| EPCOT is short for "Experimental Prototype | | | | and a large shop with wonderful goodies from |
| Community of Tomorrow" and as Walt Disney had | | | | the orient. The Bijutsu-kan Gallery there |
| envisioned was supposed to be an actual city | | | | always has interesting displays in its |
| where people lived and worked. It didn't turn | | | | changing exhibit. |
| out that way. Walt died in 1966 and the | | | | |
| vision changed a bit. No longer was a city | | | | After Japan we are suddenly back in America |
| planned, but a theme park was put on the | | | | at the American pavilion. Here you can watch |
| drawing board. | | | | an animated show with Mark Twain and Ben |
| | | | Franklin. I almost forgot the most import |
| While the entrance to EPCOT called "Future | | | | part. Between Japan and America is a little |
| Word" has many wonderful rides such as Test | | | | stand selling funnel cakes. Oh the kids will |
| Track, Mission Space, and Spaceship Earth, | | | | love them. |
| the truly educational part of EPCOT is what | | | | |
| is known as "World Showcase". Here you can | | | | Now to Italy. The music, the shops and |
| find a lake rimmed with various pavilions | | | | chocolate, all tease your senses. Italy is |
| each themed as a different country. | | | | relaxing and wonderful. |
| | | | |
| Your kids will want to stay in Future World | | | | Each of the World Showcase countries has a |
| and enjoy the rides. Most kids think World | | | | special "KIDCOT" area that provides an |
| Showcase is boring. It has very few rides but | | | | opportunity for your child to interact with a |
| is full of culture. You're going to have to | | | | native of the country you are visiting. Make |
| be inventive to keep the little ones | | | | sure you take advantage of that. |
| interested. Bribe them with candy, promise | | | | |
| you'll go on Mission Space, or make a game | | | | Now we travel away from Italy and on to |
| out of learning words from each language. | | | | Germany in just a few steps. In Germany |
| However you do it, make sure they partake of | | | | you'll find Hummel and Goebel collectables as |
| the rich learning experience. | | | | well as German steins and cuckoo clocks. If |
| | | | you like German food, this is the place to |
| When you enter World Showcase from Future | | | | stop and eat. The Biergarten is a German |
| World it just seems natural to turn right and | | | | style buffet with entertainment and good |
| walk all the way around the lake in that | | | | times. You'll eat German style which means |
| direction. At least that's what I do 90% of | | | | you sit with other people at the same table. |
| the time. | | | | |
| | | | China is next and not to be missed is |
| The first country you'll come to is Canada. | | | | "Reflections of China" another 360 degree |
| In Canada you see a large building known as | | | | movie. The shops at China are fun too. |
| "Hotel du Canada". Canada has a wonderful | | | | |
| show called "O' Canada" which is a 17-minute | | | | Tired yet? Just a few more countries to go. |
| Circle Vision 360 film showing the culture of | | | | Norway is next on the tour. Here your kids |
| Canada. | | | | will love one of the best rides in EPCOT. |
| | | | "The Maelstrom" is a boat ride through the |
| Each country you visit has shops and these | | | | history of Norway. After you'll be treated to |
| shops have authentic goods imported from that | | | | a film about Norway. The shops of Norway are |
| country. It's over the top that these shops | | | | full of trolls. Big Trolls and small Trolls |
| are staffed with people from the country. | | | | can be purchased. Your kids will like this |
| These are usually students who have come to | | | | country. |
| Disney World to work for a bit of time and | | | | |
| see our culture. It's amusing to me that we | | | | The last country we come to is Mexico. |
| are watching them, but they are watching us | | | | Featured is an Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl |
| as well and learning how Americans behave. I | | | | and inside you'll find a wonderful Mexican |
| hope that's a good thing. | | | | restaurant, shops, and another boat ride. |
| | | | This time the ride takes you through Mexico's |
| Your next country is the United Kingdom with | | | | culture. I doubt you can stop from smiling as |
| its shops and pub. You can get real fish n' | | | | you ride trough. |
| chips here. | | | | |
| | | | EPCOT can be a rich experience for your |
| On to France with its replica Eiffel Tower. | | | | children and as you leave World Showcase |
| In France you'll find French restaurants, | | | | there is one more learning adventure to be |
| shops and if you are lucky, mimes teasing | | | | had that is fun for you and for the children. |
| guests with their show. Make sure you see | | | | Soarin is a film/ride that makes you fly over |
| "Impressions de France" another fantastic | | | | California's changing landscape. You feel, |
| moving film. | | | | you hear, you see, and yes, you smell |
| | | | California. This is not to be missed. |
| Just right next door to France is Morocco and | | | | |
| its shops. You feel like you've transported | | | | Enjoy teaching your children about the world. |
| back in time. Now we go to the Orient, Japan | | | | It's only a trip to EPCOT away. |