Attraction Type: Theme ride
Located in the Imagination! Pavilion, this is an older ride designed to appeal to the very youngest kids. The attraction explores our human senses and how they play a role in our imagination and creativity.
Although this ride is slow and designed for very young children, it has several areas with loud noises and dark spaces that may spook more skittish children. This attraction may be boring for adults, but let’s be honest, you mostly came here for the kids, didn’t you?
ImageWorks—The Kodak What If Labs
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
Located in the Imagination! Pavilion, these labs, feature hands-on computer stations that let kids explore through some of the fun that the world of cameras can provide, including image manipulation, color effects, and other imaging technologies.
While the postride activities at newer rides are a bit more advanced, these should still captivate younger children and give you a nice place to gather yourselves up before venturing back out into the summer heat.
Soarin’
Attraction Type: Thrill ride
The Land Pavilion is packed with attractions (three total) as well as a great counter-service dining area. This new attraction is a ride copied from Disneyland in California.
Climb aboard a hang glider that takes you soaring over the vastly different geographic regions of the state of California. The ride swings up so that your toes are dangling in front of a gigantic panoramic screen that curves around you as far as you can see.
Other effects are used to make the trip seem even more real, so much that you can smell the oranges in the groves and feel the mountain lake’s water sprinkling your face.
This is an amazing Must Do! ride, one not to be missed. It can be a bit intimidating to someone severely afraid of heights, but after that, the height restriction is just because of the seat harnesses, not because of any ride turns or excessive speeds. Also, the line area has been redone to include a lot of enjoyable interactive elements that make it almost an attraction unto itself. Guests must be 40 inches or taller to enjoy this attraction.
Living with the Land
Attraction Type: Theme ride
This ride is located in The Land Pavilion. Hop aboard a slow-moving boat that takes you through the different labs in the back of The Land Pavilion. These labs are raising foods in innovative new ways that conserve energy, natural resources, and space. There are tanks of fish, hydroponic plants, and exhibits of how to grow food in space. The foods raised here are used in the Garden Grill Restaurant upstairs.
Sounds dull, but I’ve seen kids of all ages enjoy this ride, and I think it’s a great attraction for everyone. Seeing plants growing without any soil, as well as their attempts to grow squash in the shape of Mickey ears, is pretty neat.
If you have a 4-H or FFA kid in your group, this is an absolutely necessary stop for your group!
The Circle of Life
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
Located in The Land Pavilion, this theater, featuring the cast from The Lion King, shows nature’s circle of life and how things we do can threaten that circle. This isn’t a bad movie, and it’s a great show for a child who is a big Lion King fan. It’s not too preachy, and it’s a good diversion.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
I list the pavilion itself as an attraction, as the giant aquarium that is the centerpiece of the pavilion is a sight to be seen. Where some other pavilions simply hold a ride, this one has displays, diversions, and the huge tank itself. The variety of sea life is amazing, and the views are breathtaking, as this donut-shaped tank ensures that you are always near some marine life. Rays, a shark, giant grouper, and even the scuba divers make it an interesting view. This, paired with the sea-life exhibits around the pavilion, make it a fun experience.
HIDDEN MAGIC!
Are you a scuba diver?Then why not dive in the tank at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion? You can make reservations for DiveQuest (scuba dive in the tank) by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687). I’ve done it, and it was the single best dive experience I’ve ever had!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Attraction Type: Theme ride
Located in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, this attraction revives the old attraction that used to be located here with a new theme from the popular movie. The line area alone is great, as you become aware that you are underwater, complete with the bottom of a fishing boat peeking out from the ceiling. From there you board a clamshell car that takes you on a trip through the ocean, retelling the story of Nemo, Dory, and Marlin. Many of the effects along the way are visually stunning, if not on one occasion a bit scary for little children. But the ride is meant for them, and I think the scary part is short and not too bad.
During the climax of the ride, you pass by the real aquarium and can see the characters from the Nemo movie swimming inside. I won’t say how they do it, but it’s pretty cool.
Turtle Talk with Crush
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
Also in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, this attraction showcases one of the newest storytelling technologies developed by Disney. The technology behind this small theater show has already been used at a Magic Kingdom show and will probably be used in several other places.
As you enter the small theater, you will find a carpeted area up front for kids and some bench seating for the parents in the back. This is all facing what looks like a cartoon re-creation of the windows that look into the aquarium tanks elsewhere in the pavilion.
Crush, the Aussie turtle from the Nemo movie, arrives on scene and starts a conversation with the children at the front of the room. I mean, he literally talks to them and responds to their questions. The cartoon technology is pretty impressive, and it really helps the characters come to life.
I think this is a Must Do! attraction, not for the new technology but because it’s fun for the kids—and even the adults—to interact with Crush.
Turtle Talk with Crush is inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, Finding Nemo. Photo © Disney/Pixar.
World Showcase Pavilions
The World Showcase is a series of 11 international pavilions that encircle a lagoon with a broad walkway going all around. These different lands offer a visually breathtaking tour into their respective countries, with meticulously accurate buildings, temples, and courtyards from around the world. A stroll around the lagoon, taking in all the sights, is an attraction unto itself. While there are some rides and movies that tell more about these nations, the real experience is in the restaurants, the shops, and the architecture.
HIDDEN MAGIC!
Where are the top choice dining destinations?
• Character Meal: Restaurant Akershus
• Table-Service Meal: Le Cellier
• Counter-Service Meal: Tangierine Cafe
• Honorable Mention: Counter service at Sunshine Season Food Fair
• NEW STARS!: Hacienda de San Angel Inn in Mexico, including fireworks viewing areas, and Via Napoli, for the best pizza in all of Walt Disney World!
The pavilions are a combination of both outdoor street scenes from the different cultures and shops and other indoor venues. Most have an art or cultural display that changes regularly and, unfortunately, is often ignored by the guests. Some of the displays are worth your time, so don’t run by them just because they seem like “education” on a vacation. And if you can interact with the cast members, most of whom come from the actual countries, do so. They are enthusiastic ambassadors and can make your experience more interesting, informative, and fun. The pavilions are listed in clockwise order, starting on your left as you enter the World Showcase from Future World.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you want to take a breather, you can cross the lagoon via boat and save some shoe leather. The four-and-a-half-minute
trip connects the Showcase Plaza area, where Future World and the World Showcase meet, to points in front of either the Morocco Pavilion or the Germany Pavilion.
I don’t rate the pavilions themselves, as they’re not attractions as much as exploration areas where stores, restaurants, and some attractions reside. You can judge for yourself whether they’re something worth visiting, but for any group that would like a little taste of some different cultures, this should be considered a mandatory visit.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Attraction Type: Parade/fireworks
Before we get into the different national pavilions, let’s talk about the best attraction in the entire World Showcase. Anchored in the center of the lagoon is a globe that comes to life as the show starts.
Miniature TV screens project scenes from around the world. From there, the synchronized music, fireworks, lasers, water fountains, and roaring fires make for a stunning visual experience. Lighting on the pavilions themselves is even integrated in what I consider to be the single best fireworks show in all of Walt Disney World. Assuming that you can stay up late enough for the show, this is a definite Must Do! Showings are usually around 9 P.M., but check at your hotel or as you enter the park to be certain.
KidCot Fun Stops
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
Throughout the park, including a few locations within the Future World side, are craft discovery areas. Each World Showcase pavilion has one as well, where cast members from the different countries help kids work on simple craft projects. These brief stops allow children to relax a bit, interact with the cast members, and create a free keepsake from each country. Cast members will write notes in a foreign language, as well as give passport stamps that make it a truly special experience. Think of it as a passport stop in each country for your kids.
DISNEY DON’T
Why buy a passport for the KidCot Fun stops when you probably already have an autograph book handy? Use that, save some money, and keep all the kid’s memories in one spot!
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
Disney has really raised the bar across all the parks in moving their entertainment for kids from “watch this” shows to “be a part of this” activities. Matching the needs of more tech-savvy kids of today, this new adventure is designed off their popular cartoon character, kid-spy Kim Possible. Kids pick up interactive devices (known as Kimmunicators) at Adventure Kiosks, and as they go around the Epcot World Showcase they get clues on how to vanquish bad guys from around the globe. Seven of the eleven national pavilions have related activities, though more are likely to participate as this newer (started in 2009) adventure grows.
Don’t worry if you have never seen the cartoon before. It is not necessary. However, if you have some hearing impairment, you will find that hearing the phone speaker in a crowded park can be difficult.
Mexico Pavilion
The pyramid that is the centerpiece of the Mexico Pavilion is tucked into lush undergrowth, making you feel as though you came upon it while walking through the jungle. Just inside the pyramid you will find displays of native arts from around Mexico’s different regions. Past that, but still inside the pyramid, you enter a courtyard that is permanently set in the evening. In that courtyard are carts selling Mexican crafts, a Tequila bar, the San Angel Inn Restaurant, and the entrance to the Gran Fiesta Tour ride.
Outside is a newly refurbished counter-service restaurant (La Cantina de San Angel), and a new table-service restaurant (La Hacienda de San Angel) with great fireworks views.
Gran Fiesta Tour
Attraction Type: Theme ride
Located in the Mexico Pavilion, this brief boat ride walks you through the history, peoples, and culture of Mexico, as the Three Caballeros (Donald Duck and friends) make their way through the countryside. It’s not that great of a ride, but the Dia de los Muertes holiday scenes are interesting, and the recent refurbishment that added in the Disney characters make it a bit more watchable.
Norway Pavilion
The Norway Pavilion provides a striking array of visual sights that offer a window into the Scandinavian nation. There is a replica of a stave church with small displays inside, a Nordic castle, and a 10-foot-tall wooden gnome that’s a great photo opportunity for kids.
Probably the greatest draw here, though, is the restaurant. Hosting character meals with a bevy of Princesses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (see Chapter 14), Restaurant Akershus is fast becoming one of the hottest meal reservations in all of Walt Disney World. If you’re looking for a smaller bite to eat, try the treats at the bakery by the stave church. They’re good, and the shopping in the store is really great, too, though a bit on the expensive side.
Maelstrom
Attraction Type: Theme ride
Located in the Norway Pavilion, this boat ride and movie appears to have been created by the Norwegian Tourism Bureau, and it ends up feeling like a long advertisement. The ride provides a panoramic view of this beautiful nation. There’s a very brief, very mild thrill moment, and some children may find it scary.
China Pavilion
The most interesting part of the China Pavilion is the perfect recreation of a famous round temple, as well as the entertainers who perform on the grounds directly in front. There’s also a large store inside the pavilion, with a broad variety of goods for sale ranging from the very affordable to the very expensive.
Check on times for the entertainment here, and try to swing by during one of the performances after taking in the sights of the pavilion.
The temple in the China Pavilion. Photo © Disney.
Reflections of China
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
Located in the China Pavilion, the 360-degree theater provides stunningly beautiful and sweeping views of this vast country that is still a mystery to most. The pictures of the Forbidden City as well as the Great Wall of China are amazing and could well be worth the visit. Of the three pavilions with 360-degree movies (China, France, and Canada), this is my favorite. The film runs for 14 minutes.
Germany Pavilion
No ride—just shopping, beer, and food. Don’t get me wrong; that’s a pretty good lineup! This is a great place for dinner if you have a group that wants to have fun, especially at their Oktoberfest-like restaurant complete with a band. This is a dinner reservation that an all-adult group looking for a good, loud time should make. The stores also have a great range of products of interest, even though they’re not as big as the ones in China and Japan. A new caramel shop should be considered a required stop for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Italy Pavilion
Again, no ride. This time, however, the shopping is a bit more high end, and the restaurants are improving, with a new general Italian table-service restaurant (Tutto Italia) and the best pizza on property (Via Napoli). While the courtyard in back has some interesting entertainment, this pavilion is a bit less lively than others. The most interesting part of this pavilion is the architecture, making it one of the faster stops for most visiting the World Showcase.
U.S.A. Pavilion
The U.S.A. Pavilion serves as an anchor for the entire World Showcase. But because the real America is just outside the gates, it’s not as much of a showcase of landmarks as the other pavilions are for their respective nations.
This pavilion has a few different features. First is the American Gardens Theater, an open-air theater nestled by the lagoon. It’s regularly used for concerts, special events, exhibitions, and other activities. These are often related to special events being held in Epcot, such as the Food and Wine Festival.
In the main building is a small souvenir store, a courtyard for KidCot and other activities, and a counter-service restaurant. But the premier attraction here is The American Adventure show.
The American Adventure
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
Located in the U.S.A. Pavilion,
this 30-minute theater show is live, but the actors are not. The audio-animatronic cast walks us quickly through the history of the United States, with Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain as hosts. The different scenes recount major events such as the Civil War and the Great Depression. It also recounts the struggles and actions of important figures in history, including suffragette Susan B. Anthony and inventor Thomas Edison.
The figures are realistic, and the show is moving without being sappy. I think of it as a Must Do! because it’s a good show and there are few other attractions in the World Showcase. While it uses the same general technology as the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom, this show is far more captivating and entertaining.
Japan Pavilion
This pavilion captures the architecture and spirit of Japan but is mostly about the eating and the shopping. With no real ride involved, the Japan Pavilion usually offers an interesting display or art exhibit. But the real fun is in the stores, which are managed by a leading Japanese retailer. Complete with bonsai trees, clothing, sake, toys, and even some interesting seafood snacks, the store is really a neat glimpse into modern Japan and a good source for some truly unique gifts.
The street entertainment out front is best of breed when it comes to genuine cultural art from the host nation. The Taiko Drummers are full of energy and are fun to watch. A candy maker has been spotted as well who is surprisingly entertaining, for kids and adults.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2012 Edition Page 24
