Let’s Talk About Epcot!

Ah Epcot, the “edutainment” park of Disney. Out of all of the parks we visit this is the park my parents love the most (and it’s my second favorite as well).  Since it’s grand opening in 1982, Epcot has had many changes but still to this day shows the innovation and integrity that Walt had planned before his death in 1966.

Ranking number twelve for the most visited theme park in the world as of last year, Epcot is revered for its cultural diversity within the World Showcase, fantastic food and it’s scientific aspects shown through Future World. There’s some pretty fun rides located at Epcot as well as more food selections than you could ever imagine, so there is something for everyone!

Park Areas

In Future World’s section, you can explore the scientific and the technological side of our world while keeping it entertaining for all ages. In this section of Epcot you get to seek out thrills on exciting rides like Soarin’ and the Test Track, or learn about how Epcot grows their own food at The Land.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The World Showcase hosts 11 pavilions where you can shop, eat and explore the many cultures that reside there. You can try different foods and browse shops from countries like USA, Italy, Japan, Morocco, UK, France, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China and Germany. In several countries there are also rides and shows to attend, so you can’t plan spending only a few days at the park and think everything will be done!

What’s great is that Epcot celebrates several annual events throughout the year, which I’ll go over as well.

Annual Events

International Flower and Garden Festival- Disney plants special floral displays and topiary sculptures of Disney characters. They even host beekeepers there as well with honey samples to enjoy, and fellow gardners who can give helpful tips and tricks to boost your plant productivity.

Food & Wine Festival- Celebrate culture by sampling several wines and food from countries all over the world, even ones not a part of the Showcase. Being one of Epcot’s more popular, it also hosts seminars and live music for you to enjoy.

International Festival of the Arts- Brand new to the scene as of 2017, this festival celebrates the three arts: cooking, art and music. If Broadway and Showcase choirs aren’t your things, there’s also professional workshops, visual art galleries and food tastings.

Holidays Around the World- Christmas has never been more magical than at Epcot. With Candlelit Professionals, extended firework shows and storytellers who depict each cultures holiday traditions, this bustling time of year is one to visit at least once in your life.

No matter when you pick to go to Epcot, I always say to plan for at least a week; there is so much to do, tons of different foods to eat and great places to shop! Every time I go, I do have favorites but enjoy spreading my wings and trying new things- Epcot is the perfect place to do so!

Spot

2018 Disney Stocking Stuffers

So I know that Christmas is still 2 months away, however I find that beginning to shop earlier is easier than rushing before the Holidays- I mean seriously I start shopping in July! If you have a Disney fan in your life and are looking for stocking stuffer ideas, look no further. I have 10 stocking stuffer suggestions (along with links) to help get you started out right for the holidays. Please understand these are merely suggestions and I am not being paid to advertise, I just love Disney and their products.

1.Tiny Big Feet Plush Pal

i1

The Big feet plushes are a recent addition to the stuffed animal line where your favorite characters are given larger feet. While they are pretty cute, if you want smaller and more portable friends for your child (or plush collector), look no further than the Tiny Big Feet Pals! Each one is about 3 inches tall, squeezable and really well made. To make it even better, each plush is only $5.95 each and comes in an assortment of characters.

Price: $5.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/disney-tiny-big-feet-plush-collection-1489597

2. Adult Disney and Pixar Holiday Socks

i2

Many people -including myself- usually make a certain face when receiving socks for Christmas (I own over 50 pairs of socks and don’t need more). That gets turned on its head when the socks you’re giving are Disney or Pixar themed socks! There are tons of choices to choose from, and each comes packaged in an ornament. They come in either XS/S or M/L and have a snug fit to them.

Price: $9.95

Link (for Disney themed): https://www.shopdisney.com/disney-holiday-socks-in-ornaments-collection-for-adults-1489295

Link (for Pixar themed): https://www.shopdisney.com/pixar-holiday-socks-in-ornaments-collection-for-adults-1489294

3. Lumiere Light Up Figurine Ornament

i3

While Disney offers many wonderful ornaments for your holiday tree, the Lumiere ornament stands above the rest! 5 inches in height, this well made ornament looks like he just danced out of the movie. He even has his flames light up with a nice flicker effect to add a bit of flair.

Price: $24.99

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/lumiere-light-up-figural-ornament-beauty-and-the-beast-1399770?request_type=mlt&gre_rt=ChM3NDM1MjQ0NDIzMTAxMjIxMjE0EAIaAklWIg1kZWZhdWx0X21vZGVsKAA

4. Disney Eeyore Womens Fleece Pants

i4

If you have a special girl in your life who needs warm winter sleeping pants, these pants are the best ones! Originally sold at Wal-Mart, these are officially licensed, comfortable to wear and perfect for a comfortable movie night.

Price: $19-$30 depending on size

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Eeyore-Womens-License-Pajama/dp/B0771TZJGL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538765615&sr=8-1&keywords=eeyore+fleece+pants

5. Mickey and Minnie Glass Sketchbook Ornament

i5

This ornament is the perfect gift for a special person in your life. Whether it is for a family member, spouse or significant other, this glass ornament is well crafted and since it isn’t Christmas themed it can be hung out all year round.

Price: $16.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/mickey-and-minnie-mouse-glass-globe-sketchbook-ornament-1479186

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi Pin Trading Starter Set

i6.PNG

If someone you know is going to Disney this year or is looking to begin pin trading and is a Star Wars fan, this is the perfect thing for them! With flashy colors of red and black and four starter pins, your friend or family member is going to have a blast running around trading pins with this lanyard!

Price: $29.99

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/star-wars-the-last-jedi-pin-trading-starter-set-1448103

7. K-2SO Action Figure

i7

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy owning an action figure, and this one is no exception. Being a fan favorite character from Star Wars: Rogue One, this action figure looks amazing and holds together well during play or being displayed.

Price: $22.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/k-2so-action-figure-star-wars-20-1440072

8. Tsum Tsum Leia Lip Smacker

i8.PNG

While all of the Lip Smacker brand has been great, the smell and flavor of Leia- Cinnamon Buns are a great gift for anyone looking to keep their lips smooth during the winter months. While the amount of product isn’t too big, you can always keep the figure afterwards!

Price: $4.95

Link: http://www.lipsmacker.com/shop-by-form/tsum-tsum/tsum-tsum-princess-leia-cinnamon-buns.html

9. Pixar’s Coco Dvd

i9.PNG

A fantastic movie recently released theatrically in 2017, Coco is a film that anyone who loves Disney would be excited to own. It comes in normal format, 4K Ultra or Combo; it’s rated PG.

Price: $22.95

Link (can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target or Disney): https://www.shopdisney.com/coco-dvd-1468004

10. Marvel Studios Legacy Ornament- Limited Release

i10.PNG

For your Marvel fan, my last favorite pick is this Legacy Ornament. Not only is it limited release which makes it a fantastic collectors item but it is also a nice ornament which can be hung any time of the year in an office or den, showing off your favorite superheroes. Get it while it’s still there!

Price: $19.95

Link: https://www.shopdisney.com/marvel-studios-legacy-sketchbook-ornament-limited-release-1481295