30 Days to 30 Years- 2011

Beth and I cannot believe that tomorrow is the 30th Anniversary of Epcot! Our guest bloggers have shared poignant stories and happy memories- all Disney style. Each of them has captured the reasons we love this park! We’re not done yet; today Heather of Disney Gals speaks for baby John.

Baby John Discovering EPCOT 2011

March 2011: John was 8 months old! It was his first trip to Walt Disney World! We were told that he was too young, that it was a waste of money, that he would never remember it, but let me tell you it was worth every penny! We had a blast! One of our favorite parks was Epcot. If you think that there is not enough to do for kids at Epcot think again!

We had so much fun visiting all of the countries with John. Mexico was our favorite country. We walked in to find Mariachi Cobre and the joy on John’s face was contagious! He was bouncing in my arms to the beat of the music. After the band finished a few of the performers came up to spend some time with John, they told us he was the star of the show! He even enjoyed trying on sombrero’s.

If you want characters Epcot has them! This was a fun meeting with Donald Duck outside of Mexico! John loved each and every moment with Donald he even cried when we walked away! If you get a chance check out the Epcot Character Spot! We found Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. The back drops for our pictures are so fun!

If it’s food you want Epcot is the BEST place to eat! They literally have cuisine from all over the world and it is sure to please any palate. We enjoyed eating at Garden Grill. It is American food but the entertainment can not be beat! Character’s galore and the food is delicious!

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival was so incredibly beautiful! The festival has so many fun and unique experiences. We just enjoyed visiting the butterfly garden and looking at all of the gorgeous Disney topiaries. This festival is not to be missed!

Our favorite stop in all of Epcot has to be the Sea’s with Nemo and Friends Pavilion! We could spend hours here (and have literally clocked hours here!) Between the giant aquarium that is filled with beautiful fish, sting rays, dolphins, and many other varieties of sea life, there is also the Sea’s with Nemo and Friends. This is an amazing ride and John just loved the sting rays. This pavilion is such a fun place to teach your kids all about marine life.

John’s first trip to Epcot is one that will never be forgotten! We made such amazing memories here. Epcot is a place that is filled with history, culture, entertainment, and can be used to teach your children no matter what age. Epcot gives you the opportunity to teach your child without them even knowing they are learning! Who wouldn’t want to see their names written in another language, make a mask in Italy, talk to someone from Norway, dance to a Mariachi band, experience Octoberfest even in March. There is so much to do here and the fun is endless! Thank you Epcot for 30 wonderful years!

John was one lucky baby! Be sure to follow more of John’s (and Heather’s) adventures at Disney Gals and @disneymomtojohn.

Tomorrow, October 1st, is Epcot’s birthday. Read Beth Green’s version of 2012 to stay up-to-date!