Top 10 Reasons Why We Love Epcot

It’s been said that Epcot is a permanent World’s Fair, and was designed to be a showcase for human innovation, technological achievements, and international cultures.  With that kind of background, it’s no wonder that 33 years after it opened, Epcot is still one of the most beloved parks across Disney properties all over the world.  In a nutshell, Epcot really has something for everyone, from the thrill seekers to kids and kids-at-heart to the travel enthusiasts and so much more.  It was difficult to keep our list to just 10 but here are our Top 10 reasons why we absolutely LOVE Epcot:

#1: You can be a world traveler all in one day. To me, one of the greatest draws of Epcot is just how rich the sights and experiences around the World Showcase are.  Yes, you can see the awe-inspiring Chinese architecture from the buildings in the China Pavilion, but you also get to experience dazzling Chinese acrobatics.  Or, you can see that you are in the Morocco Pavilion, but at the same time, you can feel it through its music and dance and you can taste it through its spices.

#2: There’s some great shopping to be had. I am not afraid to confess that I am a shopaholic.  Fortunately, Epcot provides me with plenty of opportunities to satisfy my addiction!  I could stay for hours in the China and Japan stores, looking at the various knick knacks.  Don’t even get me started on Dar Teddybar, which sells Steiff stuffed animals and other adorable toys in Germany.  Karamelle-Kuche is also a favorite stop for caramel corn!  I also love the themed marketplace inside the Mexico Pavilion because I feel like I’m transported to a genuine Mexican marketplace.  I could go on and on!

#3: Spaceship Earth.  How could you not love the iconic sphere that is one of the most recognizable symbols for Disney?  Better yet, this ride is really what Epcot is all about.  This ride takes guests through the evolution of human communications, starting from when cavemen drew on walls to the evolution of the alphabet, to the introduction of the printing press, and then to the endless possibilities introduced by computers.  Any of our family trips won’t be complete without a ride inside Spaceship Earth!

#4: The rides are some of the best in all of Disney. Yes, there may not be as many rides at Epcot compared to some of the other parks, but the ones that are there are pretty terrific.  Are you a thrill-seeker?  No problem, Test Track or Mission: Space is for you.  Want a ride that is a feast for the senses?  Then line up for Soarin’ where you can see amazing sights, feel the wind in your hair, and smell the pine trees across our national parks.  How about something more kid-friendly?  The adorable Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion or The Seas with Nemo and Friends are a good bet.  Something educational?  Sure! Living with the Land is a fascinating ride about conservation and cutting edge planting/harvesting techniques.

#5: The special experiences over the holidays are truly special.  Epcot is a great place to be during the holidays for many reasons.  There’s my personal favorite, Holidays Around the World, where each country along the World Showcase tells of how the holidays are celebrated in their culture.  There’s also the Candlelight Processional, where the Christmas story is told by a list of amazing narrators (hello Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Joe Morton and America Ferrera, to name a few) and supported by an orchestra and choir.  This year, we also have the American Music Machine, a truly amazing a cappella group performing classic and contemporary holiday hits.  On top of that, there’s Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season, which is sure to give you goosebumps! Finally, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth gets a special twist just for the holidays.

#6: Epcot Food & Wine Festival.  Every fall, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival delights foodies and wine lovers everywhere.  This year, the menu was quite extensive with over 20 countries serving mouth-watering treats, sweets, and drinks.  The events each year seem to keep getting better too.  This year, the TV show The Chew held some of their shows right at Epcot, and the hosts also provided their stamp of approval for specific food items across the park.  The introduction of the Chew Lab and Sustainable Chew was definitely one of the big hits this year.  This is why fans everywhere are always eagerly anticipating what Disney will come up with next.

#7: Epcot Flower & Garden Festival.  The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival used to be a grand showcase of topiaries, flowers and plants to signal that spring is alive and well in the parks, but it has become so much more.  This event is now also a foodie destination, as the Festival offers delicious food kiosks similar to the Food & Wine festival.  What’s even better, the Festival for 2016 has expanded from 75 days to 90 days (March 2nd through May 30th, 2016)  and it sounds bigger and more colorful than ever!  For more information on next year’s festivities, we’ve got the scoop, and you can get it by clicking here.

#8: The entertainment is top notch.  Whenever we go to Epcot, getting the Times Guide is just as important as getting a park map because we plan our day around which acts we want to see!  Here are just a few of the many entertainers that Epcot is hosting:

• The JAMMitors produce great percussion and music with trash cans in the open areas towards Test Track.
• The Mariachi Cobre in Mexico will make you want to pick up a margarita and sway to the music.
• The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in the China Pavilion will make your mouth drop open with their amazing tricks and display of strength, flexibility and balance (this is even more astounding to me as I have none of those qualities).
• Oktoberfest Musikanten in Germany is a traditional German band performing at the Biergarten.
• Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure brings new life to traditional American folk songs.
• The American Music Machine at the American Adventure brings an a cappella spin to classic and contemporary hits.  You can’t help but sing and dance along to the music, and don’t forget to stay long enough to see the very last member of the group bid his farewell.
• The Matsuriza drummers in Japan will make you hear and feel every beat.
• The Lumberjack Show in Canada is a lively show filled with axes, saws and logs.
• The British Revolution in the United Kingdom plays several decades of British music.  Who can resist the music of the Beatles?  I could listen to it eight days a week.

#9: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.  One could argue that Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is part of Epcot entertainment, but the fireworks presentation is so beautiful that it deserves a mention all on its own.  You have a globe that is reflecting the beautiful things in our land, fountains dancing to music, and fireworks soaring high above World Showcase Lagoon.  The music too is noteworthy and there’s a chance it may be stuck in your head for days to come (and you wouldn’t have it any other way).

#10: You can ___ around the World.  Drink around the World?  Yes, please.  Eat around the World?  You have more than enough options to do that as well.  How about buy candies around the World?  Or, see all different kinds of toys around the World?  Meet people from all around the World?  Get your passport stamped as you tour around the World?  There are so many possibilities and only at Epcot can you make this happen in a day.

With that, I will turn it over to you.  What are the reasons why you love Epcot?  I’m sure I missed a few!  Sound off in the comments below!

Hi there, I’m Myra and I’m a huge Disney nerd and addict!  I’m also an Independent Travel Agent at World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts.  I’m happy to help you plan your next vacation to Disney, at no cost to you!  Visit my page or send me an email at myra@worldofmagictravel.com to get started!

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