Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a unique theme park located in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. The park is known for its educational and entertaining attractions, and it offers guests the chance to meet and interact with a variety of characters.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Epcot:
Disney Princesses – Epcot is the perfect place to meet your favorite Disney Princesses. You can interact with Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, Snow White, and other princesses in the World Showcase. Don’t forget to bring your autograph book! You’ll find Belle in France, Snow White in Germany, Jasmine in Morocco, Mulan in China and so on…
International Characters – Epcot’s World Showcase is home to characters from around the world. You can meet Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland in the United Kingdom Pavilion. You can also meet cultural representatives from various countries who share their customs, traditions, and stories.
Vanellope – Pose for a pic with the fastest racer this side of the internet inside Imageworks in World Celebrations.
Anna & Elsa – Chill out with royal sisters Elsa & Anna from Frozen at their charming summer cabin, Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavillion.
Joy – Meet Joy from the Disney and Pixar film Inside Out at her workplace—inside the head of Riley, an 11-year-old girl. You will find Joy at Imageworks
Meeting characters at Epcot is a magical experience that guests of all ages can enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your camera and autograph book, and be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Ringing in the New Year at the Walt Disney World® Resort? Here’s a reminder of some of the magical ways to welcome in 2015!
Countdown at Magic Kingdom®Park
The new year kicks off with fireworks galore at Magic Kingdom Park. Along with “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” enjoy “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, capped off with a breathtaking musical show. This special fireworks display will be presented on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m.
New Year’s Around the Globe at Epcot®
All across World Showcase at Epcot, explore each countries’ traditions at participating pavilions – including Morocco, Italy, China, France, the United Kingdom and the USA – soak up the sounds of favorite bands and DJs.
Plus, World Showcase promenade is the place to be as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky with a message of peace and goodwill. Two showings of this nighttime spectacular will take place on New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.
Celebrate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Guests of all ages will enjoy the fabulous family-style fun and entertainment that New Year’s Eve unreels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come nightfall on Dec. 31, 2014, the “rake and roll” cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears takes the stage for a set of iconic songs.
And, as midnight approaches, the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light. Watch in wonder as majestic fireworks glitter, glisten and inspire awe in one and all.
Dining and Entertainment at Downtown Disney®
If you wish to enjoy New Year’s Eve at Downtown Disney, please remember, as in previous years, there are no fireworks displays.
However, there are a variety of exciting offerings to enjoy this year at Downtown Disney, including special New Year’s Eve food and beverage tents, merchandise stands and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy dining experiences, movies, bowling, Cirque du Soleil, shopping and more. Or, they can explore some of the newest offerings including the Food Trucks at Exposition Park and the flagship Starbucks location at Downtown Disney West Side, as well as the Marketplace Co-Op at the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
One of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts is the Yacht and Beach Club, two distinct hotels that share some recreational facilities.
The Yacht Club is a circa 1870’s mid-Atlantic themed hotel. Think Jersey Shore, Atlantic City or even New England.
Yacht Club lobby
Rooms
Standard rooms are comfortable and offer all the amenities. All Yacht Club rooms have a balcony, 2 queen or 1 king bed, many with an additional daybed. View options include Standard, Garden or Water. Club Level is offered at the Regatta Club with concierge service and a lounge serving continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, finger foods, cordials and dessert.
Standard Room
Recreation
The centerpiece of the hotel is the shared pool. Except, it can barely be called a simple pool. Arguably the best pool on-site, Stormalong Bay, as it’s called is a three acre aquatic playground for young and young at heart. A pirate ship water slide, sand-bottom zero entry pool, lazy river with tubes (which are free to use), whirlpools and plenty of space to lounge. At night you can see some of the higher fireworks from Illuminations right from the pool.
Floating in the lazy river
The hotel offers the Sandcastle Club for the kids if parents want a night out alone. A lovely white sand beach for movies on the beach nightly. There is a quiet pool with a whirlpool and tennis courts as well.
Stormalong Bay
Dining
The Yacht Club features several dining options. Top tier dining at one of Disney’s Signature restaurants, Yachtsman Steakhouse is right in the hotel. A more casual Captain’s Grille serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The lobby lounge, Crew’s Cup, offers coffee and some pastries in the mornings for a quick bite. The Ale and Compass Lounge offers lite fare in the afternoons and evenings.
Lobster Omelet at Captain’s Grille
Venture outside to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for ice cream and burgers for lunch or dinner, overlooking Stormalong Bay. Of course, poolside dining and adult beverages are available for lunch and dinner at Hurricane Hanna’s, where kid’s meals come in a bucket with a shovel for playing in the sand later!
Additional close by options are restaurants inside the adjacent Beach Club Resort including their Marketplace for quick service meals and grab and go items. Or a stroll around the lake to the Boardwalk where there are more restaurant and quick service options. Or if you have Park Hopper, a must if you are staying in this resort location, you can hop into World Showcase at Epcot for dinner in the country of your choice or even grab breakfast in France in the mornings!
View of Boardwalk
Transportation
This location is optimal! A short 5 minute stroll brings you into the International Gateway at Epcot. This is located by the United Kingdom pavilion. A slightly longer walk, about 20 minutes, will take you to Hollywood Studios. Friendship Boats are also available for traveling to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Buses to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom as well as Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon pick up just outside the lobby of the hotel.
These photos are from our last family vacation to Disney World where we called the Yacht Club Resort home. My boys loved the pool and often chose the pool over more park time. We loved the convenience of getting to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom bus was quick.
What’s your favorite Walt Disney World Resort? Where do you want to stay next?
Epcot is one of my favorite parks, but a lot of people tend to skip it thinking there isn’t that much to do there. Okay who am I kidding, I love all the parks, but some of my favorite things are at Epcot. Illuminations is my favorite nighttime spectacular, Soarin and Test Track are great, the Living Seas, I love strolling through the countries in World Showcase and they have Grand Marnier Slushies, I mean HELLO!
Magical Travels with Barb 