Of all of Orlando’s theme parks, I think Epcot sports the most nooks and crannies, areas of exploration. Walt Disney World’s second-oldest park has sort of shaken the original criticism of “only eating and shopping” and added more rides and characters.
But if you’re only drinking around the world or spinning through the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster, you’re missing some quality browsing. And reading is fundamental, even at Epcot, which presents history if you just slow down for a second.
Here are five just-off-the-beaten-path places to absorb at Epcot.
Capybara pens are some of the animal-based merchandise sold at House of Good Fortune at Epcot. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Your Good Fortune
I sometimes wonder about theme park souvenirs and whether modern merchandising trends, such as online shopping, are taking a toll. Yet the stores inside the attractions look pretty busy. You still overhear parental budgeting lessons like “you can get one big thing or two smaller things” and “I don’t think that will fit in your suitcase, bud.”
The initial steps into House of Good Fortune, a store in Epcot’s China pavilion, have expected fare such as traditional clothing and jewelry. Around the corner, I bumped into an unexpected item for sale: capybara ink pens. Turns out the South American semiaquatic mammal has a following in China, including a Capybara Cafe.
Animals overall are popular with Good Fortune shoppers, but pandas lead the way on merchandise, from Yin-Yang-inspired T-shirts, to handbags, bucket hats, keychains, bobble heads and the plush toys known as Shoulderkins.
Other surprises: your name on chopsticks, almost Shanghai Stuckey’s style, and those 6-foot-wide folding fans are actually for sale. I don’t think those will fit in your suitcase, bud.
Epcot visitors wander through the Morocco pavilion of World Showcase. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Desert isle
In some ways, the Morocco pavilion is the anti-Epcot. It’s quiet and not too crowded, and the back half has an emphasis on tiled foundations, bare walls and peeks at the sky. It’s peaceful, but surprisingly, you can get sangria and Mediterranean beer back there. Exhale.
There’s also a museum of sorts, dubbed the Gallery of Arts and History, that delves into Sahara-related topics, including Marathon of the Sands, a six-day race in the desert. There are relics such as loaned-out trophies. Does Touda Didi wonder where she left her award for winning in 2008?
A figure of a Seeress sits inside the stave at the front of the Norway pavilion at Epcot. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Hidden idols
There’s a sign outside the Stave Church Gallery at the Norway pavilion touting a Viking exhibit, but it’s easy to miss. Inside are carvings of ancient gods Thor, Odin, Loki and Freya, and naturally, Disney must make a passing Marvel reference on its website.
Also on hand is a large display for the Seeress, who represents women who performed rituals inspired by Norse poetry.
Nearby is a new permanent grass-topped kiosk that serves the pavilion’s famed school bread, a sweet roll with custard and dipped in coconut. The menu also offers beverages with alcohol, including a frozen Troll Krem (cranberry, vanilla, dragonberry rum) and Mickey ice cream bars, which cost a buck more than the school bread.
The exit of Test Track incorporates a showroom of Chevrolet and other General Motors vehicles. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Tank talk
Go in the exit of the Test Track attraction to see what I’d call the showroom of the future, although it features 11 current vehicles. It is an interesting placement as people seem in a hurry to get out, but many folks do point and discuss the General Motors models on display.
Missing from the showroom: Coffee in styrofoam cups. But when a visitor asked to see inside a car, a worker was quick to get the key. Driving out of that showroom would be … a challenge.
Epcot visitors watch manatees eat in the Seabase Aquarium tank in the World Nature section of the theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Tank talk too
It’s kind of wacky to refer to the Seabase Aquarium as being in a nook or cranny. This place is enormous, but I often see online posts saying, “Did you know Epcot has an aquarium?” Let’s go with Big Ol’ Hidden Gem just behind the Nemo ride.
It’s big but with little rooms and tanks for various sea life. But among the big draws are a bilevel viewing (and feeding) area for manatees, plus the space is air-conditioned, making it a Big Ol’ Climate Controlled Hidden Gem, I guess.
This vibe is that this space runs between subdued and Field Trip Gone Wild. You’ve been warned.
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