Illuminations

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the nightly fireworks show in Epcot across World Showcase Lagoon.  A great accent to the ideals behind Spaceship Earth, this show celebrates Earth's story- the story of us.  I don't have great pictures to share but if you head over to the Disney World official site they have great information about how it works, where and when to grab a seat, and daily times information! We don't always stop to see Illuminations but being in World Showcase when it is on is so magical.  There is something in the air even if you are enjoying a drink or snack or stroll from pavilion to pavilion.  

Don't miss this fun and exciting night show (which if you were in the parks when this post went live would be just about to start)! :)

Universe of Energy

I have only visited the Universe of Energy once in 2007 and my lack of a return visit has less to do with the quality and more to do with the time.  There is only one attraction here: Ellen's Energy Adventure starring none other than Ellen Degeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy! The show was made in 1996 so both are blasts from the pop culture past seeing how different they looked 15 years ago! This attraction's main focus is Bill teaching Ellen about Energy via the Big Bang and it is fun and funny so I think it is overall enjoyable.  However, you must note that this ride takes about 45 minutes! Shows start every 15-20 minutes so you may find yourself committing an hour to this adventure!

Innoventions

Innoventions is a great spot for some learning on your next vacation and perfect for escaping the heat or rain while visiting Epcot! There are exhibits set up along the "Road of Tomorrow" each featuring some amazing discoveries.  The overall theme of Innoventions is showing children (and adults) how science has changed our lives. Innoventions is also where Disney Visa Cardmembers can get their free photos (check with the cardmember perks section of the website for times and changes) and where you begin any of the Epcot Segway Tours. 

Test Track

The Great Gingerbread Crawl - Disney World 2013

I love art and sculpture. Combine them with food and you have three of my favorite things together… so I decided on this trip to Disney to check out the Fab Four of gingerbread.

I am a crafter and people who know me might even say I’m pretty good – but give me some gingerbread and royal icing and I just can’t make it work. Inevitably they wind up looking like a misshapen shoe box with an ill-fitting lid. If you want to see great gingerbread work, don’t come to my house. Do go to the Beach Club, Boardwalk, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian Resorts at Disney World. But don’t just take my word for it, check out these images. (I didn’t post mine… sort of like how I delete double-chin photos).

Starting at the Beach Club, I knew I would see something spectacular. After all, this is Disney World. I had no idea that it would actually be a fully operational, spinning carousel. Amazing.

Next I made my way around the Boardwalk, to The Boardwalk, and found the Sweet Shop... A real Sweet Shop, made of gingerbread, complete with salesperson and sweets for sale!

The carousel and Sweet Shop are truly amazing, so I wondered what the Contemporary had in store. It did not disappoint with a gingerbread Christmas tree.

                                           
Lastly, I arrived at the Grand Floridian...  The Victorian gingerbread house is stunning and the chimney comes complete with smoke! These artisans are unbelievable!

 If you have ever tried to build your own gingerbread structure, these displays will make you believe in magic! If you're in Disney World during the winter holiday season, don't miss them!

As for me, now that I know I am not cut out for gingerbread, I issue this challenge to Disney World for next year - A gingerbread "Up" house.... Please!


Contributed by Judy Dulberg