The World Showcase area
of Epcot has pavilions spread out around a large lagoon, each featuring
an insight into the host countries attractions, traditions and food.
In most cases the restaurants, which offer national fare, are some of the best in the
Orlando area.
Around the Lagoon is also where you will see the amazing “IllumiNations:
Reflections of Earth,” at the end of the day. This show was a feature
of last years Millennium Celebrations which Disney have decided to continue into 2001. It
will surpass anything you have ever seen in the UK by way of fireworks and laser shows.
Don't miss it. Get your spot early. |
|
Let's look at the pavilions in more detail:-
Mexico is the first land you will come to if you go
around the lagoon in a clockwise direction. The large pyramid houses a boat ride along El
Rio del Tiempo, the River of Time which gives you an amusing look at the people and
history of Mexico which lasts about 9 minutes.The afternoon queues can get quite long
here.
The rest of the pavilion houses a range of shops, arts exhibits and a restaurant along
with a fast food place by the lagoon.
Norway features one of the best rides in World
Showcase, the Viking themed Maelstrom. This is a 10 minute journey aboard
a longboat, through the scenery and history of Norway. The ride features a waterfall drop
and a North Sea storm.
Again this ride attracts quite long queues so get here early. Fastpass expected June
2001
There are also other themed exhibits, shops and eating places to explore.
China. The pavilions main
attraction is the stunning 20 minute, 360 degree film, Wonders of China,
presented in the circular Temple of Heaven. The film will immerse you in the wonderful
sights and sounds of this large and mysterious country.
Expect 30 minute queues at busy times.An exhibit called Land
of Many Faces along with several eating places and a department store make up the
rest of your visit to China. |
|
Germany. This pavilion is mainly
made up of shops and eating places with the entertainment being supplied by street
musicians and a brass band in the Biergarten.
|
Italy is likewise made up of shops and
restaurants housed around an authentic reproduction of St Marks square in Venice. |
America is set in the 18th century
and has a faithfully reproduced copy of Philadelphia's Liberty Hall.
Inside here you will find the American Adventure Show. The show lasting
30 minutes, is a film and audio-animatronic production detailing some of America's
history, it's triumphs and struggles and the people who have lead the country. Very
patriotic but also quite good effects. Also here, more fast food, shops and entertainment.
|
Japan contains your
typical Japanese architecture and gardens, arts exhibits and entertainment, several good
restaurants and a department store. |
|
Morocco has been built
with a very high degree of authenticity. Explore it's alleyways, bazaars and stalls that
sell all that you would expect to find in Morocco.
The Restaurant Marrakesh gives you the real Moroccan dining experience
including traditional music and belly dancing. |
The United Kingdom comes next with
the Rose and Crown Pub and various other shops plus some street
entertainment. There isn't really much here to hold your attention for long.
Canada is the final land in the Showcase tour with
some very nice gardens and scenery. You can also see here another great film showing off
the country at it's best, called O Canada which lasts for 17 minutes.
|
Twice a day, at mid-afternoon and early evening comes
the amazing parade Tapestry of Nations. This carnival like procession
features 120 huge, stilt-walking performers in colourful costumes, holding equally large
puppets which represent all regions of the world. Along with the original music this makes
for a very moving and unmissable experience. This parade was
part of the year 2000 Millennium Celebrations and because it was so popular Disney have
decided to keep the show going during 2001. |
| And finally after the evening parade has finished comes
the days amazing conclusion, IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth.
Those who have seen this show are truly able to utter a word that the Americans use so
much, 'Awesome'. State of the art fireworks, lasers, special effects, flames, fountains
all set to original music create an amazing show, culminating with a giant Earth-sphere,
covered in video screens depicting the continents, unfolding from a ball of fire. A truly
breathtaking and emotional end to your day. |
|
|
To see all of Epcot properly you
should really plan to spend 2 days here, especially if you are visiting at the peak times
but even at quiet times of the year you would find it nearly impossible to see everything
in a day. |
Disney MGM Studios |
