Teaching Small children about Countries of the World is as easy
as a trip to EPCOT
EPCOT is short for "Experimental Prototype Community of
Tomorrow" and as Walt Disney had envisioned was supposed to be
an actual city where people lived and worked. It didn't turn out
that way. Walt died in 1966 and the vision changed a bit. No
longer was a city planned, but a theme park was put on the
drawing board.
While the entrance to EPCOT called "Future Word" has many
wonderful rides such as Test Track, Mission Space, and Spaceship
Earth, the truly educational part of EPCOT is what is known as
"World Showcase". Here you can find a lake rimmed with various
pavilions each themed as a different country.
Your kids will want to stay in Future World and enjoy the rides.
Most kids think World Showcase is boring. It has very few rides
but is full of culture. You're going to have to be inventive to
keep the little ones interested. Bribe them with candy, promise
you'll go on Mission Space, or make a game out of learning words
from each language. However you do it, make sure they partake of
the rich learning experience.
When you enter World Showcase from Future World it just seems
natural to turn right and walk all the way around the lake in
that direction. At least that's what I do 90% of the time.
The first country you'll come to is Canada. In Canada you see a
large building known as "Hotel du Canada". Canada has a
wonderful show called "O' Canada" which is a 17-minute Circle
Vision 360 film showing the culture of Canada.
Each country you visit has shops and these shops have authentic
goods imported from that country. It's over the top that these
shops are staffed with people from the country. These are
usually students who have come to Disney World to work for a bit
of time and see our culture. It's amusing to me that we are
watching them, but they are watching us as well and learning how
Americans behave. I hope that's a good thing.
Your next country is the United Kingdom with its shops and pub.
You can get real fish n' chips here.
On to France with its replica Eiffel Tower. In France you'll
find French restaurants, shops and if you are lucky, mimes
teasing guests with their show. Make sure you see "Impressions
de France" another fantastic moving film.
Just right next door to France is Morocco and its shops. You
feel like you've transported back in time. Now we go to the
Orient, Japan and a large shop with wonderful goodies from the
orient. The Bijutsu-kan Gallery there always has interesting
displays in its changing exhibit.
After Japan we are suddenly back in America at the American
pavilion. Here you can watch an animated show with Mark Twain
and Ben Franklin. I almost forgot the most import part. Between
Japan and America is a little stand selling funnel cakes. Oh the
kids will love them.
Now to Italy. The music, the shops and chocolate, all tease your
senses. Italy is relaxing and wonderful.
Each of the World Showcase countries has a special "KIDCOT" area
that provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a
native of the country you are visiting. Make sure you take
advantage of that.
Now we travel away from Italy and on to Germany in just a few
steps. In Germany you'll find Hummel and Goebel collectables as
well as German steins and cuckoo clocks. If you like German
food, this is the place to stop and eat. The Biergarten is a
German style buffet with entertainment and good times. You'll
eat German style which means you sit with other people at the
same table.
China is next and not to be missed is "Reflections of China"
another 360 degree movie. The shops at China are fun too.
Tired yet? Just a few more countries to go. Norway is next on
the tour. Here your kids will love one of the best rides in
EPCOT. "The Maelstrom" is a boat ride through the history of
Norway. After you'll be treated to a film about Norway. The
shops of Norway are full of trolls. Big Trolls and small Trolls
can be purchased. Your kids will like this country.
The last country we come to is Mexico. Featured is an Aztec
Temple of Quetzalcoatl and inside you'll find a wonderful
Mexican restaurant, shops, and another boat ride. This time the
ride takes you through Mexico's culture. I doubt you can stop
from smiling as you ride trough.
EPCOT can be a rich experience for your children and as you
leave World Showcase there is one more learning adventure to be
had that is fun for you and for the children. Soarin is a
film/ride that makes you fly over California's changing
landscape. You feel, you hear, you see, and yes, you smell
California. This is not to be missed.
Enjoy teaching your children about the world. It's only a trip
to EPCOT away.