ORLANDO, Fla. — Somehow a month slipped past without me doing an Epcot walk. That’s for sure a first-world/Orlando problem, but still, that wasn’t the plan. I’ll point to a sea of spring visitors, personal disorganization, Walt Disney World’s theme-park reservation system and a slew of news in other attractions as reasons for my absence.
When I got back last week, things had changed a pinch. Although there’s much chatter about the big-picture transformation of Epcot, more eye-catching to me were a handful of moments too small to write full stories about but too interesting to ignore. Take a virtual walk with me.
Connect the dots
Let’s start in the far-flung section of Epcot’s parking lot. It’s unusual to be diverted that way, but it does give closer looks at the big blue box that is the future Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction.
As we puttered up, I saw spots before my eyes. We passed several rows of red, polka-dot parked Minnie Vans. It’s a visually appealing sight, very Instagram. I considered backtracking for a photo op, but security was nearby and it seemed like a ridiculous thing for a grown man to explain.
Get your gelato
There’s a new gelato stop open in the Italy pavilion, right on the walkway that loops World Showcase Lagoon. Gilateria Toscana is a walk-up/counter-service eatery not much bigger than an Epcot festival outdoor kitchen/kiosk.
On the menu: gelato and sorbet in waffle cones and cups ($7.95 to $8.50 for two scoops), gelato floats (with root beer or Coca-Cola) cannoli, zeppole (a k a ricotta cheese fritters) and “creations” involving whipped cream, cookies and sauces.
There’s beer, wine, frozen sangria and assorted coffees too.
Today I learned that “Stracciatella” can mean an egg-drop soup or a chocolate-chip ice cream. Proceed with caution.
Pooh to you
For months, I’ve seen pictures on social media that show Winnie the Pooh frolicking with a butterfly net at Epcot. But this trip was the first time I’ve seen that in real life. I had imagined it in a different part of the park, but Pooh (and Joy from “Inside Out”) are stationed, at a social distance, in the grassy area in Future World West near Journey into Imagination and adjacent to (duh) the butterfly garden for the Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
When I visited Pooh, he was extraordinarily energetic and engaging. Nice job, Pooh. He posed for a photo near a tree, but then signaled something to me that I couldn’t understand. He wanted me to take a selfie with him, a nearby cast member explained.
Later, teenagers approached and yelled to him from across the waterway. Pooh stopped in his tracks and did a slow-motion dropping of the net, an apparent declaration of love. It was appreciated.
Meanwhile, in Morocco
In recent months, I’ve noticed a lot of foot traffic back into the Morocco pavilion. That’s only odd because, well, nothing’s open back there, neither the stores nor the restaurant. The Moroccan activity is mostly upfront on the waterfront.
One explanation: The area had become a hotbed for photography and social-media types because a section of the architecture was so … phallic. Big time.
Sure this is a bit juvenile, but perhaps Disney didn’t see it as family fun, and modifications made the area more ordinary. But from what I’ve seen, not all visitors got the memo as folks still wander, looking up a lot.
I took a pic of the fez-wearing camel instead. Insert your own hump day joke.
Later, I overheard a man explain to friends “They took the penis out, you know,” which was the most non-Orlando Orlando statement of the day.
On the waterfront
Work continues on the big barges in the World Showcase Lagoon as part of the future “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular. There were reports of trim being painted black, making the whole setup even darker.
I’m not sure I would have noticed that. In fact, I’ve gotten accustomed to the structures, which have drawn attention and criticism as view-ruiners.
I’m ready for them to do something entertaining, night or day.
