Epcot is one of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World in Florida. The park is all about discovery, from advancements in technology in Future World at the front of the park to exploring other cultures in the World Showcase in the back half of the park. Several water attractions within the park offer a cool indoor break from the almost year-round Florida heat.
Maelstrom is a boat ride that takes you on a tour of Norway's history; it's complete with mythological trolls and vikings. The finale of the ride splashes down a small drop, so you may get somewhat wet on this ride. There is no minimum height to ride, but small children may find the dark atmosphere frightening. Maelstrom is located in Epcot's Norway pavilion, just across from Restaurant Akershus.
Living with the Land is a boat ride that showcases innovations in agriculture. One highlight of the ride is the trip through the greenhouse where Epcot's horticulturists experiment with growing techniques, including hydroponics and creative approaches to farming that lead to results like Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins. The vegetables you see grown here are used in the neighboring Garden Grill restaurant and other dining locations throughout Epcot. Living with the Land is located on the lower level of The Land pavilion in Future World.
The Gran Fiesta Tour, formerly El Rio del Tiempo, takes you on a boat tour of Mexico led by Donald Duck and his friends Panchito and Jose Carioca, also known as the Three Caballeros. Along the way, your boat sails past famous sites of Mexico and Mexican history. The ride's scenery includes video clips of Mexico, a fiesta celebration with dolls and a peppy Mariachi-inspired soundtrack. The Gran Fiesta Tour is located inside the Aztec pyramid structure of Epcot's Mexico pavilion, next to the San Angel Inn restaurant. There is no height requirement for this gentle boat ride.
Although it may not be a traditional "water attraction," The Seas with Nemo and Friends is certainly home to more water than any other attraction at Epcot, featuring a combined total of over 5.7 million gallons throughout its exhibits. Within the pavilion you will find a ride featuring Nemo and his friends, an interactive show with Crush the turtle, a manatee tank, a shark-themed play area, interactive games and exhibits, and a giant aquarium filled with over 6,000 sea creatures, such as sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and many species of fish.
