As a vacationer, Epcot was the least favorite of our Disney Parks, and we couldn’t imagine why guests would rave on about it.  It was nice, yes, but we felt the other parks had so much more to offer.  As residents, we have grown to love Epcot, and this week’s column will highlight five different aspects of what makes Epcot unique to us.

1. Marine Animals.  As you exit The Seas with Nemo and Friends Attraction, take the escalator up to the second level and enjoy the aquariums that display the marine animals.  Did you realize that Epcot is home to a manatee research and rehabilitation center?  Vail and Lou are two West Indian Manatees who were victims of a boat strike, and are currently recovering until they can be re-released into the wild.  Pictured below is Lou feeding on romaine lettuce:  both Vail and Lou each consume 100 lbs of greens daily.
   
2. Spaceship Earth.  This slow-moving attraction, located inside the geosphere, offers a glimpse into history beginning with the period of cavemen and ending with the information age.  It is an educational but enjoyable journey, and as you exit the attraction you will step into Project Tomorrow, an interactive area that allows you to explore different aspects about your current and future world through games and activities.

3. World Showcase.  World Showcase is a representation of eleven different countries that are located around World Showcase Lagoon.  Each country is considered a Pavilion, and each pavilion offers food, culture and entertainment specific to that country.  The best time to tour World Showcase is during the day; you will not be able to take in all the theming at night.   World Showcase offers a lot of great photo opportunities through sunset.

4. The Land.  This is an indoor pavilion in Future World that is home to the attractions Soarin’, Circle of Life & Living with the Land.   You will also find the Behind the Seeds Tour (a fee-based, guided tour of four greenhouses featured in the Living with the Land attraction) located here.  The Sunshine Seasons Food Court has a great variety of food and plenty of seating available.  The Garden Grill is a sit-down character dinner meal featuring Mickey and his friends, and is part of the dining plan.  Chances are if you enjoyed fresh vegetables or fish during your meal, it was grown right there at Epcot.

5. Illuminations:  Reflections of Earth.  This is a fourteen minute display of fireworks and laser lights that is definitely a must-not-miss attraction at Epcot.  It tells the tale of our planet Earth by displaying images on a 350,000 pound sphere in the middle of Showcase Lagoon.  Please plan to arrive at least one hour prior to its performance to secure a good viewing point.