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The Big Ball has had a major makeover. With its new Siemens sponsor Epcot features videos, video projection systems and new special effects. It opened in December 2007. the 25th anniversary of Epcot. Photo by Ron Laytner

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By Linda Laytner

EPCOT is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The park is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation.

On entering the park you can visit the famous Spaceship Earth. Step into the world-renowned 180-foot-tall Geosphere to explore the stirring story of human communication.

Be transported to the further reaches of the solar system in a Time Machine vehicle that takes you through magnificent moments of the past, present and future — from the dawn of recorded time to the 21st century's New Global Neighborhood.

EPCOT's World Showcase is centered around a beautiful reflective lagoon. There are eleven countries represented along the perimeter.

This is one of the more relaxing areas of Disney World. There are so many great shops and buildings to explore at your leisure.

As you stroll around, you'll transition from one country to the next. At each venue you'll find fascinating glimpses of the unique culture of that land. Wonderful cuisine, great shops, exhibits, movies, rides and performers invite you to be transported to another world.

Disney has insured that you have an authentic experience by having Cast Members who are from the different countries assist you and answer questions about their homeland.

EPCOT is one of the most unique theme parks on the planet. And when you pay a visit to Walt Disney World, you will very likely want to experience EPCOT for yourself. Here is a guide to the best rides and attractions at EPCOT.

Over the past few years, EPCOT has added some extra thrills to its section of the park known as Future World.

One of the newest thrills EPCOT added was Soarin'. Found at The Land pavilion, Soarin' takes riders on a free-flying hang gliding adventure over the beautiful state of California.

You will be literally lifted into the air and you will experience the feeling of flight as you watch scenes of some of California's most beautiful settings.

You will soar over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, over San Diego, over wine country, even over Anaheim's Disneyland Park. Soarin' is truly an exciting new adventure and one of the best new rides at EPCOT.

EPCOT also added Test Track. Test Track is touted as being the longest, fastest attraction in Disney history.

Ever want to be a crash test dummy? Now is your chance. (Don't worry; you don't actually crash). But you do experience many other tests newly manufactured motor vehicles have to go through before they hit the market. Including wild steering tests, handling tests, endurance tests, and brake tests. You will have to endure extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

And hold on to your hat, because once you hit the outdoors, your speedometer hand nearly breaks off.

In 2007 EPCOT hosted approximately 10.93 million guests, ranking it the third-most visited theme park in the United States, and sixth-most visited in the world.

For more information call Disney World
(407) 824-2222 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (407) 824-2222      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Or go to: Disney World.com


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