Epcot World Showcase Advice

[okduke]

We're making our first trip to WDW in September . . . 17 of us (4 families). On Sunday, Sept 10, we're splitting up. For lack of a better word, the more energetic folks are having a day at the Animal Kingdom. My parents would rather stay behind and really get into the Epcot World Showcase. I'd really appreciate any insight on what I should advise them to see.

They're not really into all of the planning, but I thought I'd try to build a list of things for them to see/do. Shopping will be something they're interested in. They collect Santa Clause's, so if you know of someplace that has them, I'd definitely want them to know about it.

Thank you very much!

 

[disneygrl16]

Maybe in germany they have a christmas shop.

 

[Sonno]

World Showcase is so big with so many different things to do and see, that you could spend 2 full days (11am-9pm when WS is open) and still not see everything. A great site for figuring out what entertainment will be where when is: http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ Look at it the week before your trip and plan accordingly. Out of everything there, my favorite would be the Dragon Legend Acrobats in China, it's an awesome show!

I believe Birnbaum's Official Guide has a listing of all the shops in the world with a description for each. Pick one up if you haven't done so already, the 2007 version comes out in Aug I think.

Hope this helps, have fun!

 

[SLM]

I'd suggest a lunch reservation at one of the restaurants-Le Cellier is very relaxing and a cool place to rest-if your parents are not adventurous eaters (mine are not!) they will probably find something they like.
The American pavilion has wonderful singers that do several shows a day-we caught several of their performances on our last trip and will be looking for a CD this year-they're that good. The times will be posted on the site Sonno mentioned.
I think it's great you realize everyone needs to go at their pace and spending time apart is ok.

 

[kittythepoohbear]

World Showcase is my favorite place to be in all of WDW! Things not to miss:
- The World Showcase players in the UK. They do an ad-lib version of "King Arthur and the Holy Grail" using people pulled from the audience. They are hilarious and well worth watching.
- The drummers in Japan (I forget their name). Grab some Kaki Gori (shaved ice treats) and enjoy. Great shopping in the Japan pavillion as well.
- The Cantina in Mexico and the Fish and Chips shop in the UK have seating by the lagoon and are great places for a snack/light meal and a beverage.
- The movie in the France pavillion, Impressions de France, is not to be missed. The images of France are lovely and the Impressionist soundtrack even lovelier. Perhaps most lovely of all is that you get to sit down in an air-conditioned theater!

 

[MrsG]

Also keep in mind that it can be very warm during the day in the World showcase. There is a lot of walking in the sun, although they can pop in at the countries to cool off.

 

[disnut8]

We've been to World Showcase so many times, we have our favorite bathrooms!

My experience is that your parents will be able to relax and take their time however they want. You said they weren't into planning but a look at Steve Soares site that was mentioned is a great idea. Not for an itinerary but for an idea of what kind of entertainment is available (he has all the parks, not just World Showcase). My father-in-law has a ball just seeing all the different acts (and he, well, takes his sweet time at Disney World).

Your parents will find a great variety of shops, all with merchandise from the different countries (plus Disney merchandise, of course). Food is plentiful and the only counter service place that has a burger (that I can think of) is America. A sit down lunch would be nice but only if your parents don't mind having to be somewhere at a set time. There are plenty of counter service options.

Best advice - take their time and explore. I see something new every time.

 

[Eljay]

It will still be hot out in September, so they might want to go on the indoor boat rides in Mexico and Norway.

El Rio Del Tiempo (the river of time) in Mexico is a slow, gentle ride that glides past the diners in the restaurant.

The Maelstrom in Norway is a little zippier, with a small drop and a bit of splashing.

They are both cool and dark.

They absolutely MUST stay to see Illuminations at the end of the night. A great tip is to make reservations at the Rose & Crown restaurant in the UK. They won't guarantee you a patio table, but you can leave your table for a few minutes to step out and watch. You all should join them, since AK closes earlier than Epcot. I've seen Illuminations probably 50 or more times and I still get choked up every time. It's a must do.

They might want to do something that kids like to do at Epcot, that is to learn how to say "hello" and "thank you" in all of the languages represented around the WS. That would be, Spanish, Norwegian, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Arabic and French.

Have Fun!