if we’re wet” mindset)  Beautiful silks, rugs, chopsticks, jades and toys.  Everything is so lovely that I usually find it hard to resist.

Zipping by on Test Track

I always think race car drivers must be a little bit crazy to do what they do.  But even when given the chance to get in a car on Test Track you feel like a real race car even though your top speed is only 65 miles per hour.

This isn’t all a fast race around the track.  The vehicle also needs to be tested at extreme temperatures and you want your brakes to work well also.  Being put through the paces of a crash test dummy makes for a pretty good time.

That’s my Epcot A-Z. Remember, you may not agree with all of my choices. I hope they inspire you to try something new or maybe even try making a list of your own.

I’ll be back with Hollywood Studios From A-Z soon. You can look forward to everything from the American Idol Experience to zero fear on Tower of Terror.

Epcot From A to Z (Part 3)

Epcot is a strange mix of many things and today’s list of favorites really shows that. We start on a Viking ship being chased by angry trolls and end up hang-gliding over California.

Norway Pavillion and Maelstrom

Norway’s ride Maelstrom is a little joke in our family.  It’s a World Showcase attraction.  Those are safe for non-ride goer’s like my husband.  It had been a few years since I had been on it and I forgot the 28 foot drop at the end.  Luckily my husband forgave me.  Oil rigs and trolls don’t bother him but he’s not crazy about the drop.  Once getting off we recovered in the shops and bakery that sell many tasty treats.

Obligatory Photo taken in Front of Spaceship Earth

You get off of the tram, bus or monorail bringing you to Epcot.  You wait patiently to go through security then send your ticket through the machine at the gate.  You’re finally in!  Do you know what time it is?

It’s time to have your picture taken in front of Spaceship Earth!

Whether you snap your own picture, or have some Photopass magic added, it seems like every Epcot visitor has the same picture.  And for us it doesn’t matter how many times we go, we still have the picture taken every year!

Pin Trading in Different Countries

We are pin traders but what makes Epcot unique and enjoyable when it comes to pin trading is the World Showcase.  When we trade in World Showcase we often get the chance to talk to someone from a country we might never visit ourselves.  Even though they must do it several times a day they are patient with us and I enjoy getting to learn about them as well.

Quest for Treats from around the World

Okay – this one is a list of what I’d like to try in every country that I haven’t tried yet.

• Chocolate Scotch Cake in the United Kingdom
• Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake in Canada
• Sugar Crepes in France
• Bastilla (crispy leaves of pastry topped with vanilla ice cream sprinkled with toasted almonds) in Morocco
• Chocolate Ginger Cake in Japan
• Fried Ice Cream in the United States
• Coppa di Brutti Ma Broni (cherry and vanilla sundae with cookies) in Italy
• Something from the new caramel store in Germany
• Red Bean Ice Cream in China
• Kringla Sweet Pretzel in Norway
• Paletas in Mexico

It’s a good thing we’re in Epcot on several days – I’ll never eat all this food!

Reflections of Earth – Illuminations

Epcot’s night time show Illuminations combines fireworks, laser lights, fire, and fountains to create a show like no other on World Showcase Lagoon.  Although it is only 12 minutes long, you will remember it much, much longer.  You know the show is about to begin as torches are lit around the lagoon.  A narrator begins an introduction and the three act show starts.

First is Chaos.  Fireworks and flames shoot from the center barge.

Next is Order.  The torches go out and the globe moves out to the center.  The countries are illuminated by laser and spot lights.  There are high fireworks

Finally comes Meaning.  The torches are re-lit and the globe opens.  It has a torch within.  White fireworks follow. Throughout the show a special soundtrack is pumped through the park

Soarin’

Although I haven’t been on the original in California I’d love to because this is a remarkable experience.  Found in the Land Pavilion building this is a ride I try to time right or Fast Pass.  It can have long waits.  But once you’re ready to ride it’s amazing.

The three rows of seats rise up and move forward as you fly over scenes shown on a huge screen.  Beaches, canyons, even Main Street USA and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland (fireworks included).  It’s breathtaking!

Although you do leave the ground this is a ride my non-ride husband will do. (He likes it that much).

Next time will be our last at Epcot. We will talk to our turtle friend, Crush, zip on over to Test Track and do a few other things along the way.

Epcot From A to Z (Part 2)

Today on our visit to Epcot we’ll start by doing one of my favorite things shopping and end with another favorite, candy!

Hours spent in Mouse Gears

If I’m not on a ride or attraction, trading a pin, or eating, I’m probably shopping.   When I am at Epcot a good deal of that time is spent at Mouse Gears.  It is the largest store there and one of my favorites on property.  It can be found in Future World behind Spaceship Earth.  They advertise that you can find gifts with “real character” there.  They sell all sorts of Disney merchandise (the store really is huge).  It has a great selection of apparel for everybody, toys, candy, and assorted other souvenirs.

Don’t forget if you are ever feel you’re all shopped out there are plenty of Hidden Mickey’s to look for.

Innoventions

People never really seem sure about Innoventions when I talk to them about it.  We know where the two buildings are, but the rest is kind of a mystery.  They have some really neat things inside such as Sum of All Thrills where you design and test your own thrill ride, or Storm Struck, A Tale of Two Homes where they simulate a hurricane to teach safety.  Yet most people skip right on by.

I don’t know why?  We’ve done it too.  Some of the activities seem aimed at the younger set.  It is a nice cool, uncrowded walk on a hot day.  I know that the things we’ve done there, we have enjoyed so I do hope to give it a little more time next visit.

Journey into Imagination with Figment

Since opening in 1983 Journey has changed a few times.  To be honest I miss parts of the original but I’m glad Figment is still around.

The attraction we see now opened in 2002 and has labs based on the five senses.  Figment does a great job of interrupting the experiments that are going on in each of the labs while we ride through.

Figment and the Dr. sing a song called “One Little Spark” together and by the time you get off this ride you’ll be singing it too

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

I’ll admit I haven’t watched the show and we haven’t tried this adventure…but it’s on our to-do list.  We know this was designed for the tween set but we don’t care – it looks like fun!

My understanding is that we have to help Kim Possible save the world.  To do that we are given a “Kimmunicator” that uses technology to find clues around the world showcase.  Because I’ve never done it, I’m excited to give it a try and at Disney you’re never too old to be a kid.

Le Cellier

One of the most difficult reservations to get, but one of the most well-worth it Le Cellier is a favorite of mine.  I recently made a Dining Plan switch to two credits at dinner but remains one credit at lunch.  For our upcoming trip I just booked two lunches here.  Now why do people want to go?  The decor, as the name implies, is somewhat reminiscent of a cellar.  It does not grab your attention the other restaurants on site do.  But the food does. Beginning with pretzel breadsticks I dream of, the meal just gets better and better.  My filet mignon was excellent – one I really do look forward to all year.  Not being a dessert person I usually try a bite or two of whatever I get but at Le Cellier the options are wonderful.  Both the Campfire S’Mores and the Chocolate “Moose” are worth a try.  Even my husband talks about this place – it must be good!

Miyuki

When visiting the Japan Pavilion at World Showcase my favorite thing to do is watch Miyuki perform.  Miyuki is an artist unlike any other I’ve ever seen.  She creates candy art.  Using soft rice dough, Miyuki makes animals that are requested by members of the audience.  The dough is white, but she adds bright colors as needed.  It is amazing to watch how she forms the animals requested.  Her craft is called Amezaiku.  She is one of only fifteen people trained in this art and the only woman.  To find her, look in front of the Mitsukoshi Department store where she performs several times a day.  Listening to her while she creates is one of my favorite parts.  Although you can no longer take her works of art, they are wonders to look at.

The next time we meet, we will begin our journey in Norway and a trip called Maelstrom. We’ll finish things up by doing a little Soarin’. I can hardly wait!