EPCOT Center (Orlando)

EPCOT*is often referred to as the “permanent world’s fair.”  It is set up in an hourglass shape and features two main areas: Future World and the World Showcase.

“Future World” is chock full of amazing attractions that celebrate the cutting edge of technology (check out the Test Track, Soarin’, Mission: Space, Imagination and the Universe of Energy to name a few).  The “World Showcase” celebrates international cultures and customs.

Mission: Space puts you in astronaut training in a surprisingly realistic flight to Mars.  It is the result of a 5-year relationship with NASA and takes you on an adventure like no other.

Test Track takes you on an automobile test ride, from suspension tests to temperature tests to a final 65 mph speed test while banking on a figure 8 track.

My one complaint about Epcot is that, especially in Future World, there is a LOT of concrete and very little foliage; this makes for a VERY HOT experience as the central Florida heat bounces off the sidewalks and then hangs and collects above them (ready proof that eliminating the world’s trees is a VERY bad idea).  However, if you look past this one potential flaw, Epcot is an enriching and exciting experience – one that everyone should enjoy.

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In the World Showcase, you’ll find pavilions full of shops, attractions and restaurants that represent the culture and cuisine of these 11 countries:
Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
Italy
United States
Japan
Morocco
France
United Kingdom
Canada

*EPCOT stands for “Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”