The west side of Epcot’s Future World is full of outstanding attractions, pleasant diversions and some pretty darn good dining. We have to start off with what is arguably one of the top two most popular  FastPass attractions in all of Walt Disney World – Soarin‘. A tour of California by hang glider this attraction, with it’s spectacular photography, is a fun and quite tame attraction enjoyed by people of all ages. If you want to ride it more than once (and you will) get there early, get a Fastpass and get in the standby line right away. Soarin’ is located in the Land Pavilion along with Living With The Land and The Circle of Life, both of which are fun and educational and worth some of your time.

The Innoventions West pavilion has a bit more diverse selection of of entertainment choices including Segway Central. There are lots of things here that appeal to both kids and adults so plan on visiting. Behind Innoventions West and to the right is another outstanding pavilion, The Seas With Nemo And Friends. You can ride on what Disney calls Clamobiles and get spectacular views of the world’s largest salt water aquarium. By the way, you will also find Nemo and many of his friends swimming in the same aquarium. If you decide to skip everything else in this pavilion, make sure to take the kids to see Turtle Talk With Crush and let them go sit down on the floor right in front. It is an experience they will not likely soon forget.

Captain EO is back but no one is sure for how long. I first saw it in 1990 and am looking forward to seeing it again this October. It has a lot of fans (perhaps Michael Jackson has something to do with that) and as I remember was kind of cute in its own quirky way. In the same pavilion is Journey Into Imagination With Figment. I do enjoy this one but after a few times it has become a bit stale. It’s a good one for kids, especially some of the younger ones.

One attraction that surprisingly few people realize is there is the Epcot Character Spot. Located right next to Club Cool it offers the chance to get Photopass pictures with all of the major characters in one spot at the same time. Each Photopass photographer has an assistant so make sure you give them your own camera and they will be happy to take extra pictures for you (good back up for missing pics). Club Cool is an attraction by itself. It offers you a chance to try Coca Cola products from all over the world for free.  If you can convince a friend to try the “Beverly” selection make sure to have your camera at the ready, the reactions are priceless.

There are some good dining opportunities on this side of Future World. Fountain View Ice Cream, next to Club Cool, is a good place to get scoops, sundaes, floats, and shakes (Edy’s Ice Cream). One of the truly fine counter service locations at Walt Disney World is Sunshine Seasons located downstairs in the Land Pavilion. It was designed to fit in well with Soarin’ in that it looks like an airport type food court. There is a lot of variety to suit all tastes and the food has always been fresh and well prepared.

There are two good table service restaurants on the west side. The Garden Grill is a character meal serving only dinner. The meal is served family style and the tables are visited by Farmer Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n Dale. Since it is served family style the menu is somewhat limited but the food is quite good. You can count on turkey, beef strip and fish with all the appropriate sides. All of the vegetables come from the gardens located in the Land Pavilion. Just one more added feature, the restaurant rotates while you dine for a view of some of America’s best landscapes.

Finally, the Coral Reef in the Seas With Nemo and Friends Pavilion is as beautiful a venue as you are likely to see for lunch or dinner. It is done in beautiful blue tile and as you dine you can see the same salt water aquarium that you saw from your personal Clamobile. You won’t have to squint either because the windows to the aquarium are huge. There is excellent food for all tastes, not just sea food so you can be sure everyone will be happy.