Epcot – Live Eat Colour

Epcot was perhaps the Disney park I was least excited about visiting, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. After the Magic Kingdom, Epcot comes in second as my favourite park. I love the fusion of human achievement, technology, nature and unique world cultures. The Future World beautifully demonstrated how far we have come, yet instilled an appreciation for nature, plant foods and the sea. World Showcase on the other hand, beautifully depicts a host of cultures completely true to their form. The architecture, the food and the people all come together to give you an authentic experience, that you almost forget you are in an American Disney park.

My favourite attractions in the Future World was the informative boat ride, Living the Land and the spectacular journey on the ride, Soarin’. My favourite experiences in World Showcase was the delicious meals I had in Italy and Mexico and the window shopping I did in each ‘country’. I would go back just to wander around and sample all different cuisines. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a Fastpass for Frozen Ever After and the wait was just too long to do with a toddler. We did get to meet Anna and Elsa however, which was really nice. Elsa was a bit cold but Anna was really lovely, warm and friendly.

For morning tea we bought a few Swedish sweet treats from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. We tried the Lefse (Potato Flatbread rolled with a Sweet Cinnamon Butter) and Sweet Pretzel with Almonds. They were nice, but if I had more time I would have journeyed all the way to France for some pastries. Unfortunately, I had limited time to run there and back since we spent the morning in Future World.

For lunch, we went to Via Napoli. The food was so delicious and authentic. We just ordered a few simple dishes but they were executed perfectly. Later we had dinner in Mexico at La Hacienda de San Angel. Again the food was amazing and perfectly authentic. Both of these restaurants were highly recommended and I’m so happy we got to try them, rather than having counter food.

So here is our day in Epcot in pictures. You can click on the photos for a closer look. If you’re planning a trip to the park check out my Epcot Guide and my Tips for Florida Disney Parks.

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My love to Disney was invigorated with my recently trip to the Disney Parks in Florida. It truly is the happiest place on earth, well at least my happiest place. The characters, the rides, shopping, food, it was all amazing and went above and beyond my expectations.

I did a lot of planning before we visited the Disney parks. I’m so happy that I did take this time since I didn’t do this when I visited Disney Sea in Tokyo. Besides the language barrier, we were very confused seeing people go ahead of the line, didn’t get good positions for performances and waited so long for a table in a restaurant. We also lined up for 2.5 hours for a ride that we weren’t really sure was a ride.

So if you’re planning a trip here are some of my tips. Do as much research as you can to maximize your time and less stress on the day. If your budget allows I really recommend the Disney restaurants. Each is really unique and I enjoyed the food at most of the restaurants. Some of which were the best food memories from our entire trip. We also had some bonus Character time we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

For Guides to each Theme Park view links at bottom of this post

Before you get there:

Do you ride and restaurant research
- Demand will be high for the best and you don’t want to be waiting all day
- Age and Height requirements
- Make a list for recommended and time permitting
Consider staying at a Disney Resort
- Extra ‘magic time’ means arriving and leaving before crowds
- Easier commute to hotel
- May save you money in car hire and tipping hotel bus driver
- Hotel’s that offer free trip to Park may do many stops before arriving
- You receive a ‘MagicBand‘
Book-in everything as soon as you buy your tickets ei. FastPasses, Restaurants
Fastpass for busiest rides
- Eg.The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had no FastPass available closer to visit and was 70 min+ wait times
- Book in three FastPasses as early and close together as possible
- You can’t book another until you have used all three passes first
Research most recommended rides and Average wait times
Restaurants are not a must, but nice to get away from crowds (aircon), experience themes, cuisines and try the best food Disney has to offer
- Some Restaurants have 6-month wait ei. Cinderella’s Table
- Booking times should be adequately spaced between meals times
- Consider a meal plan, might save you money
- Look at menus and consider your budget
- Look up Restaurant ratings
- Beware of cancellation policies for each restaurant
Keep checking your Disney account to alter FastPass and bookings as new times become available.
Bring a pram with shade cloth
- Disney hire prams are made of plastic = hot
Allow two days for the Magic Kingdom and one day for each of other Parks
Get to know the map, long walk between areas
Factor in Live Shows, Parades and Night performance in your schedule
Download My Disney Experience app on your Smartphone
- Easily view and alter Fast Passes and Restaurant bookings
- View wait times

When you arrive:

Get up early to get in quicker and get on as many rides
Be aware once you arrive to drop off you will still need to take a Disney boat, tram or tourist road train to the Disney parks = Get up early
Bring a pen and get your map
Go directly to FastPass or best rides if wait times are minimal this early
Don’t get too caught up in taking photos when you arrive, you will have plenty of time
As you are using your FastPasses, see if you can alter for early times
As soon as all FastPasses are used book next pass
Visit Characters when wait times are low or you have space before next FastPass
- May need to prioritise on a busy day
Restaurants may still require waiting even with your booking
Each shop will have items that aren’t anywhere else
- Most character items available at World of Disney (Disney Springs)
- Convenience stores near parks will have old Disney merchandise for much lower price eg. T-shirts, keyrings
You can’t see it all, but then you just might if you plan well!