Birt Family Focus

EPCOT Extras -- 10/22/02

Howdy Folks-

Today we will go over some of the Epcot Extras. Just some little things that can add dramatically to the magic of your visit that I may or may not have covered so far. This is the last installment of our visit to Epcot, and I want to make sure I didn't leave anything out.

First, hours. They change a little bit seasonally, but in general, Future World is open from 10-7 with shops and restaurants open until 9 and World Showcase from 11-9. On Wednesday mornings, Epcot is open at 9 for resort guests.

Illuminations, Epcot's nightly fireworks and laser display on the lake, happens at 9pm. Get a viewing spot early!

There are 3 talking water fountains in Epcot- one is near Mouse Gear, one is near the Imagination Pavilion, and one is near Innoventions West. I won't tell you exactly where, that would spoil the fun of being suprised when you use them!

Note the butterfly garden on your way to Test Track and cool off at the misting station there.

Dollarless alert- want a free souvenier? At the Xerox exhibit in Innoventions West, castmembers will take a digital picture of you or your party and put it on an Epcot calender for you to take home. You can also send email, including video clips, at the IBM display. Did I mention all this was free?

Just for the kiddies-(well, supposedly- LOL)

Get an Epcot/World Showcase passport at any of the gift shops. Take this to each of the countrys and a cast member will stamp it and write a greeting both in their own language and English. This makes a very neat keepsake.

Participate in the KidCot stations. At each station, kids get goodies to decorate a mask or sign that are (sort of) unique to that country. By the end of the day they have a one of a kind, very special souvenir that no one else has. The best part- it's totally free!

Some travel tips-

Arrive around 11 and do World Showcase first, then go back to Future World- the lines for the rides are shorter in the late afternoon. Use the single rider line for the shortest wait at Test Track. Try foods and other experiences that you would not do at home- Epcot is all about new experiences. Wear clothes that will not be ruined if they get wet so you and your kids can cool off in the misting and sprinkling areas.

Special Events-

If you going in the spring- don't miss the Flower and Garden Festival. The best topiaries in the World are to be found during this and the Flower Power Concert series is great. Go to Steve Soare's site for up to the minute entertainment schedules. Walt Disney World Entertainment. There are great guest speakers, gardening classes, and all sorts of special garden themed events during this festival. It is a must for all you flower mavens out there.

If you are going in the fall- don't miss the Food and Wine Festival. Every country has a little kiosk with a specialty food or wine in an affordable, tasty little portion- a great substitute for a big sit-down meal. There are wine tastings, special dinners, and special classes for the gourmand during this festival as well as it's own concert series. Yummy!

If you go during the Holidays, be sure and listen to the different Story Tellers at each country and visit the different versions of Santa. There is also the Candlelight Processional, and the Holidays Around the World decorations to see. HO HO HO- I love these shows!

I can easily spent literally days in Epcot and see and do something different every day. You can, too- that's what return trips are for! I hope you all have enjoyed taking this trip with me as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you. Next week, we will start with another of Disney's amazing parks- Disney MGM Studios. As usual, while I am writing about it, it will become my favorite park. This job keeps me in the "Magic" mood. Thanks for reading along with me. Don't forget to visit Epcot and give it a chance- you will be glad you did.