First, I feel the need to apologize to Epcot. I mean, I used to look at it like one of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters—like the complimentary bread at a steakhouse. She is not the free salsa with the chips badly in need of more salt. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t go in expecting much. We didn’t even leave early to arrive at opening, and I hadn’t so much as looked at a park map!
But honey, let me👏🏾tell👏🏾you!
Epcot was awesome. Not in an amusement park kind of way—but like an upscale mall/zoo (minus the shops and animals). The grounds were beautiful, of course. That’s a Disney standard I’ve come to recognize. Epcot was done with the same excellence as Magic Kingdom, but without the swarms of hot, angry parents, screaming children, double-wide strollers, and buzzing mobility scooters.
I felt young. I mean, I was one of the few people not on a motorized scooter doing 45 mph, wearing blue blockers, floral mouse ears, rocking a lanyard and sipping wine.
We rode Soarin’ twice—front row middle. First on a FastPass, then again in the evening around 8 (with only a 15-minute wait). I had to ride it again because the first time, my eyes were closed. I was the only one screaming like I was actually going to fall out of my seat and onto a snow-capped mountain. It felt so real! You’re blasted with air, spritzed with water and scent is pumped in to give you the feel you’re actually “soarin” around the world. The scents felt more Calvin Klein-inspired, but I caught what they were throwing. I wouldn’t want the actual smell of elephants—or the Taj Mahal, for that matter—blasted in my face, so there’s that. They really manipulate every one of your senses. Soarin’ was everything I hoped it would be.
Next up was Spaceship Earth. I felt like I was in an episode of The Jetsons. The whole thing felt a bit primitive, but who’s passing up a chance to escape the Florida heat and soak in some glorious 74-degree air conditioning while waiting for your next FastPass window? I even managed to check out the inside of my eyelids for about seven minutes while the ride creaked slowly along its course.
Anywho…
The fireworks at Epcot were lovely and definitely less crowded. There also wasn’t a massive herd of people leaving the park afterward—probably because most of the seniors were already deep in REM sleep from all that wine, sun and food.
Epcot… how do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
1. Soarin’—period.
2. The amazing butter garlic corn in Mexico.
3. The beautiful flowers and landscaping.
4. Characters sprinkled throughout the park with shorter lines.
5. The water taxi that appeared like an angel of light just as I was ready to screw my hot, tired feet off and throw them.
I enjoyed Epcot because I’m a nerd and a true tourist at heart. It felt more like an elementary school field trip than an amusement park—more informational than entertaining. Epcot is the slow-down to the fast pace of Magic Kingdom.
Next up… Animal Kingdom.
iamkimblakes 
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