Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Garden Grill

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in all of WDW is the Garden Grill at the Land pavillion. I last ate there in October for my son's first birthday and we are already planning on eating there next year. The food is excellent and fresh and the fact that it's an all you can eat family style serving means the friendly cast members keep you filled up. The flank steak is my favorite but I love the catfish too.Oh, we can't forget the fact that Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale all make appearances as you eat. But even with all this my favorite aspects of the restaurant are the fact that it rotates and offers views of the Living with the Land boat ride. I love how the seats face outward and you pass the desert, rain forest, and my personal favorite the farmhouse from the ride. PLEASE make sure to check this restaurant out even if it's something you normally wouldn't do. I think it will become one of your favorites too.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Open Air of CommuniCore

One thing that I loved about CommuniCore was the fact that it was so open and full of light. Compare this to Innoventions now and it leaves the complete opposite impression. Above you can see the Energy Exchange sponsored by Exxon that served as the post-show for the Universe of Energy. Something that stands out is the fact that all of the exhibits are not blocked off from one another by walls, but is has more of a market type atmosphere with its openness. I remember as a kid eating at the Stargate Restaurant and sitting at the table just chomping at the bit to get at all the exhibits that lie below me. I think that while I still enjoy Innoventions, perhaps an opening up of the area will help to invite in more guests and keep them involved with the pavilion.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Balloons in The Land

As a follow up to my last post, I thought I would publish a picture I took af the hot air balloons representing the seasons in The Land. I absolutely love the balloons and the open feeling of the pavillion and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the pavillion soon!!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Land Seating

Prior to being renovated with the addition of Soarin' the Sunshine Seasons food court in The Land used to look like this. One thing that sticks out in my mind is having to manouver amongst the stools and then find enough stools for your party while trying to squeeze all your food onto the smallish tables. I definitely like the seating arrangement how it is now as it is more open and allows for more people to be seated. However, there is something charming about the stools and tables that lent a relaxed informal feel to The Land's large dining area underneath the atrium.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Missing Canada

While visiting Epcot on our last visit, I spent a good amount of time at the Canada pavilion. As I was strolling through, I realized that it has been some time since anything open to guests has occupied the chateau building pictured above on the left. There used to be shops here that I seem to remember sold jewelry and crystal goods perhaps. If anyone remembers for sure what various things were sold here feel free to respond. Also, if anyone hears if the building may open with new shops or anything else to the public please feel free to comment. It's a beautiful building as is the whole pavilion and it's a shame that the shops that were once open there are now closed.