Calling all Epcot enthusiasts

[tinkerdorabelle]

Hey all. Going to Epcot again this year. I've only done Epcot 3 times. By the time we get through the front of Epcot, Living Seas, Spaceship Earth, etc, etc., etc., we're usually pretty tired when we get to the World. Mostly we've just walked around, window shopping, browsing in stores. We do always do Norway ride and go into Mexico. What am I missing??? When are shows in the different areas? Whats the best time to go for romance? Have brought my niece and nephew and other family but its just going to be my husband and I this time. We've only also made the light show once. Thanks for any info!

 

[MyDreamIsAWish]

I love Epcot, so does hubby!
We like to browse the shops in France and try on all the perfumes we love.
(Although, now I like to get them 'sprayed' on the little papers and use them to scent my purse, drawers, etc)
We like to drink a beer in Germany.
Shop in China! So much fun!! Go way in the back and there's some great stuff to browse!
Try and catch a show in each country...if you take your time, you can catch the 'characters' coming out for them and it's so much fun.
Sit on a bench by the water and enjoy the views!
I can't wait for Hubby and I to go alone and enjoy each other.

 

[vicb]

Each time we go to Disney we find ourseleves spending more and more time in Epcot! Even our kids are really into it. We have never tried to do it all in one day, we hit it several times, usually mornings in FW and evenings in WS. The shows in WS are amazing. Some of our favs are Living Statues (sadly no longer in WDW ), love to see Off Kilter in Canada (bought their CD last trip), Chinese Acrobats amazing, Japanese Drummers really good, mime in France very cool..... There is a good website that lists times and such for the WS entertainment http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ (hope it is ok to post that here). Also love the restaurants in WS, favs have been SAI, Teppanyaki, Le Cellier, Les Chefs, Marakkesh.

Try hitting WS when you are fresher or for an evening of fun.

 

[crzy4mk]

A couple of things. If you a "foodie", try and snack your way around the world. There are wonderful offering to be found at counter service places in each country. Also, don't miss "The American Adventure", one of the best shows in WDW in my opinion.

 

[MJMcBride]

Try Off-Kilter or the Beatle-impersonators in UK.

 

[Equidae]

For something romantic try having dinner at the Bistro in France.

 

[java]

Be sure to pick up a time sheet for the entertainment in World Showcase. It changes daily and some only appear on certain days.There are acts that are not to be missed- Like Off Kilter The acrobats in China- the drum players in Japan- the candy lady in Japan.... the list goes on and on. Most appear in the PM and they are on a very specific schedule- so unless you look you will miss them. See the movie in France and then have a drink sitting at one of the outside tables and listen to the music -romantic

 

[shades]

Each time we go to Disney we find ourseleves spending more and more time in Epcot! Even our kids are really into it. We have never tried to do it all in one day, we hit it several times, usually mornings in FW and evenings in WS. The shows in WS are amazing. Some of our favs are Living Statues (sadly no longer in WDW ), love to see Off Kilter in Canada (bought their CD last trip), Chinese Acrobats amazing, Japanese Drummers really good, mime in France very cool..... There is a good website that lists times and such for the WS entertainment http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ (hope it is ok to post that here). Also love the restaurants in WS, favs have been SAI, Teppanyaki, Le Cellier, Les Chefs, Marakkesh.

Try hitting WS when you are fresher or for an evening of fun.

What?? No more Living Statues?? We spent 10 days at WDW recently and went to Epcot several times and never saw any. I thought it was just bad timing on our part.

 

[KCinVA]

Definately don't miss the Wonders of China movie and the American Adventure. Two of the best shows in all of WDW.

 

[jonestavern]

Be sure to pick up a time sheet for the entertainment in World Showcase. It changes daily and some only appear on certain days.There are acts that are not to be missed- Like Off Kilter The acrobats in China- the drum players in Japan- the candy lady in Japan.... the list goes on and on. Most appear in the PM and they are on a very specific schedule- so unless you look you will miss them. See the movie in France and then have a drink sitting at one of the outside tables and listen to the music -romantic

I would do WS 1st, if I found myself running out of steam. There are ferries that crisscross, so if you're footsore, try those-
we also like the Jammitors, the street actors in the UK, the acrobats in France--the musical group/bellydancer in Morrocco is amazing, also.
for a snack or breakfast try Boulanger Patisserie--the ham croissant is fabulous, quiche is nice or try them for dessert--line may look long, but it goes quickly. Very reasonably priced, sit outside at the tables & people watch
We love Morrocco, (it is so twisting & winding) & the Restaurant Marrakesh, so stunning & lively music & bellydancing.
LeCellier is a favorite. The little garden in back of the shops in the UK (if the tables are up, bring your York Cty fish & chips here).
Shop for Christmas ornaments in Germany, an amazing garden & wonderful dinnerware in Japan (& Hello Kitty stuff!)--The China Pavillion has a stunning movie--Enjoy the carvers & storytellers in the African promenade--
Grab a spot on the bridge between the UK & France to watch Illuminations
try entering by monorail once for the view--

Jean

 

[dreamscometrue47]

This last trip (just last week but seems oh so long ago! ) we split Epcot into 2 days and it worked out great. It was me, DM 79 and DS 12. The first day we slept in a little, and after breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, hit WS. We did Maelstrom and the Mexico ride, and then went counter clockwise back to Canada and toured the WS that way. We really were lucky and hit a lot of the street entertainment which was what our plan was. I think you would really enjoy strolling through each country and seeing what entertainment they have going on. The WS players at UK do a hysterical skit(especially when they get great volunteers from the audience!), the Japanese drummers and Chinese acrobats are amazing, the Fife and Drum Corps at the American Adventure gives you that all over patriotic feeling, the Mexican band is fantastic...I could go on and on.

Get a times guide when you enter and take a couple of minutes to decide what you want to see. I thought it would be a nitemare trying to figure out all of the times, but it just seemed to work for us. And do not miss the Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure....they brought tears to my mom's eyes... And definitely do Illuminations...very moving and romantic.

If you decide to split Epcot into 2 days, do Future World the second day. Depending on what you want to do, this could be an early afternoon for you to go back to your favorite WS spot and have a relaxing cocktail and snack!

Enjoy!

 

[purpliequeen]

Here are my favorites:

*Japan: drummers, candy woman who molds this sticky candy stuff into really neat animals, the huge department store there
*Germany: the candy place there is so cool!
*UK: great garden in the back, I also love buying chocolate!
*China: the acrobats are a must see! These guys are so amazing! We also loved the movie here, it's so cool.
*Morocco: I love the baklava!
*France: Boulangerie-Patisserie is a must-do
*Italy: The skits out here are so hilarious- perfume-smelling is great here too, as in France

I was always really bored in the World Showcase when I was younger. When we went back this past Christmas (almost seven years since our last visit), I loved it much more. The whole concept is such a neat idea. I go to a boarding prep school, so walking around and absorbing the atmosphere in "the World" is such a great experience and family bonding time. Makes me realize how lucky I am to be able to experience all these countries in such a realistic perspective. Love to hear other people's favorites in Epcot... great thread!

Raina

 

[DepCor0311]

Another nod to Off-Kilter. A must see next to the Canada Pavillion.

 

[GoofyDad869]

World Showcase Players are great. I was picked to be in their skit "King Arthur and the Holy Grail" in October - I was Sir Galahad. I like the Moroccan food, the Rose & Crown in UK pavillion, LeCellier in Canada, Japanese restaurants and stores, Chinese restaurants and stores, German chocolate!

In Epcot itself there is Test Track, Mission Space & Soarin' - all are "don't miss" in my opinion.

 

[BTown]

The single most enjoyable (and possibly romantic) experiences to be had at Epcot will be dining. Hands down, the food in the World Showcase is better than anywhere else at the World. And, no matter where you go, you get a lot more than just a good meal. My girlfriend and I (22 and 23) just returned from our first trip to WDW together. We got the dining plan, so we spent most of our 7 day trip eating at WS. It was our goal to eat around the world. Plan it just right, eat around 7, enjoy your meal (may take you as long as 2 hours), finish at 9 just in time to see Illuminations (which, if you've only seen once, you are doing yourself a great disservice, it's easily the best fireworks display in all WDW). One way or another, you can't not have a great time at Epcot.

Also, the resturantes at Morocco and Canada come highly recomended.

BT

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

For romance, I love walking around WS with DH in the evening. Have a romantic dinner at one of the TS restaurants, and then just take your time exploring each country. The farther away from the lagoon you get, the more "undiscovered" treasures you find. When you find a quiet corner, stop and sit and soak in the atmosphere for a while (and maybe even sneak a kiss!).

You can find a spot to watch Illuminations, and just sit, hold hands, people watch, talk... it's so nice to have some "down time" in a lovely setting and a magical place! I love watching the lights come on around WS - the countries all take on a little mystery in the evenings. I think WS is the most romantic place of all WDW!

 

[bubba73]

I didn't see where anyone had added seeing the great 360* show at Canada called O, Canada and the show at France. They both have some amazing landscapes to behold and it is also a good way to get out of the sun. The downside for Canada is that you still have to stand but I believe it worth it. Also, if you are in the WS around 6 or 7, they start bringing out the fireworks for Illuminations. This is a great chance to sit back and relax and watch Disney workers set up for a great show. I agree that the American Adventure is a great show. I also really enjoy the Voices of Liberty and listening to the Pipe and Drum Corp that EPCOT has at EPCOT.

 

[krissyh]

We love Epcot but have to say that I enjoy walking (and eating) around World Showcase best. In less than a month, we will be riding Seways around WS first thing in the morning. Why not start with WS? Have some French pastries for breakfast, start exploring. There are so many wonderful little "touches" there. My favorite is the minature train in Germany.
Take a slow stroll and take it all in. I would skip the "O Canada" movie - while it does show the beautiful and varied landscapes of Canada, it is a quite tired and stereotypical "Strange Brew" version of Canada. (No, I'm not Canadian - but I am a History teacher.)
Grab an early dinner at one of Epcots wonderful restaurants and then see the fireworks. If you have time, do Future World. If not, you have an excellent reason to return.

 

[DVCajun]

EPCOT-- my favorite subject!

The World Showcase is my favorite part of WDW, hands down. I love the music from the different countries, listening to the different accents from the CMs, sampling the various cuisines and drinks, and of course browsing the shops from the various countries. Man, what's NOT to like about the World Showcase!? Take it slow-- make a point to enjoy a snack or a drink at EVERY country. Soak up the atmosphere. It's quite an experience. It's like the World Showcase is one big "ride." But you have to get in the spirit of things to really experience it to the fullest. I don't get my fill of it now because we have to small children. Before we had kids we probably spent 60% of our entire trip in the WS.

Last October we heard the most amazing version of "Amazing Grace" in the United Kingdom area. I don't know who the group was. But it brought tears to my eyes. WOW!!!

Sigh. Great, now I'm homesick.

 

[DISNEYMOM11]

We LOVE EPCOT! We love exploring the diffrent countrys. Mexico has the boat ride.There are some wonderful acrobats in China? and Drum players in Japan? Both are really worth seeing! Norway has the boat ride and a beautiful movie at the end. France has a great movie as well and an incredible bakery around the back of France "Chocolate Chip Coissants and coffee" Awesome ! Italy has a great restaurant Alfredos..went there for my 40th and the waiters sang Happy Birthday to me in Italian ! Italy also has a outdoor show of panomine actor/actresses. Germany we love to see the clock chime and hear the OMPHA band. Our favorite is Britain"The British Invasion" 4 guys who look and sound like the beatles and really get the crowds going ! Canada...has a great surround theater and beautiful views and outside a wonderful band "Off Kilter" 4 guys jammin to music in kilts, we have even bought their CD ! As You can see we love to explore the countries!