I have decided to end my 30 Days of Disney series with the posts I wrote several months ago when we were visiting the parks. I wrote a post per park, so tonight it is all about Epcot.
Today we headed out bright and early for Epcot. Arrive early so you will be able to speed through the lines the first hour or two the park is open. We started with Spaceship Earth while my husband went to get fast passes for Soarin’.
We then walked to The Land and rode the boat through the gardens and by the time we were done we could ride Soarin’. I stayed behind with our two year, but the unanimous decision was this ride is a “must-do.” During the morning we visited most of the pavilions in Future World.
A few Future World tips. Get to the Character Spot early. This is a chance to meet Micky, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. We happened upon this building on our way to The Land. It is marked on the Epcot map and easy to find. There was no line to see any of the characters and the kids were able to spend a good amount of time visiting with them. This is the best place to see the characters in the park and it is free.
Visit Club Cool, this little oasis gives you a chance to taste sodas from other countries. I did not see it on the map, but it is directly across from the large fountain on the same side of the park as Imagination! It is all you can drink, for free. The kids think this is better than getting ice cream so I highly recommend stopping by.
Don’t forget to visit Turtle Talk with Crush. This fun interactive show was the highlight of our day. (The kids are still talking about it 6 months later!)
After visiting most of Future World we headed to the World Showcase. This part of Epcot is a little less appealing to toddlers. We skipped most of the films because we knew we would be dealing with fidgety kids. We did watch several of the street performers. They are always excellent and you can find show times in your guide.
After much debate we ended up eating in America. I do not recommend this as a dining option… but we were nearing meltdown with the little one and we made a strategic decision to go with hot dogs. In my opinion the food was overpriced and didn’t taste very good at all.
This kids did participate in a little parade with the fife and drum players in America. They were awarded copies of the Declaration of Independence for participating and they held them tight for the rest of the day.
We rode the Grand Fiesta Tour in Mexico and the Maelstrom in Norway two times each. There were no lines on any ride we went on today so by 5:30 we had visited almost everything in the park. Since we have Animal Kingdom tomorrow we decided to head back to my in-laws so everyone could get a good night’s sleep.
Here are a few pictures from Epcot.
At the Character Spot… the much requested picture of me!
With Goofy
Trying to get a picture with all the kids…
The Nemo ride ~ I was seriously unimpressed by this ride. You sit in a shell and watch bits of the movie as you slowly move through the ride. I was very glad we did not wait in line to ride this, it would not have been worth it!
Another picture of “goofy”
This fun little photo-op is in The Seas.
Club Cool, all you can drink soda, for free!
The fountain across from Club Cool.
Tiffany says
It looks like you had a great time! I love Epcot and my family are big Soarin fans, but my parents could do that ride all day long. They managed to ride it four time in one day with strategic use of fast passes.
Serenity says
I have really enjoyed the series on Disney World. Thank you for taking the time to pass along the tips 🙂 Question though. Did you take your girls to the Bibbidi Bobbity Boo Boutique for a princess makeover? I have read a lot about it but I don’t know if its worth the $ or not. I have a three year old who LOVES anything princess… Thanks again!!
PS: It looks so fun; do you think they will makeover a mommy? LOL!!!
TheHappyHousewife says
I did not take the girls. I saw many girls in the park who had done it though. I think it would be fun, but personally did not think it was worth the $$. My girls adored just seeing the princesses. They didn’t know about the Boutique so they didn’t miss it.
Toni
Jennifer says
Marianna and I enjoyed Epcot so much last year! We adored the old world part and the fireworks that night were incredible!
Sherry says
Thanks for the tips! 😀
Y’all look like you had a blast!!
momstheword says
Oh we love Club Cool, I always run out of there because that one spot is so cold!
We always eat in America too it seems like. Well, at least my youngest and I do.
Is that statue guy still there? He’s dressed all in white (including his face) and he is just so funny!
Kelley says
Everything sounds like a lot of fun. I haven’t been to Disney in FL since high school (we’ll just say that was a looong time ago), but we did take the kids to Tokyo Disney last Feb. They had a great time – not nearly as nice as FL or even CA, but hey! We take what we can get here! Maybe one day we’ll do FL!
Amy Walton says
It looks like you’re having a blast! I love the photos of the kids in the shark’s mouth … what memories you’ll have. Maelstrom is my favorite ride at Epcot.
Jennifer says
Awesome tips!!! Keep ’em coming, we visit this spring! Oh – and continue to enjoy yourselves as well. LOL.
susan says
Whoa! The monster with the kids in his mouth! I doubt I’ll ever see Epcot, seeing as I’m in WA state and Epcot is in FL. *sigh*
I have been to Disneyland in CA back in the 70s. Does that count? LOL
Antoinette says
Your children are all so beautiful! It was hard to concentrate on “Epcot” when all I seen was such wonderful children.
Many blessings to you,
Antoinette
Nancy says
Thanks for sharing some more awesome pictures! You look too young to have all those kids! Can’t wait to see the Animal Kingdom.
Mary @ Raising 4 Godly Men says
Wow you all look like you are having A LOT of FUN ! That soda tasting place sounds like a place my kids would love. [0= And thank you for including a pic of you in it all. ((hug))
Praying blessings on the rest of your trip !!! Can’t wait to hear more.
Did any of you buy a Micky Mouse hat or sweat shirt ??? I did when I was a teen. lol
Blessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
In Him<
-Mary
Jesse says
Glad you guys are having a great time & thanks for sharing your pictures. I think we’re going to make the trip when I return in Mar or Apr. Jess
Lisa@blessedwithgrace says
How fun. What a blessing to take the trip with your whole family. I loved the pictures and I am in awe of you and your husband. I can’t imagine going to Epcot with one toddler, let alone 6 children. You RAWK!!!
Sandra says
OK .. so you and your oldest daughter could be sisters … seriously – you blend right in with your kiddos!! Wow!! 🙂
Stacy C. says
We have been to Disney 7 times and never knew about the Cool Club. Free drink??? Anything free in Disney is a must do!