Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and buy personally engraved bottles of perfume in France, before settling down to watch
fireworks about world peace and harmony. Disney was right. It truly is a small world after
all.
Sure, this is quite a sanitized stereotypical vision of the world, but so what? This is,
after all, a theme park. And who knows, an afternoon here might just inspire you to hop a
plane and check out the real thing, and it certainly is a fun way to show kids a little
something about the world.
The best way to experience the World Showcase is to simply wander as the mood moves
you, poking through stores and restaurants, and catching what amounts to Bureau of Tour-
ism promotional films and gentle rides through some of the countries. Donald Duck and
his comrades take you through Mexico in
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three
Caballeros
; Norway's rather odd boat-ride
Maelstrom
meanders past Vikings, trolls and
waterfalls; and the
American Adventure
show features audio-animatonic figures present-
ing a simplified interpretation of US history. The featured countries from left to right
around the water are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the USA (The American
Adventure), Japan, Morocco, France, the UK and Canada.
Soarin'
RIDE
required; 9am-6pm, hours vary; Disney, Disney, Disney)
Soar up and down, hover and accelerate as the giant screen in front of you takes you over
California's citrus groves, golf courses, mountains, coasts, rivers and cities and, finally, in-
to the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle at Disney Lane. You can smell the oranges, and
your feet almost touch those surfers below.
While not at all scary in terms of speed or special effects, people with agoraphobia may
feel a bit uneasy. Reserve a FastPass+ or hit this first thing in the morning, as it's one of
the best rides at Disney for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. When you do finally
get to the front of the line, ask for a front-row seat. Otherwise, feet dangling in front of you
can ruin the effect.
Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
RIDE, SHOW
required;
9am-6pm, hours vary;
Disney,
Disney, Disney)
