On October 1st, Epcot celebrates it’s 35th Anniversary. With 11 countries making up the World Showcase and all of the fun-filled rides and exhibitions at Future World, Epcot has long been one of our favorite places to spend our time while at Walt Disney World. To pay homage to one of our favorite theme parks, here’s our list of 35 things worth celebrating as Epcot turns 35.
1. Spaceship Earth – If you can read this, thank the Phoenicians and Spaceship earth for giving a fun-filled lesson about the history of language housed in Epcot’s iconic globe.
2. Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie – The perfect pit stop for a delectable array of french light bites and pastries. Our favorites are the ham and cheese croissant and of course the Macarons.
3. Epcot International Festival of the Arts – This celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts will be back for another season from January 12 – February 19, 2018.
4. Mouse Gear – Disney has a lot of gift shops but this Future World store has to be one of our favorites for it sheer size and scale as well as the eclectic range of items on offer.
5. Soarin’ – Easily one of the best rides in all of Walt Disney World, this hang-gliding simulation allows you to soar like the birds over some of the world’s most breathtaking landmarks.
6. Friendship Boats – Nothing makes a Disney morning more magical than hopping the boat from your Epcot resort to the International Gateway entrance of the park.
7. Club Cool – The perfect place for guests looking to cool off. Here visitors can sample soft drinks from around the world. Trust us, beware the Beverly.
8. Splash Pads – Sometimes the most magical moments at Disney are the ones you least expect and if you’re traveling with tiny tots, splashing around in these bubbling fountains is likely to be a big draw. So stop rushing around, take some time out of the heat and let them splash! But don’t forget a change of clothes.
9. Sunshine Seasons – One of our favorite Quick Service location in all of Disney. This eatery is spacious, has a wide range of menu items and features local ingredients sourced from Disney’s Living with the Land greenhouses.
10. Baymax Meet and Greet – If you love Big Hero 6 as much as we do then you won’t want to miss you chance to pose for photos and get a fluffy cuddle from Baymax himself.
11. Laila Perfume from Norway – If there’s one World Showcase souvenir we can’t stop raving about its the Laila perfume that you’ll find at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. Not only do we get compliments every time we step out of the house wearing this delightful blend of Norwegian wildflowers but its the perfect reminder of your Epcot days.
12. Figment -Many Epcot rides and exhibitions have come and gone but a true testament to Figments likability is that he seems as much a part of Epcot today as he was 30 years ago!
13. Festival of the Holidays – Each year, the World Showcase transforms into a Winter Wonderland where guests can enjoy special treats, concerts and learn how Christmas is celebrated around the world. The events here have become so popular that Disney has given the festivities an “official” Festival title.
14. Garden Grill – Easily one of the most underrated character dining experiences at Disney. Enjoy down home cooking served family style at your table while the restaurant gently rotates. You’ll also get to meet some of your favorite Disney friends including Mickey Mouse and Chip and Dale.
15. The Tea Caddy – So delightfully British, head to the UK pavilion and look for this quaint country shop where you’ll find an exquisite array of English Teas and other British specialities.
16. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Currently running until November 13, 2017, guests won’t want to miss the culinary event of the year with a global marketplace featuring amazing dishes from around the world, seminars, workshops, tasting events and special dining experiences.
17. 35th Anniversary Merchandise – We’ve always loved the Epcot-specific merchandise you’ll find in the park and to ring in Epcot’s birthday, Disney has come up with a line that is wonderfully retro. Check it out here and be sure to pick up what are sure to be collector’s items if you’re there for the anniversary celebration
18. American Adventure – Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain take you through key moments in American history in this patriotic and educational show featuring pretty impressive animatronics.
19. Living with the Land – This ride found in The Land pavilion impresses us every time. Take a journey through the amazing greenhouses found onsite at Epcot and be wowed by the impressive array of vegetation and cultivation techniques.
20. Frozen Ever After – Whether you love or loathe the fact that Frozen has taken over the Norway pavilion, you have to admit the ride featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf is pretty darn fun.
21. Pick and Pearl – Located at the Mistukosi Department Store at the Japan Pavilion, this kiosk is perfect for those looking for a unique souvenir. Guests pay for an oyster and when your hand-selected pearl is unveiled you can choose from a wide range of beautiful casings to make it a one-of-a-kind addition to your jewelry collection.
23. Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure- Looking for a way to make strolling the World Showcase super fun for tiny travelers? This terrific interactive scavenger hunt featuring your favorite characters from Phineas and Ferb is definitely the way to go. There are several missions each of which will take you to a different country in the World Showcase. You can sign up at the Agent P kiosk as you make your way across the bridge from Future World to World Showcase.
24. La Cava del Tequila – Nestled away inside of Epcot’s Mexican Pavilion, this place is a treasure trove for tequila lovers or those who have opted to drink their way around the “World”. You’ll find amazing tequila flights, fantastic margarita flavors and the sort of ambiance that makes you want to stay for a drink or two. Be sure to check out their website for the latest happenings.
25. Joy and Sadness Meet & Greet – If you love Inside Out as much as we do then you won’t want to miss your chance to capture a photo with Joy and Sadness during your next Epcot visit. You’ll find them at the Epcot Character Spot along with Baymax.
26. Spice Road Table – The perfect exotic location for those looking to try authentic Moroccan cuisine while taking in the beautiful nighttime views of IllumiNations. So opt for both a dining time that coincides with the evening fireworks display and order some sharing plates for your family. Its a wonderful ending to your Epcot day.
27. Kaki-gori – This has to be one of our favorite Epcot treats which you’ll find at the Japan Pavilion. The snack features a heaping mound of shaved ice which is doused with your favorite flavor (strawberry, cherry, melon, tangerine or rainbow) before being covered with a sweet condensed milk topping. Trust us. Its wonderful!
28. Epcot Character Training- Just outside the World Showplace has been known as a bit of training ground for cast members to learning to get into character. This means that if you lurk around this area long enough you might be surprised by the Disney characters that turn up. to say “Hello.” Its the perfect spot for those visitors for whom meeting a lot of Disney characters is a top priority. Find out more here.
29. Karamell Küche – Its hard to walk by this Germany pavilion shop without being lured inside by the smell of freshly made caramel corn. For those lucky enough to purchase this tasty treat it its nothing short of delicious. The shop is also brimming with other caramel treats. Check out five of our favorites here.
30. L’artisan des glaces – An ice cream lovers dream, this ice cream shop located in France has two of our favorite Epcot snacks, the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich and the Croque Glace (pictured) which is a scoop of ice cream encased in a warm pressed brioche bun.
31. The Seas Aquarium – With all the emphasis placed on the Nemo ride or Turtle Talk With Crush its easy to overlook or rush on past the 5.7 million gallon salt water aquarium you’ll find at this pavilion. It is home to an amazing array of sea creatures. Next time you’re enjoying the attractions here stop and linger!
32. IllumiNations!- The icing on the cake of an Epcot day, this nighttime spectacular combines music and pyrotechnics in a dazzling evening display that is not to be missed.
33. Test Track – The Future World headlining attraction allows you to customize your dream automobile and then puts you behind the wheel. Its just as fun the 50th time as it is the 1st time making it a firm family favorite.
34. Epcot Flower & Garden Festival – The perfect way to ring in Spring, Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival showcases beautiful flowers and topiaries, food booths, an outdoor concert series and so much more. Keep following along with Disney Addicts and Chip and Co. for the latest in Flower and Garden news and updates.
35.The Future – This year’s D23 convention was filled with exciting news regarding the future of Epcot, from a Guardians of the Galaxy expansion, Ratatouille ride to a new eatery that gives you the feeling of dining in space, Epcot continues to look to the future and toward new and innovative ways of thrilling and educating Walt Disney World guests.
Here’s to 35 more fantastic years.
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