As the 2015 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival began Friday, September 25 at Walt Disney World, even more emphasis has been placed on alcohol within Epcot-- the second largest park at Walt Disney World and the home of World Showcase, which features pavilions of 11 countries, all which serve alcohol.
However, for those under 21, or that wish to stray away from the alcoholic aspect of the park, whether it's the Food and Wine Festival or not, there is still plenty to see, do, eat, and enjoyat Epcot from the minute you enter the park till the ending fireworks show.
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Future World Must-Do Attractions
Walking through bag check, you can't miss the giant icon of Epcot which happens to house Spaceship Earth, the first ride within Epcot's Future World. A staple attraction within the park, Spaceship Earth takes guests on a journey from the start of civilization to a preview of the future, all focused around the evolution of technology and communication.
The wait time for this 15 minute attraction often drops to less than 30 minutes, so saving your three FastPass+ options for rides such as Soarin', Test Track, or Mission Space is definitely recommended.
While on the east side of Future World, stopping by The Sum of All Thrills at Innoventions East is a great way to embrace your inner inventor while also spending time in wonderful air conditioning. (Wooh!) Here, guests can design their own coaster to then ride in a two-person simulator.
If The Sum of All Thrills has you feeling adventurous, Mission: SPACE (or as I like to call it, Mission: Throw Up) is also located within Future World East. Mission: SPACE has been known to cause intense motion sickness, so it is best to wait and enjoy all of Epcot's wonderful eats until you have returned from your trip through space.
This mission to Mars allows travelers to either experience a version of the G-force that astronauts feel during exit and re-entry through the Orange Team experience, or a less intense encounter of the trip through the Green Team experience.
Wrapping up the focus attractions within this area of the park is Test Track-- the fastest of the Walt Disney World rides, reaching a peak speed of 64.9 mph. While in the queue prior to boarding the Test Track "SIM Car," stand-by and FastPass+ riders will engage in a detailed virtual car-designing session. (Single Rider passengers will have a less complex car designing option within their queue.)
Depending on the wait time for the ride, how long you spend perfecting your dream car, and the length of time you take looking at all the amazing cars on display once you exit the attraction, the entire Test Track experience can range from a quick ride to an in-depth, car enthusiast's dream.
On the opposite end of Future World, take time out of your day to ride Living with the Land and enjoy a gentle boat tour of some of Epcot's greenhouses within The Land Pavilion. In the same building, you can also find Soarin', a popular "hang gliding" trip over California.
Future World Food Spots
Of course Epcot is known for its wide selection of food options within World Showcase, but there are a couple spots worth a stop if you happen to get hungry while spending time in Future World.
Club Cool is the perfect place to cool off (haha) from the sun, and enjoy samples of non-alcoholic soft drinks from across the globe. Make sure to try "Beverly," from Italy. It's nothing like you've had before. (I recommend not chugging this one.)
Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion offers a wide variety of quick service meals other than the typical chicken tenders. Sweet-and-Sour Chicken with Jasmine Rice, Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry, and Oak-grilled Salmon are my three favorite lunch/dinner options, paired with the Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.
World Showcase Highlights
Mexico
Stepping inside, you're thrown into a bustling marketplace-- in my opinion, one of the most visually pleasing pavilions of the park with a lot to look at.
The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is one of the few attractions within the World Showcase, hidden in the back corner of the Mexico Pavilion. The ride passes along the San Angel Inn Restaurante-- a moderately priced restaurant which serves Mexican cuisine. If you're in the mood for dishes featuring steak, chicken or fish, reservations are definitely recommended for this exquisite dining spot.
Norway
Since the removal of the Norway attraction Maelstrom- A High Seas Norwegian Adventure, (it's no fun just calling it Maelstrom) Norway is one of the countries I recommend skipping over, unless you're a Frozen fanatic.
China
The main aspect of the China Pavilion is the stunning architecture. The beautiful archway and attention to detail across the entire section is breathtaking, otherwise, this isn't a "must-do" spot.
Germany
Caramel lovers, this one's for you. According to AllEars, Karamell-Küche is the only working kitchen in the world for the candy company Wethers. Goodbye, "If you can dream it, you can do it," and hello, "If you can dream it, it's made of caramel."
Italy
This Venice, Italy inspired pavilion is home to a couple shops and eateries, but in comparison to some of the other countries attractions, there isn't much to do here. Maybe grab a gelato?
The American Adventure
If you're in need of air conditioning and a place to sit, step inside the main pavilion and listen to the Voices of Liberty. This a cappella group is absolutely astounding and the closer you're seated to the center rotunda, the more captivating their voices will sound.
What would America be without funnel cakes? The Funnel Cakes kiosk outside of the pavilion should be the eighth wonder of the world. Add vanilla ice cream to your funnel cake and for $7.25 you have heaven on a plate.
(Yes, I promise that's vanilla ice cream and not a slab of butter.)
Japan
The Japan Pavilion is home to Masturiza-- a percussion troupe who's drums can be heard long before you reach the main pavilion. The synchronized drumming of this group is enough to leave any onlooker speechless.
However, my favorite part of the Japan Pavilion is looking through the room full of candy and snacks in the Mitsukoshi Department Store. The store itself is home to a large amount of merchandise, including the Pick a Pearl Counter, where guests can choose an oyster and have its pearl retrieved in front of their eyes. As exciting as that sounds, the back room is where the real magic happens. If you love Japanese candies, this is where you should go.
Morocco
Honestly, I don't believe I've ever stepped into any part of the Morocco Pavilion other than to meet and take pictures with Aladdin and Jasmine.
"A thousand apologies, Oh Patient One."
(I hope someone gets that Aladdin reference.)
France
Located in the back of the pavilion, Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a must do. (Well, must eat.) The Vichyssoise, bread bowl of potato and leek soup is cheap, filling, and beyond delicious, but the main event here are the desserts and pastries. The fruit and citrus tartes and Crème brûlée are my all-time favorite snacks in Epcot.
L'Artisan des Glaces serves some of the best ice cream and sorbet around the park. The 16 various flavors can also be turned into Artisan's Specials featuring waffle bowls or cappuccinos that are perfect for a hot day.
French acrobats Serveur Amusant, perform at the entrance to the pavilion roughly six times a day. Watching their 20 minute comedy and stunt show while enjoying your ice cream makes for a perfect day in France.
United Kingdom
The Tea Caddy is the only shop I have gone inside of at this pavilion, and it's a great place to buy, you guessed it, tea-- if you would like to buy tea while at Walt Disney World. (Which I have before. Don't judge me.)
Canada
Unless you like axe-throwing lumberjacks, there isn't much to see at the final pavilion around the circle of World Showcase.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Firework shells are all directly shot from various points throughout the World Showcase, resulting in this show being quite loud. The bridge connecting the United Kingdom and France Pavilion is great for a close-up view of the nighttime fireworks spectacular, while the Odyssey Pavilion, which connects Future World and the Mexico Pavilion, provides a view of the show from farther back.
Even though Epcot draws a notable amount of adult visitors for their abundance and variety of alcoholic beverages, the park still has a lot to offer when liquor is taken out of the picture. In the end, Walt Disney's view for Epcot was focused around the promise and hope of the future and human achievement, which is deeply expressed through all aspects of the park.
"To all who come to this place of joy, hope, and friendship, welcome."
