Epcot is the Disney theme park that celebrates technological advances in Future World and international cultures in World Showcase. Roam the beautifully landscaped grounds as you sample cuisine and browse items from various counties. There are also plenty of indoor activities. While preschoolers may not enjoy it as much as Magic Kingdom, rides, shows and extensive educational opportunities make this theme park appropriate for children and adults.
Three Must-See Attractions at Epcot
See the dinosaurs and travel through space with the comedy of Ellen DeGeneres on Ellen's Energy Adventure, an indoor ride for all ages. Mission Space delights thrill seekers as they transform into astronauts-in-training, and blast off into space. SeaBase, (appropriate for all ages), is an interactive adventure that features one of the largest man-made ocean environments in the world.
Where to Stay near Epcot
Hotels and resorts on location range from the luxurious Disney Yacht Club Resort, mid-luxury Dolphin Hotel, to the budget friendly Pop Century Resort. Guests staying at a Disney resort get several extra perks, including extended park hours (on several attractions), free shuttle service, free magic bands and the ability to reserve fast passes weeks ahead of your visit. If you're staying in one of the luxury suites, it may be worth the money for the experience and convenience. Otherwise try a nearby hotel like Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (about 1.5 miles away) which entertains guests with indoor replicas of Key West, St. Augustine, and the Everglades, plus world class dining and shopping -- plus it's quiet.
Best and Worst Times to go to Epcot
The International Flower and Garden Festival runs several weeks in March through May. Visitors during this time will see incredible themed flower gardens and Disney character topiaries. Outdoor kitchens offer seasonal food in the World Showcase section.
Discounts at Epcot
Tickets are discounted for Florida Residents, but there are block out dates. Throughout the year special rates are offered on multi-day passes. Annual passes have no block out dates, give free parking and provide a discount on merchandise.
Food at Epcot
Dining options include counter service, buffet, family style, themed, fine and signature. Prices range from $18 all the way up to $70. If you love Mexican food, San Angel Inn Restaurante offers old world favorites in a twilight atmosphere amid Mayan Ruins. The only negative is that the tables are very close together. It is imperative to decide on your restaurant and make reservations before you go. It can take weeks or months to get a reservation for certain restaurants.
Parking at Epcot
Parking costs $20 to $25 depending on your vehicle. Staff directs you to a parking area when you enter. Shuttle service picks you up and takes you to the park and back to your parking lot. It's a good idea to take a picture of the parking lot sign if you think you may not remember at the end of the day. If you plan to stay at a Disney resort, go to the resort first and get a free parking pass.
Transportation Alternatives to Epcot
Public transportation is available on Lynx busses. Ride the monorail from the ticket center.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is an internationally published freelance writer in Central Florida. She loves to visit the theme parks on the coldest day of the year. See her other interests here.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum is the second-oldest car museum in the nation. It is conveniently locatated across from the Ringling Museum and near the Sarasota/Bradenton airport. From classic cars to muscle cars, this museum houses vehicles of the rich and famous as well as ones that were found and refurbished. It's fun for the whole car-enthusiast family.
This free outdoor history museum is located on a twenty-one acre tract of native pine and palmetto. There are twenty-eight historic buildings, some dating from the 19th century. Pinellas County's history comes to life as museum-goers explore a school, a church, a sponge warehouse, a railroad depot and several houses. They may see demonstrations of Old Florida activities such as pine needle and palm frond weaving, rope making, net mending, blacksmithing and pioneer cooking. The library contains over 3,500 books and 8,500 photographs.
The Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum is a trove of artifacts, stories and educational programs. With a combination of permanent and rotating exhibitions, guest lecturers, and a library of survivor testimonies, the museum realizes their mission to promote respect and understanding, and to provide the largest collection of resources for the area.
When to go to the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
Anytime you wish to visit the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum is a good time. However, you may want to check their calendar to plan your visit around a guest exhibition or special lecture to make the most of your visit.
Must see/do at the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
The Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum offers a rare look at an original, fully restored boxcar. Call in advance to make sure this exhibit is not on tour during your visit. Visitors may also be impacted by the recreation of the barracks and close living quarters discovered in the concentration camps, as well as the vast library of written and video survivor testimonies. Docent led tours provide extremely informative accounts not otherwise available.
Admission to the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
Entrance is free for children under 12, or for museum members. Entry fees for students aged 12-18 is $5 and adults are $10.
Parking and public transportation to the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
There is ample parking available on site in front of the museum. No additional fees are charged.
Food at the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
Food options are not provided on site. However, the museum is located on a main road in the city where dining options are plentiful.
Insider tip for visitors to the Southwest Florida Holocaust Museum
All of the documents, photographs, and other artifacts have been donated by survivors, liberators and other dedicated individuals.
Author's bio: Renee Novelle is an author and journalist residing in Southwest Florida.
