In today’s post, I’m expanding on my theme by looking at my favorite sites and sounds at Epcot. If you remember, on Wednesday I explored my favorite sites and sounds over at the Magic Kingdom. If you haven’t had a chance to read that post, please go back and look at it — we’ll be here waiting for you when you get back!
The format for this post will be the same as before. I’ll be counting down my top five favorite sites and sounds, starting at number 5, and working towards my favorite at number 1. Enjoy!
5) Wandering around World Showcase at night.
For some of you, this may be higher up on your list, and truth be told, I considered placing it higher, but in the end decided to keep it at number five. One of the most romantic things that I can think of — for those of you that really know me, you will know that I am a hopeless romantic (just ask my wife!) — is holding the hand of the one you love as you take a nighttime stroll around the World Showcase. If you plan it right and choose a time when you can enjoy Extra Magic Hours, it is even better! The lights of the World Showcase pavilions are lit up just right, and the nighttime Florida air is cooler, especially for those hot summer days — it really is something that you just have to experience to realize what I’m talking about.
4) Hearing the Voices of Liberty
One year we arrived at the American Adventure a little early for the show, and as a result we were able to listen in to the Voices of Liberty as they sang their beautiful songs. If you’ve never heard them, I really hope you will read this and decide to take the time on your next trip to listen to them. It is a really awesome group, and they do a fantastic job of bringing enjoyment to all of the guests that are able to listen to them. Trust me, if you stop to listen to them, it will not be wasted time!
3) Eating at the Garden Grill Restaurant
I know that this next one seems a little odd to put up in a top five post about the sites and sounds article, but hear me out. The Garden Grill is one of the Character Dining restaurants over at Epcot, and it is located over in the Land Pavilion in Future World. The characters are awesome, but what I really enjoy about the Garden Grill is that it is a revolving restaurant. As you eat, your restaurant moves ever so slightly, so that from beginning to end, you will make a complete revolution. What brings it to home, though, is that your view as you make the loop is of the different scenes that you encounter in the Land Boat Ride. As you all know, the Disney Imagineers are top notch, and one of a kind, and it is really incredible how you will travel from a rainy part of the ride (with it’s cool atmosphere) to the plains, with the heat radiating down on the fields, and so forth. All of this adds up to my #3 favorite site and sound at Epcot.
2) Riding the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
At number two is an attraction that we really enjoy for many reasons. First of all, it is seldom crowded, especially during EMH times at night. Second, the boat ride starts us out in the Mexican Pavilion, with it’s subdued lighting and nighttime setting. Third, we are able to see several sites and sounds from around Mexico, including the simulated fireworks they provide. For all of these reasons, plus the fact that this is one of Sophie’s favorite rides, the relaxing nature of this ride, and the transformation you make into the heart of Mexico (without ever leaving your boat), make this my number two favorite for the sites and sounds of Epcot.
1) IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Fireworks
Sitting proudly at number one is IllumiNations fireworks. The combination of fireworks, lasers, incredible music, and the rotating globe in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon just provide the ultimate site and sound experience for anyone visiting Epcot. Talk about closing out a fun day! Being able to enjoy IllumiNations is the icing on the cake for a day spent at Epcot!
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