Getting there from
Miami
Epcot
is located approximately 286 miles north of Miami Beach,
FL. If you need transportation from Miami, Fort Lauderdale
or Pompano Beach, Miami Beach 411 can arrange a 1-Day
Tour or Multi-Day
trip.
About the park
Epcot takes its name from Walt Disney's vision of an "Experimental
Prototype Community of Tomorrow". The Park opened
in October, 1982, and was Disney's first theme park not
modeled after Disneyland in California.
Built to resemble a permanent World's Fair, Epcot is divided
into two main sections: Discoveryland,
featuring modern attractions focused on nature and science,
and World Showcase, featuring pavilions
from several countries.
The Park is located one mile southwest of the Disney World
main entrance, approximately 30 miles south of Orlando,
FL. You can visit Disney-Epcot by car,
water taxi (from Disney resorts and theme parks) or use
Disney bus transportation. The monorail system does connect
this theme park.
Epcot 1-day Ticket
- $89 (Ages 10+) - $83 (Ages 3-9)
Hours: Depending on the time of year,
Epcot park hours can range between 8am and 1am. Call Guest
Services at (407) 824-4321 for park hours and showtimes
during your visit.
Size: 135 acres
Parking: $14, Free for Disney Resort
Guests
Address: 1200
Epcot Resort Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Park tips
- Sunscreen and walking shoes are a must.
- Be sure to check the weather before you go to the park.
- You must pass through a security checkpoint before entering.
- ATM's are located at the Park entrance and the German pavilion.
- Measure your child's height so you know which rides they can enjoy.
- Use FastPass strategically.
- Ride the most popular attractions early in the day.
- You can send email from Mission: SPACE and Imagination Pavilion.
- Behind the scenes tours are available.
- Bring your autograph book to Mickey Avenue.
- Many Disney Cast Members speak more than one language. The flags on their name tags indicate which languages they speak.
Park layout
As you enter the Park be sure to take a park map. This
will let you know the location of the attractions, park
hours and what times certain attractions/shows are presented.
Discoveryland
Spaceship Earth - Entering the park you
can't miss Spaceship Earth. This 180-foot-tall geosphere
serves as an Epcot landmark and a premier attraction.
The 16-minute ride takes you on a journey through time
learning how humans have advanced in the area of communications.
NOTE: If the line wait is over 25 minutes, bypass this
ride and try back later. Lines tend to be longer earlier
in the day, as people enter the park and gravitate to
the first ride they see.
The Living Seas – this attraction
focuses on marine life, boasting one of the largest man-made
ocean environments in the world. Your journey begins as
you descend to Sea Base Alpha, where you can
explore exhibits at your own pace. You can find tanks
filled with fish, dolphins, and manatee . Throughout the
exhibit, there are computer terminals that detail information
about costal and marine life.
If you are a certified scuba diver, you can participate
in the DiveQuest program and dive into the Living Seas!
Call (407) 939-8687 for information.
The Land – this pavilion focuses
on the land that we live on and how important it is to
our lives. You will find a few attractions, and several
dining options in this area.
Living with the Land – this 12 minute ride
takes you on a tour of a tropical rain forest, the African
desert and the American plains to learn about man’s
relationship with the land. You will float by an experimental
greenhouses and see an aqua environment with alligators.
Fastpass is accepted.
Circle of Life Theater – this 12
minute film presentation features characters from the
"Lion King". Here you will see the impact man
has on the land and how he must protect it for future
generations.
Soarin’ – This new attraction,
popular at Disneyland’s California Adventure
Park, is now open at Disney World Orlando . The ride
gives you bird’s-eye view of California as you glide
over a towering redwood forest, snow-capped mountains,
deserts and the Pacific Ocean.
Journey into your Imagination with Figment
– this six minute attraction takes you on a tour
of the Imagination Labs. You board the vehicle in groups
of two, as your host, Eric Idle, offers you a look at
how your imagination is used everyday.
Honey I Shrunk the Audience – this
17 minute 3D film provides special effects that enhance
the multi-sensory experience. Small children may find
the experience frightening. The attraction does feature
time in complete darkness with special effects including
snakes and mice. Fastpass is accepted.
Test Track – on this attraction
riders can run a test car through it's paces, driving
through different terrains and temperatures. Your vehicle
will be also be tested on hairpin turns and anti-lock
brakes. The last part of the ride involves your car going
outside, racing around a track at 60 mph. Fastpass
is accepted. You must be at least 40 inches ride. NOTE:
No matter what time you visit, lines for Test Track tend
to be long. Either go early in the morning or do Fastpass.
Another way is to consider riding as a single rider. You
can usually board quite quickly, however you will not
be loaded with anyone in your group.
Body Wars – this simulator ride
uses a film and moving seats to simulate a trip into a
human body. You must be at least 40 inches ride.NOTE:
this attraction is known to cause motion sickness.
Cranium Command – in this attraction
you will become a 12 year old boy and watch him try to
get through a typical day. This show runs every 18 minutes.
The Making of Me – this is a sensitive
film that covers the process of conception and birth.
Mission Space – This attraction
simulates a space flight. You travel in groups of four
as you blast into orbit for a space mission. Each member
of your group is assigned a job (pilot, navigator, engineer
or commander). This ride is known to cause motion sickness.
Fastpass is accepted. You must be at least 44 inches ride.
Universe of Energy – Ellen’s Energy
Adventure – this 45 minute attraction is
hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye (the science guy).
Join them as they explain all about energy. NOTE: Do not
be scared by the long lines – this attraction can
move large groups of people through the ride quickly.
A new show starts every 17 minutes.
Refreshment Port – this giant igloo
is found as you leave Discoveryland and enter World Showcase
Plaza. You can sample free Coca Cola products from around
the world.
World Showcase
The countries described below are covered in the order
they are seen as you cross over the bridge from Discoveryland
and follow a clockwise rotation around the lagoon.
Mexico - The main area of this ’s
exhibit is the pre-Columbian pyramid, which is home to
the ride attraction: El Rio Del Tiempo –
The River of Time. This 6 minute boat trip highlights
life in Mexico. You can also find authentic arts and crafts
in Plaza de los Amigos and Mexican cuisine at
the romantic La Cantina De San Angel.
Norway - explore a Norwegian castle,
a 10th century Viking village and a premier attraction,
known as the Maelstrom, a boat voyage
on a 16 passenger Viking ship. After the ride, you can
watch a short film on Norway’s long connection to
the sea. Fastpass is accepted.
China - As you enter this pavilion, you
will see the Temple of Heaven, representing the
famous Buddhist temple in Beijing. Here, you can also
watch a 360 degree film on China, visit shops with authentic
Chinese goods and eat at Nine Dragons Restaurant
or the Lotus Blossom Café.
Germany – the fairy-tale inspired
German village has several shops, cobblestone paved streets,
a restaurant and an bakery shop. No major attraction is
located here, but it can be fun to browse the shops, purchase
a pastry or buy a german pretzel and beer.
Italy - The Italy pavilion features Venetian
architecture, a fountain of the sea god Neptune, a restaurant,
and many shops. Keep your eyes open for the moving statues
that can be found in the pavilion area.
America - This area is considered the
centerpiece of World Showcase. The main building is a
Colonial-style mansion, where the show, "The American
Adventure" is featured. The 30-minute presentation
begins with the arrival of the Pilgrims and takes you
on a tour of the highlights throughout American history.
Japan – This pavilion includes
Japanese architecture and landscape. The landscaping was
designed to keep with traditional Japanese symbols and
serenity. The focal point is the five story pagoda. The
area also includes a large department store, and a sushi
restaurant.
Morocco – This pavilion recreates
the buildings and architecture of Morocco including the
famous prayer tower in Marrakesh. You will also find shops
and a god restaurant to enjoy for dinner.
France – View the Eiffel Tower
as you walk past shops and French bakery. The pavilion
also has a sit down French restaurant, and artists selling
their works. "The Impressions De France" film
is a 20-minute journey through France. Shown in a sit-down
theater, you will be transported to the French countryside
and the French Alps.
Canada – Here you will find a waterfall,
gardens, a sit down restaurant, shops and a film presentation.
The film "O Canada" is a 17-minute presentation
shown in Circle-Vision, 360 degrees. This standing room
only movie highlights the different providences or Canada,
with a focus on its great outdoors.
Special attractions
Character Meetings – You will not
find many individual characters in World Showcase. Occasionally
you might stumble upon Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
in Germany or Pooh & Tigger in the United Kingdom.
The best way to meet the characters is to watch for a
double decker bus that travels around World Showcase throughout
the day.
Illuminations – This spectacular
feature is presented nightly at Epcot, usually at the
park’s closing time. You will see guests lining
up for this show starting two hours before it starts.
Any area around the lagoon can offer a good viewing location.
Arrive an hour in advance to secure a comfortable seat.
A favorite spot is in front of the Italy pavilion - go
over the little bridge and stand at the rail.
Behind
the scenes tours
Around
the World at Epcot
–
Roll into the future of personal transportation when you
hop aboard a Segway
Human Transporter
on this outdoor tour.
Cost: $80. Duration: 2 hours.
Behind
The Seeds at Epcot
–
unearth secrets of the green thumbs responsible for the
famous Disney greenhouses at The Land. Cost: $12. Duration:
1 hour.
Dolphins in Depth
–
Meet the smartest residents of The Living Seas up close
and personal as you wade in amongst them. Cost: $150.
Duration: 3 hours.
Epcot DiveQuest
–
Dive into the SCUBA adventure of a lifetime in an underwater
wonderland so captivating, it could only come from Disney.
Cost: $140.
Duration: 3 hours.
Gardens of the World
–
Nurture your earthy side as you learn the secrets behind
the lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens of World Showcase.
Cost: $59. Duration: 3-hours.
Hidden Treasures of World Showcase –
enjoy an in-depth exploration of the peoples, places and
cultures of World Showcase. Cost: $65. Duration: 3 hours.
The
UnDISOVERed Future World
–
Walk behind the scenes and learn the amazing story of
The Park's design and creation. Cost: $49. Duration: 4
½ hours.
Seas
Aqua Tour
–
Immerse yourself in an awesome "behind-the-seas"
adventure exploring The Living Seas aquarium. Bring your
swimsuit. Cost: $100. Duration: 2 1/2 hours.
To schedule Disney tours call: 407-WDW-TOUR.
Restaurants
and dining
Signature
Dining
- Bistro de Paris, Biergarten
Restaurant, Coral Reef , Le Lellier, Les Chefs de France,
Nine Dragins, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Dining
Room, San Angel Inn, Teppanyaki Dining Room
Call (407) WDW-DINE
90 days in advance to make dining reservations.
Fast Food -
Boulangerie Patisserie, Electric
Umbrella , Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, Liberty Inn, La Cantina
, Lotus Blossom Cafe, Tempura Kiku, Sommerfest, Sunshine
Season Food Fair, Tangerine, Yakatori House
Orlando
weather
|
Fer. |
Cel. |
January |
62 |
17 |
March |
67 |
19 |
April |
72 |
22 |
May |
77 |
25 |
June |
81 |
27 |
July |
82 |
28 |
August |
82 |
28 |
September |
81 |
27 |
October |
75 |
24 |
November |
68 |
20 |
December |
62 |
17 |
Disney vacations
The least crowded time to visit is from Labor Day to Thanksgiving
and from the week after President's Day (mid-February)
to the start of Spring Break (mid-March).
You
can definitely make the most of your vacation by staying
at one of the Disney
World hotels. If you do, you will enjoy special benefits
such as Magic Hours, discounts at six Disney
World golf courses, and the special Walt Disney World
quality and service.
But if you choose to stay at one of the many hotels
near Disney World, you can still visit all of the
Disney properties to enjoy the atmosphere, have a meal,
or shop. You may be charged for parking, but you can get
validated for up to one hour of parking for each $10 you
spend while you're there.
Some
of the more popular deluxe priced resorts
include Walt
Disney's Wilderness
Lodge, Polynesian
Resort, Animal
Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand
Floridian Resort hotels.
Disney sells Epcot Center tickets on their website, but
you can not print the tickets, meaning you must order
early and have the tickets mailed to you. You
can also buy tickets through your local auto club, Disney
Store or through a school or work activities office. Many
offsite hotels also sell Disney passports at the front
desk.
I
suggest researching Disney
ticket prices in advance, and buy your pass before
you get to the park. No sense wasting the first hour waiting
in line at the ticket booth.
Wheelchairs
and Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) - Rentals are available
for a fee of $10 for a wheelchair (multiple day rentals
are $8/day) and $35 for the ECV.
Strollers - Strollers are available
for rent at the front of the park for a charge of $10/day
for a single and $18 for a double.
Company info:
Disney-Epcot Center Theme Park
1200 Epcot Resort Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407)
560-7299
Web:
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Construction cost: $1.4 billion
Grand Opening: October 1, 1982
Employees: 3,200 cast members
Size: 300 acres (1.2 km²)
|
