Bonsai Collection- Epcot

During the International Flower and Garden Festival Japan is home to an impressive bonsai collection. The miniature trees are delicate and surprising old. The large Bald Cypress in the middle of the gold fish pond that is 150 years old. Psst Hidden Mickey fans… if you have not found the Hidden Mickey yet in Japan that is close to the gold fish pond here is a hint…



Anyway back to the bonsai collection in Japan. There are several different types of Bonsai on display. I had no idea there were such intricate rules to the maintaining of bonsai nor that there were so many varieties. In Japan you can view several different varieties of bonsai as well as learn the history and purchase your own bonsai for home. I hear they are a very relaxing hobby.

Japan and Morocco – Epcot

Today we are going to explore Japan and Morocco together. Both are beautiful countries in Epcot’s World Showcase. Way back in time I told you about a secret in Japan the not so often visited Tin Toy Museum. It is a definite must see on your Japan list. Also make sure to see the drummers that perform at the front of Japan they are fantastic entertainers. My absolute favorite thing about Japan is the gardens. The peace lake with fish and the delicate trees and bushes are the subject of many of my Epcot photos. My favorite memory in Japan occurred during another perfect Epcot day when Norwood I were hanging out after eating at Teppan Edo (add this restaurant to your must try list). We walked out onto the large porch and watched the rain pour down as people scurried to get anywhere inside. Although the rain was causing a bit of chaos for those running through it the evening was peaceful and we stood there people watching for a long time.

Speaking of water did you know there was a water wheel in Morocco? I missed it the first couple of times that I walked through and then one day when trying to get closer to a pretty yellow flower I suddenly noticed it…



Again Disney goes all out when it comes to details. Morocco has fantastic shopping. I love their bags. If you have not yet browsed through the shops in Morocco put it on your to do list for Epcot. Even if you do not buy anything you will appreciate the color and the detail. There are so many things to do in Morocco so really just make sure you put the country on your to do list. You can meet Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie, browse the museum with some of the most gorgeous pots and vases you will ever see and hear live music with belly dancers. My favorite moment in Morocco occurred way back in time to the first month that we began our year at Disney. The World Showcase just opened and Norwood and I were looking around in the museum when we ran into Luis an Epcot security guard who was so friendly and had so much information to share with us about the World Showcase. If I was not already hooked on Epcot I think that Luis’s excitement would have hooked me.

Shopping around the World begins

Shopping is just one of the things that you can do at Disney. This week I want to feature some of the places where you can shop in Epcot. Who does not love shopping around the world! Also this week Norwood did a little Disney shopping of his own and wrote a review of the brand new Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean online game. This Friday find out what he thought of the game and whether or not he recommends it. So let’s get started on shopping week with a look at Epcot’s Japan…

Japan located between America and Morocco is a great place to find bonsai trees, unique flips flop or a Good Luck Cat…



The store in Japan seems exceptionally large. When we first went through there I thought that I was in a shopping mall because there was room after room of unique items. Some novelty like this little jacket for the wine bottles…



But others were things that come in handy on a daily basis. For instance there was a large selection of clothing and shoes (check out the flip flops, I have never seen so many varieties of flip flops !). There was also a pretty impressive surf board on display. Also ladies, I know that I am not the only one who loves pearls out there. If you are a pearl lover you must stop into the room where they display all the pearls. The Japanese designer who created the Miss Universe crown put together the strands of pearls you will find on display.

Even if you do not buy anything from Japan I highly recommended stopping in just to see all the different items on display and for sale.

If you want to see more pictures from Japan check out my flickr set.