Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

Ooo first day in the happiest place in the world. I sure woke feeling like it. We had agree last night that a wee sleep in was allowed as we planned a late night at the park. So by 8am I thought the others had had enough sleep and it was time to get going. By 9.30am we were headed for the bus. It was nice not to have to organise our crap back into our bags and pack up the car. We were headed for Epcot, an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It's one of the largest parks at Disney World which focuses on the fun of science and innovation both historical and future featuring a global kaleidoscope of nations and cultures, according to the little book of Disney. There is a large section of the park displaying different nations including Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, France, UK, Canada, Japan and Morocco. We even spotted  a little NZ vendor selling NZ lamb. Each area is extremely well thought out and represents the primary features of these cultures, people have the opportunity to experience countries and cultures including dance and musical performances, unique gifts and local cuisine.

No Hangi ow

Fraser had been closely studying the park map and on his direction we made a bee line for a Space Mission to Mars which was noted as one of the parks "Big Thrills". To our delight there was no queue and we walked straight in. Some pre-ride/pre-flight videos advised us of the mission we were making to Mars in a rocket and what we could expect from this stimulation ride including warnings about spinning, claustrophobia and disorientation. Vickie and I were feeling very nervous about what we had gotten ourselves into so early in the morning. After being assigned duties for flying the aircraft Sam fittingly being allocated as the Engineer we were headed to the rocket. Next thing we knew were tightly strapped into a rocket stimulator with a panel of controls in front of each of us and were tipping backwards ready for take off (sick bags in the front pocket of the ride increased my already racing heart rate). There was an immense pressure on our chests as the video showed we were shooting through the atmosphere and then it released before being thrown around avoiding asteroids before landing on Mars as you can imagine on one of these rides. All in all the six minute ride felt more like 30 mins with Vickie and I both having thoughts we were not sure we could take it any longer. Feeling a little disorientated and adrenaline pumped we acknowledged we had truly arrived at Disney World!!

The rest of the day at Epcot included a boat ride through a Land Pavilion exploring how Disney is using advanced science to generate a more sustainable living environment, the most impressive was plants hydroponically growing through the top of fish tanks which provided the plants with nutrients and the fish with food.

Those Lettuces must Taste like Crap

 We saw some cool Manatees munching on whole lettuces, sadly they were a little scared and disfigured from having been rescued after being chopped by boats. Another ride which rated at this park was in the InoVention Centre. It was called Sum of all Thrills and gave you the opportunity to create your own ride. A short Engineering 101 video which talked up engineering as being an exciting and fascinating job using maths and science to create awesome games and rides (they forgot to mention that most engineers sit in front of a computer drawing pictures and doing maths of things that aren't very exciting at all). Soon we were qualified  to create our ride. Using a computer to set your speed and height select a serious of turns, loops, dips and flips to design your own ride. Obviously Sam took full advantage of this and had our Jet (Supersonic-Falcon) barrel rolling, dipping and flying all over. You are seated in a capsule like contraption on the end of an articulated arm with your feet hanging in the air. It was over pretty quick considering the effort that goes into making it but fun none the less.

The final note worthy ride of Epcot was Soarin'. A hand gliding like experience which started out as though you were sitting in a cinema until the seats lifted up placing you close to a screen and had you gliding through natural wonders of the world. It was very well executed and an enjoyable ride. A walk through the park gave us the opportunity to book dinner at a Japanese Restaurant for later in the evening following the Fireworks display.

Late afternoon we returned to the resort to rest a little before returning to Epcot for dinner and evening entertainment. While at the resort we took advantage of Mardi Gras, when the resort staff entertain the children so adults can swim in peace, it was lovely, refreshing and peaceful. At 7.30pm we rounded ourselves up again and headed back to Epcot. I don't know if it was my expectations were too high but I'm a self proclaimed connoisseur and critic of Fireworks and if I'm honest Disney's Epcot didn't really deliver on the fireworks extravaganza tonight, we will catch another later in the week at another park I'm sure.

A Fountain

Dinner was booked at Teppan Edo for teppanyaki. We were initially seated in the sushi area and despite having made a reservation had a 40min wait for our table and we ate about 10.30pm. The food however was delicious, not perhaps the most amazing Teppanyaki I have had but it was fresh tasty and well cooked by a very entertaining and talented chef. After a very full on day and pleasant evening we dragged our weary bodies onto the bus and did our best not to fall asleep before arriving back at the resort. It was straight to bed to prepare for the early morning at the Park tomorrow!

Beer of the Day:
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat  - Souvenir Plastic Handle - Sick pink colour, strong 'Cherry' nose. Overpowering sweet, artificial cherry taste, like a mixture of Robitussin and a wheat beer. I was expecting something along the lines of Bellevue Kriek and was sorely disappointed. Took an effort from all four of us to get through it, safe to say it will be the last one we purchase.