My 5 Favorites Part 3 (attractions)

Hello, and welcome to the new installment of "My 5 Favorites."  On our first week, which was April 29, 2012 we covered my 5 favorite resorts on Walt Disney World property.  The following week we began the attraction coverage at Magic Kingdom, with my 5 favorites there.  Last week, you were privy to my 5 favorites at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  This week we will be disclosing my favorites at EPCOT.    The park will be celebrating it's 30th birthday this coming October 1.  Hard to believe it is now 30 years old.  My hubby and I will be at Walt Disney World the following week.  We are hoping that they will have some parts of the celebration going on when we are there.  As for now, let's get down to business and start with my #5 pick on this weeks "My 5 Favorites!"

#5 LIVING WITH THE LAND

Living with the Land is a 14-minute boat ride in Future World  that explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond.  It's a relaxing and informative attraction that I really enjoy.  I have not been on it for years, as our last trip 2 years ago saw the attraction closed for refurbishment.  I was so disappointed. 
As you set sail on this voyage you discover  living laboratories as you cruise past the American plains, a tropical rain forest and the African desert to witness the latest developments in aquaculture and desert farming. See experimental greenhouses—where produce is grown for Epcot restaurants (more than 30 tons a year to be exact !)—and take a fascinating first-hand look at an aqua environment, the Aquacell, with alligators and fish. The greenhouses grow crops native to many cultures, including rice, sugar cane and bananas. Is this what the future of farming holds?  Who can say, but this
 thought-provoking ride will leave you amazed at the wondrous ways scientists are helping farmers prepare for the food needs of our world's nations.

#4     Gran Fiesta Tour Starring Two Caballeros? Where's Donald?
 
Experience the sights and sounds of Mexico on the "Gran" tour starring the Three Caballeros.  Take a delightful boat ride and follow the adventures of Donald Duck, Jose Carioca and Panchito.
The fun filled journey combines traditional animation superimposed over live-action film clips shot in such stunning locales as Acapulco, Chichen Itza, Manzanillo and Mexico City. These vibrant sights, accompanied by lively music, showcase the people, culture, history and arts of Mexico.  I had never been on this attraction until my last trip in 2010.  It was so much fun, and we love Donald!!

#3  MAELSTROM


  Maelstrom is a family-friendly adventure on a troll-tormented Viking ship from modern-day to historic Norway in World Showcase.  Come aboard for a stormy voyage through a Norwegian fjord, a troll-infested swamp and on to the North Sea via a thrilling backward plummet.
After departing a contemporary village, you'll be water-blasted to the past through a unique aquatic landscape. You never know what's around the next bend.  Tricky trolls are out to befuddle you as you explore the heritage of Norway in this adventure packed boat ride.  Watch for polar bears and pirates and hold on tight as you plummet backwards into the stormy North Sea! I just love this ride, maybe because of my Scandinavian heritage.  It was a blast, and my husband love it! 

#2 TEST TRACK
 
I really love this attraction, and I am very disappointed that it will more than likely still be down for refurbishment when we are at EPCOT in early October.  Maybe we will be surprised and they will have it ready and running for the EPCOT 30th Anniversary!!  That would be great. Disney states at this point and time, "Pardon our dust.  This attraction is temporarily closed for refurbishment scheduled to reopen in Fall 2012.  We are gearing up for an exciting re-imagined Test Track.  When completed, you can design your own custom concept vehicle, then buckle up and put your design through its paces on the exhilarating hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit."  Crossing of fingers and toes it will be ready when we arrive on October 9th!!

#1  SOARIN'

How could I NOT pick this as my favorite at EPCOT?  It is just a thrilling, beautiful attraction that takes you on a free-flying adventure across the natural wonders of California.  With the wind in your hair, glide 40 feet in the air as you look down upon the breathtaking views.

Disney states,

"Fasten your seat belt on the multi-passenger glider and be lifted 40 feet into the air. Swoop up and soar towards the clouds and spectacular California panoramas. An IMAX projection dome wraps 180 degrees around you, so you're engulfed by the impressive scenery.

Special cameras on airplanes and helicopters captured many of the shots and the glider moves the same way the aircraft did, so you really feel like you're flying as you glide over such awe-inspiring vistas and landmarks as :

• San Francisco
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Redwood Creek
• Napa Valley
• Monterey
• Lake Tahoe
• Yosemite National Park
• Camarillo
• Anaza-Borrego Desert State Park
• San Diego
• Malibu
• Los Angeles

Get a bird's-eye view over a PGA West golf tournament, a skiing and snowboarding exhibition, and float above cowboys on horseback as they race through the wilderness.

The air fills with the scent of orange groves, evergreens and the sea breeze. Your feet dangle free. Dip down so close to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, you think your toes will get wet. Then return to the sky and continue on Soarin' to a fantastic finale."

Thanks for reading about my choices for favorite EPCOT attractions.  How many do you agree on?  Come back next week for another installment of, "My 5 Favorites" and we will cover my choices at Animal Kingdom Theme Park.  See you then!