Florida Holidays

EPCOT Centre

First of all – do you know what EPCOT is an Acronym for?  There are a lot bandied about – my favourite being  Every Person Comes Out Tired!
EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.  This park was something Walt Disney had envisioned but sadly didn’t get to see before he died.

Our Top Tips for visiting EPCOT Centre!
On entering the park make sure that you grab a map, and a show schedule, remember to mark off any shows you want to see, and make a mental note of the time for the Fireworks and laser show.  The park is split into two distinct areas ‘Future world’ and ‘World Showcase.’    The World Showcase area  tends to open a little later than ‘Future World’
The big iconic Globe is home to the slow moving journey of communication through time from the Stone Age, the Egyptians and Romans and on through to the creation of the Printing Press and modern technology.  If when you approach ‘Spaceship Earth’ the line is short ride it right away.

Future World

Usually best to head off towards the more white knuckle of the EPCOT Attractions Test Track and Mission Space and check the lines or get a Fast Pass.  Next head over to Universe of Energy – look out for the Dinosaurs! 
Don’t forget to check out the Living Seas, where you can had a chat with Crush the Turtle from the Disney Movie – ‘Finding Nemo.’
 The Land Pavillion is home to ‘Listen to the Land’ a great little boat ride where you can find out about how NASA is working on growing food in Space as well as learn about hydroponics.  Within the Land pavillion you will find ‘Soarin’ even the line for this ride is a lot of fun.
There are lots of places to eat in EPCOT but The Land, foodcourt is great as there is so much choice everyone can get what they like.
You might want to make a reservation for Dinner later at the unique revolving restaurant.
After Lunch head over to the big glass pyramid that houses ‘Imagination.’  On the way there look out for the Water ‘up’ and the jumping fountains.

World Showcase

Next head over to the World Showcase, start at Canada and work your way around. anti clockwise.  Each country funds its own showcase and is staffed by it’s nationals.  Great Britain features a pub and a Fish and Chip Restaurant.  Beware the price for a pint is far more than in your local! 
You will find each country has some form of entertainment from 360 cinemas to street theatre and performers as well as Norway and Mexico having very different river rides.

We reccommend that you get a spot ready for the firework and laser show about an hour before it is due to start.  Great viewing spots are opposite the American Pavillion on the Future World side of Seven Seas Lagoon, or on the bridge as you approach or leave Paris.  Depending on the size of your party, you might want to set up ‘base camp’ and take it in turns to revisit attractions in Future World or any you might have missed.

Enjoy the Firework and Laser show it really is a fantastic spectacle.

If you have anything to add or a comment to make we would really love to hear from you!

Tips

*Thirsty and hot?  Why not take a time out in the Coca Cola sponsored pavillion where you can try out soft drinks from all over the world.

*It is possible to book a boat cruise in the evening to take you onto the water and watch the firework and laser spectacular.  The launches leave from Disney’s Yacht Club and must be booked well in advance.

*Make sure you keep an eye on the display boards around the park for the latest wait times for rides, and attractions, as well as the scheduled times for the shows.

The Magic Kingdom

During busy periods be sure to arrive early at the park we advise having a good breakfast either at your villa or go all out at one of the many places that offer fantastic value ‘Buffet Breakfasts’ such as Sizzler or Ponderosa.

Parking and Entry

As you drive in to the car park make sure you ask the attendant what time the Parade is and what time the Fireworks are as times can vary. They will probably be able to give you a leaflet with a schedule of all the shows etc for the day you are visiting.

Make sure that all the party remember where you are parked. This is easy to do as all the areas are named and all the rows numbered. So remembering a character name and number eg – Donald row 30 or Pluto 55
You might want to write it down just in case.
Once you know the times make a note to get a spot along the parade route about an hour (or at the very least 30 mins) before the parade begins.

For the Fireworks you really need to make sure you get a spot about an hour before the display. (A great place we have found to be is on the bridge that you went over to get to ‘Adventureland,’ from the area in front of Cinderella Castle)

At the main ‘Ticket and Transportation Centre’ you have the choice of taking the Ferry boat or the Monorail across to the Magic Kingdom main entrance. Both take the same amount of time to make the short journey to the main entrance. Our top tip is to head straight for the Ferry Boat and head as far forward as you can. (Avoid the temptation to go upstairs the view is just as good from downstairs)
Have your camera ready to get great shots of one of the 3 mountains in the Magic Kingdom ‘Space Mountain’ and of course of Cinderella’s Castle.
Once in the main gate if you do not need to rent a stroller (buggy) or wheelchair then proceed straight on and up ‘Main Street USA.’
At the top of ‘Main Street USA’ in the Castle Terrace bear left and head on in to ‘Adventureland’ go straight to the most popular rides in this area ‘The Jungle Cruise’ and ‘Priates of the Carribbean’ – Johnny Depp fans keep an eagle eye out and see how many times you can spot ‘Captain Jack Sparrow.’
Continue round the park in an anti clockwise direction. Head for all the major rides first.
From Adventureland you will continue on to Frontierland. (NOTE where these 2 ‘lands’ meet you will notice ‘Pecos Bill’s Cafe’ – this comes highly recommended for a late lunch.

Frontierland is home to the other 2 Mountains in the Magic Kingdom ‘Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’ and ‘Splash Mountain’ if the park is starting to busy up it might be an idea to grab a fast pass for these rides and head on to ‘The Haunted Mansion’ This is a continuous attraction and the queue tends to look big but move quickly.

Fantasyland and is the next stop on your adventure through ‘The Magic Kingdom’ this area is generall suited to younger guests with ‘It’s a Small World’ ‘Peter Pan’s Flight’ ‘Dumbo’ and a wealth of other rides and shows including the fabulous centrepiece caroussel that under 10’s will love.
Rides here can get busy but this is a good place for a snack and a rest as well as the best place in the park to soak up the atmosphere of ‘The Magic Kingdom’

Tomorrowland follows with one of Disney’s first white knuckle thrill rides and the 3rd mountain in ‘The Magic Kingdom’ mountain range. ‘Space Mountain’ the ‘Astro Orbiters’ are another very popular attraction in this area. It is also worth taking a trip around ‘Tomorrowland’ on the ride below the ‘Astro Orbiters’ and taking in the rest of the area.

Next head over to ‘Mickey’s Starland’ this area was constructed as part of celebrations for Mickey Mouse’s 60th Birthday. This area is ideal for younger guests with plenty for them to see and do. We think it is a great idea to take the Steam train from here back to Main Street USA Station and enjoy the sights and sounds along the way as well as giving your feet a well earned rest!

On the way out of the park take the opportunity to use the Monorail. If you are fast / if you don’t mind waiting a while ask the attendant on duty if there is a chance you can ‘Ride up front’ Sitting up front with the driver is great fun and offers fabulous views.

Our other tips would be – :
*Hang on to any bottles of water and refill them at the plentiful water fountains throughout the park

*Look out for the ‘Kodak Picture Spots’ throughout the park that should give wonderful shots of various areas.

*Don’t forget sunscreen, even on a cloudy day the sun is very strong and you can burn quickly.

*Make sure you arrange a place to meet should you get seperated from your party.

*If you are a ‘Magic Kingdom Regular’ did you know that there some great behind the scenes tours available that let you in on the Disney Magic?

*Keep an eye out for your favourite Disney Characters in various places and if you want to get a picture with them head over to them straight away and don’t be shy!

Finally throughout the Disney Properties during construction the architects and imagineers ‘planted’ various Hidden Mickeys throughout the park – How many can you spot in the Magic Kingdom?
Here’s one we found – Take a look at the scrollwork outside the ‘Mainstreet USA Train Station’

We’ll be back with more Tips and Hints on the other parks soon.