Best EPCOT Guide - Tips, Tricks, Must do's, Please Contribute!!!

[MaryAz]

Wow, thanks for doing all that research and posting it. I am copying down much of it for our trip-less than 2 weeks. My hubby and I love to travel and our 5 year old is very into ther people and places. As long as we feed the little one we are good to go! Thanks again

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Norway has a fantastic bakery and most everything is a snack credit. The Strawberry cream is not to be missed. We also love the chocolate cake, it is not like most chocolate cake. Schoolbread and the pretzels are often mentioned. This is a great place to take a break, sheltered eating and a restroom nearby.

At Tangerine, Morroco CS, you can get Bakalava which is a honey sweetened local dessert. The Swarma Platter is big enough to share and if you hit the right time and have a front table you can get a great view of the band, along with a beautiful belly dancer.

Arrange your meal time at Germany Biergarten for when the band is playing for even more fun. You share a table with other folks which can be a good thing, or not, according to who the other people are and also who YOU are. lol

Kakagori, a kiosk near Japan, is a nice shaved ice, one is multicolored.

Mexico's CS is a very poor imitation of Taco Bell without the low prices. The only things it has going for it IMO is great seating for Illuminations, if you get a waterside table, and the churros.

Sunshine Seasons has a wide variety of different foods that you can enjoy while waiting to get on Soaring. It is at The Land. Also at The Land is The Garden Grill, which is an attraction and a restaurant, serving family style. It revolves and you see the different scenes from the Living With the Land ride. It takes about an hour or a bit less to make the full rotation.

Funnel cakes and crepes are available at the American and French areas.

The Electric Umbrella is often crowded and if members of your party want different things you have to stand in separate ques but you can get free refills from the self serve station and that could be a mighty big plus for a thirsty family.

Do not forget the Margaritas that are served at a couple of places. Makes the trip around go much faster!

Slightly Goofy

 

[IMwink]

thanks for all the snack info

I am going to Post show times for Remy at Chefs De France.
Remy appears at Chef De France - Mon-SAT for 40 minute sets starting at the :20 after every hour from 11:20am - 6:00pm. 5:20pm is the start of the last set.

Over the next two days I am going to try and get more information on Innoventions! and other Future world stuff.

So if you have any input on Futrue World activities let me know.
Thank you

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

My kids really loved the Kim Possible adventure. Also, Epcot sells these passport books. They look like real passports and they come with stickers and a button for $10! They can take them to the kidcot stations and have them stamped and signed. It's so much fun. My kids even got autographs in theirs from the WS characters. There's pics in my pre trip report if ya wanna take a look.

Also...explore every country! There are so many nice things to see and last visit I discovered a gorgeous place hidden away in Japan and took the best pictures of my kids. Just take your time and take it all in! You need a whole day there to really enjoy it! Have fun!

 

[HolliePoppins]

Wow that is a lot of info. I love Epcot and have to go for 2 days. Most people go clockwise around WS, so what I do is head over to WS just before it opens at 11 and do the two rides in Mexico and Norway then go over to Canada and go around counter clockwise. Less people start in Canada and later on in the afternoon those rides will be packed. When we did this we were in our own boat on the ride in Mexico then when we made our way around to it later the line was huge.

Two things I noticed from your post. Under Tips for rides MS no longer has a single rider line.

Under Top tips #6 not sure if you were just posting for everyone or if you were going to do this. You mentioned your daughters were tall enough for everything so you cant use the Baby swap(rider switch).

I second the Shwarma platter in Morocco. This is where I tried Hummus for the first time. Try the pastries in France. Also a nice CS that is not to big in France is the ham&cheese crossiant,pastry and drink.

Kaki Gori Is really good my kids love it. We love LeCellier steakhouse in Canada. The cheese soup and the breadsticks are so good and the chocolate Moose(yes this is how they spell it LOL) is addictive.

For pick a pearl in japan they cost about $15. They have 2 tanks of oysters and you pick which one you want. They make a big showing of opening it up and sizing it. There are a lot of different jewelry you can have it set in from the reasonably priced to expensive. It take about an hour I think. If you get 2 and they are about the same size you can get earings made.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there IM!

Sorry if I come across as terse but I have had my grandkids here this weekend and as wonderful as they have been I am worn out and a bit frazzled.

My tips are mostly from the perspective of a retired older couple who love to eat. Not all tips are equal.

I love the Jammitors at FW, they make music with trash cans and such. The Chinese acrobats are fantastic, more so when it is not so hot as the seating can really burn your uh, posterior. The Japanese drums are fun to watch as well.

You can book an Illuminations cruise to see Illuminations from the water. If you share with others the cost comes to about $30 per person plus tip. You get on the boat over at the Beach Club area.

The tip boards at the front of most parks are a wonderful source of information as to how much wait time to the different attractions.

You can also stop at any TS restaurant to see about booking at any DW restaurant or to cancel an ADR as well as doing so at Guest Services. Saves many steps.

Do not try to compete with the crowds at closing time. All it will get you is a long wait in line. Saunter, take in the sights and by the time you get there you will be more apt to have a small line and a seat.

SG

 

[IMwink]

I'll update all this info tomorrow (for me at least, i'm east coast +7hrs).

The #6 was for general inf. I am posting info for everyone, but I mentioned my situation to get teh ball rolling and to pull out any special activities for little girls or young kids.

I'll fix MS tomorrow. Allears still has it as single rider, but no matter, it's not a big deal.

Thanks

 

[Callalily6]

Mission Space is not good if you are claustrophobic.

SO wish I saw that b4 I went on the ride. I was sitting there thinking - wow this is small. I can do this. Then the dash came back and I swear I was ready to freak out 100%. They were closing the door and my husband said SHE HAS TO GET NOW. I thought the CM didnt hear him. The CM closed the door. I heard something - sounded like the ride started. In a couple of seconds, he opened the door and I took the walk of shame. GOOD TIP. At the time I went on it - all the Disney warnings were about heart conditions and motion sickness. I didnt see anything about being strapped and locked down in a coffin sized space. bleh!

Universe of Energy - LOVE it. It's long. School age kids can kinda follow it. My kids are K and 3rd grade - the older one loves it. She's the cutest little science nerd ever! The dinosaurs scare me when you sit on the end. If you have little kids - sit in the middle.

Norway - OMG - totally agree with the perfume tip! I LOVE that perfume. Laylia is awesome. Im getting me some lotion next time Im there. Last time I got the perfume. It reminds me of Disney's magical Norway when Im home. lol.

Love the Norway ride too. Its comparative to pirates at MK on scary level. Has a little drop like pirates. It might be a little bigger and you go down backwards. Both kiddos like that ride.

The pretzel bread and cheddar beer soup in the posh restaurant (Le Celliar) in Canada is FAB!

I love the Mexico ride, but Im the only one. The rest of my family thinks its a dorky ride. They are convinced the only reason I love it so much is b/c there is a boat. (all my fav rides are boats - pirates, small world, mexico, norway). lol.

The princess dinner in Norway is GREAT! Did that a few times.

My kids cant wait to try out the Kim Possible Adventure thingie.

Epcot is one of my fav parks. We stay over in the Villas and walk over. If you stay over there, there is a back entrance that is b/t the BCV and BWV. You can rent strollers back there too, so you dont have to walk all the way to the front.

World Showcase opens later and closes later than the rest of the park.

 

[beaniejawa]

1.) Club Cool (and it's free!)
2.) Off Kilter in Canada (raced to buy 2 of their cds immediately when I heard them for the first time)
3.) Japan's Kaki Gori shaved ice (any flavor)
4.) Boulangerie Patisserie in France (Great counter service value! Get the ham & swiss croussant with a napolean for dessert or the cake of the day.)
5.) Pose for picture beside giant troll inside shop in Norway.
6.) Watch the ducks in the lagoon. They look like they are bobbing their heads to the music!

Ah, memories!

 

[Eljay]

A few more thoughts.
There is a band that performs on the lagoon side, across from Morocco, called MoRockin'. They are very good, plus they have a bellydancer that will interact with little girls. I have seen her invite them up to dance with her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxqgaS4b9tA&feature=related
How cute is this?

Off Kilter, at the Canada pavilion, loves dancers, too. I have seen both adults and kids dancing in front of their stage. If your kids are into dancing, they will be welcomed and appreciated! Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo_aAUvwF-w

The Princesses at the Akershus meal love to chat with kids about their movies, their stories, etc. If the kids can think of any questions to ask, the princesses are very gracious. My nephew told Cinderella about his favorite part of her movie and they had fun talking about it.

On that topic, the kids are invited to sit on the floor, right up front at the Turtle Talk show. If your kids aren't shy, they can put up their hand if they have a question ready for Crush.

The 911 flag is long gone from the America pavilion, I believe.
If I am wrong, someone please correct me!

Along with Pooh, you can often meet Tigger and Eeyore in the UK. You have to go all the way into the back of the shops. A CM can direct you.

In Innoventions West, the adults can try riding a Segway for free.
It's just a quick trial, but it's definitely unique and fun.
It's a great marketing tool to sell the Segway tours, which. BTW are awesome!

Just a few little tips to make things more magical!

 

[IMwink]

Just Checking In.

I don't have time to do any updates but maybe tomorrow I will.

Enjoy and keep the info coming.

Thanks

 

[enchantingodin]

France
- Bike - on the bridge in the lagoon area there's a bicycle sitting on the land near the water with an artist's canvas next to it. The painting there looks finished, too. It took me a long time to see that Disney detail; it's easily missed.

Yep - it's there. Never payed attention to the painting though, I will this trip.

Germany
- Pickle Ornament - the Christmas store has pickle ornaments, which are a German Tradition and are hidden on the Christmas tree and the first person to find it gets an extra present on Christmas morning.

Yes they have an entire tree dedicated to pickle ornaments. I love sitting back and watching the people that don't know the tradition come in all confused by it.

Japan
- Pick a pearl - Please more information. I think you pick one and can get jewelry made?

I have been doing pick a pearl since the park opened when I was 4. It's in the shop about half way in on the left-hand side. There is a tank, you pick, they open with a cute little 'ceremony' and show your pearl to everyone else. The cost is 15 bucks I wanna say now. There are different settings you can pick from (but don't have to) for anywhere for as little as 20 bucks to way way up. AND many people don't know that they also have a pick-a-pearl at DTD in the market place and in one of the water parks. I wanna say TL, but it's been YEARS. You can find vids of it on youtube very easily.

Mexico
[B]- Pyramid[/B] - There are relief carvings on the sides of the pyramid in Mexico. They were added later after they realized that small children liked to climb those little steps!

Yes this is true - as I remember I used to try to do it as a child myself.

United Kingdom
- Knot Garden - If you come on around using the path rather than the road, you will see a not-a-Garden or more accurately a Knot-a-garden. It represents the local apothecary. The hedges are grown a foot or so high in the shape of a knot, and each "section" of the garden had a different herb planted in it.

Yes again.



ETA
Illuminations - my fav place is in France. Get there about 1/2 an hour early. there are iron bistro type tables and chairs right by the water. I head to the bakery - which is usually dead late at night. Grab some snacks for the kiddos. They love the cheese plate w/ bread. Then get into line for a chocolate crepe (or 2) and THEN get in line for a couple of GM slushes. Nice and relaxing place to watch. Plus the taste combo of chocolate and orange is one of my favs. Our family loves it.

Snacks
Mexico
chorros - who doesn't love fried dough?

China
ginger ice cream - yea it sounds weird. But OH so good.

Morocco
I LOVE mint iced tea from. It's very refreshing. They used to have this awesome tangerine cake there too. Honestly I haven't check for it in a few years.

France
ham and cheese crescent from the bakery, warmed of course. Seriously GOOD. As well as any pastry in there.

 

[amamax2]

subbing

 

[bns66charger]

Less than a week till our 4th trip. My 7yr old DS loves Garden Grill because it is the best place to interact with Chip and Dale. It you do a late lunch or early dinner the crowd is small and the characters spend lots of time visiting. We also love Beirgarten in WS Germany. The atmosphere is laid back, you get to met new people, and dancing with the Oompah band is fun for all ages.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

The Mango drink at the China CS is interesting and unique. The ginger ice cream as well as red bean, which somehow manages to taste a bit like chocolate, are different as well.

Since this CS is tucked back into a corner it is relaxing as well and has a great view of the shopping and buildings.

Slightly Goofy

 

[angelamouse]

I'm new to posting on the DIS boards. I was enjoying all the info you have accumulated. I wanted to give you a couple other tips: 1. Autographs- Don't use an autograph book. It will sit on the shelf when you get home and not be seen. Instead, we always bring a pack of Sharpie markers and get a Disney hat, sweatshirt, t-shirt, pillowcase or something like that to have the characters sign. Then the girls have a wonderful souvenir that they can see often and even wear that reminds them of their trip. The sharpie does not wash out when laundered. 2. Freebies- 1.Personalized plastic robot in Innoventions East at "Fantastic Plastic Works", 2. Mask with charms to attach and decorate in each country. If you get all 11 charms, you get a special surprise. We took ours to Canada when we finished and got a free poster. 3. Velcro frogs in Innoventions East.

 

[Eljay]

to Angelamouse!

Just a quick question for you, Angelamouse.
Do they have a rule about autographing shirts? It seems to me that I heard that they won't autograph a shirt that you are actually wearing.
Is that true?

Also, I think they have discontinued the free plastic robot, which is a shame, it was very popular.

 

[IMwink]

From everything I've read the free plastic robot is gone

Autographs - we are opting for the Picture mat idea. I agree that an autograph book is as usful as a paper weight. At best an autographbook will sit on a shelf with all the other photo albums. With the photo mat, you will see everyday, and specialize who you want to sign each photomat. As in one just for princesses, one for the Classic Characters, one for the Pixar Characters.... enough said.

I will begin updating a little bit soon.

Did major updates to Animal Kingdom thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2158273

Enjoy

 

[angelamouse]

to Angelamouse!

Just a quick question for you, Angelamouse.
Do they have a rule about autographing shirts? It seems to me that I heard that they won't autograph a shirt that you are actually wearing.
Is that true?

Also, I think they have discontinued the free plastic robot, which is a shame, it was very popular.

Yes, they do have a rule regarding the autographs, you can NOT be wearing the item when it is signed. The CM's are great about helping you stretch out a shirt for the character to sign. We have done this many times and it works out great. I often get comments from CM's or others there about what a great idea it is. I usually just stuff the item in my backpack or if its hats, my girls just take their hats off when it's time to sign. Sweatshirts are great in the cold months. During the day, they tie them around their waist, when they need an autograph they just take them off to sign. Then in the evening, they just put them on to keep them warm.
Hate to hear they discontinued the robots.

 

[IMwink]

Did a little updating and reformating

Started a new section
Best Memorable Photo Opportunities

Be sure to check out the other Threads

Hollywood Studios Tips

Animal Kingdom Tips

Magic Kingdom Tips