help me enjoy epcot

[2minny]

We go to epcot every trip (last trip was 2 years ago), we always spend a day there. I just can't seem to get excited over epcot, even though I can't imagine skipping it. We're a magic kingdom family. Please tell me your favorite things at epcot so I can get excited and justify going there. We also don't enjoy MGM and ended up buying separate tickets and going to Universal last trip (loved universal, but would like to stick with disney parks this visit).

 

[Mike Jones]

Hi 2minny! We love Epcot to bits, and much of our pleasure comes from wandering without stress, looking for ad hoc street entertainment .. have a look at what we did on Christmas Day

Jones's do Orlando for Christmas..

Mike

 

[LindaR]

Epcot is not for everyone........it is OUR favorite park.

This is a park where you slow down and really LOOK, most things are not obvious (like in MK).

WorldShowcase: look at the buildings, the different periods represented, the different architecture styles. Go in the shops. Look at the clothing, the toys and compare them to what's popular in the US. Watch the different entertainment to really get a "feel" for the area represented. Taste different foods.

FutureWorld: open your mind and look and listen. There is so much to learn and it is presented in an entertaining (not forced educational) way. Imagine. Dream.

That said..........Epcot is not for everyone.

 

[meeko_33785]

EPCOT is not my favorite park either, but I love World Showcase. Be sure not to miss the American Adventure show. IMO, it's the best animatronic show on property. Maelstrom is really fun too. It's a ride similar to Pirates of the Caribbean at MK (except much shorter). I also love all the live enetrtainment in the area, especially American Vybe and the Voices of Liberty at American Adventure, the Masquarade and Living Statues in Italy, and World Showcase Players in UK. Also, El Rio Del Tiempo in Mexico is a very pleasant and relaxing ride in the tradition of MK's Small World.

 

[2minny]

thanks everyone, I'm going to take a deep breathe and think "relax....enjoy" before we enter the park

 

[Debbie-TN]

We love Epcot. One of my favorite things is the layed-back atmosphere. Try to catch an Off-Kilter show in Canada. They are a great rock celtic band with electric guitars, drums and bagpipes. Now they have the Misson:Space ride. It's a really great ride and so is the game after you leave the ride called Misson: Space Race.
Check out the store in Japan. All the way in the back is a room all kinds of food and candy-like Pocky or Yan-Yan. The American Adventure show is great. And don't forget to go in Ice Station Cool and try soda's from around the world for free.
I just really love everything about it.
Hope you have a great time the next time you go.

 

[kbhehl]

I like to think of Future World as being similar to a hands-on museum, with cool exhibits, rather than a theme park. Just doesn't stack up to the other theme parks if you're thinking of rides, IMHO.
But, I'll add another vote for World Showcase--just about my favorite part of WDW. I just love taking in the atmosphere in the various pavillions: checking out shops, foods, performers. I could do a whole WDW trip just at WS (okay--with a quick trip to Splash Mountain)!

 

[HunnyPots]

I know just what you mean; I had a real hard time getting into EPCOT, in fact, we all did. Even DH, who is an engineer and loves all things scientific and mathematic, was only a little impressed. My teenage DD referred to the whole park as "nerd land".

But this time I am determined to give it a fair shot! We will spend more time in World Showcase and really explore all the pavillions. And, of course, there is Mission Space to look forward to! I know that will get my DS interested.

I think the problem (if you could even call it that) with this park is that "Future World" really isn't very futuristic anymore. It could use some updating. I guess it may be impossible, though, with technology changing as rapidly as it does, to stay "futuristic". I don't know. These are just my ramblings...

 

[Pig Pen]

I agree that Epcot is a park that needs to be savored at a slower pace. I find that I enjoy it much more when I just wander around and happen upon shows or performances by accident. It always helps to be sipping a frozen margarita from Mexico or a big tall beer from England as you stroll around!

I like listening to the music in each country and admiring the architecture of the different buildings. My favorite is waiting for the big cuckoo clock to chime in Germany. It's so cute!

I love the the dancing fountain in Future World and the different exhibits inside the pavilions.

Plan to eat a leisurely late lunch in one of the nicer restaurants. They are less crowded in the late afternoon and still cheaper than dinner prices.

Illuminations is a fabulous show, but it's usually very crowded even in off peak season. We usually find a good viewing spot early and take turns wandering around while someone holds our space.

So, when you go to Epcot, just relax and think of it as a day away from the hustle and bustle.

 

[Saa62]

To enjoy Epcot, I think it has to be approached with a different attitude. Instead of running and saying "lets go see this next" you need leave one thing and wonder on to whatever is beside it. Epcot has some excellent landscaping, background music and street entertainment. It feels like you not doing anything because you may not always be waiting in line for the next attraction, but if you just wondering around enjoying some sun, watching butterfies or sitting in front of a dancing fountain with a smile on you face then the Disney magic is working. The key thing is to relax and absorb the atomosphere.

When we started doing research before our first WDW trip(9 yrs ago) we thought our DD 6 & DS 5 would be bored to tears with Epcot especially World Showcase. It turned to be their favorite then and even more so now.

Some of our favorite things: Margarittas in Mexico, Off Kilter, Voices of Liberty, Eating our way around the world, Drinking our way around the world(w/o kids), Reflections of Earth, Butterfly Gardens, World Showcase Players, TT, SE and The Dancing Fountain.

We anixously waiting for our next trip in 18 Days 1 Hrs 16 Mins 53 Secs when we will be staying at Boardwalk for the first time and can walk over to Epcot whenever we feel like it.