Continuing in my new semi little series discussing my Disney favorites so I can live through memories until I’m able to go back to the parks, we have Epcot. Epcot I think is my favorite park of any of the four located in Orlando. It didn’t always use to be, but it’s grown on me over the years. Now while there isn’t as many rides to ride like at Magic Kingdom, there is still so much to do at this park. Plus you are able to drink which as an adult is a major plus. Especially when bringing a toddler to Disney, by mid afternoon, you really could use a stiff drink or two.
Favorite Pavilion– All the countries in the world showcase hold a special place in my heart. But, my favorite of all of them would have to be the Mexico Pavilion. Not only can you get margaritas there, but the majority of the pavilion is inside the ruins, and once inside you are made to feel like you are outside at night time with shops and restaurants and the “Grand Fiesta” ride. I just love the ambiance of the pavilion. If you stay inside for a while, you can really believe that it’s night time and be in for a shock when you leave and realize that it is still in fact, the middle of the afternoon.
Favorite Ride– Hands down it is Soarin’ around the world. While I do sort of miss the Soarin’ over California overlay, the around the version isn’t bad. All the new sounds and smells just really make you feel like you are in those locations.
Favorite Shop– There is a Christmas shop in the Germany pavilion and that wins my top spot for favorite shop within Epcot. I love all the glass blown ornaments, as well as the other options of ornaments they have there. It’s not a very large store, but it still is a great place to find souvenirs.
Favorite Show/Parade– With Epcot not having a parade, this winner had to go to my favorite show at the park. British Revolution, the rock band that played in the United Kingdom most definitely gets that spot. I have had so many memories of watching them play and Cameron loves their music too. Sadly, with Covid-19 and the closure of Disney, this band ended their run. I am really hoping they are able to come back once the parks open back up and things get back to a sense of normalcy, because they were awesome and always had the audience jamming and dancing.
Favorite Snack– Empanadas from Mexico. Now I’m not sure if these are really considered a snack, or if you want to consider them a meal. But I really love them. You can get them from the margarita counter on the outside of the pavilion. Paired with a margarita and you got yourself a great time.
Favorite Drink (Non-Festival and Festival)– I decided to add two favorites to this category since Epcot does so many festivals, I thought it was only fair to do my festival favorite, and my non-festival favorite for drinks. For my non-festival favorite, I chose the Blood Orange Margarita from Mexico. Are you sensing a theme here with my favorites? Clearly the Mexico pavilion is where I love to spend my time, as well as eat and drink. You can find this margarita inside the pavilion at La Cava de Tequila. Fair warning, if you want to get one of these from this location, go early, as lines for margaritas here can get lengthy at times. Now for my festival favorite, I went with the Limencello Cider from the Apple Orchard booth at Food and Wine Festival. This was a new booth last year in 2019, and it was one of my favorites, not only because I really enjoyed this cider, but also because it was located inside the Canada pavilion in the circle vision theater (which wasn’t operational at the time due to getting an update), so you could enjoy a little AC while sampling your festival choices.
Favorite Quick Service Restaurant- For my quick service choice, I picked the Katsura Grill in Japan. This is a small little location, tucked up on a hill like area in the Japan pavilion. Honestly, if you didn’t know it was there, you would legit walk right past it. I first learned of this place watching Adam Hattan’s vlogs on Youtube so decided to try it out myself. It was great, the dishes were overflowing, they were great flavor, and their prices were not that terrible. (As far as Disney prices go). We got the chicken teriyaki meal, and some sushi and were not disappointed.
Favorite Table Service Restaurant– Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion is a great choice for a table service meal. Which is why it takes my favorite here in Epcot. Not only is it a character meal with Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto, but it’s also served family style, all you care to enjoy, and some of the food is grown right there in the same pavilion. I personally enjoy the breakfast over any meal you can have there, but you can’t go wrong dining at any time.
Favorite Character Meet– Epcot has a lot of princess meet and greets, they also have other characters, so when trying to choose a favorite I had to think back to all the memories I’ve had meeting the characters. With that being said, my favorite character to meet at Epcot would be Mickey. Yes, you can meet him just about anywhere, but he holds a special place in my heart, because the Mickey we met in Epcot, was the VERY FIRST character Cameron ever met during her first visit. Right there is enough reason for him to be a favorite for a long time to come.
Favorite Festival– Epcot has 4 great festivals. And while they are all great, my favorite is hands down the food and wine festival. The other 3 have a lot going for them, but the food and wine festival just has so much more in my opinion. As well as I believe it lasts the longest so you have more opportunity to attend. Not to mention, I really love fall at Disney so it’s another perfect time to go.
These are my current Epcot favorites. Did your favorites make the list? Did I miss out on anything?
