Monday, April 14, 2025
Our dual phone alarms stirred us early this morning—5:45 AM came quicker than expected. Still groggy, we got ready for our first Disney park adventure, EPCOT. Jane proudly pinned on her “1st Visit” badge, which earned her occasional smiles and congratulations throughout the day.
We left our motorhome around 7:00 and made our way to the campground bus stop, bound for the Outpost where park buses are dispatched. Along the way, we skirted a construction zone—Disney is building a massive new resort tucked right into the heart of Fort Wilderness. As we gradually woke up, the excitement started to kick in. After a short wait at the Outpost, our ride arrived, a bus wrapped in cheerful Donald Duck art. We climbed aboard, ready to start our magical adventure.
We were dropped off at the EPCOT entrance just before 7:30 AM and, to our surprise, moved quickly through security and the entry gates. Although the park didn’t officially open until 8:00, our stay at the Disney campground granted us early access. As the early crowd surged toward the day’s most popular ride, we chose to drift away from the stampede with Jane’s checklist in hand.
We strolled past the iconic EPCOT ball—formerly known as Spaceship Earth—and took our time heading counterclockwise around World Showcase Lagoon. The park was quiet, the air still cool, and the landscaping spectacular. We were lucky to be visiting during the 30th anniversary of the International Flower & Garden Festival, which added bursts of color and a sense of celebration to the paths and pavilions.
After soaking in the early morning calm, we stopped at a Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company kiosk for coffee and pastries. We were the first customers of the day and found a peaceful bench overlooking the lagoon, its still waters reflecting the pavilions from around the world. Slowly, the park began to stir as more guests trickled in—but for that brief window of time, it felt like EPCOT was ours alone.
—— Early Morning EPCOT ——
As more visitors began to trickle in, we decided it was time to start our “world tour.” First up was Canada, where we wandered through its rugged, rocky landscape adorned with vibrant flowerbeds and whimsical floral geese. Totem poles stood tall among the evergreens, adding an authentic cultural touch.
Next door, we stepped into the United Kingdom Pavilion, a charming area with neatly trimmed English gardens, cozy pubs, and classic Tudor-style architecture. With most of the shops and restaurants not opening until 9:00 AM, we simply strolled and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere, enjoying the calm before the day fully came to life.
We chose to bypass France for the time being, opting to revisit later to sample its cuisine for lunch.
—— Canada ——
—— United Kingdom ——
Next, we wandered into Morocco, one of the few actual countries represented at EPCOT that we haven’t visited. It immediately captivated us—the intricate mosaic courtyards, arched doorways, and winding alleys of the bazaar felt both exotic and incredibly authentic. The attention to detail was noticeable, evoking the artistry and warm ambiance of a faraway land.
—— Morocco ——
By the time we arrived in Japan, the park was fully waking up. One of our first stops was a small museum exhibit celebrating Kawaii—Japan’s unique and charming “cute culture.” The displays were delightfully quirky and amusing, offering a fun glimpse into a pop-cultural phenomenon that’s deeply woven into modern Japanese life.
Stepping outside, we strolled through serene, meticulously manicured gardens, complete with a tranquil koi pond and shaded pathways. Towering above it all was a striking pagoda, flanked by buildings that beautifully captured the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture. Having visited Japan ourselves, we could genuinely appreciate how authentic and respectful this pavilion is in its design and atmosphere.
—— Japan ——
Next, we strolled across the Pacific Ocean and found ourselves back in the good ol’ U.S. of A. At the heart of the American Pavilion stands its grand centerpiece, The American Adventure Show, housed in a stately building with architecture reminiscent of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. This majestic colonial-style structure sets the stage for a powerful audio-animatronic performance hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, highlighting pivotal moments in American history.
Unfortunately, we arrived too early to catch the show itself, but we were able to step into the elegant rotunda, where we experienced Portraits of Courage—a collection of painted portraits by former President George W. Bush, honoring the strength and sacrifice of post-9/11 U.S. military veterans. Each portrait was accompanied by a story, offering a personal glimpse into the lives of those who served.
Just off the rotunda, we also explored an exhibit titled Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art. This thoughtful display featured both historic and contemporary Native American artwork, showcasing how traditional techniques and cultural heritage continue to inspire today’s Native artists. It was a reminder of the diverse voices that have shaped—and continue to shape—our nation’s story.
—— The American Adventure (USA) ——
Departing the United States, we crossed the Atlantic and arrived in Italy, where EPCOT’s pavilion transported us to the heart of Venice and Rome. We leisurely strolled through plazas framed by classic columns and fountains, admired statues reminiscent of Renaissance artistry, and passed cozy pizzerias. The architecture, with its terracotta rooftops and ornate facades, captured the elegance and charm of Italy’s most iconic cities.
—— Italy ——
Next, we made our way from Italy to Germany, stepping into a storybook Bavarian village complete with timbered buildings, cobblestone pathways, and a whimsical clock tower in the town square. We wandered into a souvenir shop where the walls were lined with decorative steins.
To our surprise, one small room was devoted to pickles—both the edible kind and glass ornaments! There, we learned about the quirky German tradition of the Christmas pickle. As the legend goes, a pickle ornament is hidden on the tree as the final decoration. On Christmas morning, the first child to spot the gherkin is rewarded with an extra gift, a tradition meant to encourage children to slow down and appreciate the tree’s decorations before tearing into their presents from St. Nicholas.
—— Germany ——
We left Europe behind and crossed back into the Orient, arriving in China. Once again, we were struck by the authenticity of the traditional Chinese architecture, which perfectly captured the beauty and grandeur of the culture. We wandered through the Temple of Heaven, its elegant, circular, three-tiered structure radiating a sense of peace and reverence. Though the film showcasing China’s landscapes wasn’t playing at the moment, we still enjoyed immersing ourselves in the cultural displays and intricate décor that filled the space, offering a connection to China’s ancient traditions.
—— China ——
We then magically journeyed from the Orient to Scandinavia, arriving in one of my favorite countries—Norway. The pavilion beautifully captured the essence of a traditional Norwegian village, complete with a towering stave church, rustic stone and timber buildings, and quaint cobblestone streets. The attention to detail was superb, evoking the old-world charm of towns. If only Disney could also capture the awe-inspiring grandeur of Norway’s majestic fjords and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights!
Inside the stave church, we found a fascinating exhibit titled Gods of the Vikings, which showcased the legendary warriors of Norse mythology. The display was educational, offering a glimpse into the bold spirit and folklore that define much of Norway’s cultural identity.
—— Norway ——
We departed Norway and followed a winding sidewalk lined with lush greenery, soon finding ourselves transported back across the Atlantic—this time to the vibrant heart of Mexico. We stepped into the base of a Mesoamerican pyramid, its entrance marked by an impressive stone carving that hinted at the culture inside. Just beyond, we were greeted by colorful Día de los Muertos displays—an evocative tribute to Mexico’s Day of the Dead, honoring the connection between life, memory, and heritage.
We continued into a twilight-lit indoor plaza, designed to feel like a lively Mexican village at dusk with lanterns glowing above cobblestone streets. Noticing that the wait time for the Gran Fiesta Tour was short, we decided to hop aboard. The gentle boat ride took us on a whimsical journey through Mexico, floating past Mayan ruins, coastal towns, and festive marketplaces. With Donald Duck and his fellow Three Caballeros leading the way, the ride was colorful, musical, and full of playful charm—even if it leaned a bit too heavily into Disney-style stereotypes.
With a real trip to Mexico planned for next month, this EPCOT version felt like a lighthearted preview—an imaginative appetizer before we experience the country’s true depth and spirit in person.
—— Mexico ——
Having completed our loop around the World Showcase Lagoon—at least for now—we began strolling back toward the iconic EPCOT ball, casually debating whether to join the line for Spaceship Earth. Jane checked her Disney app and saw the wait time was only 45 minutes, making it a tempting opportunity to experience this classic attraction housed inside the park’s most recognizable landmark.
—— Strolling ——
When we arrived at the giant geodesic sphere, I was admittedly skeptical that the wait time was truly just 45 minutes—the line looked much longer. But a friendly cast member reassured us, so we decided to join the queue and hope for the best. Thankfully, it moved steadily, and soon we were boarding our ride vehicle for Spaceship Earth.
Inside, we embarked on a slow-moving journey through time, tracing the evolution of human communication from prehistoric cave dwellers to the digital age and beyond. The attraction highlighted pivotal moments in human history, brought to life with dramatically lit scenes, sound effects, and animatronics. Each chapter unfolded like a living diorama, reminding us how far we’ve come—and hinting at the possibilities ahead.
—— Spaceship Earth (Inside the EPCOT Sphere) ——
After our journey through time, Jane assessed our checklist and suggested we head toward the Land Pavilion. Along the way, we couldn’t resist pausing to enjoy a lively performance by the Trash Can Band. Their energetic beats and playful rhythm, created from everyday objects, were a delightful surprise. After a few moments of tapping along and soaking in the music, we continued on our way to our next stop.
—— Trash Can Band ——
When we arrived, the Land Pavilion was buzzing with activity, full of visitors enjoying its rides, exhibits, and dining options. Despite the crowds, we decided to brave the lengthy line for the Living with the Land boat ride. Once onboard, we embarked on a serene journey through diverse environments, including lush rainforests, sun-baked deserts, and fertile farmlands. Along the way, we learned about innovative agricultural practices designed to grow food in various climates. We also got a glimpse into EPCOT’s experimental greenhouses, showcasing sustainable farming techniques, as well as their cutting-edge hydroponic and biotechnological systems. The ride offered a fascinating look at the future of agriculture and sustainability.
—— Living with the Land ——
After our journey through time and space—and with our appetites stirred by witnessing the wonders of food production—Jane and I decided it was time to indulge in a delicious lunch. We set our sights on France, but unfortunately, the nearest TARDIS was back in the U.K., so we were destined to walk back around the World Showcase Lagoon to reach our chosen destination, La Crêperie de Paris.
We had savored galettes in Bordeaux years ago and were eager to experience these buckwheat crêpes once more. So, we both opted for the saumon galettes, filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives. The meal came complete with appetizers, drinks, and dessert. I started with a generous, flavorful garden salad, while Jane enjoyed a bowl of vegetable soup. We even had the option to try a glass of French hard cider. I went for the driest option—Brut—but it was just okay. Frankly, the French should stick to their wine!
After finishing our satisfying appetizers, our massive square galettes arrived. I managed to finish mine, savoring every bite, but Jane reluctantly left a portion behind. Then came the grand finale, dessert! We each enjoyed slightly smaller crêpes, filled with chocolate for Jane and caramel and apples for me. Bon appétit!
After a thoroughly relaxing and indulgent lunch, we waddled out of the restaurant, hoping that a bit of walking around the park might help burn off some of those delicious calories.
—— Lunch in France ——
With the afternoon unfolding, we decided to revisit the nearby U.K. and Canada pavilions now that everything was open and in full swing. We strolled through the charming shops in the U.K. and made our way to the Canada Pavilion, where we enjoyed the 360-degree film, O Canada!, which showcased the country’s breathtaking natural beauty. We also found ourselves drawn to an outdoor British rock band performance.
—— Return to the U.K. & Canada ——
Throughout the day, we’d been spotting gondola-style chairlifts gliding overhead, and as we found ourselves near their departure point, curiosity got the better of us—we decided it was time to take to the skies. We boarded the Disney Skyliner, and before long, we were soaring high above EPCOT, treated to sweeping aerial views of the park and its surrounding resorts.
Our route took us toward Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, with a brief stop at the elegant Riviera Resort. On the outbound trip, we shared a cabin with a friendly family—though the mom, clearly uneasy with heights, kept her eyes closed for much of the ride. In contrast, Jane and I were glued to the windows, eagerly scanning the landscape below, spotting attractions, resort water features, and even a glimpse of the World Showcase from a new perspective.
One of the most exciting moments was a sharp right-angle turn, where the gondola gently pivoted and continued along a new direction. We rode the entire round-trip circuit, briefly stepping off at the Caribbean Beach Resort before reboarding for our return to EPCOT. It was a relaxing, scenic detour that gave us a whole new appreciation for the scope and beauty of the Disney property.
——— Skylining ———
Back on terra firma, we began making our way toward the park exit—but not before one final stop at The Seas Pavilion. There, we hopped aboard The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a whimsical, slow-moving ride that whisked us away in our clam-shaped vehicle through vibrant underwater scenes. We floated alongside Nemo, Dory, and Marlin, immersed in the colorful, animated world of coral reefs, jellyfish, and ocean currents, all brought to life with clever effects and playful music.
Once we resurfaced from our aquatic adventure, we took time to explore the pavilion’s massive saltwater aquarium and wandered through the marine exhibits, marveling at the marine life swimming gracefully behind glass panels.
——— The Seas with Nemo & Friends ———
Rather than taking the bus back to the campground, we opted for a more scenic and adventurous route. We decided to hop on the monorail bound for Magic Kingdom, trading wheels for rails and enjoying the elevated view as we glided smoothly above the resort. Once there, we made our way to the ferry dock, where a classic Disney ferryboat awaited to carry us across the glistening waters of Bay Lake. The leisurely cruise brought us to the Fort Wilderness Marina, just a short stroll from our motorhome. It was a charming and relaxing way to end our day—combining two iconic Disney transportation experiences into one memorable journey.
—— Monorailing ——
—— Ferry Boating ——
Back in our cozy RV, we took a quiet moment to reflect on the phenomenal day we’d just experienced—eleven countries, a journey through time, an undersea adventure, 8.3 miles of walking, and even a scenic flight high above the park. It had been a day packed with wonder, discovery, and more than a few magical moments.
After a light dinner and some final words of appreciation for all we had seen and done, we were more than ready to turn in early for some well-earned rest. Our feet were tired, our hearts full, and our minds already replaying the highlights of an unforgettable day at EPCOT.