Boston is finally getting a break from a long streak of 90-100 degree weather. The haze was so bad on Saturday that I could see it at every turn. I spent as much of the day indoors as possible. Now consider dealing with those temperatures along with humidity and the likelihood of haze while crisscrossing Epcot. It doesn’t take long for the heat to affect visitors.
Last week I posted a list of locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you can beat the heat or at least find some shade. Epcot takes center stage this time around. Share the blog with anyone you know headed to Walt Disney World.
Epcot is big and the walking distance from one part of Future World to another can feel like forever when temperatures soar higher than Soarin’ over California. Even going from one country to another in World Showcase can be a drag but the worst walk of all is from Future World to World Showcase. Let’s take a look at spots to cool off.
Future World
Don’t want to attempt launching into orbit? Fear not! Non-astronauts can enjoy the earthly air conditioning inside the building housing Mission: Space. Walk into the gift shop and on your right, you’ll see Guests coming towards you who just landed. Head down that hall and you’ll find free video games and a play area for young kids. Hunker down on one of half a dozen or so benches.
Universe of Energy is a 45 minute show/slow-moving ride in the dark. It’s the best attraction in any park to cool down. It’s possible to get 40 winks depending upon your napping skills.
Innoventions East has a few places to get off your feet.
Across the way, The Land building which houses Soarin’, Sunshine Seasons food court, Living with the Land, and Circle of Life has plenty of seating on both levels. Upstairs, people take to benches lining walls as they wait for the next showing of Circle of Life, an animated movie. Downstairs are booths and tables and chairs at the food court. If those are full, head towards the restrooms or Soarin’s FastPass machines. Additional benches can be found in both areas.
Innoventions West has places to sit and relax. The new IBM theater itself can fit a decent size group of visitors.
Located in the large building that holds Club Cool (no seats), Character Spot, and Fountainview Cafe are cushioned benches. I usually enter the building from the back, coming from Journey into Imagination or Captain EO.
World Showcase
Canada – The only place to sit that’s temperature controlled is the waiting area to see the film, O Canada! You have to remain standing while watching the show.
United Kingdom – You’ll find tables and chairs under umbrellas facing World Showcase Lagoon but they’re rarely empty. Step into The Toy Soldier shoppe for a slight chance to sit in one of these 2 comfy chairs.
France – A beautiful country with limited indoor seating. Cafe tables can be found at Boulangerie Paitisserie les Halles and there are two iron benches in the waiting area for Impressions de France.
Morocco – Tangierine Cafe has some seating inside the open air cafe. Lesser known locations to sit down are inside the Gallery of Arts and History and the waiting area of Restaurant Marrakesh. If the dining establishments are busy, you should look elsewhere for somewhere to sit unless you’re eating there.
Japan – Small tables under umbrellas are located beside Yakitori House. More seating can be found indoors and again, if the restaurant is busy, please leave seats to those dining. Shaded benches can be found alongside Mitsukoshi Department Store.
American Adventure – Plenty of tables and chairs are available at Liberty Inn, the counter service eatery. Small benches are available inside the rotunda and if you want to take in a show, The American Adventure attraction runs 30 minutes. Keep in mind you’ll have to wait for the next show to begin and take a long escalator up. If you need to sit sooner, try Liberty Inn.
Italy – Here you’ll find minimally shaded benches. You might be able to sit for a moment at Tutto Italia if the waiting area isn’t crowded.
Germany – Very limited cafe tables are available adjacent to Sommerfest, in an open air setting. Two or three high table tops and stools can be found at Süssigkeiten, the wine store.
China – Step inside the Chinese Hall of Prayer and you’ll discover rows upon rows of benches. The building is temperature controlled. Get off your feet and try something to eat at Lotus Blossom Cafe.
Norway – Attached to Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is another open air seating setup. After riding Maelstrom you may sit and watch a short movie about Norway. You could probably just go straight to the theater from the outside but I’ve yet to see anyone try it.
Mexico – One of the funniest things I ever heard at Epcot was “Let’s go to Mexico, they have air.” The tourist meant air conditioning but my cousin Matt and I used that line throughout our vacation every time we stepped indoors. Once inside the Aztec Temple, head down into the marketplace. You can sit on the edge of the fountain or inside La Cava del Tequila and order tapas. Random places to sit are throughout the pavilion.
Don’t forget, First Aid is the place to go if you feel sick and/or are showing signs of heat exhaustion. First Aid is located at the Odyssey Center (side closest to Mexico) beside restrooms and the Baby Care Center and is staffed by nurses.
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Thank you Lisa for this most needed information.
Although many of us go to Walt Disney World because it is warm (especially in the winter), we chicas from up North sometimes need to just get outta the sun!
If we travel during hurricane season, it is also handy to have some shelter locations in the back of our minds so our food and wine nummies do not get wet (perish the thought!).
Can’t wait for the next installment!
Lisa responds: Thanks, Penny. One more entry to go.