Day 1: Epcot

This week, I’m down in Orlando for an actual, honest-to-goodness trade show. Lots of work and coordination between the show and work, but it leaves me the hours between 4 pm and 9 or so to go experience the World that is Disney.

Specifically, since I’d never been before and figure I’ve only got 3 hours to play, I headed straight to Epcot Center after checking into the hotel. Originally, I thought the park closed at 7, but — yay is me — it closes at 9pm on a Tuesday for some unknown reason…

Let me just say that for years, I had been told how horrible Epcot was, and how it was a waste of time. It was also on the list of restricted activities from the ex when we were here about 10 years ago, which makes it all the more fitting to suddenly remember that I’m walking around her favorite place on Earth (Disney) on what I refer to as my “ex-iversary”.

In fact, of all four Disney parks, the only one I’ve ever been to was the Magic Kingdom, though I’m one of the rare who’s actually been to the “World” in Florida as well as the “Land” park in Cali… I was 4 at the time, but the parentals have pictures, so yeah, I’ve gotz me some proof..

Anyway, I honestly feel that Epcot very much equals the Magic Kingdom park in my mind. Where the Kingdom has the overwhelming sense of “It’s a small world” and fond memories, Epcot is a more relaxed, adult place which still has rides, shops, and — dare I say it…. — BEER… I’m all about a beautiful place that has world-wide brews available and can serve me authentic food from 7 countries…

Picked up a pint in Scotland, strolled through the shops, and stopped in Japan for a great (albeit expensive) meal at the Teppan Edo steak house.

Then, just to re-think the whole beer idea, I decided to go on the rides. For those of you visiting Epcot, here’s a great tip if you’re single (or there alone as I was). Epcot LOVES single riders. Apparently they need single riders to help fill the seats, since families are seemingly always in odd numbers.

Not once or twice, but 6 times was I whisked aboard a ride with a long 30+ minute wait to walk past the crowds as though I had the magic “fast pass”. The longest wait at “Test Track” was 90 minutes. I was able to board and ride in 4 minutes. I LOVE EPCOT!