Spaceship Earth - Epcot - Walt Disney World

Spaceship earth is a slow-moving 16 minute ride through the big ball that is so iconic of Epcot.  narrated by Dame Judi Dench, you embark on a voyage that goes back 40 million years and follow man's progress through time.

The ride is for all ages and goes up through he building and back down at the end for 16 minutes.  One can see prehistoric man, the Gutenberg's presses, the Renaissance, early radio and television, up to the first man on the moon.

I found Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel amazing and really liked the Walter Cronkite broadcast of the first moon walk. The tour in somewhat interactive as it takes your photo and at the end of the ride the kids get to create a future world of their own using the screens inside the car while using the photos of their family's faces.  Thoroughly entertaining and laughable they will all have a good time with it.

When you disembark there is a huge globe with all your faces placed in random locations on it.  This ride is similar to the old Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom.  It's a great fun ride, (air-conditioning is a plus) and they family can enjoy a well planned venue along with a little educational stimulation at the same time.  This is good since life isn't all roller coasters!  Have fun.

Mission: SPACE - Epcot - Walt Disney World

I really wasn't ready for this one the first time I rode it.  I'm very impressed with the techno experience of it all.  When you first enter this huge arena you are ushered into the space culture and see all kinds of rockets and vehicles as you wind through the line.  The cast members are totally real and they usher you into an intro room where they give everybody seats and assignments such as Navigator, Pilot, Mission Specialist, etc.

You walk into a capsule where everyone sits at the space ship controls with buttons, switches and a joy stick.  You get the little briefing that you're going on a 3-month mission to Mars and will be placed in "hyper sleep" for the greater portion of the ride.  You launch from the pad and feel the engines roar while G-force pushes you back into your seat.  The trip takes you out past the space station, slingshots around the moon, and you run through an asteroid

belt.  I'm not going to ruin it by giving away the whole thing but I can tell you the kids think it's awesome.  It's not a dangerous ride but the illusion of space travel is recreated incredibly.  It's not for the faint-hearted or those with physical conditions but it'll smooth out those wrinkles for sure!

Tutto Italia Restaurant- - Epcot

Epcot has some of the most charming restaurants and all in authentic style.  On our visit yesterday our intention was to eat French cuisine but we ended up at Tutto Italia, one of two Italian restaurants along the walk of countries.  Our reservation was for 4:45p but we checked in about 4:30p expecting to wait and were seated immediately. The charm of our waiter, who was from Milan, Italy, was typically European.  His manners were extraordinary and he genuinely seemed to enjoy waiting on us. He started us out on heavy bread with olive oil and large green olives.  We didn't bother with appetizers but the selection was very good.

   I was impressed with the presence of management and the way all the servers stood around in attendance scanning the dining room and responding without being asked for anything customers seemed to need.  The staff, all from Italy, presented a well-kept, professional appearance without hovering.  They were all smiles and interacted with patrons without being annoying.  Management was in constant motion and customer service was at it's peak.

Lunch includes pasta, fish, lasagna, and several types of salads.  Prices are from $19 to $29.  We didn't eat lunch but wish we had!  Dinners range from about $23 to $29.50 but they also have a 3 course for $39.99 if you like the whole meal. I ordered the Risotto Al Frutti Di Mare and it was a "10". Perfect dinner.  I'm always amazed when I do the fine dining thing how the servings seem so small but when you're finished you can't imagine having eaten any more.  A good sign of quality food to be sure.

Appetizers and desserts are going to increase your bill quickly so be aware of that.  We didn't have one or order any of the wide range of wines or champagnes but we did order two desserts.  The four of us with the two deserts and no extras came to just under $200 with tip.  So, it's not exactly Olive Garden, but, for the experienced diner looking for the pleasure of a quality dinner it really does it for you.  If you like Europe and want to have a moment in Rome this place is sure not to disappoint.  hats off to the Italians on this one!

Biergarten Restaurant - Epcot

At Epcot in the Walt Disney World complex you can enjoy all kinds of authentic food from around the world.  I think all agree the Germans are tremendous cooks and are world renowned for their dishes and desserts.  The Biergarten Restaurant has it all.  Lunch is $21.99 and dinner is $32.99 for all you can eat buffet.

We ate there recently and weren't disappointed.  Like all the Epcot restaurants, Biergarten employs people straight from Germany so you get all the Disney treatment flavored by old European manners and charm.

The menu won't disappoint you.They have every kind of salad for starters and for entrees you can choose from pork, beef, bratwurst and other sausages along with salmon, and some other things I can't remember.

Dessert includes apple strudel, vanilla pudding, fruit, and Bavarian cheesecake.  Needless to say, they serve a wide variety of German beer and you can enjoy a show while you dine.  Seating is at long tables with benches.  Good with kids so you don't have to get up every few minutes.

The atmosphere is typically festive like in Germany and the place is comfortable.  It's clean and the wait staff is very polite and accommodating.  They encourage folks to participate in the singing and dancing and while we were there a lot of folks did just that.

I give it an "A" overall.  It has everything you want in a German restaurant but I thought the desserts could have had more variety.  I also don't care to be seated at a table with other families although many people don't mind that.  It was a totally enjoyable experience and the German folks should be proud of how their country is represented. I hope you visit and like it as much as we did.

Walt Disney World Hotels - Florida Resident Special Offers

Disney has a variety of offers for Florida residents to stay this summer.  There are a lot of on-site hotels to choose from and the prices vary depending on what you're looking for.  All the resorts fall into 4 categories: Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas.

The Value Resorts range from $104 to as low as $70 a night in late summer.  Moderate Resorts are in the range of $143 - $273/night and $123 - $127/night in late summer.  Deluxe Resorts range from $228 - $379/night and $252- $379/night in late summer.  If you really want luxury you can get a Deluxe Villa for about $249/night  and $231/night, late summer.

There are the other charges that are never mentioned.  First is the parking fee.  Most hotels charge for self parking and also have valet.  Then there's the state resort tax and sales that add on to the nightly cost of the room.  Add-ons are extra and, like any tourist venue, there are incidentals that can rack up your costs so be careful.  I believe if you add $40-$50 to each room night you have your average cost per night.

Visit www.disneyparks.disney.go.com for all the current room rates.  The deals are there if you do the research.  Also, when you arrive for check-in always ask for a free upgrade.  They never offer them but sometimes they will accommodate you just for asking.  Don't be afraid to ask!  They already have your money so be bold and enjoy your visit!

Restaurant Marrakesh - Epcot

Epcot has wonderful restaurants and one of the most interesting is Restaurant Marrakesh at the Moroccan Pavilion.  Lunch is $27.95/person and dinners range from $15-$35.99.  Three are several sampler platters for about $36-38.00.  You can step into the world of Casablanca and forget where you are for a while.  The food is excellent, all served by a pleasant wait staff from northern Africa.

 Always hard to read I try to include the menu posted outside the restaurants.  There is a variety to choose from.  They have a large appetizer menu along with a full service bar.  My favorite is the couscous dinner which is a small semolina pasta with your choice of chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetables.  There is also fish, including salmon, chicken, and the shish kabobs are fantastic.

I rate this place an A for their charm, atmosphere, and food quality.  The staff is topnotch, and there is always somebody playing, singing, or dancing as pictured above.  The experience is unforgettable and Moroccan cuisine is very exotic.  Since I've never been to Morocco I can't talk to it's authenticity but to me it was awesome.  Prices are a little high but they do accept the Disney Dining Plan so it may be something you are interested in.

Les Chefs de France - Epcot

This has got to be one of the most charming restaurants to dine at in the Disney parks.  Les Chefs de France is upscale French cuisine serving lunch and dinner from $15.99 - $35.99.  Set in the heart of Paris in the 20's the European charm oozes from every corner of the dining room.

You can enjoy authentic French food such as flat baked bread with cream fraiche, onion and bacon. Dinner specialties such as roasted duck (my recommendation) or broiled salmon are exotic but the menu is varied.  Naturally, the choice of fine French wines is a must all served by a gracious wait staff - all French.

This is the real Eiffel tower but there's an exact replica in France at Epcot Center.  The France of Epcot is built around the restaurant and the view even from the center tables is excellent.  It's a real dining experience.  No discounts here but they do accept the Disney dining plan.

I always recommend reservations because nobody wants to walk around all day and stand waiting to be seated.  Call 1-407-WDW-DINE (939-3463), or make reservations at guest relations when you first enter the park.  You will enjoy this experience.  The only thing they don't have is character dining here but everything else is spot on.  I give the place a "A" for quality, service, cleanliness, and cuisine.  Needless to say, a little pricey but all the restaurants at Disney are a little on the high end so if it's too much check out some of the more reasonable venues.  Enjoy.

Test Track at EPCOT

Test Track at Epcot is an unusual ride because it combines a thrill with education and is intellectually interesting.  The track is a ride with six people to a car on a track and you are whisked through a mock up like a major motor vehicle proving ground.  As you walk through the winding lines you see examples of what car manufacturers use to test everything from brakes to tires and seat belts.

In Dearborn,  Michigan there are several proving grounds where Ford, GM, and Chrysler put cars through their paces before putting their prototypes into production for the general public.  The tests are to determine safety, comfort, and affordability of new cars, and to learn about the  flaws and failures in production.

The test track at Epcot takes you on winding turns, brake tests, hot and cold weather tests, and several others.  When you complete the trek through the proving ground building you're taken out on a track similar to a race track. The car accelerates onto a bank,  flattens out into a straightaway, and accelerates to about 68 MPH.  You can look up on the marquis and watch your acceleration.

Kids and grownups alike enjoy this one for different reasons but it's worth not missing when you visit EPCOT.   At the end of the ride you go through the gift shop (there's one at the end of every ride - you won't get away!).  Beyond that is a showroom full of  cars, trucks, and SUV's that you can try out and pose for photos in.  Yes, that's me and I know I take awful pictures but I love Camaros so I couldn't resist.  Hope you enjoy.  Please check out my older posts.  You may see something you like.  I appreciate comments on your experiences.  

Nine Dragons Restaurant - Epcot

When visiting Epcot at Walt Disney World it's always part of the experience to walk around the countries and visit their restaurants.  Recently we visited the Nine Dragons Chinese Restaurant and the experience was worth it.

We made reservations at Guest Relations earlier in the day and when we arrived we were greeted and seated promptly.  (Our server is the lady right behind the man walking out).  She was most gracious and her service along with her manners were excellent.  We started out with an egg roll appetizer and drinks. Our dinners came out perfectly timed and they were delicious.

My daughter ordered the Kung Pao chicken with white rice.  I had the fried rice with ham, pork, broccoli, and a skewer of shrimp.  All the food was masterfully prepared and very difficult to finish.  We actually could have done without the appetizer but we haven't eaten there before and wanted the whole experience!

It was my daughter's birthday (Big 13!) so they brought her a complimentary slice of birthday cake with a candle, sang her Happy Birthday, and also included a card with birthday wishes hand scribed in Chinese!  I've never received this type of attention, and so sincerely presented, that it made the whole experience priceless.

I know I went a little crazy with the photos but I was that impressed with the restaurant.  All the restaurants at Epcot have staffs who are actually from the countries they represent.  It enhances the ambiance and the tourists (and us) love it.  The prices aren't too bad.  Dinner ranges from $12.99 to $35.99 per person. Drinks not included.  Our ticket out the door was $50.00.  If you have the Disney Dining Card it can be used at all the Disney parks.

This time I was actually able to post a menu you can read.  We give the place an "A+" for management, service, cleanliness, atmosphere, and friendliness.  Prices are a little high but to be expected at theme parks.  If you go I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  Thanks.

EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World

Another of the four Disney parks is EPCOT Center.  It has it's own theme, Disney of course, but a little more along the lines of culture, environmental, and education.  EPCOT has two main areas:  the front of the park is where the famous golf ball is centered (pictured above).  It's surrounded by game rooms and rides such as Spaceship Earth.  It's a slow ride through time beginning millions of years ago to the present.  It takes you through the entire sphere and the technology is pretty cool.  There is also Ellen's (DeGeneres)  Energy Adventure, Mission Space, and Test Track. One of the best rides is The Seas with Nemo and Friends.  You have to go on this with the kids!

There are numerous play areas, photo shoot areas and plenty of gift shops and eateries.  Easily accessible by car or monorail from the park hotels there is also lots of handicapped parking a at all the parks.

When you walk past the first part of the park the area opens up to a large lake surrounded by small replicas of many countries such as France, Italy, China, Japan, U.K. and more.  We ate dinner in Italy and loved it (see next post for details).  All the countries are incredibly authentic and the cast members who work in a country are actually from the country you're in so it accentuates the experience even more.

The lake is fairly large and if anybody has ever been to a World's Fair, I believe it was setup along that line.  Disney creates great detail in replicating these countries and I only hope they add more countries in the future.  You can visit stage shows along the way and there are various street shows as you walk along.  In this  photo

you see a band playing Celtic and Rock music combined.  We were in Canada at the time but there was a flavor of Irish, English, and Canadian flare to their music.  Very entertaining.

EPCOT was a great day but be prepared to walk!  The nice thing is that the kids can run off and do their thing while the parents can walk around the cultural exhibits.  I suggest families coming from out of town  invest in walkie-talkies so they can stay in touch.  We have a couple of cell phones in our house and that works well.  Now is a great time to visit any of the parks because the high volume Christmas season crowds have gone home.  Also, do some research on line and see what deals you can get with room rates, tickets, and meals.

Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria - EPCOT at Walt Disney World

EPCOT Center at Disney World has an Italian restaurant we enjoyed immensely.   Dinners start at $16.00 for pizza upwards to $29.00 for entrees such as pasta , spaghetti, lasagna, etc.  Since the EPCOT theme is nationalities, the place was as authentic as you can find outside of Italy.  Almost the entire staff is from Italy and their European charm is a pleasant addition to the dining experience.

We started with drinks and stiff bread with olive oil followed by our entrees which all came out with perfect timing.  The dinners were as good as I've ever had at an Italian restaurant.  We ordered two pizzas, spaghetti, and  I had a pasta dish with sausage, meatballs, and mozzarella.  The dinners were cooked expertly and none of us had room for dessert so I can't comment.  The dining room was loud and bustly but in a charming way and there was plenty of staff to accommodate what seemed like a capacity crowd.  Management was conspicuous throughout the time we were there which I think shows a degree of professionalism.

I took a look at the preparation area and saw some serious organization.  There were at least nine chefs from pizza and pasta makers to a dessert staff all very busy.  For those who like Italian food, most of the dishes are cooked in one of three large ovens that are highly visible.  In fact, the entire prep area is in public view.

I've included the menu posted on the outside of the restaurant but, try as I do, it's very hard to get it small enough and still keep it readable.

A few short observations:  First,  try to get reservations as with all Disney restaurants.  It's better than waiting, especially if you have children.  Another thing is that if you have an Annual Pass or a Premium Pass, you are eligible for a discount but only on the lunch menu.

While this is a rather short post I must give this restaurant an A+.  Our dining experience was as perfect as I can ever imagine.  When we walked out we had spent $100.00 but enjoyed every bit of it.  Hats off to Disney management and the Italians!