Many people from all over the world flock to Orlando during all times of the year. Unlike many tourist spots, there is no off-season or in-season in this location. Near to Disney World, dubbed the happiest place on earth, EPCOT certainly comes in a close second.

What is EPCOT and what does it mean?

There are many things to do at EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) but this article will focus on the World Showcase. In a nutshell, World Showcase is like a trip around the world without leaving the Disney property.

EPCOT first opened in the fall of 1982 and was the second of the Disney theme parks. It is double the size of the Magic Kingdom. The park opens at 9 a.m. and closes after the nightly fireworks show at 9 p.m. The show is called IlluminNations and if you can possible stay in the park for it, it's well worth the wait. The show is presented at the World Showcase Lagoon.

Which countries are represented in World Showcase?

You will be able to visit eleven representative countries in the World Showcase. Each section is set up to look like that country and the buildings are modeled after actual structures in the home country. Each country has staff members that have come to America to work and shops have items for sale that were manufactured in that country.

A counter service and full service restaurant is available in each country's area. Prices are generally moderate for the counter services and moderate to high in the full service restaurant options.

The countries represented are:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• France
• Morocco
• Japan
• America
• Italy
• Germany
• China
• Norway
• Mexico

What will I be able to see and do?

Each represented country has numerous activities and some of the countries offer rides. There are a few CircleVision 360 films and all countries have shops and food. Disney characters sometimes walk the grounds, and performers offer shows throughout the day.

There are activities for children in each country, and you may enjoy buying a "passport" for the children. They will be able to get it stamped in each country, plus a native worker will sign a message for the child inside the passport.