We finished eating and were off for the World Showcase with its very scenic and beautiful lagoon.
First stop at the World Showcase was Mexico where we immediately boarded the boat ride, the first part of which is my favorite. On one side is an ancient Mayan temple, on the other is the restaurant, which has the most romantic atmosphere of any of the Disney restaurants I've ever been in.
Mexico Ride- Gran Fiesta Tour, Starring The Three Caballeros
"Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts at Epcot's Mexico pavilion (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."
It's an excursion by tour boat through vibrant, eye-filling sights accompanied by lively music. The people, culture, history and arts of Mexico are showcased, and guests catch a glimpse of some of Mexico's most famous cities, resorts and beaches, including locations such as Mexico City, Chichen Itza and Acapulco.
The "Gran Fiesta Tour" combines new live-action film shot on location in Mexico with an overlay of hand-drawn animation of the Three Caballeros. The custom animation is inspired by the original 1944 classic film and uses the same color palettes, stylistic design and graphic elements.As the story goes, the caballeros have reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. But along the way, Donald Duck disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend. Their journey is a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages.Reuniting with their wandering amigo, the friends end their adventure with a grand fiesta celebration at sunset in Mexico City. Guests arrive at the new concert bandstand in Mexico City just in time to see -- and hear -- the much-anticipated Three Caballeros reunion concert.
After the Mexico ride we enjoyed watching a Mexican band of singers and performers playing various classic Mexican songs. We situated Mom with a nice spot in the front row and then looked over and noticed that the whole front row consisted of invalids in wheelchairs. We were about to exit Mexico and head over to Norway, but we were held up for a few minutes by a heavy downpour outside. As soon as it lightened a little we dashed over to Norway and went on their boat ride and short film.
Norway Ride- Maelstrom/ Norway Film
Visitors take a fantasy voyage that departs a modern-day village on a Norwegian fjord and journeys up a cascading waterway into the Norway of old. The trip is aboard small ships patterned after the dragon-headed craft of Eric the Red and his fellow explorers.Floating on a man-made river, the 16 passenger Viking craft is thrust up sloping white-water rapids into a tenth century Viking village. A full-size Viking ship is in the harbor, being readied to be put out to sea. The guests' boat then slips into the shadows of a mythical Norwegian forest populated by trolls and water spirits. One of these fairy-tale creatures casts a spell on the boat, causing it to plummet backwards downriver into the rapids of the Jutenheimen mountain country.Suddenly, the watercraft crashes through a narrow gorge and nearly tips over the brink of a waterfall. Just as the boat is about to be swallowed up, it spins around and falls through a rocky passageway in the North Sea.Waves crash and lightening flashes as the North Sea is caught in the fury of a fierce ocean storm. A gigantic oil production platform bobs up and down in the dark night. As the boat passes the concrete legs of the platform, there is again quiet and a small fishing village appears in the distance.
Docking at the harbor, visitors make their way through the village houses. At the end of the wooden gangplank, between a rocky ledge and a waterfall, a brightly lit opening reveals the entrance to a theater. Here, a wide-screen motion picture takes visitors on a tour of modern Norway. From the seacoast to the mountain hamlet, the film introduces the audience to the people of this beautiful land. The clarity and grandeur of the large-scale images in "Norway-The Film" are due to the fact that the film was shot in 70mm, with the same Panavision camera used for "Lawrence of Arabia."
The film plays itself out dramatically as Norway's history and spirit are revealed to a four-year-old boy when he is confronted with an icon from his Viking heritage. Among the featured images in "Norway-The Film" are Sognefjord, the largest of Norway's many such natural wonders; Oseberg bat, the 1000-year-old Viking ship unearthed in Oseberg, Norway, now on display in Oslo's Viking Museum; a Norwegian rowing club, whose members enacted the moments of Vikings setting off to sea from Norway's west coast; a fiery nighttime view of Statoil's majestic Statfjord B oil rig, silhouetted against 45-foot-tall waves in Norway's tumultuous North Sea offshore oil field; Skudeneshavn, a small fishing village on the southwest coast of Norway; and the Holmenkollen ski resort, where a 19-year-old skier's soaring jump from one of the highest jumps in Northern Europe will leave guests breathless at the daunting spirit of these strong and adventurous people.
Also recorded is Norway's national holiday celebration of May 17, when Norwegians flood the streets of their towns and cities to pay tribute to their constitution. "Norway-The Film" captures this moment, where, as it has been done for centuries, a colorful parade marches up Karl Johansgate, Oslo's main thoroughfare. The film culminates in a montage of scenes capturing the spirit of the people of Norway at work and at play. Scenes include a young couple sailing off Norway's beautiful west coast near the town of Alesund, a lineman hanging precariously on a high-tension wire over Sognefjord and, pictured within a soaring 18th century studio, young Oslo ballerinas in training.
After Norway we headed next door to China and watched their film which offered a unique 360-degree view, while I rotated Mom in an effort to give her as much of a view of the surrounding screens as possible. This was the first time Amanda and I had ever watched this film.
China Film- Reflections of China
The featured attraction at the pavilion, "Reflections of China," is a Circle-Vision 360 film that gives guests a guided glimpse into the beauty of China from its rich ancient heritage to present day. Scenes from the film include the Great Wall at Jimshanling, Hong Kong and a Shanghai montage. Circle-Vision 360 is the Disney-designed film system which uses nine 35mm cameras fitted to a camera pod to film a 360-degree view. The film is then projected on nine movie screens on the perimeter of a circular theater in which viewers stand and peer at wonders all around.
Upon exiting the China theatre we strolled around the beautiful Chinese gardens and pond.
After departing China we passed the African outpost and enjoyed the always beautiful view of the lagoon that sits in the middle of the park.
Our next stop was Germany where Mom and Amanda checked out a Christmas store and Mom bought an ornament.
We took some pictures in front of the lagoon with the Epcot Ball in the background,
walked on a short trail in between a mini village that had a train going around it,
and entered Italy where we took some more pictures in front of the Neptune fountain.
We then approached America where a colonial-style band of performers had just marched up and begun a performance.
After Morrocco we waved hello to Japan, said a quick goodbye, and headed to France.
We arrived at France and entered the 180 degree screened theatre where we thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring music and beautiful panoramic sights of the film, Impressions de France. This film was also a first for Amanda and me.
Impressions de France is a travelogue of the French countryside, major cities, various regions, and important structures. Many aerial views are shown, mixed with closer views. It includes, among other things, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, the French Alps, Versailles, scenes from Cannes, Notre Dame de Paris, and scenes from Normandy. The movie is presented with a lively classical soundtrack.
We left France and hustled back to Future World where we went on Spaceship Earth again, and then went over to The Land and watched the Circle of Life film.
The Production Greenhouse, where tons of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and other vegetables are grown for use in The Land’s Garden Grill Restaurant and other Epcot restaurants. Land scientists utilize growing systems that are kinder to the environment and improve productivity.
The Creative House, showing imaginative ways to grow crops -- without soil, hanging in the air, even on a space station. USDA scientists currently are working at The Land to develop fruit with a longer shelf life.
We then got in the fastpass line (which was still pretty long) for one of Amanda and Steve's favorite Disney ride, Soarin'. We were pretty sure that Mom would love it too, and we weren't disappointed.
Using amazing cinematic artistry and state-of-the-art motion base technology, "Soarin' " literally lifts eighty-seven guests at a time 40 feet aloft inside a giant projection screen dome. From all sides -- up, down, left and right -- their field of vision is completely surrounded and filled with the beauty and wonder of the state of California as their flying theater seats take them on an unforgettable journey. Never before has anyone had the opportunity to view the Golden State from such a birds-eye view with such an extraordinary sensation of free flight.
Among the many sights on view during the exhilarating fly-over are the Golden Gate Bridge, the Redwood forests, Napa Valley, Palm Springs, Yosemite and San Diego, among other locations. The experience is intensified as guests feel the sweeping winds and smell the fragrance of orange blossoms and pine trees all around them. An orchestral musical score created by renowned composer Jerry Goldsmith ("Mulan," "Air Force One," "Star Trek," "First Contact") heightens the thrill.
After Soarin' we walked back to Morrocco for dinner and treated ourselves to some yummy Gyros, however, this dinner didn't score as highly with Mom as some of the others.
For dessert Mom and Steve bought some pastries from France.
We ate our pastries while walking up past Great Britain where Mom and Steve took a quick walk-through and then we staked out a spot on the path for a view of the lagoon to watch the fireworks show which was the perfect ending to a perfect day at Epcot!
We then went inside and were treated to a perfect view from the balcony and watched the very talented singers, "Voices of Liberty" perform some classic American hymns. We laughed at the boy who refused to budge when a couple of the singers attempted to cajole him into volunteering to come up with them. Another boy sitting nearby, fearing he might be the next victim and as discreetly as possible, got up and walked off.
After the performance we entered the impressive theatre and watched the inspiring "American Adventure." Poor Mom, however, was so exhausted from a combination of an early morning with the day's activities that she dozed during most of the show.
American Adventure
The show is held in a 1,024-seat theater complete with rich, Corinthian-style details: chandeliers, archways, columns, elegant fabrics and paneling. The theater includes the Spirits of America, twelve "marble" statues lining both sides of the theater, representing such American qualities as heritage, innovation, knowledge, pioneering, discovery and freedom.
After America we walked in and around Morocco, enjoying its uniquely beautiful architecture.
After Morrocco we waved hello to Japan, said a quick goodbye, and headed to France.
We arrived at France and entered the 180 degree screened theatre where we thoroughly enjoyed the inspiring music and beautiful panoramic sights of the film, Impressions de France. This film was also a first for Amanda and me.
France Film- Impressions de France
Impressions de France is a travelogue of the French countryside, major cities, various regions, and important structures. Many aerial views are shown, mixed with closer views. It includes, among other things, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, the French Alps, Versailles, scenes from Cannes, Notre Dame de Paris, and scenes from Normandy. The movie is presented with a lively classical soundtrack.
We left France and hustled back to Future World where we went on Spaceship Earth again, and then went over to The Land and watched the Circle of Life film.
Circle of Life
Three animated stars of the motion picture "The Lion King" have set off on a whole new adventure to entertain Walt Disney World audiences with humorously presented but powerful messages about protecting the world's environment for all living things. Simba, the lion; Timon, the meerkat; and Pumbaa, the warthog, are stars of "Circle of Life," a film presentation at The Land, presented at Epcot by Nestlé USA. Using the emotional "Circle of Life" theme song from "The Lion King" as a title and overall musical background provides an inspirational theme for a positive environmental message.
We then went downstairs and boarded another boat on the ride, Living With The Land.
Living With The Land
A narrated 14-minute boat journey through four greenhouses with crops from around the world and an aquaculture facility, the Aquacell. Sustainable agriculture -- crop production with a minimal impact on the environment -- is emphasized.
The journey opens with an introductory storm scene and a look at animated tropic, desert and prairie biomes that existed before humans arrived. A turn-of-the-century farm represents early attempts to cultivate the land.
The boat glides on into The Land’s experimental growing areas:
The Tropics Greenhouse, growing crops native to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and the southern United States. Rice, sugar cane, peanuts, cacao, bananas and a 59-foot peach palm flourish under a 60-foot dome.
The Aquacell, showcasing crops that swim -- fish and other aquatic life including alligators, catfish, tilapia, sunshine bass and American eel.
The Temperate Greenhouse, featuring the concepts and technologies of sustainable agriculture, including intercropping, integrated pest management and specialized irrigation systems that reduce waste and increase crop production.
The Tropics Greenhouse, growing crops native to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and the southern United States. Rice, sugar cane, peanuts, cacao, bananas and a 59-foot peach palm flourish under a 60-foot dome.
The Aquacell, showcasing crops that swim -- fish and other aquatic life including alligators, catfish, tilapia, sunshine bass and American eel.
The Temperate Greenhouse, featuring the concepts and technologies of sustainable agriculture, including intercropping, integrated pest management and specialized irrigation systems that reduce waste and increase crop production.
The Production Greenhouse, where tons of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and other vegetables are grown for use in The Land’s Garden Grill Restaurant and other Epcot restaurants. Land scientists utilize growing systems that are kinder to the environment and improve productivity.
The Creative House, showing imaginative ways to grow crops -- without soil, hanging in the air, even on a space station. USDA scientists currently are working at The Land to develop fruit with a longer shelf life.
We then got in the fastpass line (which was still pretty long) for one of Amanda and Steve's favorite Disney ride, Soarin'. We were pretty sure that Mom would love it too, and we weren't disappointed.
Soarin'
Using amazing cinematic artistry and state-of-the-art motion base technology, "Soarin' " literally lifts eighty-seven guests at a time 40 feet aloft inside a giant projection screen dome. From all sides -- up, down, left and right -- their field of vision is completely surrounded and filled with the beauty and wonder of the state of California as their flying theater seats take them on an unforgettable journey. Never before has anyone had the opportunity to view the Golden State from such a birds-eye view with such an extraordinary sensation of free flight.
Among the many sights on view during the exhilarating fly-over are the Golden Gate Bridge, the Redwood forests, Napa Valley, Palm Springs, Yosemite and San Diego, among other locations. The experience is intensified as guests feel the sweeping winds and smell the fragrance of orange blossoms and pine trees all around them. An orchestral musical score created by renowned composer Jerry Goldsmith ("Mulan," "Air Force One," "Star Trek," "First Contact") heightens the thrill.
After Soarin' we walked back to Morrocco for dinner and treated ourselves to some yummy Gyros, however, this dinner didn't score as highly with Mom as some of the others.
For dessert Mom and Steve bought some pastries from France.
We ate our pastries while walking up past Great Britain where Mom and Steve took a quick walk-through and then we staked out a spot on the path for a view of the lagoon to watch the fireworks show which was the perfect ending to a perfect day at Epcot!
