by Danny Kwok

Created on: February 21, 2011

EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), a theme park of Walt Disney World Resort at Orlando, Florida, embodies Walt Disney’s vision of futuristic society. Future World and World Showcase are two main sections of Epcot which show these ideals. There are the innovative technologies of Future World pavilions and the diverse culture and food of eleven different countries in World Showcase. Double the size of Magic Kingdom, Epcot definitely presents several attractions to appeal a wide range of visitors from the young, old and the tech-savvy visitors.

The main entrance of Future World presents a huge golf-like building of Spaceship Earth pavilion. You can take a slow ride in the time machine vehicles of this attraction watching history unfolds from primitive cavemen painting, the great Romans roads building to the invention of computer. After this ride, you can visits Project Tomorrow exhibition with many interactive games and information on the latest technologies. Mission: Space pavilion offers many to realise their dream to be an astronaut. The ride simulated a trip to Mars with real motion with the pressure of a spaceship take-off. For more excitement, try out the fastest attraction ride at Test Track pavilion, which let you experience speed up to 60 miles an hour.

The Innoventions Pavilion will engage you in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There are avatar designs creations at the Smarter Planet or gaming in Videogame Playground. At The Land Pavilion, there is a tranquil boat ride at Living with the Land. Scientists show high-tech fish farms, gigantic pumpkins and Mickey Mouse shaped vegetables. The Germany Pavilion is a cultural melting pot with the vibes and charms of a 16th century German village in a charming cobblestone plaza and central clock tower. Besides a variety of rustic eateries and shops, the Oktoberfest Musikanten show also entertains the crowd with Bavarian musical and classic Disney performances from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The essence of the Orient is demonstrated at the China Pavilion. The beauty of China is revealed in the country’s iconic historical architectures such as Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, in a remarkable 360 circle-vision film. Like the China Pavilion, the Morocco Pavilion lures visitors to explore beyond the walls of its Moroccan city - a mysterious place abundant of traditional belly dancers who beckons with sensual and hypnotic music. On the other hand, the Moroccan signature of intricate building architecture and art of swirling mosaics on display have also been the masterpieces of native craftsmen.

Shops in country pavilion will sell unique products of that country. You can find Japanese toys in the Mitsukoshi Department Store or German toys at Der Teddybar. Besides the unique shopping experience, World Showcase also satisfies food cravings for each country. You can get French pastries, Mexican get nachos, Japanese teriyaki and Italian pizza. Each pavilion allows you to immense fully in the cultures, food, sights and sounds of the country. Finally, the day has to be ended with the award-winning IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a spectacular fireworks finale.

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