Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy Hey Happily Adventures After friends! We are back! 

It’s to continue our recap our wonderful Week in the World, April 2024, to the Most Magical Place on Earth! 

In today’s post, we are going to chat about our time in EPCOT, at Walt Disney World!

Our Passport to World Travels

Before we start, I will explain our ticket situation. 

My immediate family and I are Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, however, my cousin, is not. We purchased a 2 Day Park Hopper Ticket for her, purchased in advance on the My Disney Experience App. 

This ticket cost $426.78 USD/$597.17 CDN with taxes. 

With our 2 Day Park Hopper Ticket, our plan was to visit each park within these 2 days; EPCOT and Hollywood Studios on Day 1 then Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom on Day 2. 

We know (to quote Gabriella Montez in High School Musical 2) “plans change and people change”. This trip, people did not change rather we just enjoyed ourselves in Epcot on our first day so we stayed.

Epcot Extravaganza as World Traveler’s

Our Walt Disney World escapade kicked off with a visit to Epcot. 

Arriving around noon, our journey from Reunion Resort was quick and easy.  Once we parked our vehicle (who’s battery is going strong!) we walked through security and scanned our way into Epcot to become World Traveler’s! 

Prior to venturing off to Epcot, I was up and joining the Virtual Queue for Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at 7am EST. When we joined we received Boarding Group 83, which normally calls back around 1pm (just in my experience with their numbers; they run about 10 boarding groups an hour).

Our Epcot journey began at the iconic, Spaceship Earth. Here is where my family and I had quite the photoshoot to capture some great memories and moments with help of a PhotoPass Cast Member. It’s so much fun to have these photos, set against the timeless symbol of Epcot’s spirit of prototype community and innovation for days to come.

Testin’ out our Track Skills

After our photo session, we knew that thrills awaited us throughout the day. Our first adventure was on Test Track. With a posted 20 minute wait, we motored (get it… car… motor… I told you all bad puns were coming) into line. 

With some of our family members sitting out, my cousin and I enjoyed our air-conditioned wait, while savouring the current version of Test Track before its temporary closure for a reimagining on June 17/24.  

We ended up actually waiting about 1 hour due to an unexpected delay. Once we were in the pre-show, we realized we were closely approaching the ride! My cousin and I were excited to build our vehicle which we thought would compete against the other designers. 

Let me say, our vehicle we designed TANKED! Though ours lookedcute, there was not way we were winning; best in vehicle or against any one else. Once we had a great time riding Test Track, we checked our vehicle’s placement against the other competitors. I think we came in almost dead last in every area/criteria. We clearly went for looks, and not ability.

With our dead last place, and fun little photoshoot with all of the Chevrolet vehicles at the end of the Test Track ride, we met up with our party and walked into the World Showcase for some fun!As we ended the our tested track skills, we exited the ride to find our family. Exiting into World Discovery, there was no way we were riding Spaceship Earth. I can’t and I won’t. Not my thing…

Mexico Adventures!

We are ALWAYS going to the Right as you enter World ShowcaseWe walked into Mexico and realized we needed a snack and something cool to drink. We chose Choza de Margarita a Snack Restaurant within the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. At this permeant snack dining location we ordered (to share); 

• A Frozen Strawberry Margarita which is $14 USD/$19.74 CDN plus tax
• Tostada de Pollo (from WDW’s Website – “Crispy Corn Tortillas with Black Beans and Chipotle Chicken. Garnished with Crema Mexicana, Shredded Lettuce and Queso Cotija”) which is $11 USD/$15.51 CDN plus Tax

The Tostada de Pollo was Excellent! We all enjoyed item. The drink however, was not our favourite. 

I want to start out by saying I do not drink alcohol, nor does my family. It was something fun we wanted to try while we were there with my cousin. 

Even though we do not drink alcohol, we all agreed the Frozen Strawberry Margarita was WAY TOO STRONG for even the “normal drinker”! We had to immediately throw out the drink as it was not something we could consume. Some of you all may think it was great… which is great! But for us, it was not good. 

After our treats in Mexico, we went straight into the Mexico Pavilion. Here we shopped for sugar skulls, and got to ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. My family just enjoyed the ambiance of the ride and Mexico Pavilion.

No Way Like Norway

Exiting Mexico, we embarked on adventures to Norway! 

Traveling to see the Nordic culture embodied in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion, we made it to Frozen Ever After. Since my cousin enjoys Frozen, we made sure we were immersing ourselves in the enchanting world of Arendelle.I will say, I’m not a fan of getting wet, and on this ride, you sometimes (only sometimes) get wet. I did…but we survived (Alexa…Play “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor)!

Traveling to Italy

We continued to travel around the World Showcase, and stopped next in Italy. My cousin made a distinct point to make sure we way Mast Juggler Sergio. 

Though Sergio comes out on a schedule, we did not plan to see him; it just happened. It was such a fun moment to get to slow down and experience the immersion within the World Showcase. 

For as long as I have been going to Walt Disney World, I have not spent this much time immersing myself in the World Showcase Offerings! This was an incredible aspect and memory of the trip. 

We also stopped at Gelatria Toscana for a Speciality Cocktail for my cousin. She purchase a Bellini for $11 USD/$15.51 CDB plus tax. This drink had notes of “Peach Puree and Prosecco Sparkling Wine”. My cousin told us that this drink was MUCH better than the Margarita in Mexico, and you could not taste the alcohol. My mom had a quick taste and she was right! It was very smooth and enjoyable. A welcome replacement from our original World Showcase Drink. 

We continued our walk around to the American Pavilion to get my, and my mom’s favourite Epcot treat an American Dream Slush and Mickey Pretzel with Cheese. 

An American Adventure

As we approached Fife & Drum Tavern in Epcot’s America Pavilion in World Showcase, the excitement for our treats were palpable. Finally, our favourite Epcot treat was here! 

My mom and I have a tradition to grab our favourite American Dream Slushy and Mickey Pretzel with Cheese treats and sit in the tables outside of Regal Eagle’s Smokehouse. We just people watch, which is such a fun time and great way to relax.

As we approached, we were sadden as the cast member stated to us that the Slushy Machine was not working, so we could not have an American Dream. My disappointment was real. Though my pretzel was still available, I had to figure out what I wanted. So, after much deliberation with my mom, we settled on the following; 

• Mickey Pretzel served with Cheese Sauce for $8.25 USD/$11.64 CDN plus tax
• Hot Dog served with Chips for $10.25 USD/$14.46 CDN plus tax which is Bare’s Root Beer Float with Vanilla Ice Cream for $6.25 USD/$8.82 CDN plus tax
• A Sprite Fountain Beverage for $4.75 USD/$6.70CDN plus tax

The American Dream (which I’m throwing in for the sake of it) described on the WDW Website is “Frozen Fanta® Wild Cherry, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Frozen Fanta® Blue Raspberry Slushy” for $6.50 USD/$9.17 CDN plus tax. It is very good! Please try it! Please…!While we enjoyed our treats, we received a notification that our Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind virtual queue boarding group was called. We packed up, and ventured back so we were able to return within the hour return window.

Off on a Cosmic Adventure!

I’ve experienced Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind a countless number of times. I cannot describe it. It is a ride like no other; my and my mom’s absolute favourite ride there is. I was excited to share this ride with my cousin for her first time on the ride.

I said to my cousin, I hoped as a joke, we got September by Earth, Wind and Fire as we had heard that song 1 too many times on the drive down. My cousin said to me “no, don’t you dare say that” as a joke in response. Apparently she didn’t want to hear this again!? What?! Why?! September is a GREAT song!

As we board the ride, we asked the Cast Members if we can sit in Row 2 which is the only row that does not make me nauseous. We were excited to experience the attraction. As we were about to launch, I said to my cousin “September” for her to quickly exclaim “NO!”. 

To her happiness we got “I Ran (So Far Away)” by Flock of Seagulls.! Upon the ride’s conclusion, I looked over to my cousin who said she absolutely LOVED the ride and could understand how it was unexplainable! It was a great experience for us. 

As we exited the attraction, we met up with our remaining family to set up rider switch. It was at that moment, I realized I did not set up Rider Switch prior to entering the ride.

Though we were nervous we had made an error that did not allow my mom and cousin to ride/re-ride, it ended up with some Disney Magic. This moment became a memorable experience thanks to the kindness of a cast member who assisted us with rider switch, ensuring everyone in our group could enjoy this thrilling cosmic adventure. With that, my mom and cousin were off on a Cosmic Rewind a second time. 

Can anyone guess what song they got…? If you guessed September you got it right….ha ha ha.

Exploration Surprise!

noticed a little path and began to explore the World Celebration Gardens and  approached the “Walt the Dreamer” Statue, which debuted on December 5/23. 

This was the first time I had gotten to see this statue, and let me say, I was touched. It is just so special to see Walt Disney sitting in the park. This was something I will remember forever as it was so memorable to those of us who love anything Disney. 

After the quick walk around World Celebration Gardens, we needed some caffeine, so to Connections Cafe we went.

Once I was in the drink pick up line I looked over my shoulder and saw 2 of my and my family’s favourite Disney YouTubers; Quincy and Emma from AllEars.net and AllEars. 

I may have squealed inside. I was able to go up to them and have a great, quick conversation with them. Emma and Quincy were so kind, to not only speak with us the first time, but also say goodbye to use as we sat at the table having a snack on their way out. This made such a difference in the day, and the extra little mile they went on to say goodbye was beyond kind! 

I was sad that my mom did not get to meet them, as she enjoys watching them also! Maybe another trip to Walt Disney World she will!

World Showcase 2.0

Caffeinated and ready, we took on World Showcase again. Remember how I said we go to Mexico only? Yah while I lied, because we went towards Canada. This is only because we had not gotten to that end of the World Showcase so it made no sense to go back around the other way.

We ventured through Canada but did not stop. We live in Southwestern Ontario, Canada so it is not something we’re not use to. I will say it’s my ultimate dream to move down permanently to Orlando Florida with my family! 

London in London!

Approaching dinner time, we ventured towards Fish and Chips in England. This is something that we have wanted to try for ages! Excited to finally try Fish and Chips from  Yorkshire County Fish Shop, we ordered the following for dinner;

• 3 Orders of Beer-Battered Fish and Chips for $13.49 USD/$19.03 CDN each plus tax

The ones in Yorkshire County Fish Shop will outweigh anything! These were excellent. 

While in and around England, we also took some fun pictures of the Flower and Garden festival offerings and the England Pavilion. As one of my cousin’s favourite Disney movies is Peter Pan, the Peter Pan topiaries were an excellent backdrop for a photo session for her. It was also fun to get to take photos of London England icons like a phone booth, because of my name – London! 

See, it’s London in London.

After dinner and photos, we continued over towards the remaining countries in World Showcase.

Oh La La

Making our way into France, and partly stuffed from Fish and Chips, we thought it would be a great idea to eat some more! We weren’t terribly interested in riding Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure so food and drinks it was. 

We stopped at the Fleur de Lys in France for some Flower and Garden Festival offering. These were excellent treats!

Between use, we purchased; 

• Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie which is aCroissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic for $6.75 USD/$9.52 CDN plus tax
• Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel which is aCaramelized Beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel for $5.75 USD/$8.11 CDN plus tax
• Sparkling Raspberry Cocktail which is Sparkling Wine with Raspberry Flavor – $6.50 USD/$9.17 CDN plus tax

Everything off of this menu was excellent! We would highly recommend attending this boothagain! It was a highlight of our time in the World Showcase most certainly.

We Want Poutine!

Post France treats, we walked around some shops. We then didn’t realize the time as it started to become dark. We realized we should probably make our way to either the car, or for a spot for fireworks. 

Walking back around World Showcase, my cousin made sure we went back through to the Canada side, why? To get Poutine of course! For some reason, she wanted to make sure that she had this.

Walking back and forth several times in front of The Refreshment Port at the from of World Showcase, we completely and totally missed the sign for poutine. I think it took us 3 or 4 times (we looked this up online too to find it) to actually come across it. Call us tired, but I think that we were delirious at this point to attempt to find it. Once she saw it, she shouted Poutine! Arm pointing straight across to The Refreshment Port. She and I walked up to the ordering counter to get her prized night possession; poutine!

Ordering the Traditional Poutine for $10.49 USD/$14.80 CDN plus tax, my cousin was giddy and gleaming to receive her order. 

She asked the Cast Member for extra cheese on it, to which they responded “I got you”. It’s amazing when Cast Members make magic for the guests! That’s why they are the best!

When the Cast Member came back with our order, there was a mountain of cheese on top of the fries. My cousin, happily, said “thank you so much” as did I. 

Homeward Bound

With that adventure, we noticed it was around 8:40pm. Some may say “hey stay for fireworks at 9pm” but we were wiped. Our plans of Park Hopping to Hollywood Studios were far gone and we were ready to go home. 

We set off for a return back to our vehicle. As we approached the Spaceship Earth icon, we look backed and smiled at our journey. Though we did not get to do a few attractions we wanted such as Soarin’ Around the World, Journey through Imagination with Figment, nor Moana: Journey of Water, we smiled. It was a fun day. Something we had not experienced before; a whole new world (Pun #4 are we counting!). 

The beauty of Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival added a colorful backdrop to our day, with vibrant blooms and garden displays enhancing the park’s natural charm.

Epcot proved to be a tapestry of experiences, blending excitement, culture, and camaraderie. Each attraction, encounter, and culinary delight contributed to a day filled with magic and unforgettable moments. We really enjoyed our time at Epcot, and experienced so many new food items, experiences and memories. It was a day I will always cherish!

As we continue on this adventure, our next post will discuss our time at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom split into 2 different posts due to the stories!

Thank you for joining us! See ya real soon folks!

London

Reminders

Note: Tax in the Walt Disney World area is an additional 7% on your bill

Note: The Canadian Exchange rate quoted above is 1.41 CDN on 1 USD. This is what we paid at the time, not including credit card fees added, if applicable.