We should also mention the former American Express Lounge at the American Adventure, which is currently used during the Food and Wine Festival as the "Chase Lounge." This area is not really secret anymore because it can be visited during the Festival by Chase cardholders.
Since I don't work for any of the companies I mentioned above, I never thought I would have the opportunity to get to know one of these areas up-close. Therefore, when we headed for Epcot on the morning of Halloween Day 2014, my husband and I had no idea we were in for a real "treat." We were just enjoying the rides through Future World that morning, as we normally do when visiting Epcot. When we were walking through the GM Vehicle Display area (after experiencing Test Track), a young girl stopped us. I thought to myself: either she wants us to fill a survey or to get our personal information for marketing purposes but I stopped and smiled at her anyway (and boy, am I grateful I did). She complimented our costumes (did I mention it was Halloween?) and invited us to come up to the GM lounge! She explained it was only for GM employees but they wanted to do something special because of the holiday and they liked our costumes and decided to "treat" us. My husband and I must have looked a little puzzled because she immediately added there was a great view of the park and we would get beverages and candy upstairs. She even said we would receive a Fastpass to experience Test Track again that day. Wow, like we needed that to seal the deal!
She proceeded to take us through a "hidden door" that lead to a hall full of art panels in the most beautiful range of blues. They depict moments of family enjoyment at Test Track.
After a quick elevator ride, we arrived at the receptionist foyer. She insisted we had to say "trick or treat" before she would give us any sweets from the carved pumpkin on her desk. They had us sign a visitor log and, after doing so, we were on our own to explore!
First things first, we got some "refreshments" from the soda fountain and coffee machine:
In the background of the picture above, you can also see some of the new Test Track "Design your own Vehicle" stations. This is a great perk because GM employees get Fastpasses as well. This way, they can design the vehicles up here and just walk into their own vehicle once they get into the attraction.
Now, the most impressive moment. The moment that makes it all worth it: we walk through this small corridor to find the most amazing window on the other side. Best views of Epcot I have ever experienced! Here's a taste:
We only stayed in the GM Lounge for a few minutes but it was a really cool experience we never thought we would be able to have.
So, dear "insiders," have you heard of this or any other lounges before? Have you been so fortunate to visit any of the lounges yourselves? Please share your experience (and thoughts) in the comments!
Tweet
Thanks for the memories!
For Horizons, the entrance was located on the right side about 1/3 of the way down the building. The lounge was on the second floor. There must have been windows, perhaps skylights?, but I can't completely recall. I begged and pleaded to be taken to any backstage area in the attraction, even a bathroom used by maintenance, but they refused. I did get some very nice swag that I still have and will have to photograph and post to a site someday. It's a great reminder of a great attraction. Yes to free drinks, sofas, phones, A/C, work and meeting rooms (because who wouldn't want to hold a meeting in Horizons, I mean come on...) and then they provided immediate access to the ride through a stairwell that led down to the exit ramp of the attraction where you could then board as people were climbing out of those most excellent ride vehicles.
For AT&T, the entrance was an elevator that was to the left down the ramp from the ride exit if I recall. That lounge was much more impressive as the view was over the fountain and the communicores. You can of course see from the windows of the lounge on the second floor of that post-show building looking back at Spaceship Earth from the fountain courtyard. Same deal with drinks and entry to the ride through the exit. No swag unfortunately.
Oh how I miss the old EPCOT Center!
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
Great pictures, thanks for sharing!