Disney World

Epcot - Part Five

Yesterday we took you all halfway around the World Showcase. (counter-clockwise)

We'll finish our excursion today. You can see, as we arrived, in Epcot the Disney characters were out for the kids and the craftmen from Africa were busy carving walking sticks and wooden sculptures.

Of all the international showcases, the three that really were exceptional to us were the Mexico, China, and Germany. Below is the entrance to Mexico.




This pavilion was so happy. Live music was provided by the gentlemen shown below who were excellent. Notice in the background the boat ride called the Gran Fiesta Tour - that attraction begins with posters indicating that the Three Caballeros are to perform a concert tonight.

After boarding the boat, Judy and I floated around a Mayan pyramid as soft music and animal sounds were heard in the distance. Soon, we entered a tunnel on the side of the pyramid, where Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca of The Three Caballeros introduce themselves, only to find out that Donald Duck, the third member of the group, had run off, prompting Panchito and Jose to set off on a frantic search for their missing friend. The next few scenes showed Donald touring Mexico and José and Panchito on a magic sarape (a sort of Mexican flying poncho) looking for him.

The next scene had characters similar to 'It's a Small World' with dancing animatronics and a Donald Duck piñata. Once past this area, we entered a cave, which featured different scenes of live-action footage with the Caballeros. After leaving the cave, there were three panels featuring a Mariachi band in the first, some Mexican girls and Donald in the second, and Panchito and José pulling Donald away from the girls in the third. From here, Judy and I floated into Mexico City, where fireworks were going off overhead and the Three Caballeros were finally performing their concert.



Man, I look studly in this hat! Really wanted one, but could not figure out how to get it home on the plane.



We ate lunch in the Mexican Restaurant called the San Angel Inn which overlooked an indoor lagoon. The beef tacos were exceptional. Speaking of exceptional, Judy and I had to wait about 20 minutes before being seated for lunch, so we decided to check out the margaritas at La Cava del Tequila, a tequila bar with a vast collection of tequilas, specialty margaritas and light Mexican appetizers. We had an appetizer and the greatest margaritas we have ever experienced. Judy had the blood orange margarita and I enjoyed the cucumber margarita.



Norway is the next showcase after Mexico (going clockwise around the International Lagoon). The Norway experience has a stave church constructed on the site. The Norway folks have a ride called the Maelstrom. As you know a maelstrom is a very powerful whirlpool; a large, swirling body of water. Visitors board Viking boats and travel through various scenes, culminating with a backwards drop down a small slope.



Judy and I had to celebrate under the nose of the giant troll. Don't called me Jim - I answer to Helga!




The Chinese pavilion below is so beautiful. The Chinese have done such a fine job in presenting their culture and heritage.



The pavilion had reproductions of a few of the more than 6,000 terra cotta warriors that comprised a "Spirit Army" that protected the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. We saw a large display of the real artifacts in a Baltimore musem several years ago. We were so impressed with the Chinese acrobats. These young lads were fantastic.



This gal was wonderful in balance and foot manipulations. Pots, chairs, and even tables were juggled expertly.

The performance ended with plate spinning. It was a very neat experience for us.

I would have loved to eat in the Chinese pavilion, but we had reservations in the magnificent German restaurant - the Biergarten.

At the Biergarten Restaurant, seating is at long communal tables and we were offered a great view of the festivities. Our dinner selections consisted of hearty German favorites such as bratwurst, red cabbage, pork schnitzel and spaetzle.

Delicious desserts, from Bavarian cheesecake to freshly baked apple strudel completed our meal. This was another great meal at Disney World!

We had another great day at Walt Disney world. We left Epcot at 9 P.M. with full bellies and plenty of memories.

Tomorrow - Wednesday at Downtown Disney!