Epcot theme park in Disney World is a hidden gem. For a long time, it was considered by many an afterthought or a half day experience. This year, the theme park is celebrating its 40th anniversary and my, how things have changed.
So how do you get the most out of your time at Epcot today?
Epcot is all about experiences. Its focus is on the advancement of technology, the land, the sea, the imagination, and the world around us. It also has a few exciting attractions mixed in for more fun. In addition, it hosts nearly year-round festivals celebrating the arts, nature, food, and the holiday season.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
You should visit with the idea that you are there to take it all in. This park has the fewest number of attractions. But that does not mean that Epcot should be any less of a full experience!
Let’s look at the attractions first!
Big ticket Attractions at Epcot
There are 3 fan favorite rides in this park. To access these specific attractions, consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. Let’s discuss!
Guardians of The Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
Disney Worlds latest and greatest indoor coaster type attraction opened this past spring in May. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is based on the Marvel series Guardians of The Galaxy. The preface and preshow describe an interplanetary pavilion. It has become the newest addition to the Epcot World Showcase. You are visiting that pavilion. Bonus: just like the movies, this ride has a killer soundtrack!
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
You can purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass at a variable rate per person to ride the attraction. Disney resort guests can purchase an individual lightning lane as 7 days before check-in for the length of their stay. Non resort guests may make that purchase at 3 days prior to their park visit.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Be shrunk down to the size of rat and race through Gusteau’s Restaurant on this abortable ride! This combination simulator/trackless ride opened October 2021. Stand-by lines for this attraction can reach upwards of an hour. If this is a “must do” for you, consider purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass. I strongly encourage it for your EPCOT day.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After is a popular dark boat ride with the characters of the movie Frozen. It sees long lines most of the day. If this ride is a “must do”, get in line first thing in the morning. This is the best time, before the crowds arrive. Disney resort guests can enter the parks 30 minutes prior to park opening. Take advantage of “Early Park Entry” and ride Frozen Ever After before the crowds arrive!
Epcot Attractions that Warm Your Heart
Some rides just speak to you, even the ones that aren’t super-fast or overly exciting. Maybe it’s nostalgia or that cool air conditioning on a hot Florida day, but these rides will make you say, “ahhh”
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
- Spaceship Earth- journey through the advancement of communication over the years on this iconic opening day attraction.
- Living with the Land-take a boat ride through the agricultural advancements Disney is sharing with the World.
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends – enjoy a dark ride with Nemo and friends. Then, visit the 2nd largest aquarium in the US.
- Soarin- Simulate flying high above famous landmarks around the world.
- Journey into Imagination with Figment. It is a slow-moving dark ride where guests learn about the five senses. They learn from a little figment of imagination.
At the D23 Expo 2024, the announcement was made that EPCOT will open a Spaceship Earth themed lounge soon. Click HERE for all the news on Disney Park plans.
Rides that divide us
Then, there are those rides that you either love or hate. Let’s talk Mission Space! Um, do you want to experience taking off into space the same as the astronauts? Does that sound like a nightmare or a dream? However, after your mission, enjoy some fun inside Space Base. It is a play area designed for small ones to burn off steam. The climbing structures are all themed to space exploration.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Maybe you want to drive a car on a highway. You probably did that getting to Epcot. But Test Track allows you to design your own car and experience driving on a …track!
I’m not judging you if you like either of these attractions. I just personally don’t NEED to get on them when I’m there. To each their own!
Visit the World over 1.2 miles at Epcot
The second part to Epcot includes the World Showcase. It is a walking journey around 11 national pavilions. You can experience the culture of the countries around the lagoon. You can also enjoy their food and history. Those countries include:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- The United States
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Walk through the recreated buildings, shops, and treasures of these countries while eating and drinking around the world.
You can visit space at Epcot
One of the most highly anticipated dining experiences opened at Epcot in September 2021 with Space 220. You can now take a ride to a simulated space station 220 miles above the park. Relax surrounded by views of Earth from above. It is a prix fix meal. You have the option to add on to your meal. Advanced dining reservations are recommended. To find out whether the hype is worth it read: Is Space 220 Really Worth the Hype.
This restaurant also offers a lounge experience. You can get a bite, have a drink, and take in the atmosphere (no pun intended). Enjoy all this without the full price of the meal. Seating is on a first come first serve basis.
Epcot Festivals
Nearly year round, Epcot hosts festivals that celebrate the season. The festivals are a free experience included with regular park admission. They are full of food samples at small kitchens. These kitchens feature dishes from different countries and more around World Showcase. You will also experience entertainment and special events related to the celebration at each festival. The festivals are as follows:
Photo credit: @dizndonohues
- Festival of the Arts– January to February
- Flower and Garden Festival-March to June/July
- Food and Wine Festival– July/August- November
- Festival of the Holidays– November to December
Some of the countries also feature table service restaurants with some of the best food in Disney World.
Lastly, guests of EPCOT can choose to reserve dinner and show at 60 days prior to a visit. Dining packages include a lovely meal at a participating full-service restaurant. They also offer prime seating for a concert or the nighttime spectacular.
Do you prefer dessert? You can reserve the “Frozen” themed dessert party. During the party, you dine on sweets and drinks. You will be front and center for the show. As part of the reservation, you can ride Frozen Ever After. This happens when the fireworks are done. It takes place while the park is closing. (This dessert party is currently unavailable).
Shopping at Epcot
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
In addition to the shops inside the countries around the world, Epcot has the Creations Shop. One of the largest Disney merchandise shops on property. You can also visit Club Cool. There, you can try small free samples of soft drinks from around the globe. Look out for that Beverly.
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
Wrapping it up like a big Spaceship Earth
Epcot is an experience. Over the last 40 years, it has evolved. The focus of the park itself transformed into a full day theme park. I have a feeling it will continue to evolve as Walt Disney had envisioned. Visit this park for a trip through nature. Enjoy a journey to space or a walk around the world. Use your imagination while you are at it!
To check out the highlights of the other 3 Disney World Theme Parks as well as Disney Springs, follow the links below:
How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The Best Way to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
6 Things You Must Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs- Beyond the Theme Parks
Are you ready for a Disney World vacation? Reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel professionals will book and build you a bigger and better adventure! Submit a free no obligation quote request for that trip to start planning right away. Join our private travel planning group, Destination DizN & Beyond, on Facebook. You’ll find great tips and tools for your next trip.
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