Epcot's Birthday: New Menu at Space 220, Mission Space Ride, and Character Meet-and-Greets

Epcot's Anniversary and Original Vision

• 🎂 Epcot's birthday is celebrated on October 1st, marking its anniversary as a theme park that originally aimed to be an "experimental prototype community of tomorrow."
• 💡 Walt Disney envisioned Epcot as a functioning city showcasing new technologies and innovative urban design, though it has evolved into more of an entertainment-focused theme park.
• 🚀 The park's initial concept included showcasing technology and innovations, with areas like Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase, and still retains elements of its original idea in attractions like Living with the Land and The Seas.

Food and Festival Favorites

• 🧀 A curry spice fried cheese with mango curry ketchup from the Festival Favorites booth was sampled, described as savory and accessible, resembling a fried mozzarella stick.
• 🍟 The DLR curry wurst, a grilled bratwurst with curry ketchup, was praised for its smoky, barbecue-like curry flavor.
• 🥪 The Saturn Reuben sandwich, shaped like a Saturn with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye, was highlighted as a favorite with a unique preparation.
• 🥓 Solar flare pork belly with spiced applesauce and pickled radish was noted for its tender texture and warm apple flavors, reminiscent of a more tender pork chop.
• 🦞 The cosmic lobster bow with lobster, celery, and lime mayo was tried, though the reviewer found the seafood flavor reminiscent of shrimp and not to their personal taste.
• 🍗 The Astro Cluck and Comet Crisp featured buttermilk chicken and waffles with a spicy maple syrup and pickles, offering a sweet and spicy flavor with tender chicken and flavorful waffles.
• 🍓 The strawberry Saturn dessert, a gluten-free vanilla mousse with strawberry compote, was described as delicious, fresh, and intensely strawberry-flavored.

Space 220 Experience

• 🚀 Reservations were made for Space 220, a restaurant themed around a space station 220 miles above Earth, featuring a prefixed menu for table dining and an a la carte option in the lounge.
• 🌌 The dining experience begins with a "Stellarator" ride, simulating a journey to the Centauri Space Station, with interior theming referencing past Epcot attractions like Horizons.
• 🍹 New menu items, including the cosmic lobster bow, DLR curry wurst, solar flare pork belly, Astro Cluck, and strawberry Saturn dessert, were sampled from the lounge's a la carte menu.

Mission Space and Park Exploration

• 🛰️ The Mission Space ride was experienced, simulating a space shuttle launch with a choice between a less intense green side and a more intense orange side.
• 🌕 Inside Mission Space, a model of the moon with lunar landing sites and a hidden Horizon's emblem were pointed out.
• 🛍️ The Creation Shop, a gift shop, featured new Halloween-themed charms for headbands and Cars-themed accessories.
• 💡 Communicore Hall was found to be a quiet, air-conditioned relaxation spot within the park.
• 🤝 A character meet-and-greet at Mickey and Friends with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy was described as a positive and interactive experience, especially when there was no line.