Epcot.....worth it?

I was wondering what you all thought of Epcot? Is it worth visiting?

They have two totally unique and original "thrill" rides, (Mission: Space and Test Track) plus I think it will intrst my mom more (who isnt a big fan of coasters)

What do you guys think?

For me, it was extremely boring, mainly because it's just a giant learning expericance. (I'm in Florida to have fun and get AWAY from learning) That along with the fact I wasn't old enough to try out the wine at the wine tasting booths. :)

It's worth only about half a day, and most countries in the park aren't even worth stopping for. Just my opinion.

I guess it's an age thing. When I was young Epcot was my least favorite park in Central Florida. Now it's one of my favorites.

When I was a kid any hot dog stand or slice of pizza would do. Now I'm spoiled by Epcot's amazing country restaurants (Canada's steakhouse, in particular).

In a "Holiday World and Lake Compounce Eat Your Heart Out" tip, Epcot is the only Orlando park where you can drink free sodas (Busch Gardens in Tampa does have the free beer and Mike's Hard Lemonade concoction of the day).

Free sodas in Epcot? Yep. Just by the fancy dancing fountains you will find an igloo -- Ice Station Cool. Go in. Sample as much soda as you want from the dispensers. Move on.

Enjoying Epcot may be an acquired taste. Many of the original rides are educational and you have to have a knack for getting off on entertainment to truly enjoy the many cool things in the World Showcase area (like Chinese acrobats, the human statues in Italy, the Beatlesmania show in England).

However, the park has definitely gotten a thrill ride makeover. Test Track isn't really a "thrill" ride but it's definitely fast. Mission Space. Next year Soarin' Over California will give the park 3 E-tickets.

The best part is that the lines aren't all that long for the rest of the attractions. It has one of the oldest yet still one of the best 3D shows. You have a lot of unique touches (like the talking water fountain -- on the other side of Ice Station Cool by the fountains -- and the fiber optics on the floor at night).

Give it a shot is what I say. There really is no other park quite like it.

I love theme parks of all sorts, but I especially love Epcot and consider it in a class of it's own. It is completely entertaining, relaxing, thrilling, beautiful, cultural, theatrical, and uniquely satisfying. Those are just the first words that come to mind when I think of Epcot. To me it's like a world's fair with the best of every many forms of entertainment combined into one sprawling yet cohesive park.

If you aren't sure about going to Epcot, I say go and have an open mind willing to enjoy new experiences. Don't simply compare it to another park. Visit the major attractions, rides, movies, and shows, but also participate in the interactive exhibits, enjoy the architecture and landscaping, and explore the food options and varied entertainment which pops up throughout the park. Oh yeah, and don't miss Illuminations.

I hope you plan a visit and enjoy yourself. You're very likely to find you need a second day to enjoy everything.

I absolutely love Epcot, and I think it might be my favorite or second favorite park at WDW. The park is so laid back compared to the other parks, and I think that is biggest part of the charm. Another great thing about Epcot is how big it is. No matter how many people are there, it never feels really busy, whereas Magic Kingdom (especially now with Fast Pass) is absolutely horrible. The people there are all brats (yes, even the parents). They all think that everyone owes them something. It was almost unjoyable last time I went -- we'll see how it goes here in a week.

I think it is definitely worth it, and yes it is a learning park -- but come on, does EVERY park have to be like SixFlags?

See if you are old enough there is more to ebcot than you think....I would say start at one end..have a drink in each country....see the parade, the costumes and characters that they have are so unique far different from the Magic Kingdom. By the time you have hit each country and get to the other end you'll be having a blast. The fire work display there is the best I have ever seen. Make sure you at least check that out!!:0)

They don't have "Tapestry of Dreams" anymore -- stopped last year around the first part of March. The only "parade" (and I use that term loosely) they have anymore is the FAB5 (and no not the queer eye guys) riding on a double decker bus, dancing to some music as they go around World Showcase. Illumination is a must see, and I agree with the trying of the "brew" in each location.

*OT: Anyone see the Comedy Central's new "spoof" of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy? It's called Straight Plan for the Gay Man. The Straight Guys are not going to make the Gay Guys look less "gay". I thought it was hilarious. Well that and the SNL "commercial" for Gaystrogen. :) LOL!

I always thought the Norway Pavilion's Maelstrom ride would be fun, but it wasn't built the last time I went to Epcot. How is that ride anyway?

Maelstrom was not as thrilling as I expected, and a bit short, but still very well themed and fun. I really hate the movie forced on you when you get off the ride and then being let out into that tiny store. On the other hand, I love the "eye" on the ride.

EPCOT is wonderful. It's a good break from the norm. One doesn't need to rush around it, and if they do they will miss what the park is all about.

Stop and explore instead of searching for the next popular attraction. In World Showcase, take in a little culture and try to learn about people living in other lands.

Don't expect it to be thrilling, and when thrills come you will be surprised. You will see things there that you can't see anywhere else.

If this doesn't excite you, than head on back to MK.

*** Edited 3/1/2004 4:47:25 AM UTC by dexter***

Not much more to be said about it but to just warn you this park is very big, we are talking CP like proportions so expect to walk a lot. If you dont want to run from country to country youll need more then a day (I recomend 1.5 at least).

Comming from a 22 yr old person............i personally enjoyed EPCOT. While i just went thru the innoventions sections i spent most of my time exploring the world showcase. Being that i would never visit all those places, i found the surroundings to be what the real places would probably be. You dont feel like your in a theme park at all. It feels more like your actually touring different countries. Rode malestrom-liked it it was fun and something to consider when wanting to take a break from the outside...........

Test Track was awsome!! Its like a hidden jewel of disney. You experience everything that a car goes thru before its put on the streets. It has some "near misses" and other fun elements. Oh and let me not forget to mention the new mission to space attraction which i have been hearing nothing but good things about!! Honey i shrunk the audience was very good and fun!!

I would recommend EPCOT to someone being that its a "learning" park but learning is optional, and they have several cool experiences that you wouldnt be able to experience in another park anywhere!! And it sure to bring you and your mom closer!!!

Epcot is really one of the most unique theme parks out there, and easily one of the best to someone who can appreciate it. A typical 15 year old kid probably won't appreciate anything other than Mission: Space, with even Test Track not being enough for them. If however you're interested in culture and technology and can appreciate what was achieved by Worlds Fairs or Expositions, then this is the park for you.

Unless you're particularly unfit, I see absolutely no problems walking around the park, seeing everything in a day if you're hitting it at the right time of year. Of course, I couldn't stress enough to take your time just to soak in everything and see everything that there is to offer, particularly all the live entertainment that is on offer in World Showcase.

If you're that anti-education that you won't go on holidays and learn something along the way, then you're missing out on a lot - and I'm not just speaking of Epcot. I don't know about everyone else, but my goals when traveling are to learn something new, as well as experience new or different things. So what if Ellen's Energy Adventure teaches you something about fossil fuels - it's a fun and very unique ride!

I just wanted to add two small points to my earlier post. First, there are several movies at Epcot, and I think they are overlooked gems that give you a good feel for the pavillion they represent. The intro to the Living Seas and Circle of Life in the Land are good, and Canada, France, China, and Norway all have movies. I especially like the movie that followed the Norway ride. It is short, but it is dramatic and effective. I was so disappointed that many people walked through the theatre skipping the movie after the ride. It is a great part of that attraction.

My other thought is that Epcot is really a two day park. During the slow season, late January, I was able to see all the major attractions except Innoventions in one day, and even at that, we had to rush near the end of the day. I also didn't have time for most of the interactive exhibits throughout Future World nor did I have time to watch many of the outdoor shows throughout World Showcase. It was a very hectic day just to see the major attractions from park opening to closing.

I was just about to say that -- if you don't want to watch the show after Maelstrom, you don't have to. Just walk through the theatre (with everyone else).

Epcot is not for everyone, but I like it.

I know Swoosh; I should have said so. I watched the movie once and skipped it every other time. It was good the first time. My point is that they are very persuasive in that you stay and watch the movie, almost "forcing".

My favorite movie at EPCOT is the one in China that encircles the whole theater. A little tear ran down my eye every time. I agree that the movies are very good, and a lot of people may think that just because it's a movie, it is a waste of time. I bet a lot of guests think that they can see a movie anywhere, why see one at EPCOT. These are no ordinary movies, rather they are genuine windows into another culture.

What's up with that stupid gnome store at the end of Maelstrom? It's tiny and crowded. The smallest gnome statues are like $20. They are like 6" tall. Yeah, everyone going to want one of those (lol).

I like Epcot, so does my family. I think the appeal of the park for most has to deal with the fact that its something different. I mean every park can't have lots of coasters, there has to be something for everyone...thats why it is one of the most attended parks in the world.

Also, you cant beat Illuminations: Reflections of Earth...the best nighttime spectacular I have ever seen...and to think they do it EVERY NIGHT year round...its crazy

I love Epcot because as mentioned, it entirely different from the Cedar Points and Six Flags that can be found anywhere. For any "thrill park" I normally already know what coasters can be found there, and usually just run around the park hitting them up before I do anything else. With Epcot, it feels like I'm visiting a park before coasters became my hobby. Everything is something new, I don't know the layout, so I wander around experiencing what there is to offer, and I do it at an easy pace. It feels like I'm a part of the so called "GP" again.

*Edit* And that's exactly why I love Disney parks. *** Edited 3/1/2004 8:04:22 PM UTC by BullGuy***

There is nothing else on the planet like Epcot. I love it. From Spaceship Earth to Test Track to all the countries pavillions, it is still to this day one of my favorite places to visit!

timmyk

Reflections of Earth, EPCOT's nighttime show is the best you will ever see. That makes the trip feel special.

I went in there with an open mind and had the time of my life. Had one of the best Mexican dinners in my life in Mexico.

Look at the bright side, if you get board walking around the park you can always drink your way around the world.