http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ep/issue099.htm
BROADENING HORIZONS IN WORLD SHOWCASE
Kids may initially think World Showcase is going to be a big snooze for them, but you can encourage their active participation in learning about the various countries by getting them a World Showcase Passport. The passports are sold for $9.95 at most stores and carts throughout Epcot, and include a set of country stamps and a big "I'm a World Showcase Traveler" button. As you visit the WS pavilions, your child can have Cast Members at the KIDCOT stations (see description following) stamp the passport and write something in his/her native language.
Did you ever see those brightly colored KIDCOT signs and wonder what they were for? Well, each pavilion in World Showcase (and a few in Future World) features a KIDCOT station specially for the youngsters in your group. At these stations, which usually operate only in the afternoons, there is a small table manned by Cast Members from the various countries. They will talk with children about their native land, engage them in a craft, stamp their World Showcase Passports if they have one, and sign a personal message in the language of the country.
As we mentioned a few weeks ago in ALL EARS®, the Morocco pavilion features a unique tour explaining the country's culture and history. While the other pavilions don't hold special tours, it's worth the extra time it takes to explore the far reaches of each pavilion. Did you know, for example, that you can actually go INTO the Stave Church in the Norway pavilion? Inside there's an exhibit on Norwegian culture and the history of the stave churches that once were all over Norway (there are only 28 left).
Or did you know that the UK pavilion has a "Secret Garden?" (Follow the path along the side of the Rose & Crown Pub and you'll find the nice little sitting area there by the lagoon. This area will sometimes be reserved in the evenings for private parties.)
In the rear of the United Kingdom pavilion, back by the gazebo where the Beatles-inspired group British Invasion performs, is a small parklet with a hedgerow maze. You'll sometimes find the Pooh characters here, and, if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll also spy the Mary Poppins topiary.
It would be hard to choose which live performers in World Showcase are the best, but it's safe to say that everyone has their favorites. Try to see as many of them as you can, which probably means you'll need to make multiple visits to Epcot! Whatever you do, DON'T rush by these performers -- you'll be missing something truly special!
The improvisational World Showcase Players perform at both the UK and France pavilions and every show is different! The British Invasion in the UK pavilion will make you forget that the Beatles broke up 30 years ago, and the Celtic rock band Off Kilter, in the Canada pavilion, can make a bagpipe lover out of anyone. The vocal groups American Vybe and Voices of Liberty, both in the America pavilion, present vastly different types of singing, yet both are superb. And if you crave something more exotic, don't miss the belly dancer over in the Morocco pavilion.
The Matsu-No-Ma Lounge in the Japan pavilion is a quiet retreat from the hub-bub of a busy theme park day. Walk up the steps of the pavilion's department store to find the unusually peaceful lounge on the second floor. There you can sip sake (or another beverage of your choice) while gazing out of the large picture windows, looking out over the lagoon, watching the crowds go by or the preparations of that night's showing of IllumiNations.
In the Germany pavilion, where it's eternally Oktoberfest, you can buy a glass of sweet wine and they'll let you keep the glass. Also, if you happen to be near the clock tower as it strikes the hour, watch the Hummel figurines and listen to the tune of the glockenspiel -- it was specially written for the Epcot pavilion.
Children especially enjoy the Miniature Train and Village set up next to the German pavilion. Originally put up during a Flower and Garden Festival years ago, the village proved so popular it was made a permanent fixture. Be sure to look at it carefully -- the details are changed according to the season!
Whew! See what you've missed if you haven't been taking the time to stop and look around??? There are *so* many other spots located around Epcot that offer the opportunity to make a magical memory.
They're there waiting for you -- all you have to do is look for them!
