Epcot - Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow

How's the future looking? Good question, I know! Walt Disney had a vision of what the future might have looked nowadays, creating the second Walt Disney World Park in Orlando. This Disney Park was given a unique name, this park has to be my favorite Walt Disney Park ever! Epcot, which stands for 'Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow' is out of this world. I do love Cinderella's Castle but Epcot is seriously something else! Let's see why this Walt Disney Park will forever be my favorite place at Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot has always stood out to me, setting itself apart from the other three Disney Parks. Accessing the main gates of Epcot is always fun, I always take the Epcot monorail from the (TTC) Ticket and Transportation Centre. Captured to the right is 'Spaceship Earth' encased in Epcot's most iconic feature like Magic Kingdom has 'Cinderella's Castle'. We all want to go back to the future, so I know that Epcot always sends me to another world! I've been on 'Spaceship Earth' countless times, but I love to refer to this attraction as the 'Giant Golf Ball'. Epcot brings the world to everybody's feet because of the 'World Showcase!' I just love Epcot!

In 2011, I had the opportunity to work at Epcot during my Walt Disney International College Program on a daily basis I was able to make magical moments underneath the 'Giant Golf Ball.' What more could I ask for?! I worked in the Merchandise department at Epcot's Future World North for three months. My duties ranged from distributing and cleaning strollers, working on the Glow Cart, making magical memories at three stores called Gateway Gifts, Camera Center and Gift Stop. Best of all my workplaces were underneath the magnificent 'Giant Golf Ball'. It was tough at time but I will always feel truly blessed!

Future World East and West stands behind 'Spaceship Earth' opening a whole new world, each visit to this corner of Epcot is always unique.  Too cool down for a moment I make a pit-stop at the 'Fountain View Ice Cream' parlour for the perfect ice cream treat. Mickey Mouse and his friends are so busy, but they are always waiting at 'Character Spot' for me. This corner of Epcot just makes me feel like I'm home! Since my working days are now over I made my return to Epcot in January of this year, to play in the park with my fierce friends Zach and Dawin! Epcot, I might not work here anymore but you'll never get rid of me!

Where East meets West there's always somewhere to find a Disney favorite to meet and greet, I saw Chip and Dale do their thing close to the center of this park. Getting a quick snack is easy because the 'Electric Umbrella' is a great place to grab a quick burger and a cup of soda, trust me I love it! The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a wonderful underwater like aquarium that centres around the motion picture Finding Nemo. This corner of Epcot holds the flagship MouseGear store, this monumental store has everything Disney to satisfy the most particular Disney Kid. I wasn't based in MouseGear but I made sure I had a look around once or twice to find the perfect Disney merchandise. Future World North, East and West Epcot has the best of three worlds! Let's get to the land! 

Epcot is undoubtedly the only Disney Park that appeals to teenagers and adults, its great to have magic in different ways. The Land is home to the majority of Epcot's main thrill rides, there is truly something for everyone! Captured to the right is Test Track, a crash test facility that doubles as an adrenaline experience that reaches speeds up to sixty-five mph! Let Test Track take you to the fast lane! I really ought to fasten my seat belt!  

I don't like to keep my feet on the ground all of  the time so I love the Land for its sky-high attractions. Take off to new heights on Soarin' to realize that everything looks better from the top! I always waited patiently in the long queue to experience the thrill of Soarin' all over again. Each time I felt like I was boarding a real flight because the pre-flight spiel is so convincing. Keeping in with the flying theme its a daring choice but a ride has to be taken on Mission: SPACE. I will be honest its scary being secured into the spaceship like compartment, prepare yourself for the g-force upon take off! Mission: SPACE is intense! 

Do I see an English Pub? Epcot brings the world to everyone's feet! The World Showcase brings eleven countries to life, captured to the left is the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom, I found lots of home comforts such as fish 'n' chips, Cadbury's chocolate and a ice cold pint of Stronger Cider. Canada makes an appearance, a small exhibit but non the less fantastic! I've never been to Paris but seeing France at the World Showcase painted the perfect picture, including the luxurious perfumery that sold some very nice cosmetics. The Kingdom of Morocco has been brought to life in the middle of Florida, a truly authentic side of the World Showcase that has a royal seal of approval!

I love to shop so Japan's Mitsukoshi department store is always a great place to revisit and find a slice of Japanese cool. Next time I visit Japan at the World Showcase I must sample some of the Sushi that's on offer. America appears in the World Showcase at Epcot as a colonial extravaganza. Venetian luxury can be found in Italy at Epcot, its another place I need to try the cuisine! Germany is famous for its beer so it's not difficult to find some sauerkraut and a pitcher of Bavarian lager to enjoy. China is super because I met Mulan the Chinese warrior princess. Norway serves a great pint of lager, so my last visit saw me enjoying a ice cold pint! Finally, Mexico took me back to my Epcot experience this January with some tasty enchiladas and strong margaritas to complete my vacations after my 2012 placement. The world has never felt so small! 

Epcot is out of this world! Oh I forgot to mention, find a spot around the World Showcase when the sun goes down to be ready for the sky to light up! Illuminations: Reflections of the Earth ends the perfect day and night at Epcot!Joseph Harrison