A Trip To England~Without Crossing the Big Blue Pond At Disney World Epcot~United Kingdom Pavilion
Written: Oct 07 '08 (Updated Oct 19 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Disney does it again! Replicates a delightful taste of England
Cons: A bit too hot in the summer for my tastes.
The Bottom Line: Delightful and imaginative way to get a small sample of Great Britain. The sights and atmosphere on a small scale as only Disney world can do it
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| ifif1938's Full Review: Walt Disney World Epcot - United Kingdom |
With my great finds in England and France write-off drawing to a close this month I thought I would add my own review of something quite British even if it is located here in the United States.
I have to admit it, I just love Disney World, each and every corner that I've been too has it's own special charm or fun activity, in one way or another, but, if I had to choose which one place as my favorite, I would say The World Showcase in Epcot.
Where else can you travel around the world in one day? Or visit a different country just by walking a few steps, then, without warning, you start to feel as if you've stepped into the wonderland of another city or place in time just by the architectural designs of the buildings you are passing.
This is especially true of the wonderful and exciting United Kingdom Pavilion. I've loved my visits to England, a country that is as magical in some ways as it is a powerful and influential nation. It definitely has its own style and the United Kingdom is reproduced here in Epcot with the same kind of style and atmosphere...it begins with its charming old cobblestone streets filled with quaint shops and tops it off with a traveling troop of costumed performers, The World Showcase Players, who will take you back to Merry Olde England with comedy, music and a bit of over acted prose, all in good fun as they make their way around the crowd sitting on every bit of spare space to be found during the show. Jesters and wenches are sure to entertain especially if you or someone you know has been singled out to be in the show.
If you happen to be passing by and see a large group of people sitting on the curbs and benches along the little streets, take a few minutes to join the fun, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
The United Kingdom Pavilion is Located between France and Canada and you can't miss the look of it's buildings based on four centuries of famous architectural styles from the 1500's to the 1800's, capturing the city and rural atmosphere, on a much smaller scale of course. There's even a typical red phone booth on one of the little streets, which actually works.
I always enjoy seeing the thatched roof cottage and walking though the small formal garden amid the hedged maze made of geometric patterns. Too small to get lost in but a delight to walk through.
There is also a butterfly garden and herb garden with a Chyrsalis Box where they have various butterfly chrysalis on display, something my grandkiddies, at least the two older boys, find fascinating.
But wait, what about food and drink? You won't go hungry or thirsty in Great Britain. There's a British pub, The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room where you will find all sorts of traditional menu items, along with vast array of special authentic beer and ale. Reservations are required for a meal but you do not need one to have a cold brew on a hot day at the adjoining pub/bar...There's another restaurant where you will find fish and chips and more imported beer "by the yard".
A cozy tea house is located in the replica of Anne Hathaway's thatched roof cottage and, just next door, you can find some of the finest British china and goodies to eat at The Queens Table where you will find some of the most famous named English China and figurines to make any collector of such items very happy.
Perfumes and deliciously scented potpourris are on display and, in The Tea Caddy, delicious treats, my favorite Shortbread and other fine candies and imported jams are sold, some that can only be found in Great Britain itself.... I always make sure to spend a few minutes in that shop!
Speaking of shopping. Did I mention shopping? Well, there certainly are some very fine varieties of British goodies to spend your money on as you wander both sides of the winding streets and through the square. High Street and Tudor Lane have shops with Scottish Highland clothing in the Sportsman Shoppe where you might even find a kilt amid the tartan sweaters and fabrics.
Toys and games, with a British flare, are in the Toy Soldier Shoppe including Paddington Bears and Dart boards and, in another corner of the square, you will find tankards and Beer steins for the bigger boys.
Also, at regular intervals, this is a great place for the kiddies to see some of Disney's Charactors...Winnie the Pooh was in attendance on our last visit with all of his friends as well as Peter Pan and Wendy who were happy to give autographs to the smiling children surrounding them.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, since there really is much to see, do and eat in such small area, but we always enjoy our mini trips to England when we are in The United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot and a special treat for me, being the castle freak that I am, is the glance at the replicas of two olde world castles that are nestled in this most unique corner of the World Showcase, a trip back in time, and back across the big blue pond to the land of Olde world charm and elegance.
Oh, and did I mention this pavilian is next door to France, where you can see la Tour Eiffel just beyond.*grin*
Hint: if you are there for the evening fireworks extravaganza there is special seating at the Rose and Crown restaurant with dining on the water side to see the fantastic displays over the water but reservations, as I mentioned are essential.
Even without dining at the restaurant there's seating all along the lake and gazebo to view the Illuminations show but these fill up quickly so it's a good idea to stake out your spot early.
Happy and Safe Travels
I'm adding this review to my French and English write-off to be found here..Come join the fun
I'm also adding this review to Carstairs38 new write-off in honor of Mickey Mouses 80th birthday, Happy Birthday Mickey
Another Epcot review
The German Pavillian
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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