After we got married, we went to Disney World for 3 days. We did a hotel day after we checked in the first day, went to Magic Kingdom the second day, went to Epcot the third day and then checked out. Today's blog post is all about Epcot. I hadn't been to Disney World in 15 years, so I was so excited to go. To not make this blog post too long, I am just going to share where we stayed, what we ate, the rides we rode, etc. Instead of sharing alternatives like I usually do. I will link my previous Disney World Magic Kingdom Travel Guide here.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel juxtaposes modern architectural silhouettes alongside Renaissance flourishes. Most notably, the twin stylized dolphin statues gracing its rooftop. A tropical palette of aqua and coral, elaborate fountains, towering palm trees and grassy expanses render the hotel as idyllic as it is striking. There is a complimentary water taxi from the boat dock to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. You can also walk or take the bus. Boats depart every 15-20 minutes. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes. There was no free breakfast. There are 23 restaurants and lounges between the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels you can check out. They do charge you a resort fee of $45 every day you stay. This covers the beach, 5 pools and hot tubs they have and the swan paddle boats. Also, you have to pay for parking. Whether it is self for $36 or valet for $45. So be on the lookout for those hidden fees. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. This hotel has amazing views of the Epcot fireworks, and with so much to do, it is definitely worth the money to stay on Disney property while visiting Disney. We loved being able to hop on the bus to Magic Kingdom and taking the boat ride to Epcot.
This hotel was right next to our hotel. We loved walking around this adorable Atlantic City Coney Island-style boardwalk themed Inn. On our first night, we did some shopping and got some food here. We would love to stay at this hotel when we come back to Disney in the future. There is just so much to do with all of the fun carnival games, and it is so cute and aesthetically pleasing.
What To Ride
The Seas with Nemo & Friends- Board a “clamobile” and descend slowly below the waves, where Nemo’s friends' flit through brightly colored coral reefs and gently swaying anemones. Dodge stinging jellyfish, underwater mines, a toothy anglerfish and an even toothier Bruce the shark. Catch a ride on the righteous East Australian Current with Crush the sea turtle and his little dude, Squirt. But where’s Nemo? Just keep swimming til you find him!
Spaceship Earth- Witness the landmark moments of amazing innovation that made today’s spectacular communications technology possible. Travel back to the dawn of humanity, when early man painted on cave walls. Watch new ideas spread like wildfire with the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press. The wheels of time turn ever faster as we enter the modern age of media, from newspapers announcing the end of the Civil War to the televised broadcast of the moon landing and beyond. All of these great moments are brought vividly to life using elaborate sets and advanced Audio-Animatronics figures during this inspirational, 16-minute, Omnimover-style attraction.
Frozen Ever After- Find a seat aboard your boat and let the lapping waters take you through a frozen willow forest. Soon, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some “boulders” a.k.a. Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley before bracing for the cold. High up in the icy blue world of the North Mountain, Elsa’s enchanting ice palace awaits. Behold the wonder, and keep an eye out for Anna, Olaf and a few more Frozen friends.
Soarin' Around the World- Feel the thrill as you’re raised high in the air and swept from one scenic locale to the next. See the world’s wonders natural and manmade like you never have before. No mountain is too high. No landscape is too far. Your journey begins as the clouds part above the majestic Swiss Alps. Next, you’ll visit polar bears in icy Greenland, swoop past sailboats on Australia’s iconic Sydney Harbour and weave between elephants marching toward Mount Kilimanjaro. Glide above marvels like the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India. Cruise over Monument Valley, Fiji’s Lau Island and thundering Iguazu Falls in South America. Look down on the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles like a jewel in the night, surrounded by the lights of Paris. This ride is a must-see!
That was everything we rode at Epcot.
Where To Eat
Nine Dragons Restaurant- Savor contemporary Chinese cuisine amid ornate wood carvings, traditional lanterns and exquisite glass artwork. Greeted by a stunning glass etching of 2 dragons chasing a glowing pearl, diners can feast on such favorites as honey-sesame chicken, peppery shrimp and fried rice. Request a table by one of the windows for a sweeping view of the World Showcase Lagoon promenade. So delicious and the service was fabulous. Cannot recommend this Chinese restaurant enough.
India Booth- A special pop-up booth specifically for the Food & Wine Festival. My husband loved the chicken tikka masala with naan bread. He loved it He got me the mango lassi drink, and I loved it. The mango was so fresh and delicious.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie- Sample delectable treats and tempting delicacies at this traditional French bakery. From soups and salads to fresh baguette sandwiches and pastries. Wine, champagne, beer and gourmet coffees are also available. Bon appétit!
Where To Shop
Creations Shop- Creations Shop features a bold, sleek design that creates a perfect showcase for the rich variety of items you’ll find as part of your Epcot experience. It’s an open, bright and welcoming environment with huge glass walls that allow sunlight to pour in connecting you with the natural beauty outside. In its design, Disney Imagineers used color, materials and light in new ways, with some unique Epcot touches that connect back to the park’s storied past while looking to the future. As a character, Mickey is the symbol of creativity for the Walt Disney Company and stands as an ambassador of that idea within Creations Shop. You’ll discover homages to him throughout the space, including large, dynamic murals and new artist expressions that showcase the global, contemporary icon that Mickey has become for generations around the world.
Souvenirs de France- In my opinion, the cutest souvenirs in all of Epcot. Maybe because I have been to Paris, France?! They have T-shirts, cooking accessories, books, etc.
House of Good Fortune- Every time I go to Disney, I make it a tradition to get a new fan, so of course, I had to get one this time. The fans are always so beautiful and elegant. I love this one I picked out; it is perfect with the hint of yellow. I got my name, "Chey" written on it in Chinese too. They have lots of other Chinese souvenirs as well.
My Top 5 Countries
After going to all of the countries, I am going to list my top 5 you have to go to!
France
Morocco
China, Mexico & Japan
All of the countries are great, but these are my absolute favorites.
That is the last of my Disney World Travel Guides. I hope I can go back and check out Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios very soon. No matter how often or little you go to Disney World, it always feels exhilarating with so much to see and do. Being that I haven't been in 15 years, it felt so amazing and exciting to be back in the parks. I already cannot wait to go back. There is just something so magical about it. I'm sure you can agree. I will always love Disney World no matter how old I get. Stay tuned for my St. Augustine, Florida Travel Guide coming very soon.
Xoxo,
Chey
Comments