Epcot help!

[Timrobb]

Hi everybody.

So, we are taking our daughter to the world again in January to surprise her grandma for her 60th (I think I wrote this before and won't go into the details). Anyway, her two dads will have a whole day alone. So, we were thinking of doing Epcot. Does anybody have any suggestions? Tim and I, in our 13 years together, haven't been on a solo trip to Disney and the last two times have been with our DD. So, I was hoping you could all help out with the "must do" attractions and special things to experience.

We have ADRs set for Le Cellier for dinner at 5:30pm. We are staying at the Poly (looking forward to seeing David :)) so we could take a break mid-day and it wouldn't take forever to get back to the resort.

Thanks in advance! And Wally - BE NICE! :rotfl:

[jlewisinsyr]

Since you are the Poly, you can take the monorail to EPCOT and then drink around the world.

It takes up a good part of your day and who doesn't like a wee bit of alcohol to calm the screams of children running around :rolleyes1

[gojoe]

I love the Rose & Crown for Illuminations. It has a the loud pub atmosphere inside but if you are lucky and get outdoor seating on a warm night there's is no better place to see Illuminations. Walk over to Boardwalk and enjoy Jellyrolls' piano bar or the street performers. Grab a cone at Beaches and Cream. Cantina de San Angel for margaritas is a good bet. Have a great time.

[DVC~OKW~96]

EPCOT is our favorite park. :yes:

When taking the monorail, you'll have to transfer from the resort monorail to the park monorail at the TTC. Also, Jellyroll's doesn't open until much later in the evening and there is a cover charge. The live entertainment on the boardwalk starts somewhere around 7 pm. It's fun to see, but not at the cost of losing precious time at EPCOT! The boardwalk is something you can all do on a different evening. It's essentially, free so you could go there, grab a bite at Beaches and Cream and enjoy the evening life (such as it is) afterward. Remembering of course, that Beaches and Cream is at the Beach Club and not on the boardwalk, proper.

In Future World we really like Soarin'. We've done Mission Space and survived. :teeth: And Test Track is fun if the wait isn't too long. We do Spaceship Earth for auld lang syne and can even be found on the Land ride once every couple of years. :teeth:

The World Showcase is our favorite and all I can really say is take as much time as you can and really explore each country. Try to sample something from each! If you can't there are often little things you can purchase for later. Japan and China have ample options as do Norway, Canada and France (sweets or other little snack things indigenous to the country...oh, and sometimes small bottles of alcohol).

I'm not a huge fan of Illuminations (I really don't like the ball of fire) but it's well worth watching at least once!

If you want to increase your food budget substantially, you could change your Le Cellier plans for Bistro de Paris (upstairs over France). It's our favorite WS restaurant. The Degustation Menu is worth every cent (and there will be many cents)!

All in all, go and enjoy yourselves!

[OrlandoMike]

Something I learned recently.....In Japan, in the back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store, there is a Sake bar! :thumbsup2

Just one more adult beverage to sample in the World Showcase...

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yes there is! Quite a nice selection of sake to choose from, too. :teeth: You can even keep the silly little green, fake bamboo sake cup. :D

The shop where the sake bar is located is loaded with Japanese food items. Be adventurous!!! :teeth:

[ConcKahuna]

From the Poly, you can just walk to the TTC and take the direct monorail to Epcot from there :thumbsup2

There is some great entertainment in the World Showcase, so you might want to grab a times guide and follow the shows around the world (they are timed so you can do that).

I personally like to do a tour of the frozen drinks, although that time of year it may be a bit chilly for that.

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yep!!! One of the many benefits of staying at the Poly. :D

I'll bet you could get an Irish Coffee or two to warm the bones in between the frozen drinks. :D :D

The entertainment in the WS is well worth watching. If you get the schedule it really is a fairly simple matter to see them all in one go.

[hematite153]

I agree with the votes for watching the live entertainment. There's lots of it, and it's all fun.

[wallyb]

And Wally - BE NICE! :rotfl:

I'm sure I don't know what your referring to sir! :mad:

[rpmdfw]

And Wally - BE NICE! :rotfl:

I'm sure I don't know what your referring to sir! :mad:

You don't even KNOW what "nice" means? :scared1:



Interestingly, I'm not surprised.

[wallyb]

You don't even KNOW what "nice" means? :scared1:



Interestingly, I'm not surprised.

Don't you start Matilda!

Remember I'm the well mannered one.

[rpmdfw]

Don't you start Matilda!

Remember I'm the well mannered one.

I remember thinking that you were trying to lull us into a false sense of security with the good manners.

The jury is still out . . .

[wallyb]

I remember thinking that you were trying to lull us into a false sense of security with the good manners.

The jury is still out . . .

Is it a hung Jury! :banana:
I like things that are HUNG!

[rpmdfw]

I like things that are HUNG!

Like paintings?

or light fixtures?

or coats?

[OrlandoMike]

I seem to remember an abundance of Security in the parking lot as Wally left the race track that night!:rolleyes1

[rpmdfw]

I seem to remember an abundance of Security in the parking lot as Wally left the race track that night!:rolleyes1

That's true!

The place was crawling with both uniformed and plain clothes security.

At the time I thought they were coming to kick us out of the bar because we stayed past 11pm and the bartender had turned us in as loiterers or something, but now I'm beginning to wonder.

:scratchin

[wallyb]

Epcot suggestion:
Virtual Mile High! :cloud9:
See how much you can get away with while on Soarin' ;)

[wallyb]

I seem to remember an abundance of Security in the parking lot as Wally left the race track that night!:rolleyes1

I like to think of them as my entourage.

[DVC~OKW~96]

WALLYB!!!! :lmao: I'll never think of Soarin' the same way again! :lmao:

[hematite153]

WALLYB!!!! :lmao: I'll never think of Soarin' the same way again! :lmao:

::yes:: :sad2:

[OrlandoMike]

Epcot suggestion:
Virtual Mile High! :cloud9:
See how much you can get away with while on Soarin' ;)

You do realize, for safety reasons, each and every seat on Soarin has a video camera on it right? :sad2:

[rpmdfw]

You do realize, for safety reasons, each and every seat on Soarin has a video camera on it right? :sad2:

So, what you're saying here is that Wally is an exhibitionist.

Yeah.

Not shocked by that, either.

[jamieandben]

You do realize, for safety reasons, each and every seat on Soarin has a video camera on it right? :sad2:

:scared1: OMG!!! really?:scared1:

[wallyb]

You do realize, for safety reasons, each and every seat on Soarin has a video camera on it right? :sad2:

Oooops!

Well I hope they got my good side! :)

[hematite153]

You do realize, for safety reasons, each and every seat on Soarin has a video camera on it right? :sad2:

:scared1: OMG!!! really?:scared1:

Seriously??? :scared1: It's not like I've ever done anything, but, that's still a little freaky. Do all attractions have cameras?

[OrlandoMike]

Do all attractions have cameras?

Any attraction in particular you are worried about? :confused3

[jamieandben]

ALL OF THEM:listen:

[jamieandben]

Sometimes Ben can't keep his hands to himself .;)

[Timrobb]

Thank you all so much for your advice - I have printed it all out and will try to organize a schedule. We are looking forward to doing a lot of drinking through the world showcase. Tim INSISTS on going to le Cellier - he is a BIG MEAT man - loves him a good piece of steak.

And Wally thanks for taking over yet another thread - boy, oh boy - he needs a good slapping - oh, wait he LIKES that.

Any other suggestions - keep them coming.

:_

[ConcKahuna]

Thank you all so much for your advice - I have printed it all out and will try to organize a schedule. We are looking forward to doing a lot of drinking through the world showcase. Tim INSISTS on going to le Cellier - he is a BIG MEAT man - loves him a good piece of steak.

And Wally thanks for taking over yet another thread - boy, oh boy - he needs a good slapping - oh, wait he LIKES that.

Any other suggestions - keep them coming.

:_

Possible points aside, a splurge for Yatchsman Steakhouse may be in order in that case. It's a short walk from Epcot, and a MUCH better steakhouse than Le Cellier.

[Timrobb]

Thanks David - we will look into that.

Does anybody know about the Illumination cruises? Worth the money - is it a waste with only two people?

[DVC~OKW~96]

Again, personal preference, but if you are going to do a specialty cruise, go with MK and Wishes. Much nicer.

[DVC~OKW~96]

Uuuuuhhhhh, sorry Timrob...but,

What they said! :scared: What other attractions have cameras on the guests? :scared: Seriously!

Back to EPCOT...

Do y'all like sweet things? If so, be sure to stop at the bakery in France. You can check out the Norway bakery too, but they've changed that so much it's not nearly as nice as it used to be.

Rose and Crown can pull a decent Guinness usually. (Not always though. Ask for a sip before you plunk down the hard earned cash for the pint). :upsidedow

Ummm... lessee...what else is there to share about EPCOT...:rolleyes1

[wallyb]

And Wally thanks for taking over yet another thread - boy, oh boy - he needs a good slapping - oh, wait he LIKES that.
_

Dude - you goad me into it - and then convict me for it? :sad2:

[DVCajun]

boy, you guys do know how to hijack a thread! :happytv: always entertaining.

So anyhoo. Epcot. My FAVORITE park. The WS doesn't open until 11, so that gives you several hours to make the most of FW. I have to admit that I sadly neglect FW in favor of WS. I love the ambiance of just walking through the countries.... the music, the food, the drinks... :goodvibes it's my happy place. Soarin' is an absolute MUST, of course. Lunch in the Land afterwards, is also a must. There's this incredible salad with rare tuna and a light asian dressing ... omg, I get it every time I'm there. So much to choose from at that food court!

Re: Illuminations .... I recommend staking a spot in the outdoor seating area next to the Rose and Crown. I think many people think it's part of the Rose and Crown restaurant because of the podium near the entrance of the seating area. But in fact it's a public area. The BEST seat in the house for Illuminations. I usually grab a table about 7 pm -- any later and you won't get a table, trust me. It's not a hardship to sit in one spot for a couple of hours -- the R&C pub is right there, and munchies are just around the corner too. We usually bring our own supply of munchies to supplement our dinner and graze until the show. There's lots to see -- you're sitting right next to the lagoon, they light the torches at dusk, there's music ... it's just heaven. :cloud9:

If either of you are vegetarians, or if you love mediterranean food, be sure to check out the Tangerrine Cafe in Morocco. FABULOUS food!!

Be sure to let us know how your epcot experience turned out! :) Have fun!

[OrlandoMike]

I love Illuminations, but I refuse to get there any earlier than 5 mintues before showtime...too much else to do. I have never had a problem getting a decent viewing spot between Norway and China just before the show starts. For me there is no need to get as close as possible, you cant really see anything on that globe anyway! For me its all about the music and the pyro!

[rpmdfw]

I love Illuminations, but I refuse to get there any earlier than 5 mintues before showtime...too much else to do. I have never had a problem getting a decent viewing spot between Norway and China just before the show starts. For me there is no need to get as close as possible, you cant really see anything on that globe anyway! For me its all about the music and the pyro!

Have you seen it with the updated globe? I've heard that it's MUCH clearer now. Don't know for sure, as I haven't seen it since the refurb myself.

[OrlandoMike]

Have you seen it with the updated globe? I've heard that it's MUCH clearer now. Don't know for sure, as I haven't seen it since the refurb myself.

There is still nothing in that "movie" worth seeing! :lmao: Some feet walking on the grass, some hot air baloons, just get on with the pyro!

Now bring back the orriginal "Holliday Illuminations" and I'll be a happy camper!

[jlewisinsyr]

See I love Illuminations, and was VERY sad there was no globe there when I went in September. I also have never had a problem "seeing" the video, maybe some of you "old" guys need to get your eyes checked...

[wallyb]

See I love Illuminations, and was VERY sad there was no globe there when I went in September. I also have never had a problem "seeing" the video, maybe some of you "old" guys need to get your eyes checked...


No you didn't! :eek:

[jamieandben]

popcorn::

[OrlandoMike]

No you didn't! :eek:

You got my back Wally? :sad2:

[DVC~OKW~96]

I've seen the new globe, and honestly? It wasn't half all that. :confused3

Not that you shouldn't make an effort to see it, but don't go expecting IMAX or something.

[OrlandoMike]

Maybe you have to be a "baby" to appreciate it? :confused3

[DVC~OKW~96]

Could be. Could be. :teeth:

Wait. Who's baby? I'm the wife's baby. Does that count? Oh. Not THAT kind of baby, right? :love:

[wallyb]

You got my back Wally? :sad2:

Yeah!
This Ageism thing is running ramped.
Get out your cane and we'll break some whippersnapper skulls!

[Timrobb]

My goodness - so many good things to see/do. I am going to come up with a plan and then post it to get feedback.

Again thanks to you all (well, maybe NOT Wally :lmao:)!

[Timrobb]

Has anybody done the Segway tour?

[wallyb]

(well, maybe NOT Wally :lmao:)!

Riding me again - I see! :rolleyes:

[Timrobb]

Wally - nobody will riding ANYTHING on this thread - thank you very much!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Possible points aside, a splurge for Yatchsman Steakhouse may be in order in that case. It's a short walk from Epcot, and a MUCH better steakhouse than Le Cellier.

We really had a fabulous meal at Yachtsman in August, and I agree it is MUCH better than Le Cellier. Ricardo was our server and he was just wonderful.. We are going to request him next time. :)

Thanks David - we will look into that.

Does anybody know about the Illumination cruises? Worth the money - is it a waste with only two people?

We did one in 2005. I booked the boat, then we found several other DISers to join us. A family from the UK and a honeymooning couple. The cruise was nice, except when the debris from the fireworks rained down on us. :scared: We agreed we were OK paying for the cruise for just the 3 of us if we had to, but it was really nice to be able to share the cost with other people! We probably wouldn't do it again because it wasn't THAT great.

Has anybody done the Segway tour?

My friends who have done it say it is a blast! DS is only 12 and he weighs 70 pounds on a good day so we haven't been able to do any Segway stuff yet. Minimum age is 16, and I think you have to weigh at least 100 pounds so DS may have a VERY long wait! :rotfl2:

[DVC~OKW~96]

Ageism is a very bad thing! :guilty:

The Segway tour was great! We had a really good time. We want to do the one at FW now. :thumbsup2

Fort Wilderness, not Future World.

[Timrobb]

Thanks for the quick response. We are going to BOOK the segway tour for 9:30. This will give us a 1/2 hour to ride Soarin' and grab a set of FP's before doing the tour. I love the idea of zooming around WS with nobody there - should be very, very cool.

Tim won't budge on Le Cellier - and I have given up. I make ALL the decisions so I am going to give him this one - lol!

Keep those ideas coming!

[Traveliz]

Thanks for the quick response. We are going to BOOK the segway tour for 9:30. This will give us a 1/2 hour to ride Soarin' and grab a set of FP's before doing the tour. I love the idea of zooming around WS with nobody there - should be very, very cool.

Tim won't budge on Le Cellier - and I have given up. I make ALL the decisions so I am going to give him this one - lol!

Keep those ideas coming!

If there is a later time you might want to take it - they have you check in 15 minutes early over at guest services so Soarin would be tough...possibly one could run ahead for FPs for later but that would be about it.

Liz

[Saxton]

Has anybody done the Segway tour?

We did it and it was great! We booked the 7:45 Epcot tour - we tried for a later one but it was booked so we did the earliest one and it was perfect. You do about 1 hour of training inside and then you head out to the WS.

[Saxton]

Thanks for the quick response. We are going to BOOK the segway tour for 9:30. This will give us a 1/2 hour to ride Soarin' and grab a set of FP's before doing the tour. I love the idea of zooming around WS with nobody there - should be very, very cool.

Tim won't budge on Le Cellier - and I have given up. I make ALL the decisions so I am going to give him this one - lol!

Keep those ideas coming!

If you can't get the 9:30 tour don't worry - we did the 7:45 and got fastpasses for Soarin' after the tour. It worked out really well since we got breakfast in the foodcourt while we were waiting for our fp time.

[Timrobb]

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much good information from you all!!!!

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hematite153]

Has anybody done the Segway tour?

You've already gotten responses from others and made a plan, but, when I read this I was going to say that "the Fort Wilderness one looks better to me."


Tim won't budge on Le Cellier - and I have given up. I make ALL the decisions so I am going to give him this one - lol!


You could always book Le Cellier for lunch and then Yachtsman's for a late dinner if you wanted to really eat lots of meat.

Have a great day!

[DVC~OKW~96]

Le Cellier will be fine. You can do YSH another time. :teeth:

You'll not have enough time to do Soarin'. Do get a FP for it for after your tour.

[OrlandoMike]

We really had a fabulous meal at Yachtsman in August, and I agree it is MUCH better than Le Cellier. Ricardo was our server and he was just wonderful.. We are going to request him next time. :)

I have to second on Yachtman's, especially if you are on the dining plan, and money is not an object, by far better than Le Cellier.

As far as Ricardo (Ricky) goes, by far one of the best servers I have ever had! EVER!

[hematite153]

I have to second on Yachtman's, especially if you are on the dining plan, and money is not an object, by far better than Le Cellier.


I'm pretty sure my DW would agree.

On the other hand, if you are not a big meat eater then Le Cellier may be better for you. I had salmon at both and it was fantastic at Le Cellier and barely edible at Yachtsman's. Granted, salmon is a finnicky fish so, this could simply have been about the chefs of the day, but, as a non-meat eater, I would choose Le Cellier.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I have to second on Yachtman's, especially if you are on the dining plan, and money is not an object, by far better than Le Cellier.

As far as Ricardo (Ricky) goes, by far one of the best servers I have ever had! EVER!

It is unusual for me to like a server so much that I would go out of my way to request them again. BUT I will absolutely ask for Ricardo at Yachtsman and Jacki at Flying Fish on our return visits! :)