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Category Archives: Around The ‘Disney’ World
Around the “Disney” World – Japan Pavilion at Epcot
Japan at Epcot World Showcase. © Disney.
Being a person who loves to snack her way around Walt Disney World, soaking up the atmosphere and entertainment, Epcot’s World Showcase is one of my favorite Disney places to relax.
And although I’d be hard-pressed to name just one favorite of the 11 pavilions that make up the World Showcase, I will make a claim that I’m very fond of Japan, one of the original planned pavilions. From the serene beauty of its koi ponds and bonsai displays, part of the land’s extensive incorporation of nature, to the graceful lines of its Goju-no-to pagoda and “White Heron Castle,” I find Japan to be a restful place to enjoy a little down time while Epcot.
That’s not to suggest there isn’t much to see and do in the Japan pavilion. Because I’m a Disney snackie, I like to pick up some Kaki Gori – flavored, shaved ice – and watch either Matsuriza, the traditional Taiko drummers, or Miyuki, the candy artist. Both offer mesmerizing performances.
Miyuki, candy artist, at Epcot's Japan pavilion.
I’m particularly fond of Miyuki, whose candy sculptures of animals made before my eyes seem like a little bit of Disney magic all of its own. Or maybe it’s because her candy whets my appetite for a visit inside Mitsukoshi Department Store to select some of my favorite Epcot candies: Botan Rice Candy, Pocky and Meiji Panky Chocolate.
If you’re a shopper, the store’s 10,000 square feet will strike you as a bit of air-conditioned heaven. In addition to the shelf upon shelf of candy, Mitsukoshi sells a wide range of merchandise: pop-culture apparel and kimonos, pick-a-pearl jewelry and shoes, artwork and anime merchandise, housewares and toys, ivory and jade.
Sake Bar at Mitsokoshi Department Store, Japan, Epcot's World Showcase.
And Mitsukoshi is also home to one of my highly recommended “Drink Around the World Showcase” stops, the sake bar. Japan’s sake bar is located in one of the store’s quiet nooks. There, you can enjoy a sip or a sampler, getting an education in the rice-wine along the way and then purchase a bottle (or two) for later consumption.
After I have my sample of sake, I like to visit the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. The displays change on occasion, and even when I make visit Walt Disney World often enough the same exhibit is showing I still run across something new or missed the last time.
The gallery is also the site of Japan’s Kidcot Fun Stop, a fun activity for children. And guests of all ages can participate in a Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Japan.
If I’m craving a more substantial meal than Kaki Gori and Pocky, I can make a quick stop at Yakitori House, which offers a lovely casual stop in keeping with the overall theming of the pavilion.
I do confess, though, that I much prefer the dining experience at Japan’s table-service restaurants, the contemporary Tokyo Dining, for a terrific sushi bar, and Teppan Edo, for some entertaining tableside cooking. These restaurants are pricier options than Yakitori house, but the quality of the dishes and ambiance make dining at either spot worthwhile.
Before I leave the Japan pavilion for either the American Adventure or Morocco, I take the time to stop and admire the Torii gates and view of World Showcase Lagoon. Like the China pavilion as a whole, this spot presents Epcot at its photogenic best.
Around the “Disney” World – China Pavilion
China is one of the pavilions located over at Epcot, in the World Showcase. Located between Norway and Germany, China is home to Reflections of China, one of the Circle-Vision 360 shows that you will find at Epcot. Reflections of China is one of the movies that I like to see, as it gives me a picture of China that you don’t often see very often. That, in a nutshell, is what makes Epcot’s World Showcase such a great place to visit — for most of us, we aren’t going to be able to travel to China, or Japan, or Morocco, or even the UK, so being able to come to Epcot gives us some ideas on what life is like in those parts of the world. But I digress.
In addition to Reflections of China, the China Pavilion is also home to two dining locations: the Nine Dragons Restaurant and the Lotus Blossom Cafe. While I have heard mixed reviews about the Lotus Blossom Cafe, my friend Melissa found some reasons to check out Lotus Blossom over Nine Dragons. If you have eaten at either of these locations, please feel free to comment and let us know what you thought of them.
For our family, China is a quick getaway — a place to relax, take in a movie, but not spend a whole lot of time at. For those that love exploring every detail of the World Showcase, China has some wonderful art pieces to examine. Explore the Temple of Heaven before seeing the movie. Reflect a dreamy Disney day at the reflecting pool. Do some shopping at the House of Good Fortune, or just take a break from all of the hustle and bustle of a busy Epcot day. There is something for everyone at the China Pavilion.
Related articles
- Around the “Disney” World – Mexico Pavilion (chipandco.com)
- Drink Around the World Showcase – China and the Joy of Tea (chipandco.com)
- Exploring the Shows: Epcot (mydreamsofdisney.com)
Around the “Disney” World – Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion
Photo by Danny Cox
When circling the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, there comes a moment when the fife and drum begin to fill your ears and things start to take a turn back in time some two centuries. Buildings are colonial looking. An old school atmosphere is everywhere you look. Flags blow in the wind as the stripes and different numbers of stars adorn them around the American Adventure pavilion.
The American Adventure sits between between Italy and Japan. There is one main attraction with three restaurants (so to speak), and one merchandise location.
At the focal point of the pavilion is the American Adventure show itself. It is a 29-minute attraction that mixes music, movie, and audio-animatronics to take guests on a trip through the beginning of the nation up until present day. It is a fantastic journey through time with your hosts Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain as the United States grows and prospers from day one and looks forward to the future.
One of the most memorable things that you’ll take away from the attraction though is the song “Golden Dream” which showcases the finale and will most likely be in your head for the rest of the day and years to come. It is a song that signifies true patriotism for the U.S.A. and is actually one I listen to many times every 4th of July. Prepare for the goosebumps as images of some of America’s greatest figures flash across the screen and the words “Flying high…flying High!” echo in your ears.
Looking for something to eat? Well, there isn’t much variety but there are three locations to eat in all-out American style. The first is Liberty Inn which is a Disney quick-service location featuring burgers, hot dogs, salads, chicken tenders, and the like. Common fare for the Disney QSRs.
Outside is a stand called the…wait for it…Fife & Drum that also has hot dogs but serves smoothies and the traditional Disney turkey legs as well.
Photo by Danny Cox
Perhaps my favorite is a very small location as you’re about to leave the American pavilion area and get into Japan territory. It is the Funnel Cake Stand and it serves literally some of the best good around even if there virtually only is one selection. Get one and just let the taste do the full explanation.
As far as shopping goes, some may consider Heritage Manor Gifts to be disappointing due to its severe lack of size and limited merchandise. Then again though, you are actually in America as a whole so it doesn’t truly surprise me that Disney used little space for merchandise here.
While in the American pavilion though, keep an eye out for shows and performances that can go on at the America Gardens Theatre which sits right on the water. Numerous musical acts, readings, and great holiday celebrations happen on the stage throughout the year so make sure to pick up a time guide so that you’re up to date on all the happenings. One of my favorites is when celebrities do a Christmas narration during the holiday season.
Oh, there is one other thing that must be checked out when spending time in America (at Epcot). Yes, the Fife and Drum Corps that does sporadic shows during the day is awesome and you’ve got to witness the playing of the National Anthem, but there is one big time sight to see and hear while in America and that is the Voices of Liberty.
Perhaps some of the most beautiful and moving songs in American history and you can hear every single one of them sung a capella. Believe me that when they hit that first note, you’ll want to find your way near them even if you aren’t even close. They can usually be found performing throughout the day before viewings of the American Adventure show.
There’s no mistaking the awesome patriotism shown forth throughout the entire American Adventure pavilion and it must be seen, heard, and felt to truly be believed. Experience a culture that takes you back in time instead of letting you just see all that it has become today. So spread your golden wings, sail on freedom’s wind, and experience the American Adventure that “will last a long…long time.”
Around The ‘Disney’ World – Epcot’s Future World (West)
The west side of 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 (Toy Story Midway Mania being the other) e-ticket 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 educatiuonal 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.
That pretty much covers the west side of Future World where you will find plenty of opportunity for enjoyment and quality family time. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
Photo By Disney
Around The ‘Disney’ World – Epcot’s Future World (East)
Epcot’s Future World may not be “officially” divided into east and west on Disney maps but the area does lend itself quite well to that type of separation. The east portion contains primarily the “biggie” attractions as well as a few other very entertaining items. As you enter Future World through the no longer active Leave A Legacy area you are greeted by the park icon, Spaceship Earth. This is not just an icon but also a very entertaining and educational foray into the world of communication throughout history. During a recent refurbishment the entire attraction was upgraded and some real “whiz bang” technology was added to entertain the electronically savvy younger folks. It always has been and continues to be a fun and relaxing attraction.
Also in the east portion is one of the Innoventions pavilions. Designed to be both educational and entertaining, Innoventions East focuses on technology, test labs, video e-mail etc. It is also the sign up point for the Kim Possible adventure. Another charming diversion is The Universe of Energy (Ellen’s Energy Adventure) which studies and entertains while exploring the history of energy. Large animatronic dinosaurs and booming sound effects make this one fun but just maybe a bit too much for younger kids.
There are two of Walt Disney World’s biggest e-ticket attractions in Future World east. Mission Space opened in 2003 and has been drawing crowds (and turning quite a few stomachs) since then. This ride is so intense that Disney was forced to introduce a much tamer version a year or so later. The “Orange” version is the full deal including spinning the ride vehicle on a ferris wheel/gyroscope type mechanism. If you are in any way prone to motion issues, avoid the Orange Version. The “Green” version is the exact same experience but without the spinning, it’s much easier on the stomach.
The other “biggie” on the east side is Test Track, one of my personal favorites. Both educational (but not overly so) and exciting, it is the fastest ride on property. This attraction takes you through many of the tests that new vehicles are put through to judge their performance and ends with a hair raising 60+ mph spin around the track on the outside of the building. FUN! FUN! FUN! For those users of Disney’s Photopass, as you exit the attraction make sure you look for the Photopass area where you can insert your card and have the on ride photo added to your collection – free of charge!!
One thing lacking on the east side of Future World are dining establishments. There is really only one, the Electric Umbrella. Pretty good basic food with available options for those of you who prefer to eat healthier fare. There are a couple of places to sit down and eat here; upstairs, on the main floor (kinda’ noisy), or outside. Good food and reasonable prices, for Disney, make this a pretty good option.
We spend a decent bit of time on the east side of future world primarily because of the e-ticket attractions. I know you’ll enjoy it but please heed the Mission Space Orange caution I mentioned above. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
Photo By Disney