EPCOT

                 Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow                         (or Every Person Comes Out Tired).

EPCOT is 2 theme parks rolled into one.  Future World is split into seven different pavilions and dominates the first half of the park.  The second half, surrounding a huge lake, is the World Showcase featuring 11 countries.

Once you have marvelled at the wonderful topiary your view is dominated by the huge SPACESHIP EARTH.  Here you can enjoy a slow ride through the dome and Earths history and beyond.

Around SPACESHIP EARTH are the Future World pavilions.

UNIVERSE OF ENERGY

There is just one attraction here but it's a good one - Ellen's Energy Adventure.  Not a thrill ride but well worth a go.

WONDERS OF LIFE

There are plenty of interesting exhibits here to keep you amused as well as some fun rides and shows.  Body Wars is a simulator ride where you are supposedly shrunk and transported inside a body - recommended.  Also fun is Cranium Command where you sit inside the head of a 12 year old boy for a while!

The newest and most popular rides are both here.  Mission:SPACE and TESTTRACK.  Use your fast pass to reserve your seat on one whilst riding the other.  Mission:SPACE simulates a rocket take-off and landing on Mars.  You pull a 'G' or 2 but its' not too strenuous.  TestTrack puts you in the roll of crash dummy - starts off slow - gets better.

IMAGINATION

There are plenty of things to do and see in the 2 sections which make up imagination.  Interactive activities abound.  When you come out you can make a visit to Honey I Shrunk the Audience.  This is a great 3-D show - catch it if you can.

THE LAND

A very educational section featuring a ride Living with the Land explaining about food production and nutrition.  The Garden Grill provide character meals.

THE LIVING SEAS

An enormous aquarium is the centre piece of the Living Seas.  The kids will like the Nemo exhibit and looking through the glass windows into the aquarium.  Here you can stop for lunch at the Coral Reef restaurant and enjoy the aquarium whilst you eat some top quality fare.

INNOVENTIONS WEST & EAST

Exhibitions and computer games including Virtual Reality - kids will head for the Video games of Tomorrow.  You can even send an e-mail to friends back home here.

World Showcase

Each 'country' has its' owned themed area.  In each you will find lots to see, places to shop and eat and usually some entertainment.  Every area is built in great detail and you won't have time to explore everyone thoroughly.  You should try to browse each to get a flavour and choose you favourites to explore in detail.

Mexico

This is one of two 'countries' with a ride.  A pleasant little boat trip through Mexico - no thrills or spills.  Inside the pyramid are shops set in a market square.  Outside is a Cantina next to the lake.  If you can grab the right table at the right time it's a good place to watch the fireworks!

Norway

Norway also has a boat ride - just a little more exciting than Mexico'.  Again there are shops and places to eat here - you'll find this a familar theme throughout the showcase.

China

Plenty of exhibits and street entertainment. New here is a film shown in a 360 degree theatre.

Germany

More shops, strolling players.  Guys, I found beer here!

Italy

With your own St Marks Square there's plenty of room to sit down and catch a few rays.

America

Set at the top of the pavilions this is celebration of all things American.  When we last visited there was a rock group playing on the large stage set here.

Japan

Set in and around a beautiful temple you will find more shopping opportunities and places to eat.

Morocco

Lots of bazaars, stalls and places to munch.  There's even a walking tour you can go on here.

France

Of course, a model of the Eiffel Tower overlooks this area.  More places to eat - a cafeteria and restaurant.  Between Morocco and France are some benches where we booked our seats for the fireworks.

United Kingdom

The Rose & Crown pub is the main eatery here.  If you can book a table outside next to the lake you can have your meal and stay to watch the fireworks.  To the back of the pub are some nice gardens.  We found Pooh and Eeyore lurking here once.

Canada

Completing the trip around the world is Canada.  Some great scenery including some Rocky Mountain models.  There is a steakhouse here and you can catch another of the films in a 360 degree cinema.

Stay on a watch the Illuminations show.  It is really spectacular. 

To keep the youngsters amused whilst you visit the various pavilions you can buy a 'passport' which they can get stamped as they visit each one. 

Close to the UK pavilion is a bridge over a river running into the lake.  If you want to watch the fireworks in style you can book a boat trip from Downtown which arrives in time for the display.  You have to book well in advance.

 EPCOT SITE